Summary

The OIST Research Internship Program is a fully funded opportunity offered by the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate School in Japan. Open to undergraduate and graduate students worldwide, this program provides hands-on laboratory research experience under the direct guidance of world-class faculty. Selected interns receive complete financial coverage, including round-trip flights, a daily living stipend, furnished accommodation, and visa support for a duration of 10 to 12 weeks (between 2 to 6 months).

Designation

  • Position: Research Intern
  • Host Institution: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate School

Program Overview Table

FeatureDetails
Host InstituteOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST)
Program TypeResearch Internship
Funding CoverageFully Funded
Duration10 to 12 weeks (Typically 2 to 6 months)
Stipend2,400 JPY per day (taxable)
Target AudienceUndergraduate & Graduate Students, Recent Graduates
Eligible NationalitiesAll International Applicants
Host CountryJapan

Research Area

Interns can undertake cutting-edge research across a wide range of interdisciplinary STEM fields:

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Neuroscience
  • Mathematics & Computational Science
  • Environmental, Ecological, and Marine Sciences
  • Engineering & Medical Sciences

Location

  • Okinawa, Japan (Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate School)

Eligibility / Qualification

  • Academic Status:
    • Currently enrolled in an Undergraduate Degree program at a college/university (Year 3 and Year 4 students are strongly encouraged to apply).
    • Currently enrolled in a Graduate Degree program (Master’s Year 1 and 2 students are strongly encouraged).
    • Recent graduates from undergraduate or graduate institutions.
  • Institutional Approval: Currently enrolled students must obtain approval from their home institution.
  • Nationality: Open to both international students worldwide and students studying within Japan.

Scholarship Description & Benefits

The internship is fully funded and includes comprehensive financial support:

  • Travel: Free round-trip airfare tickets arranged and paid for by OIST.
  • Allowance / Stipend: Daily living allowance of 2,400 JPY per day (taxable).
  • Housing: Furnished on-campus or off-campus housing accommodation provided at no cost.
  • Commuting: Local commuting support/pass where applicable.
  • Administrative & Health: Complete visa application support, procedures, and insurance coverage.

Required Documents

  1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  2. Statement of Interest / Personal Statement
  3. Academic Transcripts (Scanned PDF of current/partial transcripts)
  4. Letter of Recommendation (Submitted directly by an academic/research referee through the portal)
  5. Passport Size ID Photo (JPG format, under 5 MB)

How to Apply

  1. Prepare all required application materials (CV, Personal Statement, Transcripts, and Photo).
  2. Visit the OIST Online Application Portal.
  3. Fill out the web application form in a single session (ensure all information is accurate, as re-submission is not allowed).
  4. Provide the contact email of your referee; the system will automatically dispatch the recommendation request once your application is submitted.
  5. Submit the application before the specified round deadline.

Last Date for Apply

Internship RoundApplication Deadline
Spring InternshipOctober 15, 23:59 (JST UTC+9)
Fall InternshipApril 15, 23:59 (JST UTC+9)