Applications are now open for the prestigious OIST  Internship Program 2027 in Japan. Organized by the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), this fully funded internship provides undergraduate and master’s students from around the world with an opportunity to conduct research under the supervision of leading scientists in a world-class research environment. The internship is ideal for students seeking hands-on research experience and those considering future PhD studies.

Program Overview

• Host Institution: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology
• Location: Okinawa
• Program Type: Research Internship
• Internship Duration: 3 to 6 Months
• Internship Period: April 1, 2027 – September 30, 2027
• Eligible Applicants: International Undergraduate and Master’s Students
• Funding: Fully Funded Research Internship

Financial Benefits

Selected interns will receive:

• Round-trip airfare to Japan
• Free furnished accommodation
• Internship allowance of 2,400 JPY per working day
• Visa and administrative support
• Assistance with obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
• Free OIST shuttle bus transportation
• Access to advanced laboratories and research facilities

Available Research Areas

Students can participate in research projects across a wide range of disciplines, including:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Neuroscience
• Marine Science
• Mathematics
• Computational Science
• Environmental Science
• Ecology
• Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Quantum Science
• Interdisciplinary Research Fields

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled in the final two years of a bachelor’s degree program, or
• Be enrolled in a master’s degree program, or
• Have graduated with a bachelor’s or master’s degree
• Have an academic background relevant to their chosen research area
• Obtain approval from their home institution if currently enrolled
• Demonstrate a strong interest in research and academic development

Current PhD students and PhD graduates are generally not eligible for this internship program.

Required Documents

Applicants need to submit:

• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificate or enrollment certificate
• Statement of Purpose (maximum 400 words)
• Updated CV/Resume
• One to three recommendation letters from professors
• Passport copy (or government-issued identification)
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Optional English proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)

Why Apply?

The OIST Research Internship is one of the most competitive international research internships in Asia. Participants work directly with leading researchers, gain exposure to cutting-edge scientific projects, build an international academic network, and experience a highly diverse research community with members from more than 70 countries and territories. For students considering OIST’s PhD Program, internships lasting four months or longer may also qualify for a PhD lab rotation equivalency opportunity.