Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Internship Program in Japan 2026

Research Intern places are awarded twice a year on a competitive basis. Selection is highly competitive, and depends on suitability of the intended research, academic background, available funding, and space. Not all available positions will necessarily be filled. For detailed explanations of the internship, please see Research Intern Details.

OIST strives to create and maintain an inclusive, equitable, and diverse environment that does not discriminate against gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, medical condition, race, ethnicity, ancestry, culture, national origin, religion, or marital status. Applications from women and other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.

Summary:

1. Application Deadline: October 15, 2025
2. Country to Study: Japan
3. School to Study: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST)
4. Study Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s
5. Type: Internship
6. Sponsor: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST)
7. Gender Eligibility: Open to All countries

Eligibility Criteria for Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Internship Program in Japan 2026

Those who are currently enrolled in their last two years of a bachelor's degree or enrolled in any year of a master's degree at universities, colleges, junior colleges, and vocational schools in Japan or overseas, or those who have graduated with a bachelor's or master's degree, are eligible to apply for the Research Internship at OIST.

Currently enrolled students must have approval from their home institution. The academic background of applicants should be appropriate to their desired host unit(s) at OIST.

Our Research Internship is intended for those who need more research experience and who are interested in joining OIST's PhD Program later. Current or graduated PhD students who wish to collaborate with OIST should look for other opportunities, such as Workshops or Careers at OIST.

Application Documents

Transcript and Diploma

Scanned copies of your current academic transcript and any other transcript from your past degree (BSc, MSc, etc.), along with a completed diploma (BSc, MSc, etc.) in PDF format.

1. A scan of an unofficial transcript or other record of grades may be uploaded to the application website.
2. An English explanation is required for transcripts that are not written in English.
3. If you have not graduated and do not have a diploma yet, please upload a certificate of enrollment from your institution, preferably indicating your expected graduation date.

Statement of Purpose

This should be no more than 400 words (2500 characters) and should address the following points:

1. How do OIST and your desired research unit(s) fit with your current expertise and skill set? If you are interested in multiple research units, please explain your interest and fit for each unit briefly within a single statement.
2. What do you hope to accomplish at OIST?
3. How does a research internship at OIST fit into your overall career plans/aspirations?

Recommendation Letter

1. Each applicant is required to have at least one and no more than three letters of recommendation from professorial-level faculty who know you and your work personally. Letters from lab members or postdoctoral researchers are not eligible. If you include recommendations from industry experience, they must be from a manager who has supervised you.

Passport

The application system requires applicants to provide their passport number and upload a scan of the passport photo page. It is essential for applicants from outside Japan to have a valid passport for travel to Japan. Ensure that you include your passport details during the application process.

If you do not have a passport at the time of application, you can upload other government-issued identification documents instead. However, if you are selected for the program, OIST will need a copy of your valid passport immediately to prepare your visa application and travel arrangements.

ID Photo

Please upload a recent photo taken within the last three months, showing your face from the front in standard passport orientation.

Benefits of Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Internship Program in Japan 2026

The following support is only available for the research intern

Internship Allowance

2,400 JPY per working day

Community Allowance

OIST Shuttle Bus Pass

Travel Expenses

One direct round-trip air ticket (travel date will be the closest date to the term of placement)

Accommodation

Furnished accommodation on or off campus, funded by OIST or the research unit

Administrative Support

Acquisition of Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) for your visa application as well as registration procedures

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) on graduateschool.oist.jp to apply

For more details, visit OIST webpage

Application Deadline

October 15, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Internship Program in Japan 2026