OIST Research Internship

The OIST Research Internship Programme provides short-term research experience at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University in Okinawa, Japan. Interns work in OIST research laboratories under the direction of faculty members and gain practical experience in an advanced international research environment.

The programme is particularly relevant to students and graduates who want to strengthen their research experience or explore whether pursuing a future PhD at OIST may be suitable for their academic goals.

Research opportunities span a broad range of science and technology disciplines, including:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Mathematical sciences
• Computational sciences
• Marine sciences
• Neuroscience
• Molecular biology
• Cellular and developmental biology
• Environmental and ecological science
• Quantum science
• Other interdisciplinary STEM areas

Applicants indicate their Faculty of Interest when applying. However, OIST specifically asks applicants not to contact faculty members to obtain approval or support before submitting an application. Research-unit placement depends on academic fit, available projects, funding and capacity.

For the Spring 2027 round, internships must take place within the official period from 1 April to 30 September 2027, normally lasting between four and six months.

Research interns completing an internship of at least four months may also be eligible to request Lab Rotation Equivalency if they later enter the OIST PhD Programme within the applicable period and meet the relevant requirements.

• Applicants may be from universities or educational institutions in Japan or overseas.
• Bachelor’s students must be in their final two years of study by the proposed internship start date.
• Students enrolled in any year of a Master’s degree may apply.
• Applicants who have already completed a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree may apply.
• Currently enrolled students must obtain approval from their home institution.
• The applicant’s academic background must be appropriate for the desired OIST research unit.
• Applicants should be seeking additional research experience.
• Applicants interested in potentially pursuing the OIST PhD Programme are particularly suited to the internship.
• Current PhD students are not eligible.
• Applicants who have already completed a PhD are not eligible.

Selected Research Interns receive:

• JPY 2,400 internship allowance per working day.
• One direct round-trip air ticket, with travel arranged for dates closest to the internship period.
• Furnished accommodation on or off campus, funded by OIST or the host research unit.
• OIST Shuttle Bus Pass for transportation.
• Assistance with obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) for visa purposes where applicable.
• Administrative support with registration procedures.
• Access to OIST laboratories, research infrastructure and faculty supervision.
• International research experience in a multidisciplinary environment.

Applicants must prepare the following documents in English:

• Current academic transcript.
• Transcripts from previous Bachelor’s or Master’s studies, where applicable.
• Completed degree diploma/certificate, where applicable.
• Certificate of enrolment for applicants who have not yet graduated, preferably showing the expected graduation date.
• Statement of Purpose – maximum 250 words / 1,500 characters.
• Current CV outlining academic background, research experience, skills and achievements.
• One to three recommendation letters in English from professorial-level faculty who can assess the applicant’s academic and research potential.
• Passport details and scan of the passport photo page.
• Government-issued identification may be uploaded temporarily if the applicant does not yet have a passport.
• Recent passport-style photograph taken within the previous three months.
• IELTS/TOEFL or other English proficiency score – optional.

Official OIST information indicates that selection considers:

• Suitability of the proposed research.
• Applicant’s academic background.
• Academic qualifications and training.
• Research capabilities and potential.
• Alignment between the applicant’s background and desired host research unit.
• Availability of appropriate research projects.
• Availability of funding.
• Available capacity or space within the host research unit.

• Gain hands-on research experience at an internationally recognised science and technology university.
• Work under the supervision of OIST faculty members.
• Access advanced research facilities and laboratories.
• Develop practical research and scientific communication skills.
• Experience interdisciplinary research across different STEM fields.
• Build international academic and research connections.
• Explore OIST’s research environment before considering its PhD Programme.
• Potentially use an eligible internship towards an OIST PhD lab rotation later, subject to the applicable conditions.