OIST: Funded PhD, Autumn 2026 Applications

Description

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology is selecting candidates for its fully funded five-year PhD. The programme begins with laboratory rotations before developing into an individual research curriculum and thesis. A bachelor's, master's or equivalent degree completed before enrolment can satisfy the basic degree requirement, but applicants must also check whether a suitable research group has supervision capacity. The autumn campaign closes on 15 November 2026 at 11:59 pm Japan time. This is the doctoral call, distinct from research internships whose deadline was 15 October. Prepare a CV, transcripts, a statement of purpose and two to five English recommendations; at least two letters must be received before submission. A non-refundable JPY 5,000 application fee applies. Online selection interviews are planned between January and February 2027. Available supervision remains important even for a strong application, so relate your research interests to groups actually able to admit a doctoral student.

Official source and verification

Eligibility criteria

• Bachelor’s, master’s or equivalent completed before enrolment.
• Research field matching a group with available supervision.
• At least two references received before submission; English evidence where applicable.

Application procedure