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The OIST Research Internship Spring 2027 is funded. Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology in Japan pays your round-trip flight, gives you furnished housing, and pays an allowance of 2,400 yen per working day, for a 4 to 6 month research placement in one of its labs. It is open to students from any country.
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Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host country | Japan (Okinawa) |
| Institution | Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) |
| Length | 4 to 6 months, between April and September 2027 |
| Funding | Round-trip flight, furnished housing, 2,400 yen per working day, visa support |
| Who can apply | Final-two-year undergraduates, master’s students, recent graduates |
| Application fee | 5,000 yen |
| Deadline | 15 October 2026. See the Deadline section. |
What is the OIST Research Internship?
OIST is a graduate research university in Okinawa with staff from more than 70 countries. Its research internship places you in a lab of your choice for 4 to 6 months, working on real research with OIST faculty. Many interns use it to test whether they want to do a PhD at OIST later.
What the internship covers
- One round-trip air ticket
- Furnished accommodation on or off campus
- An internship allowance of 2,400 yen per working day
- Help with your visa paperwork
- A shuttle bus pass
Fields you can work in
- Physics and quantum science
- Chemistry
- Mathematics and computational sciences
- Neuroscience and biology
- Marine, environmental, and ecological science
Who can apply
- Students in the last two years of a bachelor’s degree
- Students in any year of a master’s degree
- People who have finished a bachelor’s or master’s degree
- Current students need approval from their home university
Current PhD students and PhD holders cannot apply.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
No. OIST does not require an English test for the research internship. You can add a score if you think it helps your application.
Is there an application fee?
Yes, 5,000 yen, and it is not refundable. If international sanctions stop you from paying, OIST asks you to contact them through its website.
Required documents
- Your transcripts and diploma, or proof of enrolment
- A statement of purpose of up to 250 words
- Your CV
- One to three recommendation letters from professors
- Your passport details and a recent ID photo
How to write your statement of purpose
You have 250 words, so be direct. Say what you want to achieve at OIST, which lab or field interests you, and how this internship fits your career plans. Name the research you want to do.
How to apply, step by step
- Check the faculty and project list on the OIST website and pick the labs that fit you.
- Create an account on the OIST application site.
- Upload your documents and ask your professors to submit their letters.
- Pay the 5,000 yen fee and submit after at least one letter has arrived.
Selection process
OIST looks at your academic background, your statement, your references, and whether your desired lab has space and funding. Results for the Spring 2027 round come in mid-December 2026.
Deadline
15 October 2026, 23:59 Japan time.
This one is close. Your recommendation letters must arrive before you can submit, so contact your professors today. Confirm the date on the official OIST page.
Have a question?
Drop your question in the comments and we will help. Tell us your country and your field and we will point you in the right direction.
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