International Research Attachments (i-RAP)

University of Tokyo Research Internship Programme (UTRIP)

What is this programme about?

UTRIP stands for the "University of Tokyo Research Internship Program." This program was launched by the Graduate School of Science (GSS) of the University of Tokyo (one of the world's leading research-education universities) as part of its campaign begun in June 2010 for promoting the internationalization of the GSS by inviting talented young students from abroad. UTRIP is an intensive summer research program targeted at undergraduates who have a keen interest in pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in the future. 

For more details about UTRIP, visit the programme website at: http://www.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/utrip/

When does the programme take place?

Session 1: June 10 – July 19, 2013
Session 1: July 1 – August 9, 2013

Where does the programme take place?

Tokyo, Japan

What is the academic content?

During the program, the participants receive intensive instruction and guidance on conducting research from renowned faculty members belonging to the GSS's six departments of physics, astronomy, chemistry, earth & planetary science, biophysics & biochemistry, and biological sciences. The program is open to students who are currently enrolled in their junior or senior years at an accredited college or university outside of Japan, and who are majoring in a natural science or related field. Students participating in the program who are highly evaluated by the faculty members will be given priority for receiving scholarships when applying for admission to the GSS the following year. The program also includes an excursion outside of Tokyo as well as a short course on the Japanese language and culture.

Japanese proficiency is not required. All instructions will be given in English. Also, English-speaking staff will support students during the program.

	A research project program with full-time commitment. Students will be able to:
		Raise a research question, and find a scientific problem; Apply basic principles and knowledge found in the literature related to the research questions; Collect, interpret, and critique data in order to resolve a research question.
	Financial support: Travel expenses for one round trip between the student's current or home address and Narita (or Haneda) airport, with some limitations (maximum coverage will be 100,000 yen for any reason); housing will be provided with some limitation. Participants will have an opportunity to get involved in research at the frontier of natural science. As part of the program, students will read published research articles pertaining to their projects, participate in laboratory meetings with their faculty advisors. Participants who successfully complete the program will be awarded a certificate from the school. Those students who are highly rated by faculty members will be given priority for a scholarship when and if they apply for one at our school in the following year.

Please follow this link for more information on the Graduate School of Science Scholarship for International Students (GSS Scholarship).

Students will visit a historical site in Japan. Specially-arranged Japanese language course will be available.

Each participant will be individually working with his or her host faculty member belonging to the school.

For programme schedule, click here.

What does the programme fee include?

A round trip to the campus (Tokyo), six-week accommodation and stipend of 60,000 yen. Registration/programme fees are waived.

Financial supports do not cover commutation expenses (approx. 400 yen per day between the housing & campus), private excursion expenses (ex. a private weekend trip), meals (though the housing facilities are equipped with a mini kitchen), and other personal expenses. Students are required to purchase insurance for emergency purposes (ex. overseas travel insurance).

What is the student accommodation?

Privately managed off-campus residence facilities are be arranged. They are located in a short distance of the Hongo campus of TODAI. Grocery stores are located nearby.

For more information, click here.

How much does it cost?

Please see below for an estimate of the relevant costs for 6 months.

Item	Cost (Yen)
Food	Approx. 270,000
Airfare	Approx. 63,335
Insurance	Approx. 3000
Visa	Approx. 3000
Miscellaneous Expenditure (e.g. entertainment, etc.)	Approx. 60,000
Estimated Total Cost (for 3 months)	Approx. 399,335 Yen (approx. SGD $5,624)

More information on living cost can be found here.

Please note, these are estimated expenses and actual expenses may differ based on price shifts and personal spending habits.

Is financial assistance available?

Yes. Students can apply for the NASA Enhancement Bursary* (by Financial Need) or NASA Enhancement Scholarship (by Merit). More information here.

Number of placements available?

The number of students to be accepted will be totally dependent on the discretion of host faculty members. They will select students by matching with examining all application materials.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Students should not be in their graduating semester prior to participating in this programme. Cap of 3.0 and above. Students have to be enrolled in the natural science or other relevant fields. Students with interest to pursue postgraduate degrees in the natural science field are preferred Students have to be able to present coverage of a health insurance plan that is effective during the internship program before arriving in Japan.

 

Is a visa required?

Yes. The University of Tokyo will assist in providing documentation needed to apply for a visa.

Students are to consult the Embassy of Japan in Singapore to determine if a visa is required and to apply for an entry visa if needed. 

Embassy of  Japan in Singapore
16 Nassim Road
Singapore 258390

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have proper entry documents for all countries they plan to visit as part of this programme!

How do I apply?

Application deadline is Thursday, 28 February 2013.

Applications and Required Documents:

Follow the application process for UTRIP as listed on this webpage.  (Please state student status as "International Exchange Students (Other Participants)"). Search for an advisor at University of Tokyo and contact him/her for approval. Upload/Submit all required materials to University of Tokyo Acceptance Letter and Certificate Of Eligibility are sent from Univerisity of Tokyo. Apply for visa. Upon confirmation of your position, students are to complete the IRO Programme Application Form. Submit your completed application form (with unofficial transcript) via email to irojt@nus.edu.sg.

 

Who to contact for more information?

For additional information or related queries, please click here.