OIST Research Internship Programme

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST)

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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 in the last two years of a bachelor's degree, any year of a master's, or graduates of a bachelor's or master's, from Japan or overseas. Current or former PhD students are not eligible; enrolled students need home-institution approval. Documents: transcripts, statement of purpose (250 words), CV and 1 to 3 recommendation letters.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

OIST is an elite, English-speaking interdisciplinary graduate university in Okinawa, Japan, offering two application rounds per year for 3-to-6-month fully funded Research Internships. Interns work directly inside one of OIST’s 90+ research units spanning quantum physics, polymer and materials chemistry, neuroscience, marine genomics, robotics, and machine learning, with OIST handling all flights, housing, and Japanese visa logistics.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Students in the last two years of a bachelor's degree, any year of a master's, or graduates of a bachelor's or master's, from Japan or overseas. Current or former PhD students are not eligible; enrolled students need home-institution approval. Documents: transcripts, statement of purpose (250 words), CV and 1 to 3 recommendation letters.
2. Note the deadline. Apr 15 and Oct 15 (twice a year; apply by 15 Oct for the spring period starting in April, and by 15 Apr for the autumn period starting in October - the next deadline is 15 Apr 2027, results in mid-June) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Statement of Purpose (400 words / 2,500 chars): Concise essay answering how OIST and your desired research unit(s) fit your current expertise and future PhD career goals.; Academic Transcripts & Diploma: Scanned English transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.; Recommendation Letter: At least 1 (up to 3) confidential academic reference letters submitted directly by referees via the OIST portal.; Curriculum Vitae & ID Photo: Detailed CV and passport photo..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Central Academic Review → Direct Evaluation & Video Interview by Target OIST Principal Investigators → Final Fellowship Selection (~2.5 months after deadline).

Profile of past winners

Curious, interdisciplinary STEM students who write a sharp 400-word statement connecting their exact experimental or computational background to 1–2 specific OIST professors without exceeding character limits.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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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. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
4. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
5. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
6. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.

Quick answers

Who can apply for OIST Research Internship Programme?

Students in the last two years of a bachelor's degree, any year of a master's, or graduates of a bachelor's or master's, from Japan or overseas. Current or former PhD students are not eligible; enrolled students need home-institution approval. Documents: transcripts, statement of purpose (250 words), CV and 1 to 3 recommendation letters.

What does OIST Research Internship Programme cover?

A 4 to 6 month research internship at OIST; the page does not describe a stipend, so ask OIST about funding and accommodation. A non-refundable application fee of JPY 5,000 applies.

When is the deadline for OIST Research Internship Programme?

Apr 15 and Oct 15 (twice a year; apply by 15 Oct for the spring period starting in April, and by 15 Apr for the autumn period starting in October - the next deadline is 15 Apr 2027, results in mid-June) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with OIST Research Internship Programme?

Host countries: Japan.

What documents do I need for OIST Research Internship Programme?

Statement of Purpose (400 words / 2,500 chars): Concise essay answering how OIST and your desired research unit(s) fit your current expertise and future PhD career goals.; Academic Transcripts & Diploma: Scanned English transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.; Recommendation Letter: At least 1 (up to 3) confidential academic reference letters submitted directly by referees via the OIST portal.; Curriculum Vitae & ID Photo: Detailed CV and passport photo..

How are applicants selected for OIST Research Internship Programme?

Central Academic Review → Direct Evaluation & Video Interview by Target OIST Principal Investigators → Final Fellowship Selection (~2.5 months after deadline).

How much work is the OIST Research Internship Programme application?

Very High: Online OIST Portal Form + 400-Word Statement of Purpose + Research Unit Preferences (1–3 Labs) + Transcripts + 1–3 Reference Letters