Program Description

The research internship program at OIST is a short-term placement of 3-6 months in a laboratory of their choice given the suitability of the intended research, academic background, available funding, and available space in the desired host unit.  

Students may choose their short-term research project from a diverse range of research fields, such as physics, chemistry, mathematical and computational sciences, marine sciences, neuroscience, molecular, cellular, and developmental biology, environmental and ecological science and quantum science.  

For details about the application process and deadlines, please see the section "Apply to Research Internship."


For What Kind of Students is the Research Internship Ideal? 

Students who would like to top up their current research by learning a specific technique will benefit from access to our cutting-edge research equipment and supervision from our world class faculty members.   

As OIST actively fosters and supports interdisciplinary research, the research internship is a great opportunity for students who would like to explore a different research field or would like to add an interdisciplinary approach to their current research interest. 

With more than 1,100 employees from more than 70 countries and territories, the study environment at OIST is highly internationalized and students who are eager to expand their international academic network will benefit from forming connections with people from all over the world early in their academic career. 

For students who value diversity, equity, and inclusion as 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. 


For Students Considering Applying to OIST’s PhD Program After Their Research Internship 

The research internship is also ideal for students who are considering applying to the PhD program at OIST and would like to use the internship period to find out, whether the study environment at OIST aligns with their research interests and personal preferences. 

Lab Rotation Equivalency 

To 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. 

Support

The following support is only available for the research intern and does not extend to dependents, family members, or others.

Travel Expenses
One direct round-trip air ticket (travel date will be closest date to the term of placement)

Accommodation
Furnished accommodation on or off campus, funded by OIST or the research unit

Administrative Support
Acquisition of Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) for your visa application and as well as registration procedures

Internship Allowance
2,400 JPY per working day

Transportation Support
OIST Shuttle Bus Pass