OIST offers internationally competitive financial support. PhD students receive 2.52 million JPY in their first year, increasing to 3.6 million JPY/year as they progress, through a Research Assistantship that also covers tuition. In addition, students receive relocation support, a personal computer, and funding for conference travel. External fellowships are strongly encouraged and can be supplemented by OIST support.

Research Interns receive 2,400 JPY/day, housing, commuting support, and a round-trip flight. With generous support, students and interns can fully focus on cutting-edge research in a world-class environment.

Excellent 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 kitchens and living rooms. Housing is located a short walk from amenities such as a convenience store and fitness gym, and is close to the laboratory buildings. The apartments are all brand new with stunning sea views only a 5-minute walk from a beautiful beach. Students are expected to live on campus for the first year of their program, and are welcomed to stay longer.

One cannot fully experience student life without social life. OIST offers a variety of extracurricular activities such as clubs, where students can participate in a wide range of activities from athletics to arts. The club activities allow interactions with individuals from in and out of OIST community, enriching students' social and cultural life in Okinawa.  

“Ganjuu” is an Okinawan word meaning ‘good, well, strong, healthy’.  In order to thrive in the OIST environment, people need a certain level of Ganjuu. Qualified clinical psychologists and counsellors support and nurture Ganjuu in the whole of the OIST community, providing a range of services in both English and Japanese. If other languages are required they can work through interpreters.

There are rental cars available to use for researchers and students. OIST also has university bus services for commuting and shopping trips.

OIST has a Campus Clinic service including an on-site doctor during working hours. If necessary, the clinic refers students to local health services. Excellent hospitals and clinics are available in Okinawa, and assistance with English and other languages is available. All OIST students also have accident and disaster insurance.

OIST has Child Development Center (CDC) from 2-month old to 6-year old, and School Aged Program (SAP) for 5 to 14-year old children.Classes are all offered in English and Japanese and well-trained licensed teachers take a good care of these children so that students can focus on their research. This international and diverse environment enables children to acquire the global perspectives and adaptability.

There are several schooling options in Okinawa for families with school-age children (ages 6-18). From local Japanese to international schools available throughout the island, OIST's Education Coordinator can help you find the best schooling option for your family based on your specific needs. In addition, the OIST School Subsidy Program is available to OIST parents whose children's primary language is not Japanese.

Resource Center provides daily life support to all staff and students and their family members – everyone in the OIST community.

Some examples of the help they provide are Credit Card application / Obtaining a mobile phone or SIM card / Driver’s License conversion process / Car insurance, inspection, service / Car Tax / Name Transfer of the car / Car Rental / Home Internet / Bank related issues / Taxi/Restaurant Reservations / Shipping, Disposal of goods / Garbage issues / Obtaining certificate from municipal office / Ordering goods from internet / Mail and package redelivery / Family Member Access Card / OIST Shuttle bus schedule / Off boarding process.