Kyoto University Short-Term Academic Research (KU-STAR) Summer Research Program (Summer: Nov - Feb)

The Kyoto University Short-Term Academic Research (KU-STAR) Program aims to open the door to research opportunities for undergraduate and master's students who have a strong desire to pursue a doctoral program at Kyoto University.

Running over six weeks in January and February, this program offers a wonderful opportunity to have a research experience at one of Japan's premiere research universities while spending your weekends discovering Kyoto's historic temples, gardens, palaces and shrines, or jumping on the Shinkansen to explore more of Japan.

  • To be eligible to participate in this short-term program you must*:

    • Applicants will be expected to have a strong academic record
    • Be enrolled into one of the following degrees belonging to the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology:
      • Master of Biomedical Engineering,
      • Master of Chemical Engineering
      • Master of Electrical Engineering
      • Master of Mechanical Engineering
    • maintain satisfactory academic progress
    • be currently enrolled, and have successfully completed one study period and at least 12.5 credit points (graduate students) before departure
    • not have an 'at risk' status at the time of application or before commencing the overseas study program
    • not have conditions imposed by the Course Unsatisfactory Progress Committee
    • not be subject to an undischarged misconduct penalty, suspended for misconduct, or become suspended any time before commencing the overseas study program.

    Kyoto University requirements:

    • Have an interest in 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 program, and must continue the 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.

    If you meet the eligibility criteria above, you will also need to:

    • confirm how this experience will contribute at least 12.5 points of credit towards your degree at Melbourne
    • submit your application before the application deadline below
    • adhere to any late start rules of the semester you plan on returning to study at the University of Melbourne (when applicable).
    • meet any requirements specific to the institution to which you are applying

  • The following options have been confirmed as avenues for using this program as academic credit towards your degree. Please note: You must still have your project approved by the relevant University of Melbourne subject coordinator, as some assessment components will need to be completed upon your return in order for credit to be awarded.

    Biomedical EngineeringBMEN90041 Biomedical Engineering Summer Research Project
    Chemical EngineeringCHEN90023 Chemical Engineering Research Project
    Electrical EngineeringELEN90083 Electrical Engineering Research Project
    Mechanical EngineeringENGR90043 Mechanical Engineering Summer Research Project

    You must have approval confirmed in writing prior to applying for this program as we can only nominate students who will be receiving academic credit for this program.

    Please note: If the approved subject is an elective, you must ensure that you have space in your study plan for this elective to be credited.

  • From January 8, 2026 to February 20, 2026

  • Please  click here for the list of available projects as listed on the KU-STAR website

    Note for Biomedical Engineering students: only Project 40 has been approved for credit towards BMEN90041.

  • Kyoto University will assist successful applicants with the visa application process if required.

  • FEIT provides $750 in funding for all students attending short-term research programs. Please refer to the FEIT Exchange Scholarships Website for further details.

  • Students travelling on university-approved programs are eligible for cover under the university travel insurance. You should ensure that you register for this. More details are available on the university Travel Insurance website.

  • The KU-STAR Program Office will arrange accommodation for all participants during the program period.

  • Applications are due 5pm Sunday 14 September. You should apply via the Global Learning Brochure Page.

    Successful applicants will need to be prepared to complete the KU-STAR application promptly, as this must be submitted no later than 8 September.

    1. Identify a project you would like to join.
    2. Check that you have room in your study plan for the subject that will bear the credit
    3. Discuss with the subject coordinator at Melbourne to confirm that the project suits the subject for which you will be receiving credit. Please ask them to confirm by email that they have approved you participating in the overseas project for credit towards the relevant subject at Melbourne.
    4. Apply via the Global Learning Website by 2 September. You should provide the coordinator approval, your transcript, a cv/resume and a Statement of Interest to support your application.
    5. If you receive confirmation from Global Learning that your application is successful, apply to KU-STAR before their deadline of 22 September.

  • engit-exchange@unimelb.edu.au

This program is not currently accepting applications.

Please check back in early Semester 2, 2025 for future program opportunities.