The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) offers a fully‑funded Spring 2026 research internship for undergraduates. The OIST Research Internship offers students hands-on experience in a professional research environment under the guidance of OIST faculty. Internships are awarded twice a year through a highly competitive selection process based on academic background, research fit, available funding, and lab space.
Running from April 1 to September 30, 2026, OIST Research Internship last 3–6 months and include a JPY 2,400/day stipend, travel, housing, shuttle pass, visa support, and administrative assistance. OIST is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment, welcoming applications from women and underrepresented groups. Applications close on October 15, 2025 (JST)
University / Institution
- Name: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST)
- Place: Onna‑son, Kunigami‑gun, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
- Ranking & Profile: Globally renowned for multidisciplinary STEM research; ranked top in Japan and within the top 10 worldwide in Nature Index by quality-normalized output
- Programs: Offers research internships in multiple STEM units, plus a fully English-based PhD program
- Duration: 3–6 months within April–September 2026
- Application Deadline: October 15, 2025 (23:59 JST)
- Result Announcement: Late December 2025
- Internship Period: Between April 1 – September 30, 2026
Study Areas
Internship fields span:
- Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Neuroscience
- Mathematics, Computational Science
- Environmental & Ecological Sciences
- Marine Sciences, Engineering, and related interdisciplinary domains
OIST Research Internship Benefits
- Internship Allowance: 2,400 JPY per working day
- Community Allowance: Free OIST Shuttle Bus Pass
- Travel Expenses: One direct round-trip airfare (closest to placement dates)
- Accommodation: Furnished housing (on or off campus), covered by OIST or host unit
- Administrative Support: Visa-related Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) and help with registration procedures
- Support is only for the intern, not for family or dependents
Benefits Not Included
- Daily meals, medical insurance (interns must organize this)
- Research-related materials or experimental costs, unless specified by lab
- Travel for dependents or during weekends
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Eligibilities for OIST Research Internship
- Open to international applicants—no nationality restriction
- Must be in the last 2 years of a bachelor’s degree, any year of a master’s, or recently graduated (BSc or MSc)
- Students must get approval from their home institution
- Academic background must match desired OIST lab/unit
- PhD students are not eligible
- Japanese university students must bring their own insurance (Gakkensai & Gakkenbai or similar)
- Internship may count as one lab rotation if applying to OIST PhD within 1 year (for internships of 4+ months)
- Designed for those aiming for research experience or future PhD at OIST
Required Documents
- Transcript & Diploma
- Current and past academic transcripts and diplomas (or enrollment certificate with graduation date)
- Must include English translation if not in English
- Statement of Purpose (max 400 words)
- Fit with OIST and lab(s)
- Goals at OIST
- Connection to career plans
- Recommendation Letter
- 1 to 3 letters from professors (or industry managers if relevant)
- No letters from lab members or postdocs
- Letters must be submitted via OIST’s system, not by applicant
- At least 1 letter must be received before submission
- Passport
- Scan of passport photo page (or temporary ID if no passport yet)
- Recent ID Photo
- Taken within last 3 months
Optional Document
- English Proficiency Score (IELTS/TOEFL): Not required, but can be submitted to strengthen application
OIST Research Internship Application Process
- Apply online only by creating an account
- Upload all required documents in English as PDF
- Can complete application in multiple sessions
- Application fee: 3,000 JPY (non-refundable)
- Use a computer for best experience
Tips for Success
- Begin early: collect documents and secure recommendation letters at least 6–8 weeks ahead
- Customize your SOP to highlight how your skills align with chosen research units
- Demonstrate genuine interest in OIST’s interdisciplinary research culture
- Use clear English and have your application proofread
- If aiming for future PhD, explicitly mention alignment with OIST’s doctoral structure
- Reach out to potential supervisors to express interest thoughtfully
Monthly Living Expenses in Okinawa
- Accommodation: JPY 40,000–80,000 (covered by OIST)
- Food: JPY 30,000–40,000
- Local transit & utilities: JPY 10,000–15,000
- Leisure & misc: JPY 10,000–20,000
Estimated personal expenses: JPY 50,000–75,000/month, depending on lifestyle
Why Choose This Opportunity?
- Access cutting-edge labs under world-class faculty in a supportive, English-speaking environment
- Fully-funded program allowing focus on research and innovation
- Flexible duration that fits academic schedules
- Builds a strong foundation toward OIST’s PhD program and a competitive research career
- Immersive cultural experience in beautiful Okinawa
FAQ (≥ 5 Questions)
- Can I apply with low English scores?
English tests aren’t mandatory, but proficiency is expected. Strong English in your SOP and communication helps bolster your application. - Is insurance included?
No—it’s the intern’s responsibility, though Japanese applicants must have local coverage (e.g., Gakkensai). - Will weekends count as working days?
No—stipend is paid only for weekdays (working days). - Can I bring family?
No—benefits and housing are individual, excluding dependents. - What if I need to cancel?
Application fee is non-refundable; visa, travel, accommodation cannot be retaken or refunded through OIST. - Are there chances for extension?
Extensions are unlikely—internships must conclude by 30 Sept 2026. - What if my research plan changes?
Minor tweaks are permitted with lab approval; major changes might influence placement and stipend.
Official Application Link
Apply and find detailed info here → [OIST Research Internship application page]
