University of Tokyo Research Internship Program (UTRIP)

School of Science, The University of Tokyo

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Undergraduates enrolled at a non-Japanese university who have completed at least one year of a bachelor's, study natural science or a related field, and will return to study for at least one more term. Third-year students in four-year programmes are favoured. You need health insurance for the programme and an English test score unless English is your first language.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Initiated in 2010 by the Graduate School of Science at the University of Tokyo, UTRIP is an intensive 6-week summer research program designed for international undergraduate students considering a future Master’s or PhD degree in the natural sciences. Participants work full-time inside a UTokyo physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, or earth science laboratory and present a final research report and oral talk.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Undergraduates enrolled at a non-Japanese university who have completed at least one year of a bachelor's, study natural science or a related field, and will return to study for at least one more term. Third-year students in four-year programmes are favoured. You need health insurance for the programme and an English test score unless English is your first language.
2. Note the deadline. Nov – Jan (annual; applications normally run from November to early January - check the UTRIP Apply Now page for the current dates) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Personal Statement (700–1,000 words): Comprehensive essay discussing your academic background in the natural sciences, research motivation, and why you selected your preferred UTokyo Graduate School of Science laboratories.; Official Academic Transcripts: University grade sheets in English from Year 1 onward.; Recommendation Letter: Confidential letter from a faculty member in your home science department.; English Score Report: TOEFL iBT or IELTS (waived for native speakers or English-medium universities)..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Departmental Evaluation of Academic Record & 1,000-Word Research Essay → Host Professor Lab Matching → Admission & Scholarship Notification in March.

Profile of past winners

2nd- and 3rd-year physics, chemistry, and biology majors who write a rigorous 1,000-word scientific essay and show clear interest in UTokyo’s Global Science Graduate Course (GSGC).

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Tailor your CV to the role: lead with the skills and projects the posting asks for.
2. Write a short, specific motivation statement. Name the team or project you want to join and why.
3. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
4. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
5. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
6. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.

Quick answers

Who can apply for University of Tokyo Research Internship Program (UTRIP)?

Undergraduates enrolled at a non-Japanese university who have completed at least one year of a bachelor's, study natural science or a related field, and will return to study for at least one more term. Third-year students in four-year programmes are favoured. You need health insurance for the programme and an English test score unless English is your first language.

What does University of Tokyo Research Internship Program (UTRIP) cover?

A six-week research internship at the University of Tokyo; see the UTRIP financial support page for the current scholarship terms

When is the deadline for University of Tokyo Research Internship Program (UTRIP)?

Nov – Jan (annual; applications normally run from November to early January - check the UTRIP Apply Now page for the current dates) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with University of Tokyo Research Internship Program (UTRIP)?

Host countries: Japan.

What documents do I need for University of Tokyo Research Internship Program (UTRIP)?

Personal Statement (700–1,000 words): Comprehensive essay discussing your academic background in the natural sciences, research motivation, and why you selected your preferred UTokyo Graduate School of Science laboratories.; Official Academic Transcripts: University grade sheets in English from Year 1 onward.; Recommendation Letter: Confidential letter from a faculty member in your home science department.; English Score Report: TOEFL iBT or IELTS (waived for native speakers or English-medium universities)..

How are applicants selected for University of Tokyo Research Internship Program (UTRIP)?

Departmental Evaluation of Academic Record & 1,000-Word Research Essay → Host Professor Lab Matching → Admission & Scholarship Notification in March.

How much work is the University of Tokyo Research Internship Program (UTRIP) application?

Very High: Online UTRIP Application + Personal Statement (700–1,000 words) + Selection of UTokyo Science Labs + Transcripts + 1–2 Reference Letters