The OIST Internship Program 2026 in Japan offers students worldwide the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), Japan. This fully funded internship provides financial support, including travel costs, accommodation, and a stipend, allowing students to focus on their research without financial burdens.
In this post, we will provide full details about the OIST Research Internship, including eligibility requirements, benefits, required documents, and a step-by-step application guide.
OIST Internship Program 2026 in Japan Summary
- Host Country: Japan
- Study Abroad: Study in Asia
- Host Institute: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST)
- Category: Internships Scholarships (Research)
- Eligible Countries: All Nationalities
- Duration: 3 to 6 months
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Language Requirement: English only
- Deadline: October 15, 2025
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OIST Internship Program 2026 in Japan Details
The OIST Research Internship Program provides international students with an opportunity to work alongside top researchers in various fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, neuroscience, mathematics, computational science, and engineering.
Interns are assigned to a host research unit where they gain hands-on experience by participating in active research projects. This program aims to train students in advanced scientific methods, develop their research skills, and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.
OIST covers all costs for selected interns, ensuring that they can fully focus on their research projects without financial stress.
Explore this Fully Funded Internship in Japan on our YouTube Channel:
Eligibility Requirements for the OIST Internship Program 2026 in Japan
To be eligible for the OIST Internship Program 2026 in Japan, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be currently enrolled in the last two years of a bachelor’s degree or enrolled in any year of a master’s degree at a university, college, junior college, or vocational school in Japan or overseas.
- Recent graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree are also eligible to apply.
- Currently enrolled students must obtain approval from their home institution before applying.
- Applicants must have an academic background relevant to their desired research unit at OIST.
- A non-refundable application fee of 3,000 JPY is required to apply for the OIST Research Internship Program. This fee covers the cost of processing applications, and it is non-refundable
- Research interns from Japanese universities/institutions must have their own insurance coverage, such as a combination of Gakkensai and Gakkenbai or other similar insurance plans.
If you’re interested in the OIST Internship Program 2026 in Japan, you may also want to check out these similar opportunities:
- GIST Global Internship Program 2025 in South Korea (Fully Funded)
- Fully Funded Undergraduate Internship at Yale University 2025
- Richard and Susan Hayden Academy Fellowship 2025 | Fully Funded Fellowship in UK
- 2025 University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF) Scholarship in Canada
Benefits of the Internship
Selected research interns will receive the following support during their internship at OIST:
- Internship Allowance: 2,400 JPY per working day.
- Community Allowance: OIST Shuttle Bus Pass for convenient transportation.
- Travel Expenses: One direct round-trip air ticket (travel date aligned with the internship period).
- Accommodation: Furnished housing provided either on or off campus.
- Administrative Support: Assistance with Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) for visa application and registration procedures.
Note: These benefits apply only to the research intern and do not extend to dependents, family members, or others.
Required Documents for the OIST Internship Program 2026 in Japan
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents as part of their application:
- Transcript and Diploma (scanned copies of academic records, English translation required if applicable)
- Statement of Purpose (max 400 words covering research interests and career goals)
- Recommendation Letter(s) (at least one, max three, from eligible faculty or supervisors)
- Passport (scanned photo page or government-issued ID if unavailable)
- ID Photo (recent, passport-style, taken within the last three months)
All documents must be submitted in English or with an official English translation.
Note: For the full explanation of the required documents, check here OIST Research Internship Application
Watch the full video about this fellowship in the USA on our YouTube channel:
How to Apply for the OIST Internship Program 2026 in Japan (Step by Step)
To apply for the OIST Internship Program 2026 in Japan, follow these steps:
- Create an account and complete the online application on the official OIST application portal
- Upload all required documents (CV, Statement of Interest, Academic Transcript, etc.).
- Request a recommendation letter from your academic advisor or professor.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
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Selection Schedule
- Application Deadline: October 15, 2025
- Result Announcement: Late December 2025
- Internship Period: April 1st, 2026 – September 30th, 2026
Deadline
The application deadline for the OIST Internship Program 2026 in Japan is October 15, 2025.
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