Japan Internship Program (JIP) 2026 – Paid Internship for Foreign Professionals in Japan

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan offers the Japan Internship Program (JIP) 2026 for highly skilled foreign professionals from eligible OECD/DAC countries (excluding the People's Republic of China).

This program provides a unique opportunity to work with Japanese small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) either online or in‑person. Participants receive allowances, accommodation, language training, insurance, and round‑trip airfare (for in‑person). If you are looking for similar opportunities in Asia, explore fully funded scholarships in Japan for international students.

Program Overview

• Host Country: Japan

• Host Companies: Small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) with main offices in Japan

• Number of Recruits: Approximately 1 person per company (maximum 80 companies)

• Application Deadline: 30 June 2026 (Tuesday)

• Eligible Countries: OECD/DAC list (excluding the People's Republic of China) – check the official list. Applicants residing in a country different from their nationality are eligible, but those currently living in Japan are not eligible.

For students seeking other funded programs in East Asia, check latest scholarships in South Korea for all nationalities.

Internship Periods and Formats

Online Course

The online course runs from August 24 to September 18, 2026. It lasts up to 20 days with approximately 80 hours total (2–8 hours per day). The final presentation is scheduled for September 18. Interns will use their residence or workplace as their workspace, performing the internship under the host company's guidance and management.

In‑person Course – First Term

The first in‑person term runs from October 7 to November 26, 2026. This is up to 30 business days with approximately 7–8 hours per day.

In‑person Course – Second Term

The second in‑person term runs from November 4 to December 18, 2026. This is also up to 30 business days with approximately 7–8 hours per day.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Japan Internship Program 2026, you must meet all of the following requirements:

Purpose alignment: You must endorse the project’s purpose and be willing to contribute to the internationalization of Japanese companies, the expansion of overseas business, and the establishment of networks with overseas universities through the internship.

Citizenship and residency: You must hold citizenship of a country listed on the OECD/DAC list (excluding China). Applicants residing in a country different from their nationality are eligible. However, applicants currently residing in Japan are not eligible.

Commitment: You must agree to adhere to the "Intern's Main Responsibilities" and act conscientiously as a participant in a program using public funds from the Japanese government.

Language proficiency: You must have sufficient proficiency in Japanese (at least JLPT N3 or CEFR B1 level) or English.

Age limit: As a general rule, you must be between 18 and 39 years of age as of August 24, 2026.

Education: You must be a current student in their final year or a graduate of a university (undergraduate or graduate school).

Documents: For current students, you must be able to submit a certificate of enrollment and a recommendation letter from the university or a faculty member (after passing document review). For graduates, you must submit a certificate of graduation and a recommendation letter from a faculty member or affiliated institution.

Certificates: You must be able to submit various certificates and proofs of qualifications (language test scores, qualification certificates, etc.) after passing document screening.

Availability: You must be able to devote yourself entirely to all training programs and internship activities, and participate reliably on specified activity days based on the action plan agreed upon with the host company. For those participating in the in‑person course, you must be able to arrive in Japan following the travel schedule arranged by the Office.

Employment status: You must not have secured employment yet and must have a desire to work in Japan. If already employed, you may apply if you have a strong desire to change jobs to Japan.

No prior participation: You must not have participated in this project from FY2016 to FY2025.

Desired Candidate Profile

Candidates who have obtained a degree (or an equivalent qualification) from a university or graduate school in Japan or overseas are preferred. Applicants should aspire to engage in roles such as engineers, researchers, interpreters, sales professionals responsible for overseas expansion, or legal and accounting professionals at Japanese companies.

Support and Benefits

Support common to both courses includes various training programs for interns (cross‑cultural understanding training, crisis management training, mid‑term follow‑up training, and Japanese language training for prospective interns). Insurance coverage is also provided, including performance bond insurance, liability insurance, and fidelity insurance.

For the Online Course, participants receive an allowance equivalent to JPY 1,000 per day of activities, disbursed in local currency after completion of the online engagement. The program also provides necessary equipment such as PCs, dedicated email addresses, Wi‑Fi, and paid file‑sharing systems.

For the In‑person Course (First and Second Terms), the JIP Office provides an allowance of JPY 3,000 per day of internship stay, disbursed in multiple installments. Participants receive Japanese language training spanning three months before and after the stay (September–November for the first term, October–December for the second term). The Office also covers transportation between the airport, host company, and training facilities, and provides accommodation during training sessions. A mobile phone is provided for emergency contact with the office and host company. Round‑trip economy airfare, insurance for travel to Japan, and visa acquisition support are included. Pre‑departure career training is also provided.

Host company support for the in‑person course includes accommodation during the internship, with arrangement and payment for furniture, appliances, bedding, tableware, and utilities (Wi‑Fi, electricity, water, gas). The host company also covers commuting costs or arranges safe transportation between lodgings and the workplace, and provides the necessary work environment, including a computer and desk.

For additional financial aid options across Asia, explore financial aids for students in Asia.

Expectations and Responsibilities

Interns must work with the responsible person at the host company to develop and agree on an internship plan, including roles, responsibilities, and goals. They must submit a daily report via the system managed by the Office every day throughout the internship period. Interns must participate in all training sessions and the final presentation, and promptly submit the questionnaire afterward.

Participants are responsible for ensuring personal safety and health management, including communication, reporting, and consultation with the Office and host company. They must submit all required applications, reports, recommendation letters, and other documents by the deadlines specified by the Office.

After the internship, interns must respond to the post‑internship and employment questionnaires by the prescribed deadlines, and cooperate in additional surveys and case study interviews.

Important note: This internship program offers work experience opportunities with a Japanese company for a specific duration and does not constitute employment.

How to Apply

Step 1: Visit the official Japan Internship Program website and check the list of eligible countries (OECD/DAC list, excluding China).

Step 2: Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria (age 18‑39, final‑year student or graduate, sufficient Japanese or English, not currently residing in Japan).

Step 3: Prepare your documents: CV, degree certificate (or enrollment certificate for students), language proficiency proof, recommendation letter, and any other required certificates.

Step 4: Complete the online application form on the official JIP website. Host companies will be determined through a matching process by the Office.

Step 5: Submit your application before the deadline. Only complete applications will be considered.

Step 6: If shortlisted, you will undergo document screening followed by interviews. Successful candidates will be matched with host companies.

Step 7: For those selected for the in‑person course, the Office will arrange travel, visa, and accommodation.

Application Deadline

30 June 2026 (Tuesday) – submit your application well before this date.

Final Thoughts

The Japan Internship Program 2026 is a prestigious, fully supported opportunity for talented foreign professionals to gain hands‑on experience with Japanese SMEs. With generous allowances, accommodation, language training, and travel support, this program can open doors to a future career in Japan. The deadline is 30 June 2026. Apply today.

For a complete list of open internships and scholarships in Asia, visit list of all open scholarships in Asia.

Apply Now for Japan Internship Program 2026