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
| Feature | Details |
| Host Institute | Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) |
| Program Type | Research Internship |
| Funding Coverage | Fully Funded |
| Duration | 10 to 12 weeks (Typically 2 to 6 months) |
| Stipend | 2,400 JPY per day (taxable) |
| Target Audience | Undergraduate & Graduate Students, Recent Graduates |
| Eligible Nationalities | All International Applicants |
| Host Country | Japan |
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
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Interest / Personal Statement
- Academic Transcripts (Scanned PDF of current/partial transcripts)
- Letter of Recommendation (Submitted directly by an academic/research referee through the portal)
- Passport Size ID Photo (JPG format, under 5 MB)
How to Apply
- Prepare all required application materials (CV, Personal Statement, Transcripts, and Photo).
- Visit the OIST Online Application Portal.
- Fill out the web application form in a single session (ensure all information is accurate, as re-submission is not allowed).
- Provide the contact email of your referee; the system will automatically dispatch the recommendation request once your application is submitted.
- Submit the application before the specified round deadline.
Last Date for Apply
| Internship Round | Application Deadline |
| Spring Internship | October 15, 23:59 (JST UTC+9) |
| Fall Internship | April 15, 23:59 (JST UTC+9) |



