Fully Funded Research Program Opens Doors for Global Students
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) in Japan has opened applications for its 2026 Research Internship Program, a fully funded opportunity for undergraduate and master’s students worldwide. This prestigious initiative offers hands-on research experience, financial support, and collaboration with top scientists.
Program Overview
OIST’s internship runs for three to six months, immersing participants in cutting-edge scientific research. Interns work under world-class faculty at OIST, an interdisciplinary institute renowned for its diverse and innovative academic environment.
Key Benefits
- Daily Stipend: 2,400 JPY to cover living expenses.
- Free Accommodation: Furnished housing on campus.
- Travel Support: Round-trip airfare provided.
- Additional Perks: Shuttle bus passes, visa assistance, and local registration support.
These benefits allow interns to focus entirely on their research without financial worries.
Application Deadlines and Internship Periods
OIST offers two internship cycles for 2026:
- Spring 2026
- Application Deadline: October 15, 2025 (Japan Standard Time)
- Results Announced: Late December 2025
- Internship Period: April 1 – September 30, 2026
- Fall 2026
- Application Deadline: April 15, 2026 (Japan Standard Time)
- Results Announced: Late June 2026
- Internship Period: October 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027
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Eligibility Criteria
The program is open to:
- Students in their final two years of a bachelor’s degree.
- Master’s students in any year of their program.
- Recent graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Applicants must show academic alignment with OIST’s research groups and may need approval from their home institution.
How to Apply
The application process is competitive but straightforward:
- Create an account on the OIST application portal.
- Submit academic transcripts, a 400-word statement of purpose, 1–3 recommendation letters, a passport scan, and a recent ID photo.
- Pay a non-refundable 3,000 JPY application fee.
- Ensure at least one recommendation letter is received to complete the application.
Why Choose OIST?
Based in Okinawa, OIST is an English-speaking institute that fosters global collaboration. Interns contribute to impactful projects, gaining skills that strengthen their academic and career profiles. For those considering a PhD at OIST, extended internships may count toward lab rotation credits.
The selection process is highly competitive, requiring applicants to demonstrate strong academic preparation and alignment with OIST’s research goals. Successful candidates join a vibrant community of scholars and benefit from mentorship and world-class facilities.
Looking Ahead
OIST’s internship program offers a unique opportunity to bridge academic learning with real-world scientific research. With the Spring 2026 application deadline set for October 15, 2025, aspiring interns should prepare their materials soon. Visit the official OIST application portal for more details.
