Applications are open for the Fully Funded OIST Internship in Japan.

In addition to the OIST Doctoral Program, seminars, and workshops, the OIST Graduate School offers education and research opportunities through a system of undergraduate and graduate placements as Research Interns. These short-term placements as a Research Intern give a select few talented students the opportunity to gain experience in a particular laboratory or to learn a specific technique. They work under the direction of a Professor at OIST and contribute to the research activities of OIST.

Places for Research Interns are awarded on a competitive basis, with the application period months in advance.  The tenure of Research Intern placements is between 2 and 6 months, typically at least 10 to 12 weeks. Tenure will not normally be extended. Interns may not take extended leave during their time at OIST, and are expected to work full time on their project.  Internships may begin and end at any time during the year, but application deadlines depend on the desired starting date of the internship.

Benefits

Allowance

OIST provides a living allowance, commuting support where necessary, and accommodation either on campus or nearby. Successful applicants will receive a Living Allowance of 2,400 JPY per day (weekends & holidays excluded) while at OIST.

Travel Expenses

OIST will pay for one direct roundtrip travel for Research Interns between the home university or institution and the research unit or other facilities where the internship will take place (usually Okinawa). The travel dates must be as close as possible to the term of the placement.  Travel for successful applicants is arranged by the OIST Graduate School.

Other Support

The Student Support Section of the Graduate School will provide support for Research Interns at OIST with matters such as housing, visa acquisition, insurance procedures, and local registration. OIST regrets that support is not available for dependents, family members, and persons other than the student.

Eligibility

Those eligible to apply include students enrolled at graduate or undergraduate programs in universities, colleges, junior colleges, and vocational schools in Japan or overseas, or recent graduates of such institutions. Bachelor year 3 and 4 and master year 1 & 2 students are particularly encouraged to apply.  Currently, enrolled students must have approval from their home institution.  If you are currently a student, please confirm with your institution.  OIST interns must agree to and follow the OIST agreement.  OIST agreement takes precedence over any other university agreement.

The Graduate University aims to train researchers who will play important roles in the international scientific community at leading scientific institutions in the public and private sectors. Accordingly, the program will make it a principle to recruit candidates with the potential and motivation to become leaders in scientific research on the international stage.  Academically applicants should be at least among the top 20% of students in their program.

We seek interns who are highly motivated by the excitement and potential of the cutting-edge research that is possible at OIST, who have the curiosity and academic ability needed to excel in their chosen areas of study, and who have the capacity for independent research and original thinking. Successful applicants will also require proficiency in oral and written communication skills in English for advanced study in science, and the ability to interact effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds.

Important Dates

All application documents, including the letter of recommendation, must be sent by the deadline listed below for your intake dates.  Application periods correspond to time ranges in which your internship starts. (The deadline for your application depends on the day you plan to start your internship.  For example, if you plan to start May 1, your “Desired Starting Date” is in the range of Apr 1- Sep 30, so the deadline is Oct. 15).

Actual internship periods may include parts of two or more separate intake periods (for example, you could request an internship that lasts from Jan 10- May 10).