Table of Contents
Do you want to take your research career to one of the most esteemed scientific establishments in the world? The NIMS Internship Program 2026 in Japan is a golden chance to students in undergraduate and graduate level to undertake advanced research in the field of materials science. This program will be hosted at the National Institute of Materials Science (NIMS) in Tsukuba, and it is intended to students all over the world who are interested in having practical technical experience in state-of-the-art facilities.
Japan has always been an innovative country and NIMS lies at the centre of this advancement. It will not only equip you with laboratory skills, but this internship will offer you entry point into an international professional network, regardless of whether you are interested in metals, polymers, ceramics, or nanomaterials. We will discuss all the points of eligibility and benefits to the unusual application process that you will have to use to secure your place in 2026 in this guide.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | Japan |
| Organization | National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) |
| Duration | Up to 90 consecutive calendar days |
| Coverage | Fully Funded (Daily allowance, Accommodation, Travel support) |
| Eligibility | Undergraduate & Graduate Students (All Nationalities) |
| Deadline | January 30, 2026 |
Detailed Description
The NIMS Internship Program 2026 is a very competitive research program that is situated in Tsukuba, the scientific city of Japan. NIMS is exclusively the national research institute in Japan dealing with the materials science. It has an average of 100 students every year who are all over the world creating a diverse and team work atmosphere.
Interns are placed under the immediate supervision of the top researchers of NIMS on the projects addressing the issues of energy, environment, medicine, and infrastructure globally. This is unlike the traditional corporate internship programs which are highly academic, as well as technical in nature and emphasis is put on development of innovative materials such as super conductors and advanced polymers.
Scholarship/Program Benefits
Selected candidates receive a comprehensive financial package designed to cover the costs of living and researching in Japan:
- Daily Allowance: A stipend of 2,560 JPY per day to cover meals and daily expenses.
- Free Accommodation: NIMS provides and covers the cost of housing (excluding utilities).
- Travel Support: Selected bachelor’s interns are eligible for round-trip airfare and bus fares from the airport to Tsukuba.
- Professional Certification: A certificate is awarded upon the successful submission of a final internship report.
- Networking: Access to exclusive seminars and a global network of material science experts.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the NIMS 2026 program, applicants must meet the following:
- Student Status: Must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at an international or domestic university.
- Academic Background: A solid foundation in physics, chemistry, engineering, or materials science.
- Language: Proficiency in English or Japanese is required (IELTS/TOEFL is NOT mandatory but recommended).
- Availability: Candidates must be able to complete the internship by the end of March 2027.
Required Documents
The following documents must be prepared in English:
- Student Application Form: The official NIMS form available on their website.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlighting your academic achievements and research interests.
- Certificate of Enrollment: Must be issued within the last 3 months.
- Official Academic Transcripts: Scanned copies of undergraduate and graduate records.
- Valid Passport Copy: The information page of your passport.
Application Process
The application process to the NIMS is exceptional since you cannot apply to the administrative office. You have to be able to find a host researcher.
- Find a Researcher: See the SAMURAI (NIMS Researcher Directory) and locate a researcher whose work is of interest to you.
- Direct Contact: Direct email to your preferred researcher. Make the introduction and state that you are interested in the NIMS Internship Program 2026.
- Submit Documents to Researcher: Include your CV, transcripts and application form in the email.
- Researcher Submission: In case the researcher is willing to host you, the researcher will present your application to the NIMS Graduate Program Section to be officially screened.
- Final Results: The results are generally declared by the middle of 2026.
Deadline
The applications submitted by the researchers should be done before Friday, January 30, 2026. As far as you have to locate a host first, it is strongly suggested to reach out to researchers two or four weeks prior to this date.
How to Apply
To apply, visit the official website below:
FAQs
1. Is the INIMS Internship Program 2026 fully funded?
Yes, the internship is fully funded and covers travel, accommodation, and living allowance.
2. Do I need to know Japanese to apply?
No. The program is conducted in English, and international students are welcome.
3. Can final-year students apply?
Yes, final-year bachelor’s or master’s students are eligible to apply.
4. Will I receive a certificate after completion?
Yes, all participants receive an official internship completion certificate.
5. Is there an age limit for applicants?
Generally, the program targets students aged 18–30, but there is no strict age limit unless mentioned officially.
6. When does the internship take place?
The internship usually happens during the Summer (June–August 2026).
