OIST Graduate School - Research Internship Program (Fall 2025)

The OIST Graduate School offers education and research opportunities through our Research Internship program in STEM fields. The internship is typically 3 to 6 months. These short-term placements give students the opportunity to gain experience in a particular laboratory or to learn a specific technique. Research Interns will work under the direction of a Professor and contribute to the research activities of OIST.

Those who are currently enrolled in their last two years of a bachelor's degree, enrolled in any year of a master's degree, or those who have graduated with a bachelor's or master's degree and are interested in joining the OIST PhD program may undertake educational activity at OIST as a Research Intern. A research internship at OIST gives students experience working in a research environment directed by OIST faculty.

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 internship, please see Research Intern Details.

OIST strives to create and maintain an inclusive, equitable, and diverse environment that does not discriminate against gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, medical condition, race, ethnicity, ancestry, culture, national origin, religion, or marital status. Applications from women and other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.

Eligibility

Those who are currently enrolled in their last two years of a bachelor's degree, enrolled in any year of a master's degree in universities, colleges, junior colleges, and vocational schools in Japan or overseas, or those who have graduated with a bachelor's or master's degree, are eligible to apply for the Research Internship at OIST.

Currently enrolled students must have approval from their home institution. The academic background of applicants should be appropriate to their desired host unit(s) at OIST.

Research Interns who belong to a Japanese university/institution are required to prepare and bring their own insurances when accepted to the OIST Research Internship program. Acceptable insurances are the combination of Gakkensai and Gakkenbai, or other insurances with similar coverage.

Support

The following supports are only available for the research intern and do not extend to dependents, family members, or others.

Internship Allowance

2,400 JPY per working day

Commuting Allowance

OIST Shuttle Bus Pass

Travel Expenses

One direct round-trip air ticket (travel date will be closest date to the term of placement)

Accommodation

Furnished accommodation on or off campus

Administrative Support

Acquisition of Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) for your visa application and as well as registration procedures