UTRIP Research Internship Program at the University of Tokyo 2026 | Fully Funded

Scholarships for International

The UTRIP Research Internship Program at the University of Tokyo is one of the most prominent summer research programs offered by the Graduate School of Science (GSS) at the University of Tokyo, one of the world’s leading universities in research and education. The program was launched in 2010 to enhance the international profile of the school and attract outstanding students from around the globe.

The program targets undergraduate students who wish to pursue graduate studies in the future (Master’s or PhD). It offers intensive research training supervised by specialized professors in the departments of Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry, Earth & Planetary Sciences, and Biological Sciences.

What is UTRIP?

UTRIP is an intensive summer research program designed for undergraduate students from outside Japan who have a strong interest in scientific research and graduate studies. Participants receive hands-on training and academic guidance from faculty members at the University of Tokyo, working on specific research projects within one of the departments of the Graduate School of Science.

The program also includes a trip outside Tokyo, a short course on Japanese language and culture, and various academic and social activities.

Program Overview

The program provides students with the opportunity to experience graduate-level academic life and to explore a rigorous research-oriented path in the natural sciences.

Participants work closely with researchers at the Graduate School of Science and gain an exceptional research experience, in addition to interdisciplinary lectures, cultural and social events, and a field trip to a historical or natural site in Japan.

At the end of the program, students must submit an oral presentation and a written report on the research project they participated in.

UTRIP Program Benefits

A full-time research-intensive program
Direct participation in advanced research in natural sciences
Reading specialized academic papers and attending laboratory meetings
Financial support including housing and a stipend
Visit to a historical or natural site in Japan
A tailored Japanese language and culture course
Certificate of completion for students who meet the requirements

Funding Provided

Participants will receive GSS-UTRIP Scholarship (Graduate School of Science).

GSS-UTRIP Scholarship Details

Stipend (one-time, provided upon arrival):
Based on the student’s home location:

Region	Amount
Asia / Eastern Russia / Oceania & Pacific	140,000 JPY
Europe / Western Russia / North America	160,000 JPY
Latin America / Caribbean / Africa / Middle East	170,000 JPY

Covers:

Round-trip airfare
Daily expenses in Japan
Accommodation

Accommodation:

Free housing for 43 nights

Conditions for Financial Support:

Staying in the university-provided accommodation throughout the program.
Not leaving the program early except with written approval from the supervisor and the international team lead.

Notes:

Receiving any other financial support covering the same period or purpose is strictly prohibited

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Have completed at least one year of undergraduate study at the time of application.
Be enrolled in a university outside Japan and return to it after the program ends.
Preferably be a 3rd-year student in a 4-year program, or a 2nd-year student in a 3-year program.
Be majoring in natural sciences or related fields.
Have long-term career plans in scientific fields.
Commit to the six-week duration of the program.
Provide proof of health insurance covering the stay.
Provide proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS), expired scores are accepted with documentation.
Be exempt from English tests if they have studied in English for 8 consecutive years.

Student Commitments

Participants must agree to:

Dedicate full time to the research project
Commit to the entire six-week program
Attend all academic and social activities
Submit a final research report within two weeks after the program ends
Deliver an oral presentation by the scheduled date

Deadlines

Application period: November 25, 2025 – January 7, 2026 (5:00 PM JST).
Recommendation deadline: January 14, 2026 (5:00 PM JST).

Admission results:

Website announcement in early April 2026.
Direct emails sent between mid- and late March to accepted students.

How to Apply

All documents must be submitted through the online system. Required materials include:

1. Pre-application Preparation

Review list of research labs and select up to two, ranked by preference
Review previous project reports to understand the research level

2. Personal Information

Fill in general personal data
Use a valid and frequently checked email address
Provide a postal address that can receive shipments between March and June 2026

3. Personal Statement (700–1000 words)

Must include:

Reasons for choosing the selected research projects
What the applicant expects to gain from the program
Why the applicant is qualified for these projects
Whether they intend to apply to graduate school at the University of Tokyo

4. Academic Background

CV must include:

Experiences and projects relevant to the research field
Schools, universities, and study years
Coursework and awards related to the field

Transcript must include:

Name
University name
Year of enrollment
List of courses, grades, and credits
Grading system legend

Electronic transcripts are accepted for the application; originals are required upon acceptance.

GPA:

If officially provided by the university, it must be included
If not, applicants must calculate it manually and explain the method in the notes section

5. English Proficiency Proof

6. Supporting Documents

Recommendation Letter:

From a professor familiar with the student’s academic background.
Submitted through an electronic form.
Email submissions are not accepted.

7. Completing the Application

Prepare all materials in advance; the system does not allow saving drafts.
The applicant is responsible for ensuring the application is complete; no follow-up will be made.

Selection Process

Selection is based on all submitted documents.
Confirmation emails are sent to accepted students in mid–late March, and they must respond within the given timeframe.