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.

For more details, please refer to the OIST Graduate School Three Policies.

Selection Schedule

*Starting from the Fall 2025 Internship, there is a non-refundable, non-waivable 3000 Japanese Yen application fee.
*The schedule is tentative and subject to change

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.

Lab Rotation Equivalency

For those aiming to enroll in the OIST PhD Program within 1 year of finishing the internship, the internship may suffice as one of the PhD Program's required lab rotations. Three lab rotations, including one out of field, will be conducted in your PhD journey here. Research experience as a research intern at OIST may be considered as one in-field lab rotation upon completion of the assignments required for a lab rotation.

Research interns with an internship of four months or longer are eligible to request this Lab Rotation Equivalency opportunity.

For more details, please refer to the following policy - 4.3.3 Lab Rotations.

Application Procedure

We only accept application documents online. To apply for the program, you must create an account.
Please prepare all required documents in English, save them as a PDF file, and upload them to the application website. You can complete the application in one session or save your progress and return to finish it later.

The Fall 2025 Internship is now open. Please visit the application website for more details.

Applying to OIST's Research Internship Program requires payment of 3000JPY. This is used to cover the cost of processing an application and is not refundable under any circumstances.

Note: We recommend using a computer when preparing the online application. If you prefer using a mobile device, please make sure to have the latest operating system for the application website to work properly.

Required Documents

1. Transcript and Diploma
   Scanned copies of your current academic transcript and any other transcript from your past degree (BSc, MSc, etc.) along with completed diploma (BSc, MSc, etc.) in PDF format.
   • 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 enrollment from your institution, preferably indicating your expected graduation date.
2. Statement of Purpose
   This should be no more than 400 words (2500 characters) and should address the following points:
   • How does OIST and your desired research unit(s) fit with your current expertise and skill set? If you are interested in multiple research units, please explain your interest and fit for each unit briefly within one single statement.
   • What do you hope to accomplish at OIST?
   • How does a research internship at OIST fit into your overall career plans/aspirations?
3. Recommendation Letter
   Each applicant is required to have at least one and no more than three letters of recommendation from professorial-level faculty who knows you and your work personally. Letters from lab members or postdoctoral researchers are not eligible. If you include recommendations from industry experience, they must be from a manager who has supervised you.
   
   Please ensure you obtain permission and confirm that you have the correct email address before entering contact information. Your recommender will receive an automatic message from OIST requesting them to submit a recommendation letter. Recommenders must follow the instructions provided in the email. OIST does not accept recommendation letters submitted directly by applicants.
   
   Please be considerate of your recommenders and ensure they have ample time to submit their recommendation letters before the application deadline. OIST does not grant any deadline extensions.
   
   OIST declines to disclose any submitted recommendation letters. To ensure the objectivity of the evaluation, recommendation letters will remain confidential, and applicants will not be permitted to view the letters submitted.
   
   You can only submit your application after at least one recommendation letter is received in the application system.
4. Passport
   The application system requires applicants to provide their passport number and upload a scan of the passport photo page. It is essential for applicants from outside Japan to have a valid passport for travel to Japan. Ensure that you include your passport details during the application process.
   
   If you do not have a passport at the time of application, you can upload other government-issued identification documents instead. However, if you are selected for the program, OIST will need a copy of your valid passport immediately to prepare your visa application and travel arrangement.
5. ID Photo
   Please upload a recent photo taken within the last three months, showing your face from the front in standard passport orientation.

Optional Documents

1. English Proficiency Score
   An English Proficiency Score (iELTS/TOEFL) is not required for the Research Internship application. However, you may upload it if you believe it to strengthen your application.

Application Fee

The application fee for the Research Internship Program is 3,000 Japanese Yen. It is not refundable on any circumstances, nor are fee waivers offered for personal financial situations at this time.

*If you have trouble paying due to international sanctions on your country, please use our Contact Us page describing your situation. Please use "Research Internship" as your reason to contact.