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About the NIMS Internship Program 2026
The National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) in Tsukuba, Japan, invites applications for its 2026 Internship Program. This program offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to gain practical technical experience in cutting-edge research in materials science.
Designed to enhance students’ understanding of advanced scientific research and to increase visibility of NIMS and its Joint Graduate School Program, the internship places students directly in research groups under expert supervision.
Application Deadline: Not specified (applications are reviewed on a rolling basis)
Internship Period: Determined in agreement with the host researcher; must conclude by March 31 of the following year.
Eligible Fields
The NIMS Internship Program is open to students specializing in:
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Chemistry (Physical, Organic, Inorganic, Polymer)
- Physics
- Nanotechnology
- Related fields in molecular systems or applied sciences
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the NIMS Internship, candidates must:
- Be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at a domestic or international university.
- If you have completed a bachelor’s degree and are planning to enter graduate school, you must include a certificate of acceptance with your application.
- Remain a registered student throughout the internship period.
Key Features of the Internship
- Hands-on research experience in state-of-the-art facilities.
- Direct mentorship from NIMS researchers in specialized labs.
- Financial support:
- Daily allowance: 2,560 yen/day (for living expenses during internship).
- Accommodation fees: Covered by NIMS if you stay in NIMS-designated housing (maximum limit applies).
- Accommodation arrangements: NIMS will reserve housing on your behalf.
- Duration:
- First round: Up to 90 days (around January intake)
- Second round: Up to 30 days (around April intake)
- Extension: Possible only if the host researcher deems it necessary and passes additional screening.
Important Conditions
- Travel: Students must cover their own round-trip transportation to Tsukuba and local commuting costs.
- Restrictions:
- The internship cannot start the day before a national holiday, on a Friday, or a Saturday.
- The internship cannot end the day after a national holiday, on a Sunday, or a Monday.
- No external activities: Students cannot engage in other activities outside NIMS during the internship period.
- Funding limitations:
- If you are already receiving government-funded scholarships (e.g., MEXT, JSPS, JST), you may still participate at your own expense or must verify compatibility with your existing funding.
- Duplicate financial support is not allowed and may be considered fraudulent.
Application Process
- Contact a NIMS researcher directly in your area of interest to confirm if they can host an internship student.
- Agree on the research theme and internship duration with the host researcher.
- Submit your application form to the host researcher, who will forward it to the Academic Collaboration Office.
- Review process: Takes about one month, after which the host researcher will notify you of the result.
- Finalize schedule and procedures upon acceptance.
Important:
- Determine the exact number of days of your internship within the approved timeframe.
- The entire training period must conclude by March 31 of the year after the application approval.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Who is eligible to apply?
Students currently enrolled at a university or graduate school. If transitioning to graduate school, submit proof of acceptance.
Q2. How long can I stay?
First-round applications allow up to 90 days, second-round up to 30 days. Extensions are possible only under special conditions.
Q3. Does NIMS provide financial support?
Yes. A daily allowance (2,560 yen/day) and accommodation coverage are provided if you stay in NIMS-designated housing. Students living locally (Tsukuba City) are not eligible for these benefits.
Q4. Can I do other activities during my internship?
No. You must dedicate your full time to NIMS activities during the program.
Q5. Can government-funded scholars apply?
Yes, but you must confirm that additional support from NIMS does not violate your scholarship rules. If not permitted, you can join at your own expense.
Benefits of the NIMS Internship Program
- Gain world-class research experience in materials science.
- Work alongside leading scientists in a highly international research environment.
- Receive financial support for living and accommodation expenses.
- Build global research connections through Japan’s premier materials science institute.
- Strengthen your academic profile for graduate school or professional careers.
How to Apply
- Visit the official internship page
- Contact an NIMS researcher in your chosen field to confirm placement availability.
- Submit your application form to the host researcher (who forwards it for review).
- Ensure your training schedule ends before March 31 of the following year.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 NIMS Japan Internship Program is a unique opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students worldwide to participate in cutting-edge research at one of the world’s top institutes for materials science. Offering hands-on lab experience, mentorship from leading experts, and financial support, this internship will help you enhance your research skills, expand your global network, and prepare for an advanced scientific career.
Apply early, as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and placements depend on researcher availability.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
See also:
Chevening Scholarships 2026–27: Apply Now for this Prestigious UK Award!
UNHCR Global Internship Programme 2025: Fully Funded Humanitarian Internship—Apply Now!
