Program Overview

Introduction to the KU-STAR Program

The KU-STAR Program, or Kyoto University Short-Term Academic Research Program, is designed to provide research opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students from a given country who have a strong desire to pursue a doctoral program at Kyoto University. Participants in the KU-STAR Program benefit from conducting their respective research projects under top faculty at Kyoto University, learning about the laboratory ecosystem and life and culture in Japan, gaining exposure to industry, and participating in a poster presentation.

Program Details

Program Period

The program period for the KU-STAR Program for Australia 2026 is from January 8, 2026, to February 20, 2026.

Number of Participants

The number of participants for the KU-STAR Program for Australia 2026 is 10-20 students.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Have a strong desire to pursue a doctoral program at Kyoto University.
• Be enrolled in an undergraduate or master's program at a college or university in Australia. Undergraduate students must have completed at least four semesters prior to the internship.
• Not be scheduled to graduate before the start of the program and must continue their academic program (undergraduate or master's) for at least one semester or quarter after returning to Australia at the end of the internship.
• Have a good academic record.
• Meet the requirements of the chosen laboratory, as specified in the laboratory list.

Support

Accommodation: Kyoto University will provide accommodation for all participants for the internship period.

Application Period

• Online Application Opens: August 4, 2025
• Online Application Closes: September 22, 2025, 5 p.m. JST (Japan Standard Time [UTC+9 hrs.])

Application Steps

1. Download and read the application guide and the laboratory list carefully. Prepare the required documents.
2. Once the application period opens, create an account on the online application system and start the application.
3. Request a recommendation letter through the online application system. Inform the recommender of the Application ID and follow up.
4. Complete the required information and upload the required documents. Once all the required information is filled in and all the required documents, including a letter of recommendation from the recommender, are uploaded, submit the application by the end of the application period.

Additional Resources

• Application Guide
• Laboratory List
• FAQ