Research Excellence Program for Asia (RExPA) 2026
1. Program Overview
The Research Excellence Program for Asia (RExPA) 2026 is an exclusive 8-week summer research opportunity at Tel Aviv University (TAU), Israel. It brings together a hand-picked cohort of excellent research students from strategic partners across Asia.
2. About the program
Students will engage in a genuine research project in one of TAU's labs under the guidance of a distinguished professor as part of the Summer Research Program cohort. Participants will also benefit from insightful leadership sessions with TAU senior management and immerse themselves in the vibrant cultural life of Tel Aviv.
3. Financial details
This is a highly subsidized program. The RExPA scholarship covers:
- 📚 Tuition Fees: Fully covered.
- 🏠 Accommodation: Shared accommodation is fully provided on- or off-campus for 8 weeks.
- Student Responsibilities: Participants must cover their own international flights, insurance, visa, meals, local transportation, living expenses, and a $60 USD non-refundable application fee.
4. Program Tracks
During the application, students can select up to 5 labs/projects based on their background. Tracks include:
- Sciences (STEM)
- Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
5. Eligibility Criteria
- Degree Level: Undergraduate students in their pre-final or final year, OR graduate students enrolled in research-focused degrees.
- Academic Merit: A minimum GPA of 80% (equivalent to approx. 8.0/10 CGPA) is strictly required.
- Language: Proof of English proficiency OR an official waiver from IITM.
- Nomination: Must be officially nominated by your academic supervisor or the IITM Office of Global Engagement.
6. Program Structure
The program runs for 8 weeks from June 3 to July 30, 2026. Students will be matched with a lab, undergo a placement interview with their potential Principal Investigator (PI) at TAU, and then complete their research project in Israel. At the end of the program, participants receive a certificate of participation.
7. Available Departments & Research Areas
TAU offers diverse specific lab placements ranging across all STEM fields, Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
8. Application Processes and Deadline
📅 IITM Internal Nomination Deadline: April 22, 2026
IIT Madras can nominate a maximum of two (2) students. Once officially nominated by IITM, you will receive an email from TAU with an invitation to complete the online application portal.
9. Required Notes
⚠️ Required Documents: When invited to apply on the TAU portal, you will need to upload:
- Travel passport
- Transcripts from all higher education institutions
- Copy of any diplomas received (in English)
- Your CV
- A reference letter from your current research supervisor or degree program head
- Proof of English proficiency
⚠️ Arrival: Students MUST plan to arrive exactly on June 3, 2026. Early arrivals cannot be accommodated in university housing.
10. Selection Timeline
- IITM Internal Nomination Deadline: April 22, 2026
- Arrival Date: June 3, 2026
- Program Dates: June 3 – July 30, 2026
11. Program Benefits
- 🔬 Hands-on Research: Strengthen your research skills and bolster your CV for future graduate studies.
- 🤝 Leadership Exposure: Participate in exclusive leadership sessions with top TAU management.
- 🌍 Global Network: Enjoy extensive networking opportunities with international and Israeli researchers.