Apply for the fully funded OIST Research Internship 2026 in Japan and gain hands-on research experience with free accommodation, stipend and airfare.
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) is offering exceptional research internships for undergraduates and master’s students worldwide. These fully funded programs span between 3 to 6 months, giving you hands-on lab experience under world-class faculty.
Selected interns receive a daily stipend of 2,400 JPY, access to furnished accommodation, shuttle bus passes, travel coverage (round-trip airfare) and vital visa & administrative assistance such as Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) and local registration support. Perfectly set up for an immersive learning experience.
Two Annual Intake Slots
- Spring 2026 Cycle:
- Deadline: October 15, 2025 (JST)
- Results: Late December 2025
- Internship Window: April 1 – September 30, 2026
- Fall 2026 Cycle:
- Deadline: April 15, 2026 (JST)
- Results: Late June 2026
- Internship Window: October 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027
Who Can Apply?
- Current students in their final 2 years of a bachelor’s degree or enrolled in any year of a master’s program
- Recent graduates with a BSc or MSc degree
- Applicants must demonstrate academic alignment with OIST’s research groups and may need approval from their home institution.
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Online Application Process
- Create an account on the OIST application portal.
- Upload your academic transcripts, statement of purpose (≤400 words), 1–3 recommendation letters, passport scan and recent ID photo.
- Pay the 3,000 JPY non-refundable application fee (JST). Application submission is complete when at least one recommendation is received.
Competitive Opportunity with Academic Prestige
OIST is an English-friendly, interdisciplinary institute that prides itself on diversity and excellence. Research interns actively contribute to meaningful projects, with opportunities to convert extended internships into lab rotation credits if pursuing a PhD at OIST. Selection is highly competitive, your academic preparation must stand out.
Why It is Worth Your Time?
This program enables students across the globe to:
- Collaborate directly with top-tier faculty and cut-edge facilities
- Strengthen their resumes with scientific research experience
- Bridge academic studies to real-world innovation—all in a supportive, fully funded environment
