NIGINTERN Research Internship Program (National Institute of Genetics)

National Institute of Genetics (NIG) & SOKENDAI — Mishima, Shizuoka

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Students interested in life sciences who are in their pre-final year when they apply and live outside Japan; nationality is not restricted. Apply only through the online application system.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Hosted by Japan’s National Institute of Genetics (NIG) in Mishima (at the foot of Mount Fuji), the NIGINTERN program selects ~8–12 outstanding international students each summer for an intensive 6-week laboratory internship. Interns conduct independent genetics, developmental biology, or genome informatics research, attend graduate lectures at SOKENDAI, take basic Japanese lessons, and present their findings at the NIG Intern Symposium.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Students interested in life sciences who are in their pre-final year when they apply and live outside Japan; nationality is not restricted. Apply only through the online application system.
2. Note the deadline. Dec – Jan (the latest round ran 1 Dec 2025 – 5 Jan 2026 at noon JST for a six-week programme, 8 Jun – 17 Jul 2026; probable window for the next round - confirm on the NIG page) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Motivation Letter (Max 500 words): Essay explaining your motivation to pursue genetics research at NIG and your top preferred host laboratories.; Curriculum Vitae: Academic CV summarizing coursework and laboratory/computational experiences.; Official Academic Transcripts: University grade sheets for all academic years completed.; Two Recommendation Letters: Uploaded directly by two academic advisors via the NIGINTERN online system before the deadline..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Evaluation of Academic Standing & Motivation Essay → Shortlisting by NIG Host Lab Professors → Final Selection in late February.

Profile of past winners

Pre-final year Bachelor’s and 1st-year Master’s students with hands-on molecular genetics or bioinformatics experience who express genuine interest in NIG’s 5-year or 3-year SOKENDAI PhD program.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Tailor your CV to the role: lead with the skills and projects the posting asks for.
2. Write a short, specific motivation statement. Name the team or project you want to join and why.
3. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
4. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
5. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
6. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.

Quick answers

Who can apply for NIGINTERN Research Internship Program (National Institute of Genetics)?

Students interested in life sciences who are in their pre-final year when they apply and live outside Japan; nationality is not restricted. Apply only through the online application system.

What does NIGINTERN Research Internship Program (National Institute of Genetics) cover?

Not fully funded in the latest round: NIG covers round-trip airfare up to JPY 200,000 and travel insurance. Participants pay any airfare above that, domestic travel, accommodation at the NIG Guest House (about JPY 70,000 for 39 nights) and living expenses. No stipend is stated.

When is the deadline for NIGINTERN Research Internship Program (National Institute of Genetics)?

Dec – Jan (the latest round ran 1 Dec 2025 – 5 Jan 2026 at noon JST for a six-week programme, 8 Jun – 17 Jul 2026; probable window for the next round - confirm on the NIG page) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with NIGINTERN Research Internship Program (National Institute of Genetics)?

Host countries: Japan.

What documents do I need for NIGINTERN Research Internship Program (National Institute of Genetics)?

Motivation Letter (Max 500 words): Essay explaining your motivation to pursue genetics research at NIG and your top preferred host laboratories.; Curriculum Vitae: Academic CV summarizing coursework and laboratory/computational experiences.; Official Academic Transcripts: University grade sheets for all academic years completed.; Two Recommendation Letters: Uploaded directly by two academic advisors via the NIGINTERN online system before the deadline..

How are applicants selected for NIGINTERN Research Internship Program (National Institute of Genetics)?

Evaluation of Academic Standing & Motivation Essay → Shortlisting by NIG Host Lab Professors → Final Selection in late February.

How much work is the NIGINTERN Research Internship Program (National Institute of Genetics) application?

Very High: NIGINTERN Portal registration + 500-Word Motivation Essay + Curriculum Vitae + Academic Transcripts + 2 Reference Letters