ACTIVE

KU-STAR Program India 2026

Kyoto University
🇯🇵Japan
Duration:19 May 2026 - 10 Jul 2026
Application Deadline:26 Jan 2026

Dear Students,

We are pleased to announce the call for applications for the KU-STAR Program for India 2026 (Short-Term Academic Research Program) at Kyoto University, Japan. This is an excellent opportunity for students serious about pursuing doctoral studies at Kyoto University.

Program details:

  • Host: Kyoto University, Division of Graduate Studies
  • Program dates: 19 May – 10 July 2026 (53 days)
  • Program focus: Intensive research training in one of approximately 100 laboratories across diverse fields (sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences)
  • Target audience: Highly motivated students with strong desire to pursue doctoral program at Kyoto University
  • Number of participants: 20-30 students total (maximum 5 students per institution)

Financial support & costs:

  • Kyoto University provides:
    • Tuition Fee Waiver (29,700 yen/month)
    • Accommodation for the entire program period
    • Mandatory Personal Accident Insurance for Students (Gakkensai)
  • Important note: No daily stipend will be provided (change from previous year)
  • Participant responsibility:
    • Travel costs (international airfare and ground transportation)
    • Visa application fee
    • Overseas travel insurance and mandatory Personal Liability Insurance (Gakubai)
    • All daily living expenses (food, local transport, personal spending)

Eligibility requirements (set by Kyoto University):

  • Academic standing: Currently enrolled in a bachelor's program (having completed at least 4 semesters) OR a Master's program
  • Academic record: Strong academic performance; minimum CGPA 8.0/10, CPI 8.0/10, or 80% in overall academic achievement
  • For master's students: Academic performance record of either undergraduate or master's program must meet the above threshold
  • Academic continuity: Must resume academic program for at least one semester/quarter after returning to India
  • Future goal: Strong desire to pursue a doctoral program at Kyoto University
  • Attendance: Full attendance required for entire program duration
  • Lab-specific requirements: Must meet additional requirements of chosen laboratory (detailed in lab list)

Research opportunities:

  • Placement in one of approximately 100 laboratories/faculty members across Kyoto University's graduate schools
  • Fields span: Agriculture, Biostudies, Energy Science, Engineering, Informatics, Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Science, Asian & African Area Studies, Economics, Education, Government, Law, Letters, Management, Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Survivability, Human & Environmental Studies, Global Environmental Studies
  • Approximately 40 hours/week of research and educational activities (8 hours × 5 days)
  • Activities include: seminars, lab visits, poster session at program end

Application timeline:

  • Application period: 13 January – 27 January 2026, 5:00 PM JST (Japan Standard Time = IST+3.5 hours)
  • Notification of results: 27 February 2026
  • Check-in accommodation: 18 May 2026
  • Program starts: 19 May 2026
  • Program ends: 10 July 2026
  • Check-out accommodation: 11 July 2026

Application process:

  • Direct application: Students apply directly through Kyoto University's online application system
  • Online application link: https://reg31.smp.ne.jp/regist/switch/00051c0005bdfdZpKJ/createaccount

Required documents (all files except ID must be PDF format):

  • Statement of Purpose (max 700 words): Explain why you chose specific lab, research background, methods, expected results, and future PhD plans at Kyoto University. File name: "Full Name_sop.pdf"
  • CV: Include academic background, awards, publications. File name: "Full Name_cv.pdf"
  • Official academic transcript: Bachelor's students: current transcript. Master's students: both undergraduate and master's transcripts. If CGPA not shown, provide official percentage letter. File name: "Full Name_academic transcript.pdf"
  • ID document: Passport photo page (PDF, JPG, JPEG, or PNG). File name: "Full Name_passport.pdf/jpg/jpeg/png". Other ID acceptable if passport unavailable.
  • Letter of Recommendation: Requested through online system. Recommender receives email with instructions. Must be on departmental letterhead, in English, with signature, PDF format.

Participant responsibilities:

  • Apply for appropriate visa in timely fashion
  • Stay at accommodation designated by Kyoto University
  • Attend orientation and all required conferences, activities, cultural events, Japanese language classes
  • Undertake advanced research for 53 days
  • Fully participate in lab academic activities, seminars, workshops
  • Prepare poster presentation at program end
  • Assign intellectual property from program work to supervisor
  • Provide feedback on KU-STAR Program
  • Be photographed and grant publication rights to Kyoto University
  • Contribute to media and public relations requests