Are you a student who loves science and wants real research experience in Japan?
Great news — applications are open for the NIMS Internship 2026 in Tsukuba, Japan, and this opportunity is fully funded!

The National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) is one of Japan’s leading research institutes. Each year, NIMS offers 100 fully funded internships for students from around the world. This is a great chance to gain technical experience in materials science, learn in a top lab environment, and immerse yourself in Japanese research culture — with travel and support covered.

Best of all:
👉 No application fee
👉 No IELTS/TOEFL required

Let’s break it all down so you know exactly how to apply.

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📌 Internship Overview

Also Check: Awaji Youth Federation Fellowship 2026 in Japan (Funded)

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💸 Financial Benefits (Fully Funded)

This internship covers almost everything you need:

✔️ Round-trip airfare to/from Japan
✔️ Daily allowance: 2,560 yen per day
✔️ Accommodation during the internship
✔️ Bus fare between the airport and Tsukuba
✔️ Certificate after submission of the final report

That means you can focus on learning and research — not your expenses.

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🧪 Why This Internship Is Valuable

The NIMS Internship is ideal if you:

You’ll learn from top researchers, take part in real lab work, and expand your scientific skillset — all while living in one of Japan’s leading science hubs.

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👨‍🎓 Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)

This internship is open to international students from all countries.

You can apply if you are:
✔️ Bachelor’s student
✔️ Master’s student
✔️ PhD student
✔️ Enrolled either in Japan or outside Japan

The key is that you must be a currently enrolled student. Graduates who have already finished their program are not eligible.

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📝 Required Documents

To apply, you will need the following:

📄 Application form for the NIMS Internship Program (in English)
📄 CV / Resume
📄 Educational certificates
📄 Transcripts
👉 If you are a Master’s or PhD student, send both undergraduate and graduate transcripts.

These documents must be sent to your NIMS supervisor (explained below).

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📍 How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Unlike many other internships, you can’t apply directly through an online form.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Find a Supervisor

You must contact a NIMS researcher whose work matches your interests.

📍 Use the NIMS Researchers Directory (SAMURAI) to search for mentors:
👉 https://samurai.nims.go.jp/en/

Step 2: Ask the Researcher

Send an email to the researcher expressing your interest. Include:

If the researcher agrees to be your supervisor, you’ll move to the next step.

Step 3: Submit Documents

Once a supervisor confirms, send all required documents to them by email.

Step 4: Screening & Acceptance

The supervisor and the institute will review your documents. If approved, you’ll receive instructions on the next steps.

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📅 Key Dates to Remember

🗓 Application Deadline: 30 January 2026
🗓 Internship Duration: 90 days (usually between May – September 2026)

Be sure to start early — it’s a competitive process!

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🔗 Official Application Link

👉 Apply for the NIMS Internship 2026

You’ll find the official NIMS Internship Program page and contact information for researchers there.

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