The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology is the host institution for the OIST internship 2025 in Japan.
If you have an interest in having an internship experience in Japan, then this is a perfect opportunity for you.
All international students of various nationalities are eligible to apply for the OIST internship 2025.
The internship normally has two dates within a calendar year. It takes place on March 31, 2025, and October 1, 2024.
The time frame for this internship is between two and six months with selected applicants benefiting from a daily allowance of JPY 2,400.
Again, interns will have their daily transportation costs, traveling expenses, visa application fees and accommodation successfully taken care of.
OIST Research Internship Program Breakdown:
- Internship Deadline:
- Fall 2024 Internship: April 15, 2025
- Spring 2025 Internship: October 15th, 2024
- Location: Japan
- Internship Period: Typically from 2 to 6 months
- Institution(s): Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST)
OIST Research Internship Program Main Areas:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Neuroscience
- Mathematics
- Computational Science,
- Environmental
- Ecological, and Marine Sciences.
- Engineering science.
NOTE: Interns will be supervised by designated professors in their work. Get information on available internship programs and the names of supervising professors HERE.
OIST Research Internship Program Benefits:
- Accommodations: On- or off-campus furnished apartment
- Benefit for commuting: OIST shuttle bus pass
- Allowance for Internship: JPY 2,400 per day (working day)
- Travel costs: One round-trip ticket for a direct flight
- Support for Visas: OIST will also help with local registration, insurance procedures, and visa acquisition.
OIST Research Internship Program Required Documents:
- Academic Transcript and Diploma
- Copy of your most recent academic transcripts, as well as any others from previous degrees (BSc, MSc, etc.)
- You can upload a scan of an unofficial transcript or other grade-related paperwork to the application page.
- Transcripts that are not in English require an explanation in English.
- If you are not yet a graduate or do not have a diploma, kindly affix a copy of your transcript (ideally with your anticipated graduation date on it).
- Diploma in PDF format (BSc, MSc, etc.) if appropriate
- A scan of an unofficial transcript or other record of grades may be uploaded to the application website.
- English explanation is required for transcripts that are not written in English.
- If you have not graduated and do not have a diploma yet, please upload a certificate of enrolment from your institution (which preferably indicates your expected graduation date)
- Statement of purpose
- The Statement of Interest form is provided on the online application form.
- In your own words write a statement of purpose in 400 words based on the key points below:
- In what ways do your intended research unit(s) and OIST complement your current knowledge and skill sets? If you are interested in more than one research unit, please provide a brief explanation of your qualifications for each in a separate statement.
- What goals do you have for yourself at OIST?
- What role does an OIST research internship play in your larger professional objectives?
- Letter of recommendation
- It is required that a letter of recommendation be provided by an academic or research professional who is familiar with your work. Each applicant must provide a minimum of one and a maximum of three recommendation letters from qualified referees. Using the email addresses you provide on the online application form, the application system will get in touch with your recommenders directly to request the letter or letters. Before entering your referee’s details in the form, please get their consent. We do not accept email correspondence from applicants. Through the application system, candidates will automatically be notified when OIST receives a reference letter.
OIST Research Internship Program Qualification:
- Applicants should be able to read and write English.
- All nations worldwide are eligible.
- Students who are in their final two years of undergraduate or Masters studies in universities, colleges, junior colleges, and vocational schools in Japan or abroad, or who have graduated from such institutions.
- Students who are currently enrolled need permission from their home institution. Applicants’ academic backgrounds should match the host unit(s) at OIST they are interested in.
- Upon acceptance into the OIST Research Internship program, research interns affiliated with Japanese universities or institutions must arrange for and bring proof of insurance. Combining Gakkensai and Gakkenbai insurances, or other insurances with comparable coverage, are acceptable options.
How to Apply for an OIST Research Internship?
- Applications for the program must be submitted online. Get the online form HERE.
- You can only submit your application once at least one recommendation letter has been received in the application system.
- You will receive an automatic notification that your application has been received. (Please verify your settings to make sure you can receive emails from the @oist.jp domain.)
- Following the application time, applications will be evaluated and a selection will be made.
- The results will be announced on your application platform three months following the application deadline. You will be notified once the result has been posted. (In some circumstances, applicants’ email services and settings prevent them from receiving our notifications. Please confirm that your inbox accepts emails from the @oist.jp domain.)
- Following formal confirmation of internship offers, all relevant arrangements will be made in consultation with the interns. Your assistance is required to complete the logistics for the internship, including possible visa preparations and other Japanese government papers.