OIST Research Internship in Japan (Fully Funded) – Spring 2026

The OIST Research Internship in Japan for Spring 2026 is a prestigious fully funded internship opportunity for students from all around the world. Organized by the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), this research program offers undergraduate and graduate students hands-on experience in cutting-edge scientific research. Interns will work under the supervision of OIST faculty members, gaining valuable insights and contributing to real-world scientific projects. The internship spans 3 to 6 months and is designed to deepen participants’ knowledge in STEM disciplines through an immersive research experience in Okinawa, Japan.

Program Details

• Location: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), Japan
• Internship Period: Between April 1 – September 30, 2026 (flexible 3–6 months)
• Application Deadline: October 15, 2025 (23:59 JST)
• Result Announcement: Late December 2025
• Application Fee: 3,000 JPY (non-refundable)

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

• In the final 2 years of a Bachelor’s degree, or enrolled in a Master’s program (any country). Currently enrolled students must have approval from their home institution.
• Recent graduates (BSc/MSc) are also eligible
• Academic background must match with the intended research unit(s)
• Interested in pursuing future PhD studies at OIST

What's Covered

• Internship Allowance: 2,400 JPY per working day (payment will be made via international wire transfer to your home-country bank account on the 4th Friday of each month)
• Community Allowance: OIST Shuttle Bus Pass
• Travel Expenses: One direct round-trip air ticket (travel date will be 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 and as well as registration procedures

Required Documents

• Updated curriculum vitae (CV)
• Statement of interest (no more than 400 words (2500 characters)
• A letter of recommendation (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).
• Academic transcript (latest available)
• Identification photo (passport-style)

Note: An English Proficiency Score (iELTS/TOEFL) is not required for the Research Internship application. However, applicants may upload it if they believe it to strengthen their application.

Important/Additional Information

• The internship is conducted fully in English
• Interns will be matched with a supervisor based on research interests and availability
• Applicants should check the available research units before applying to tailor their statement of interest
• Interns will be part of a vibrant international research community on OIST’s beautiful Okinawa campus
• For questions, applicants can visit the OIST Internship FAQ page available on the official website