Research Internship at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Japan

Research Internship at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Japan

The OIST Research Internship Program offers international and Japanese students an exceptional opportunity to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge life science research. With placements across diverse fields such as neuroscience, molecular biology, marine sciences, and environmental science, students can expand their academic expertise, explore interdisciplinary approaches, and build a global research network.

About the OIST

OIST is a globally recognized graduate school and research institute in Japan. The institute fosters an inclusive, diverse, and interdisciplinary research environment. With over 1,100 staff from across the world, OIST provides students the chance to build international networks while advancing their academic and professional careers.

OIST Research Internship Program

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate School (OIST) offers education and research opportunities through its Research Internship Program in STEM fields.

Program Description

The research internship is a short-term placement (3–6 months) in a laboratory of your choice, subject to:

• Suitability of intended research
• Academic background
• Available funding and lab space

Research fields include:

• Marine Sciences, Neuroscience
• Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology
• Environmental & Ecological Science

Who Should Apply for Research Internship

The program is ideal for students who:

• Want to gain hands-on experience with specific research techniques
• Seek interdisciplinary research exposure
• Wish to expand their international academic network
• Value diversity, equity, and inclusion; OIST encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups
• Are considering applying to the OIST PhD Program and want to evaluate the research environment

Lab Rotation Equivalency:

Internships of 4 months or longer may count as one in-field lab rotation for students enrolling in the OIST PhD Program within one year.

Support Provided

• Travel Expenses: One direct round-trip air ticket
• Accommodation: Furnished on/off-campus accommodation funded by OIST or host lab
• Administrative Support: Assistance with Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) and registration
• Internship Allowance: 2,400 JPY per working day
• Transportation Support: OIST Shuttle Bus Pass

Selection Schedule

Minimum internship: 3 months; maximum: 6 months

Applications for Fall 2026 are open (submission expected March 1 – April 15, 2026)

Eligibility for Research Internship

Applicants must be:

• Enrolled in the last 2 years of a bachelor’s degree, any year of a master’s degree, or already holds a bachelor’s or master’s degree
• Students must have approval from their home institution
• Academic background should align with the desired host lab
• Intended for those seeking research experience and possibly considering the OIST PhD Program later
• Japanese university applicants must bring their own insurance (e.g., Gakkensai & Gakkenbai)

Note: Current or graduated PhD students should explore other OIST opportunities.

Research Internship Application Procedure

Applications are accepted online only.

Steps:

1. Create an account on the application website
2. Prepare required documents in English, PDF format
3. Upload documents in one session or save progress to finish later

Application Documents:

• Transcript & Diploma: Scanned copies of current and past degrees; English translations required if not in English. Certificate of enrollment if not yet graduated.
• Statement of Purpose: Max 400 words (2500 characters). Include:
  • Fit with OIST and desired research unit(s)
  • Research goals at OIST
  • Career aspirations and how the internship supports them
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Academic background, research experience, skills, accomplishments
• Recommendation Letter(s): 1–3 letters from professorial-level faculty in English
• Passport: Scan of photo page (or other ID if no passport yet)
• ID Photo: Recent passport-style photo
• English Proficiency Score (optional): iELTS/TOEFL

Application Fee: 3,000 JPY (non-refundable). Include the application link at the end:

APPLY ONLINE HERE