Student Support Package
The student support package ensures that your basic needs are met. The practical needs of your life in Okinawa are taken care of so that you can concentrate on research in a supportive environment.
Financial support
Students in the PhD program are expected to engage full-time in advanced study and research. Financial support of 2.4 million yen per year is provided for each year of approved full-time study, which is sufficient to ensure a comfortable standard of living. Course fees will also be covered. Students additionally receive a financial contribution towards a home visit once per year. Provision for personal computing costs and international travel to attend conferences is budgeted separately.
While the university guarantees support, students are strongly encouraged to apply for external fellowships. In order to reward success, financial support provided by the university will be used to supplement external fellowships, up to a maximum of 3.0 million yen total, which is 0.5 million yen above the standard level.
Health care
OIST has a Campus Clinic service during working hours. If necessary, the clinic refers students to local health services. All OIST students have health insurance coverage. Excellent hospitals and clinics are available in Okinawa, and assistance with English and other languages is available.
Childcare
The OIST Childcare Association is working with the OIST administration to provide excellent on-campus early-childhood education facilities.
Housing
Subsidized accommodation is provided in an area called the Campus Village, which is situated on a lake and surrounded by natural forest on a hillside overlooking subtropical beaches. Students may choose among architecturally designed single, double, or family housing options that include kitchen and living rooms. Housing is located a short walk from amenities and close to the laboratory buildings. The apartments are all brand new with stunning sea views only a 5-minute walk from a beautiful beach.
Student rents for a furnished one room apartment are expected to be as follows: single occupancy apartment - monthly rent 36,000 yen, annual rent 432,000 yen; two room apartment shared by two students - monthly rent 17,500 yen per person, annual rent 210,000 yen per person. Furnished units will be available at a surcharge.
Assistance with visa requirements
The student support section provides assistance with student visas. Students must have completed visa requirements prior to registration. Students needing assistance must contact the student support section at least three months prior to registration dates. Students cannot be registered who do not have valid student visas.
Recreational, cultural and social activities
The student support section supports the welfare of students by organizing and facilitating recreational, cultural and social activities.
