The SOKENDAI KEK Tsukuba/J-PARC Summer Student Program 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded summer research opportunity in Japan for advanced undergraduate and early master’s students interested in physics, accelerator science, materials science, and related fields. Hosted by KEK and financially supported by SOKENDAI, this program offers hands-on research at world-class facilities in Tsukuba and Tokai. Selected students work directly with KEK researchers on cutting-edge experimental, theoretical, and technical projects at the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex or the KEK Tsukuba Campus. The program runs for up to 8 weeks between mid-June and mid-August 2026 and covers travel, accommodation, and daily living support.

SOKENDAI KEK Summer Research Internship 2026-Overview

Host Country: Japan
Host Institutions: KEK & SOKENDAI
Program Name: SOKENDAI KEK Tsukuba/J-PARC Summer Student Program 2026
Degree Level: Late Undergraduate, Master’s (non-PhD)
Program Duration: Up to 8 weeks (Theory groups: up to 4 weeks)
Stay Period: Mid-June to Mid-August 2026
Funding Type: Fully Funded
Eligible Applicants: International & Japanese students
Application Deadline: February 27, 2026 (Friday), 9:00 AM Japan Time

Available Research Fields for Internship in Japan

Summer students join active research groups at KEK Tsukuba or J-PARC Tokai in areas such as:

Particle and Nuclear Physics

Belle II Group
CMB / Dark Matter Experiments
Neutrino Experiments (T2K, Hyper-Kamiokande, detector R&D)
Muon Experiments (accelerator & detector R&D)
Energy Frontier (ATLAS, ILC, detector R&D)
Hadron Experimental Physics

Accelerator Science

SuperKEKB Accelerator Group
J-PARC Accelerator Group

Materials and Life Science

X-ray and Neutron Diffraction
Structural Biology
Energy Materials Research
X-ray Crystallography
POLANO Neutron Spectroscopy
Muon-based Material Observation

Advanced Detection Systems

Sensors, Electronics, and Scientific Computing

Theory

Computational Quantum Field Theory
Lattice QCD

View Detailed KEK Projects Descriptions for Fully Funded Summer Research in Japan

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Enrolled in the latter half of undergraduate studies or early master’s program (non-PhD)
Status valid as of March 1, 2026
Open to international and Japanese students
Background in dynamics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics is desirable
Eligibility may depend on matching with a host research group

Students unsure about eligibility are encouraged to contact the program office before applying.

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

Follow the steps below for KEK Tsukuba Internship application and successfully submission for Japan J-PARC Tokai internship.

Step 1: Visit the official call for SOKENDAI KEK Tsukuba/J-PARC Summer Student Program and read the instructions and requirements carefully.

Click Here to Visit the SOKENDAI KEK Summer Student Internship Program 2026

Step 2: Registration for the Summer Internship for International Students via KEK online registration portal to receive your Applicant ID Number.

Link to Register for KEK Tsukuba Japan Paid Internship 2026

Step 3: Submit Application Materials and Upload the following documents (each under 5 MB):

CV
Official academic transcript (English or Japanese; translated if needed)
Completed application form (Word format)
Recommendation letter (submitted separately by the recommender using your ID)

All files must include your assigned ID number in the filename.

Apply Now and Submit the Fully Funded International Internship in Japan 2026

Also Check: List of Fully Funded Research Internships and Scholarships Worldwide 2026

Selection and Results

Selection based on application materials
Online interviews may be conducted if necessary
Results announced: April 17, 2026

Financial Coverage and Benefits

For Students from Non-Japanese Universities

International airfare (arranged and paid by organizers)
Free accommodation at KEK/J-PARC dormitories
Daily allowance: JPY 1,500 per day
Domestic travel (airport to campus, per KEK rules)

For Students from Japanese Universities

Free accommodation at KEK/J-PARC dormitories
Daily allowance: JPY 1,500 per day
Domestic travel reimbursement

Why This Summer Program Is Highly Competitive

The SOKENDAI KEK Summer Student Program attracts applicants worldwide due to:

Access to top-tier accelerator and particle physics facilities
Direct supervision by leading KEK researchers
Fully funded support in Japan
Proven pathways to future graduate study at SOKENDAI

In previous years, only about 20–25 students were selected globally, making early and complete applications critical.

Apply Now- Paid Internship in Japan

The SOKENDAI KEK Tsukuba/J-PARC Summer Student Program 2026 offers a rare opportunity to gain hands-on research experience at one of Japan’s leading accelerator science institutions. With full financial support, access to world-class facilities, and close mentorship, the program is well suited for students planning advanced research careers or graduate study in Japan. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early and submit complete documentation before the deadline..

Click Here to Explore Official Call for SOKENDAI KEK Tsukuba/J-PARC Summer Research in Japan

Also Check: List of Fully Funded Research Internships and Scholarships Worldwide 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the SOKENDAI KEK Summer Student Program fully funded?
Yes. Travel, accommodation, and daily allowances are covered.

Can international students apply?
Yes. The program is open to both international and Japanese students.

Is IELTS or TOEFL required?
No standardized English test is required.

Can PhD students apply?
No. PhD students are not eligible.

Does this program help with future graduate admission?
Yes. Several past participants later enrolled in SOKENDAI graduate programs.

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