RIKEN IMS Internship Program 2026 – Paid Research Internship in Japan for Master’s, PhD & Postdocs

The RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS) in Yokohama, Japan invites talented international students and young postdoctoral fellows to apply for the IMS Internship Program FY2026. This paid internship offers hands‑on research experience in world‑class laboratories, with support for lodging, travel expenses, and a daily allowance for students.

The duration is 1 to 3 months. Applications are accepted year‑round, but must be submitted at least four months before your desired start date. Approximately 8 positions are available. If you are looking for similar opportunities in Japan, explore fully funded scholarships in Japan for international students.

Program Overview

• Host Institution: RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS)

• Location: Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan

• Duration: 1 to 3 months

• Number of Openings: Approximately 8

• Eligibility: Master’s students, PhD students, medical students (equivalent to Master’s level), and young postdocs (within 3 years of obtaining PhD)

• Application Deadline: At least 4 months before desired start date (rolling)

• Latest possible start: January 2027 (if applied by September 2026)

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

Financial Support

Category 1 – Students (Master’s, PhD, medical students):

• Lodging allowance (up to 11,600 yen per day for first 30 days; up to 10,440 yen per day for days 31 to 60; up to 9,280 yen per day for days 61 and more)

• Travel expenses

• Internship allowance: 3,000 yen per working day

Category 2 – Young Postdocs (within 3 years of PhD):

• Lodging allowance (same as Category 1)

• Travel expenses

• No daily allowance

Important notes: No salary is paid. This program does not qualify for a long‑stay visa (over 90 days). Short‑stay visas only.

Eligibility Criteria

Category 1 (Students):

• Must be enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program, or a medical student at a level equivalent to a Master’s student in Japan

• Must be enrolled in an academic institution during the entire internship period

Category 2 (Postdocs):

• Must be a young postdoc within three years of obtaining your PhD

• Must be enrolled in an academic institution during the internship period

Research Areas

RIKEN IMS focuses on integrative medical sciences, including genome‑wide medical science, immunology and physiology, bioinformatics, and molecular, biochemical and quantitative sciences.

How to Apply – Step by Step

Step 1: Find a host laboratory. Review the list of laboratories participating in the program on the RIKEN IMS website.

Step 2: Develop a research topic proposal suitable for the host laboratory.

Step 3: Prepare your application documents in English:

• Curriculum vitae (CV)

• Purpose (A4 size, 1 page) – including research topics you plan to pursue at RIKEN IMS

• Research background (A4 size, 1 page)

• Agreement form (download from RIKEN IMS website)

• GDPR Consent form (EU and UK residents only)

• Recommendation letter – must be sent directly from your supervisor to the host team leader (email to ims_intern_apply@ml.riken.jp with subject line “Recommendation_[your name]”)

Step 4: Send your application by email to the IMS internship committee: ims_intern_apply@ml.riken.jp

Use the following subject line format: "your name (affiliation) / host lab name"
Example: John TANAKA (RIKEN IMS) / Lab for Skin Homeostasis

Step 5: Wait for notification. You will be notified about one month after your documents have been submitted to RIKEN by the host laboratory’s PI – only if you are accepted. Rejected applicants are not notified.

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

Important Notes

• Timeline: Send your application at least four months before your desired start date.

• Enrollment requirement: You must be enrolled in an academic institution during the entire internship period.

• Visa: This program does not qualify for a long‑stay visa (over 90 days). Short‑stay visas only.

• Cancellation policy: If you withdraw, you are responsible for any cancellation fees for travel and accommodation – no exceptions.

• No salary is paid (only the daily allowance for students and lodging/travel for both categories).

• Application language: English only. Applications written in Japanese will not be accepted.

• Incomplete applications may be rejected.

• Submitted documents cannot be returned or changed.

Timeline (Fastest to Slowest)

The fastest possible timeline: submit application in January 2026 → management meeting approval in February 2026 → internship start in April 2026. The slowest timeline: submit application in September 2026 → management meeting approval in October 2026 → internship start in January 2027.

Apply early – positions are limited (approximately 8 per year).

Final Thoughts

The RIKEN IMS Internship Program is a prestigious opportunity for Master’s students, PhD students, and early‑career postdocs to gain research experience at one of Japan’s leading research institutes. With lodging, travel support, and a daily allowance for students, you can focus on cutting‑edge science in Yokohama. Identify a host laboratory, prepare your proposal, and apply at least four months before your desired start date.

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

Apply Now for RIKEN IMS Internship Program (Send application via email with required documents)