Students enrolled in bachelor’s and master’s programs or those who have just graduated and are considering applying to the OIST PhD program may work as research interns at OIST. Click here to learn more about this opportunity.
About Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Internship
Students enrolled in bachelor’s and master’s programs or those who have just graduated and are considering applying to the OIST PhD program may work as research interns at OIST to complete their coursework. Students can gain experience working in a research environment under the guidance of OIST faculty by participating in a research internship at OIST.
Positions for research interns are given out twice a year based on competition. Selection is extremely competitive and is based on a number of factors, including financing, space, academic standing, and the suitability of the planned study. It is not a certain that all open positions will be filled.
In addition to not discriminating against gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, race, ethnicity, ancestry, culture, national origin, religion, or marital status, OIST works to establish and uphold an inclusive, equitable, and diverse environment. They especially invite applications from women and other underrepresented groups.
Available Fields
STEM fields are eligible to apply for the OIST Research Intern program.
- Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Neuroscience, Mathematics, Computational Science, Environmental, Ecological, and Marine Sciences, Science, Engineering, and Medical.
Note: The interns will work under the professor’s supervision. You can check the professor’s name and the available internship spots here.
Benefits of Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Internship
- Internship Allowance: JPY 2,400 per working day.
- Commuting Allowance: OIST Shuttle Bus Pass.
- Travel Expenses: One direct round-trip flight ticket
- Accommodation: A furnished flat on or off campus.
- Visa Assistance: OIST will also aid with visa applications, insurance procedures, and local registration
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Internship Requirments
- Excellent students in the final two years of undergraduate or Masters programs at universities, colleges, junior colleges, and vocational schools in Japan or abroad, as well as graduates from such institutions, are eligible to apply for the OIST Research Internship Program.
- Currently enrolled students require approval from their home university.
- Applicants’ academic backgrounds should be appropriate for their selected host unit(s) at OIST.
- When accepted into the OIST Research Internship program, research interns from Japanese universities/institutions must plan and provide their own insurance.
- Acceptable insurances include the combination of Gakkensai and Gakkenbai, as well as other insurances that provide equivalent coverage.
Documents Requirement:
- Academic Transcript (Scanned copies) and Diploma: copy of your most recent academic transcripts, as well as any others from previous degrees (BSc, MSc, etc.). Diploma in PDF format (BSc, MSc, etc.) if appropriate.
- You can upload a scan of an unofficial transcript or other grade record to the application page.
- Transcripts written in a language other than English must be explained in English.
- Please attach a copy of your enrollment certificate from your university if you haven’t graduated yet (ideally with the date you plan to graduate).
- ID Photo (Recent one): Upload a current picture that shows your face front and center in the usual passport orientation.
- Recommendation Letter: It is necessary to obtain a letter of recommendation from an academic or research specialist who has reviewed your work. Each applicant must provide a minimum of one and a maximum of three recommendation letters from qualified referees. Using the email contact information you supply in the online application form, the application system will contact your recommenders directly to request the letter or letters. Before entering your referee’s information in the form, please get their permission. They do not accept application letters sent to them via email. As soon as OIST gets a reference letter, applicants will receive an immediate notification through the application system.
- Statement of Interest (400 words): The online application form includes a Statement of Interest form. Please compose a statement that is 400 words (2500 characters) long that contains the following points:
- How do your targeted research unit(s) and OIST fit within your present skill set and area of expertise? If you are interested in more than one research unit, please provide a brief explanation of your interest in and suitability for each in a single statement.
- What goals do you have for yourself at OIST?
- What role does an OIST research internship play in your larger professional goals?
Note: They may request that an Internship Report be completed at the end of the program.
Note: When preparing the online application, they advise using a computer. In order for the program to function properly on a mobile device, please ensure that it is running the most recent version of the operating system.
Application Date and Process
- The online application website is the only way to apply to the program.
- Only after receiving a minimum of one recommendation letter through the application system may you proceed with submitting your application.
- An automated message confirming receipt of your application will be sent to you. (Please make sure you can receive emails from the @oist.jp domain by checking your settings.)
- Applications will be evaluated and selection will be finalized after the application period.
- Three months after the application deadline, the results will be posted on your application platform. A notification will be sent to you upon the result’s posting. (Occasionally, the email services or settings of applicants block us from notifying them. Verify that emails from the @oist.jp domain can reach your inbox.)
Application Deadline
15 April, 2024
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