RIKEN CBS Summer Program 2027 Application Guide: Plan A vs Plan B, Documents and Funding

Preparing a competitive RIKEN CBS Summer Program 2027 application requires choosing the appropriate training track, preparing a clear motivation letter and submitting the correct documents.

The RIKEN Center for Brain Science in Japan offers two international neuroscience training options: a two-month laboratory internship and a five-day lecture course.

Applicants may select either track or apply for both through the same online form.

The 2027 programme focuses on computational neuroscience, NeuroAI and research related to brain functions and intelligent systems.

Application deadline: January 8, 2027, at 9:00 a.m. Japan Standard Time.

This guide explains the application process, required documents, research proposal, recommendation letter and funding conditions.

RIKEN CBS 2027 Application Requirements

1. Choose Between Plan A and Plan B

The programme offers two different learning experiences.

Plan A: Laboratory Research Internship

Plan A lasts two months.

Participants join a RIKEN CBS research laboratory, contribute to scientific activities and present their work.

This option is appropriate for applicants seeking practical research experience and an opportunity to develop a project within a laboratory team.

Plan B: Intensive Lecture Course

Plan B lasts five days.

Participants attend advanced neuroscience lectures, research discussions, laboratory visits and poster presentations.

This option may suit applicants who want concentrated academic training without committing to a two-month research placement.

Can You Apply for Both?

Yes.

Choose Both in the application form rather than submitting separate applications.

For another example of a Japanese laboratory research placement, explore our OIST Research Internship Application Guide. OIST has a different duration, funding structure and eligibility requirements.

2. Check Your Eligibility

The official programme requires applicants to be beyond high school level.

Candidates must be enrolled in an academic institution or company at the time of application and throughout participation.

Additional requirements include:

• Full availability for the chosen track.
• Appropriate scientific interests.
• Ability to participate in English.
• A valid passport for non-Japanese nationals.
• Compliance with visa requirements.
• Completion of required scientific activities.

Can Undergraduate Students Apply?

Yes, provided they satisfy the programme’s eligibility requirements.

However, RIKEN notes that participants are typically graduate students or researchers at an early postdoctoral stage.

High school students cannot apply.

3. Prepare Your Academic CV

The official application asks for a CV covering:

• Current academic or professional affiliation.
• Educational qualifications.
• Research experience.
• Scientific publications, if any.

There is no mandatory CV template.

Applicants should prioritize relevant experience in neuroscience, computational methods, artificial intelligence, experimental science or related fields.

If you have limited formal research experience, present your genuine academic projects and technical skills without exaggeration.

For a comparison with a different research fellowship selection process, read our Purdue SURF Application Guide.

4. Write a Strong RIKEN Motivation Letter

RIKEN requests a motivation letter of approximately 500 words.

The letter should explain:

1. Why you want to participate.
2. Your research background.
3. Your scientific interests.
4. Relevant experimental or computational experience.
5. How you will use the knowledge gained in your current and future research.

Explain Your Scientific Interests

Identify a specific area, such as computational neuroscience, neural circuits, cognitive science or NeuroAI.

Avoid presenting an overly broad interest without explaining your academic connection to the subject.

Connect Your Experience to the Programme

Describe relevant coursework, laboratory activities, coding projects or research experience.

Explain Your Goals

Discuss how RIKEN’s scientific environment could support your future research.

Avoid Generic Statements

Rather than focusing only on traveling to Japan, explain why this particular programme matches your academic goals.

Students interested in another research-focused selection process involving artificial intelligence can compare the GovAI Summer Fellowship Application Guide, which focuses on AI governance rather than brain science.

5. Prepare the Plan A Research Project Description

The project description is required for applicants choosing the two-month internship.

RIKEN asks applicants to describe their proposed project as specifically as possible.

A strong description should include:

Research Objective

Explain what scientific question you hope to investigate.

Proposed Methods

Describe the experimental or computational techniques you would use.

Feasibility

Show that the project can be realistically pursued during the two-month internship.

Relevant Preparation

State whether you already have experience with the proposed methods.

Laboratory Compatibility

Connect the project to the scientific work of the selected RIKEN laboratory.

Important: RIKEN encourages applicants to contact prospective laboratory heads in advance with their proposed projects.

However, the published general instructions do not establish prior supervisor approval as a universal application requirement.

There is no fixed format or page limit for the project description.

6. Arrange Your Recommendation Letter

One recommendation letter is required for either Plan A or Plan B.

Applicants must provide their academic supervisor’s details during registration.

After submission, the system sends an email to the recommender with an upload link.

The recommender must upload the letter directly.

What Should You Do?

• Choose a supervisor familiar with your academic or research abilities.
• Contact the supervisor before submitting your application.
• Explain the programme and deadline.
• Ensure the supervisor watches for the automated email.
• Verify that the recommendation has been uploaded.

The letter must arrive before January 8, 2027, at 9:00 a.m. JST.

An otherwise complete application may be rejected if the recommendation arrives late.

7. Request Financial Support Correctly

RIKEN financial assistance is available only to selected applicants who request support and receive approval.

Applicants requiring funding must submit a financial support request letter with their application.

The letter should explain why financial assistance is necessary.

No fixed format or length is prescribed.

What Can Be Covered?

Approved support may include:

• Eligible round-trip travel reimbursement.
• Accommodation during the programme.

The published travel reimbursement ceilings are:

These are maximum amounts, not guaranteed payments.

Applicants must initially pay eligible travel costs and seek reimbursement after the programme according to the instructions.

What Expenses Remain Your Responsibility?

Participants cover meals and daily living costs.

Plan A participants must arrange accident insurance and complete the required medical examination.

There is no monthly stipend.

Applicants receiving salary or other external financial support are not eligible for RIKEN’s financial assistance under the published conditions.

For another research training programme with different funding and academic requirements, see our GIST Global Internship Programme Guide. Its linked information concerns the 2026 cycle.

8. Complete the Online Application

The application is submitted through RIKEN’s official programme website.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open the official application page.
2. Review all eligibility and participation conditions.
3. Select Plan A, Plan B or Both.
4. Prepare the required documents in English.
5. Complete the CV and motivation letter.
6. Attach the project description if choosing Plan A.
7. Upload a financial support request if needed.
8. Enter your academic recommender’s information.
9. Review the form carefully.
10. Submit before the deadline.
11. Monitor your email and the recommendation status.

Can You Save a Draft?

No.

RIKEN explicitly states that applicants cannot save an unfinished form as a draft.

Prepare all documents before starting the application.

After submission, applicants may update their information through the confirmation email link until the deadline.

9. What Happens After Selection?

Applicants are expected to receive results around mid-February 2027.

Selected candidates receive further instructions concerning travel and participation.

Plan A Participants

They must participate in laboratory research, a neuroethics workshop, a poster session and a final research presentation.

Plan B Participants

They must attend all required lectures, activities and scientific presentations.

Participants must prepare a research poster relating to their past, present or planned research.

Failure to complete mandatory activities may affect financial support and certification.

10. Common Application Mistakes

Avoid:

• Choosing a track without understanding its duration.
• Applying while not meeting enrollment conditions.
• Writing a generic motivation letter.
• Submitting an unclear Plan A project description.
• Forgetting the financial support request.
• Assuming all applicants receive free accommodation.
• Expecting a monthly salary.
• Submitting without an available recommender.
• Missing the deadline in Japan Standard Time.
• Assuming the online form can be saved as a draft.

Applicants also considering professional experience in Japan can review our METI Internship Programme Guide, which covers a separate 2026 business-focused internship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is RIKEN CBS 2027 Fully Funded?

Financial support is conditional and may cover eligible travel and accommodation. Meals and daily expenses are not covered.

Is IELTS Required?

The official instructions require English-language documents and participation but do not list IELTS as a universal requirement.

Can I Apply for Both Plans?

Yes. Select Both in one application.

Is a Research Proposal Required for Plan B?

No. The internship project description is required for Plan A.

How Many Recommendations Are Required?

One academic recommendation.

Can I Edit My Application?

Yes, after submitting, using the update link provided in the confirmation email, until the deadline.

When Are Results Announced?

Around mid-February 2027.

Final Application Checklist

Before submitting, confirm that:

• You meet the enrollment requirements.
• You selected the appropriate track.
• Your CV is accurate and complete.
• Your motivation letter is approximately 500 words.
• Your Plan A project description is ready, if applicable.
• Your recommender is prepared to upload the letter.
• Your financial support request is included, if needed.
• You understand insurance, visa and travel responsibilities.
• Your application is fully submitted before the deadline.

Conclusion

A successful RIKEN CBS Summer Program 2027 application requires clear scientific motivation, suitable research preparation and complete documentation.

Applicants must distinguish between the laboratory internship and lecture course, request financial assistance separately if needed and ensure their recommendation arrives on time.

The application deadline is January 8, 2027, at 9:00 a.m. JST.

Official Sources

• RIKEN CBS — Programme Overview
• RIKEN CBS — Application Instructions
• RIKEN CBS — Eligibility and Funding
• RIKEN CBS — Scientific Theme
• RIKEN CBS — Official Schedule