OIST Research Internship 2027 in Japan Opens Applications for International Students

Applications have opened for the Spring 2027 OIST Research Internship Programme, a fully funded research opportunity offered by the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology. The programme is open to international students and recent graduates from around the world and will run between April 1 and September 30, 2027.

The internship provides participants with an opportunity to conduct research under the supervision of OIST faculty members while gaining exposure to a globally recognised scientific research environment in Japan.

Key Details

• Host Country: Japan
• Host Institution: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology
• Duration: 3 to 6 months
• Internship Period: April 1, 2027 – September 30, 2027
• Funding: Fully Funded
• Application Deadline: October 15, 2026

Financial Benefits

Selected interns will receive comprehensive support, including:

• Internship allowance of 2,400 Japanese Yen per day
• OIST community support, including a shuttle bus pass
• One direct round-trip airfare
• Furnished accommodation, either on-campus or off-campus
• Administrative assistance, including visa-related support

Research Areas

The OIST Research Internship Programme is available across a wide range of STEM disciplines, including:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Neuroscience
• Mathematics
• Computational Science
• Environmental Science
• Ecological Science
• Marine Science
• Engineering
• Medical and Life Sciences

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants from all nationalities are eligible to apply. The programme is open to:

• Undergraduate students currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree programme
• Graduate students enrolled in a master's programme
• Recent graduates holding a bachelor's or master's degree

Notably, IELTS and TOEFL scores are not mandatory for the application process.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following through the online application portal:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of Interest
• Letter of Recommendation
• Academic Transcript
• Passport-style ID Photograph

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the official OIST internship portal.

For complete programme details and the application process, visit:

OIST Research Internship Programme Official Page

The internship is considered one of Asia's leading research opportunities for undergraduate and master's students seeking international laboratory experience and exposure to cutting-edge scientific research.