Applications are now open for the KEK Summer Student Program 2026, a prestigious research opportunity hosted by KEK, the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization in Japan. This program offers undergraduate and early master’s students from around the world the chance to participate in cutting-edge scientific research projects and gain hands-on experience at world-class research facilities. Selected participants will work closely with researchers and contribute to ongoing experimental, theoretical, and technical studies for several weeks during the summer period.REGISTER NOW for new programs at MK SCHOLARS

KEK is one of the world’s leading accelerator science laboratories, with major campuses in Tsukuba and Tokai. Research at KEK includes the Belle II experiment at SuperKEKB, the Photon Factory light source facility, and the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC), jointly operated with JAEA. Through this educational initiative, KEK provides students with opportunities to engage in research exploring the origin of the universe, the nature of matter, and the science of life while collaborating with experienced researchers and fellow students.

SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS

For participants from non-Japanese universities:

·        Round-trip airfare arranged and paid by the organizers

·        Free accommodation in KEK/J-PARC dormitories

·        Daily allowance of 1,500 yen per day

·        Domestic travel costs between airport and campus (based on KEK financial rules)

For participants from Japanese universities:

·        Free accommodation in KEK/J-PARC dormitories

·        Daily allowance of 1,500 yen per day

·        Domestic travel expenses (based on KEK financial rules)

Note: Visa and personal medical insurance costs are not covered.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

·        Open to international and Japanese students

·        Intended for students in the latter half of undergraduate studies or early master’s level (not PhD) as of March 1, 2026

·        Background in dynamics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics is desirable

·        Applicants should have an academic interest aligned with KEK research areas

·        Students unsure about eligibility are encouraged to inquire before applying

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

Students will join research groups at either Tsukuba Campus or J-PARC Tokai Campus in fields such as:

·        Elementary particle physics

·        Belle II research group

·        Neutrino and muon experimental groups

·        Energy frontier research

·        Instrumentation technology

·        Nuclear physics and hadron experiments

·        Material and life science research

·        Accelerator science (SuperKEKB and J-PARC accelerator groups)

·        Advanced detection systems (sensors, electronics, computing)

·        Theory (computational methods in quantum field theory, including Lattice QCD)

Participants work directly on active research projects under the supervision of KEK researchers and may collaborate with graduate students or postdoctoral researchers.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Applicants must submit the following:

1.     Curriculum Vitae (CV)

2.     Official academic transcript (with English translation if not in English or Japanese)

3.     Completed application form

4.     At least one recommendation letter submitted by a supervisor or academic referee

All files must include the assigned ID number and be less than 5MB in size.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

The application process consists of two steps:

1.     Registration

·        Complete the online registration form to obtain an applicant ID number

·        Arrange for a referee to write a recommendation letter before registering

2.     Submission of Application Materials

·        Upload all required documents via the official application page

·        After submission, you will receive an applicant identification code by email

·        Share this code with your recommender so they can submit the recommendation letter through a separate form

Incomplete applications or missing recommendation letters will not be considered.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

·        Program duration: Up to 8 weeks between mid-June and mid-August 2026

·        Theory group placements may last up to 4 weeks

·        Start dates will be coordinated among three options from mid-June to mid-July

·        Joint participant sessions are planned for mid to late July

·        Extension of stay for personal travel or other purposes is not allowed

·        Selected students will stay and conduct research at either the Tsukuba or Tokai campus

APPLICATION DEADLINE

February 27, 2026 (Friday) at 9:00 AM Japan Time.