The OIST Research Internship Program is a fully funded, short-term research placement offered by the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) in Japan. Designed for talented students and recent graduates in STEM fields, the programme provides hands-on laboratory experience under the direct supervision of OIST faculty in one of Asia's most advanced research environments.
Located on the tropical island of Okinawa, OIST is an international, English-language graduate university that brings together researchers from over 50 countries. The Research Internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge science — from quantum systems and neuroscience to marine biology and computational science — while receiving comprehensive financial support including a daily allowance, round-trip airfare, furnished accommodation, and visa assistance.
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About this opportunity
The OIST Research Internship gives students experience working in a research environment directed by OIST faculty.
Interns are embedded in active research units where they contribute to real projects, develop technical skills, and gain exposure to the interdisciplinary culture that defines OIST.
Key features of the programme:
Fully funded — Daily allowance, airfare, accommodation, and visa support provided
Duration: Minimum 4 months (120 days) to maximum 6 months within one placement period
In-person only — The internship is a laboratory placement at OIST in Okinawa, Japan; remote participation is not available
PhD pathway — An internship of at least 4 months may be considered equivalent to one in-field lab rotation for applicants who enrol in the OIST PhD Programme within one year of completing the internship
English-language environment — All research and administration conducted in English; no Japanese language requirement
Related: Learn more about studying in Japan and OIST's PhD Programme.
Financial Benefits
Selected research interns receive comprehensive financial and logistical support:
Internship allowance — 2,400 JPY per working day for the duration of the placement
Round-trip airfare — One direct round-trip air ticket to Okinawa, with travel dates arranged as close as possible to the placement period
Furnished accommodation — On-campus or off-campus housing funded by OIST or the host research unit
Visa support — Administrative assistance for obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility and completing visa-related procedures
Local transport — OIST shuttle bus pass for commuting
Registration support — Assistance with required local registration procedures
Note: Support covers the intern only and does not extend to accompanying family members or dependents.
What's covered
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Flight/travel costs
Documents Required
All applicants must prepare the following documents in English, save them as PDF files, and upload them to the online application system:
Transcript and Diploma — Scanned copies of current and past academic transcripts and completed diploma(s). If not yet graduated, upload a certificate of enrollment indicating expected graduation date. English explanation required for non-English transcripts.
Statement of Purpose — Maximum 250 words (1,500 characters) addressing:
What do you hope to accomplish at OIST?
How does a research internship at OIST fit into your overall career plans/aspirations?
Curriculum Vitae (CV) — Summarising academic background, research experience, skills, and accomplishments
Recommendation Letters — 1 to 3 letters in English from professorial-level faculty who know you and can describe your academic potential as a researcher. Letters from lab members or postdocs are not eligible. At least one letter must be received in the system before you can submit your application.
Passport — Passport number and scan of the photo page. If you do not have a passport, other government-issued ID is acceptable at the application stage.
ID Photo — Recent photo taken within the last three months, face front in standard passport orientation
English Proficiency Score (optional) — IELTS/TOEFL is not required, but may be uploaded if you believe it strengthens your application
Important: OIST does not accept recommendation letters submitted directly by applicants. Recommenders must upload letters through the official application system.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Must be currently enrolled in the last two years of a bachelor's degree, enrolled in any year of a master's degree, or have graduated with a bachelor's or master's degree
Must have an academic background appropriate to the desired host unit(s) at OIST
Currently enrolled students must have approval from their home institution
Must be able to commit to a minimum of 4 months (120 days) in Okinawa
Current or graduated PhD students are NOT eligible
Open to students from any country worldwide
Japanese university students: Must prepare and bring their own insurance (combination of Gakkensai and Gakkenbai, or equivalent coverage).
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the OIST Research Internship:
Create an account — Register on the OIST online application portal
Select your preferred host unit(s) — Browse available faculty and projects on the OIST website
Prepare your documents — Gather transcripts, CV, Statement of Purpose, passport/ID, and ID photo in English PDF format
Request recommendation letters — Contact 1–3 professorial-level faculty and provide them with the application system link to upload their letters
Complete the online form — Fill in all required fields and upload your documents. You can save progress and return later.
Pay the application fee — 5,000 JPY, non-refundable. Fee waivers are not offered for personal financial circumstances.
Submit before the deadline — Ensure at least one recommendation letter is received and all materials are uploaded
Await results — Successful applicants are notified by email
Note: Do not contact OIST faculty members directly. Applications must proceed through the formal online selection process.