RIKEN International Program Associate (IPA)

RIKEN

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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

Non-Japanese PhD candidate enrolled at a Japanese or overseas university that has (or is entering) a joint graduate school partnership with RIKEN. Support from other organisations that overlaps with RIKEN's compensation is deducted.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

The International Program Associate scheme lets non-Japanese doctoral students from partner universities carry out their PhD research at RIKEN, Japan's largest research institution, for one to three years with a living allowance and housing support.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Non-Japanese PhD candidate enrolled at a Japanese or overseas university that has (or is entering) a joint graduate school partnership with RIKEN. Support from other organisations that overlaps with RIKEN's compensation is deducted.
2. Note the deadline. Apr and Sep (RIKEN issues calls for overseas applicants in April and September each year) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Research proposal (for research degrees, if requested); English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
3. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
4. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
5. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.
6. Have your SOP and CV reviewed by someone who has seen successful applications before you submit.

Quick answers

Who can apply for RIKEN International Program Associate (IPA)?

Non-Japanese PhD candidate enrolled at a Japanese or overseas university that has (or is entering) a joint graduate school partnership with RIKEN. Support from other organisations that overlaps with RIKEN's compensation is deducted.

What does RIKEN International Program Associate (IPA) cover?

A round-trip airfare ticket, a daily living allowance of JPY 5,200, free on-campus housing or off-campus rent up to JPY 70,000 a month, and accident insurance, for one to three years of PhD research at RIKEN

When is the deadline for RIKEN International Program Associate (IPA)?

Apr and Sep (RIKEN issues calls for overseas applicants in April and September each year) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with RIKEN International Program Associate (IPA)?

Host countries: Japan.

What documents do I need for RIKEN International Program Associate (IPA)?

Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Research proposal (for research degrees, if requested); English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).

How much work is the RIKEN International Program Associate (IPA) application?

Very High: Application through a partner university and RIKEN research group + research plan + supervisor support