RIKEN IMS Internship Program in Japan: Funded Research Training for International Students

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If you are looking for a research internship in Japan for international students with clear support for housing and travel, the RIKEN IMS Internship Program is one of the excellent opportunities currently open. The program is offered by the RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences in Yokohama and targets students and young researchers wishing to gain research experience within advanced laboratories in Japan.

Details About the RIKEN IMS Internship Program in Japan

Program Name: RIKEN IMS Internship Program 2026
Country: Japan
City: Yokohama
Organizer: RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS)
Internship Duration: 1 to 3 months
Number of Seats: Approximately 8
Training Location: RIKEN IMS center laboratories or an approved host laboratory
Application Status: Currently open
Application Method: Via Email

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About the Program

This internship provides an opportunity for students and young researchers to experience research work within an advanced scientific environment in Japan. The IMS center works in fields such as:

Large-scale medical sciences
Immunology and physiology
Bioinformatics
Molecular, biochemical, and quantitative sciences

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Available Categories and Funding for Each

1) Category One: Students

This category is dedicated to students and includes:

Accommodation
Travel costs
A daily internship allowance of 3,000 Yen for each working day.

2) Category Two: Young Postdoctoral Researchers

This category is for young researchers within the first 3 years after obtaining their PhD and includes:

Accommodation
Travel costs
No daily allowance.

Housing Support Details

The official page mentions approximate limits for housing support:

Up to 11,600 Yen per day for stays from 1 to 30 days.
Up to 10,440 Yen per day for stays from 31 to 60 days.
Up to 9,280 Yen per day for stays from 61 days or more.

Program Features

Research training within a world-leading Japanese institution.
Clear support including housing and travel for accepted candidates.
Daily allowance for students under Category One.
Opportunity to work inside a real research laboratory in Japan.
Suitable program for developing academic and research career paths.
Strong international experience that adds great value to your CV.

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Eligibility Requirements

According to the official page:

Category One: For students enrolled in Master’s or PhD programs, or medical students at a level equivalent to a Master’s student in Japan.
Category Two: For young researchers within 3 years of obtaining their PhD.
The applicant must be enrolled in an academic institution during the internship period.
The program is intended for those with a genuine interest in research development within a new environment.

Required Documents

The following materials must be sent in English:

Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Statement of Purpose: One A4 page including the research topic you wish to carry out at RIKEN.
Research Background: One A4 page.
Program Agreement Form.
GDPR Consent Form (only for residents of the EU and UK).
Recommendation Letter: Sent directly by the academic supervisor to the host Team Leader.

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How to Apply

First, search for the laboratory you wish to join from the list of participating laboratories.
Prepare a research idea suitable for that laboratory.
Send the required documents to the program’s official email.
Use the format requested by the organizer in the subject line: Name (Affiliation) / Name of Host Laboratory.
Submit the request early, as the website requires applying at least 4 months prior to the requested start date.

Tips to Increase Acceptance Chances

Choose a laboratory that truly aligns with your research interests.
Do not write a general topic; link it to the work of the host laboratory.
Keep the Statement of Purpose clear and direct.
Show how the internship will benefit your research development.
Ensure the recommendation letter is strong and tailored to this program.
Apply early and do not delay the request, as the program operates with flexible start dates.

Is the Program Funded?

Yes, there is clear support in this program. Students receive accommodation + travel costs + a daily allowance of 3,000 Yen per working day, while young postdoctoral researchers receive accommodation + travel costs only.

Important Notes

Applications written in Japanese are not accepted.
The program does not qualify for a long-term residency visa for more than 90 days.
There is no independent monthly salary outside the forms of support mentioned.
Unsuccessful applicants are not notified of the reason for rejection.