29/08/2025
OIST Research Internship
OIST awards competitive research internships twice yearly. Selection is based on research proposal suitability, academic background, funding, and lab space. Not all positions may be filled.
Our Commitment
OIST is an inclusive, equitable, and diverse community that does not discriminate. We strongly encourage applications from women and underrepresented groups.
Schedule & Duration
Internship Period Application Deadline Result Announcement Internship Dates
Spring 2026 (Oct 15, 2025 to Dec. 2025) & (Apr 1 - Sep. 30, 2026)
Fall 2026 (Apr15, 2026 to Jun 2026) & (Oct1, 2026 - Mar. 31, 2027)
Duration: 3 to 6 months within the above periods.
Schedule is tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility
You are eligible if you are:
In the final two years of a Bachelor's program.
Enrolled in a Master's program.
A recent graduate (BSc or MSc).
Currently enrolled students require institutional approval. Your background must align with your desired research unit(s). This internship is for those seeking research experience prior to a PhD; it is not for current PhD students.
Lab Rotation Equivalency
Internships of four months or longer may count as an in-field lab rotation for those who enroll in the OIST PhD Program within one year.
To Apply:
Create an account on our online portal.
Prepare all documents in English as PDFs.
Pay the non-refundable application fee (¥3,000 JPY).
Submit your application by the deadline.
We recommend using a computer to apply.
Required Application Documents
Transcript(s) & Diploma: Scanned copies of all transcripts and diplomas (BSc, MSc, etc.). Provide English translations if necessary. Current students may submit an enrollment certificate.
Statement of Purpose (max 400 words):
How your skills fit your desired research unit(s).
What you hope to accomplish.
How the internship fits your career goals.
Recommendation Letter: 1-3 letters from professorial-level faculty. Recommenders will be contacted via email to submit confidentially; letters from applicants are not accepted.
Passport: Upload a scan of your passport photo page or government-issued ID.
ID Photo: A recent, front-facing passport-style photo.
Optional Document: English proficiency scores (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL) may be submitted to strengthen your application.
Note: Your application can only be submitted after at least one recommendation letter is received.
Official Site: https://www.oist.jp/admissions/research-internship/apply-research-internship
Research Intern places are awarded twice a year on a competitive basis. Selection is highly competitive, and depends on suitability of the intended research, academic background, available funding, and space. Not all available positions will necessarily be filled. For detailed explanations of the in...