OIST Research Internship in Japan

OIST Research Internship in Japan 2027 | Fully Funded

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) in Japan offers students and graduates the opportunity to participate in its 2027 Research Internship Program, providing participants with practical research experience in an advanced scientific environment while working within different research units under the supervision of faculty members and researchers.

The internship lasts between 4 and 6 months and covers a wide range of scientific and research fields.

Benefits of the OIST Research Internship

The program provides several benefits and financial support, including:

  •  One direct round-trip air ticket to Japan. 
  •  Furnished accommodation. 
  •  An internship allowance of JPY 2,400 per working day. 
  •  Administrative support for visa procedures and obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE). 
  •  Access to the OIST shuttle bus service. 

Research Fields

The OIST Research Internship offers opportunities across a wide range of scientific fields, including:

  •  Physics 
  •  Chemistry 
  •  Mathematical and Computational Sciences 
  •  Marine Sciences 
  •  Neuroscience 
  •  Molecular and Cellular Biology 
  •  Environmental and Ecological Sciences 
  •  Quantum Science 

Who Can Apply?

Eligible students and graduates may apply, including:

  •  Bachelor's students in their final two years of study. 
  •  Master's students. 
  •  Bachelor's degree graduates. 
  •  Master's degree graduates. 

Applicants should have an academic background relevant to the research field or research unit they wish to join.

Current PhD students and PhD graduates are not eligible to apply for the Research Internship Program.

Is IELTS Required?

No, IELTS or TOEFL is not required to apply for the OIST Research Internship.

Applicants may optionally submit proof of English proficiency if they wish to include it in their application.

Internship Duration

The Research Internship lasts between 4 and 6 months.

For the Spring 2027 intake, the internship period runs from April 1, 2027 to September 30, 2027.

Application Deadline

October 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM Japan Standard Time (JST).

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through the official OIST application platform.

Applicants must select a suitable research unit, prepare the required documents in English, and submit their application through the online application system.

Application Link

Note: The OIST Research Internship is a research training program and is not a scholarship for obtaining a Bachelor's or Master's degree. It is designed to provide participants with practical research experience in Japan.