RIKEN IMS Internship 2027 in Japan | Fully Funded Opportunity

The RIKEN IMS Internship Program for fiscal year 2026 has concluded, with applications closing in September 2026. The program is expected to reopen in April 2027 for the next fiscal year. Applicants should prepare to apply at least four months prior to their intended start date, as the application process requires early submission. For the most current information, please refer to the official RIKEN IMS Internship Program page.

Details About RIKEN IMS Internship Program 2027 in Japan (Fully Funded)

• Host Country: Japan
• Location: RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama
• Duration: 1 to 3 Months
• Funding: Fully Funded
• Application Deadline: September 2026 (for 2027 cycle)
• Eligibility: Master’s, PhD, and Young Postdoctoral Researchers (within three years of PhD completion)
• Application Fee: None
• English Test Requirement: Not required

About RIKEN IMS Internship Program 2027 in Japan (Fully Funded)

This internship is organized by the RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS), a leading research institution in Japan. The program’s main goal is to provide international students and young researchers with the chance to collaborate in a globally renowned scientific environment. Interns contribute to projects in integrative medical sciences, combining genome-wide medical science, immunology, physiology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and quantitative sciences.

Degree Programs and Duration

• Master’s Students
• PhD Candidates
• Young Postdoctoral Researchers (within three years of PhD completion)
• Duration Options: 1 to 3 months

Financial Benefits of the RIKEN IMS Internship Program

• Category 1 (Students): Lodging, travel expenses, and a daily internship allowance of 3,000 yen per working day.
• Category 2 (Young Postdocs): Lodging and travel expenses covered; no daily allowance.
• Lodging Allowance: Up to 11,600 yen/day for stays of 1 to 30 days; up to 10,440 yen/day for stays of 31 to 60 days; up to 9,280 yen/day for stays of 61 days or more.

True Total Cost of Study and Living Expenses

While the RIKEN IMS Internship Program covers lodging and travel expenses, other living costs such as food, local transportation, and personal expenses are not specified. Applicants should plan their budget accordingly for these additional costs during their stay in Yokohama, Japan.

How to Fund the Gap: Funding Options for RIKEN IMS Internships

The program itself provides comprehensive funding for lodging and travel, and a daily allowance for student interns. However, applicants may consider additional funding sources such as:

• University scholarships or grants for international internships.
• Educational loans for international students where applicable.
• Employer sponsorship if currently employed in research-related fields.
• External scholarships or fellowships supporting international research experiences.

For the most accurate and updated funding details, check the official RIKEN IMS Internship Program page.

Eligibility Criteria for the RIKEN IMS Internship Program

• Applicants must be enrolled in an academic institution during the proposed internship period.
• Open to master’s, PhD students, and young postdoctoral researchers within three years of obtaining their PhD.
• Applicants of all nationalities are welcome.

Required Documents for Application

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of Purpose
• Research Background Summary
• Desired Internship Dates
• Recommendation Letter
• GDPR Consent Form (for EU and UK residents)

How to Apply for the RIKEN IMS Internship Program 2027

1. Select a Laboratory: Visit the RIKEN IMS Laboratory List to explore available research groups.
2. Contact a Laboratory Directly: Reach out to your chosen laboratory’s team leader using the contact details on the lab’s webpage. Discuss your research interests and propose a topic aligned with their ongoing projects.
3. Obtain Host Agreement: Secure confirmation from the laboratory that they agree to host you.
4. Submit Application: Email your application documents in English to the team leader of the hosting laboratory. Submit your application at least four months before your intended start date.

Applications must be complete and timely for consideration. There is no application fee, and all communication is done via email.

For official details and to begin your application, visit the official RIKEN IMS Internship Program page.

Participating in the RIKEN IMS Internship Program offers a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge integrative medical sciences research at a premier Japanese institute. This experience can significantly enhance your academic profile and expand your international network in the medical sciences field. Prepare your documents carefully and reach out to your preferred laboratory early to increase your chances of acceptance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the duration of the RIKEN IMS Internship Program? The internship lasts from 1 to 3 months.
• Who is eligible to apply? Master’s and PhD students, as well as young postdoctoral researchers within three years of PhD completion, who are enrolled in an academic institution during the internship period.
• Is there a daily stipend provided? Yes, students receive a daily allowance of 3,000 yen per working day. Young postdocs receive lodging and travel expenses but no daily allowance.
• Are there any application fees? No, the application process is free of charge.
• When should I apply? Applications must be submitted at least four months before your desired internship start date. For the 2027 cycle, the deadline is September 2026.
• How can I fund additional living expenses? Besides the lodging and travel expenses covered by the program, you may consider university scholarships, educational loans, employer sponsorship, or external scholarships to cover other living costs.