The University of Tokyo Research Internship Program (UTRIP) 2026 is a fully funded summer research internship in Japan designed for outstanding international undergraduate students majoring in natural sciences or related fields. The program gives participants the opportunity to work directly on innovative research projects under the guidance of world-class faculty members at the Graduate School of Science (GSS), University of Tokyo.
Why Join the UTRIP Summer Internship?
UTRIP provides a comprehensive introduction to the style and expectations of graduate-level scientific research at UTokyo. This makes it an excellent stepping stone for students planning to pursue:
- Graduate studies in Japan
- Scientific research careers
- International research collaborations
Participants gain experience in professional research, laboratory work, academic writing, data analysis, and scientific presentations.
Program Highlights
The internship is not only academically enriching but also culturally immersive. Students benefit from:
- A Japanese language course for beginners
- Visits to cultural and historical landmarks
- Social and networking events with researchers and fellow students
This combination of scientific learning and cultural exposure makes UTRIP a complete academic and personal development experience.
UTRIP Internship 2026 – Program Details
Host Country: Japan
Host University: University of Tokyo (UTokyo)
Location: Tokyo
Program Dates: June 24 – August 4, 2026
Benefits of UTRIP 2026 – Fully Funded Internship
- No application fees
- Free accommodation for 43 nights
- One-time financial allowance covering:
- Airfare
- Daily living expenses
- Guided research placement at the University of Tokyo
- Certificate of completion
Note:
Students awarded the FUTI Award receive housing plus up to $2,000, instead of the standard UTokyo allowance.
Eligibility Criteria for UTokyo Summer Internship 2026
To apply, candidates must:
- Have completed at least one full year of a Bachelor’s degree before applying.
- Be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or equivalent integrated program outside Japan.
- Return to their home institution after completing the internship.
- Be majoring in natural sciences or a related field.
- Intend to build a long-term scientific research career.
- Be available for the entire six-week duration.
- Provide proof of valid health insurance covering the program.
- Submit English proficiency test scores (TOEFL or equivalent), unless:
- The student has completed eight continuous years of education in English.
Program Requirements
Once selected, participants must:
- Fully engage in their assigned research projects.
- Attend all academic sessions, laboratory work, and scheduled events.
- Submit a written research report within two weeks of the program ending.
- Deliver a final oral presentation.
- Complete all required procedures and documents by the respective deadlines.
How to Apply for UTRIP 2026
- Select up to two research projects from the available list.
- Prepare all documents.
- Fill out the online application form and upload all required files.
- Arrange for a recommendation letter to be submitted online by your professor.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Wait for official results via email and the UTRIP website.
Required Documents
- Personal statement (700–1000 words)
- Resume/CV with academic and research details
- Official academic transcript
- English test scores (if applicable)
- Recommendation letter submitted online by a professor
Application Deadline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Currently Open |
| Internship Period | June 24 – August 4, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 7 January 2026 (Japan Standard Time) |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is UTRIP?
UTRIP is a fully funded summer research internship at the University of Tokyo for undergraduate international students majoring in natural sciences.
2. Is the UTRIP internship fully funded?
Yes. It includes free accommodation, a one-time allowance covering airfare and living costs, and research supervision.
3. Who is eligible for UTRIP?
Applicants must be undergraduate students outside Japan majoring in natural sciences, with at least one completed year of study.
4. Do participants need to speak Japanese?
No. However, a beginner Japanese language course is included to help students gain basic communication skills.
5. What work will students do during the internship?
Participants work on real research projects, analyze data, contribute to academic tasks, write reports, and present their findings.
6. Is TOEFL required for UTRIP?
Yes, unless the student has completed eight consecutive years of English-medium education.
7. When is the application deadline for UTRIP 2026?
The deadline is 7 January 2026 (JST).