FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about the NIMS Internship Program.
2026.01.16 Update
Q1. Application
Q1-1. Who is eligible to apply and participate?
This program is open to students currently enrolled in a university or graduate school. If you have completed a bachelor's degree and plan to enter graduate school, please include a certificate of acceptance with your application documents.
- Please note that you must remain a student for the duration of the training period.
Q1-2. Please explain in detail how to apply.
First, please contact an NIMS researcher in your field of interest to check if they are available to accept internship students. Once you have agreed on the research theme and duration of the internship, submit an application form to the researcher, who will forward it to the Acadmic Collaboration Office.
The application will then be reviewed, which takes about one month. The researcher will contact you directly with the review results.
Upon acceptance, you will be informed of the final schedule and procedures.
- Make sure to determine the exact number of days within the timeframe you applied for.
- The training period must be finished by March 31st of the year after the application approval.
Please note that positions such as ICYS Research Fellow or NIMS Postdoctoral Researcher are not available for accepting intern students.
Q2. Internship Period
Q2-1. What should I consider when setting the internship period?
The internship period can be set for up to 90 days. Please note that the maximum number of days may change depending on circumstances.
- The internship cannot begin on the day before a national holiday, or on a Friday or Saturday.
- The internship cannot end on the day after a national holiday, or on a Sunday or Monday.
The internship period includes the arrival and departure days in Tsukuba (NIMS).
Q2-2. Can the period of stay be extended?
Extension is allowed only if the host researcher deems it necessary based on the research progress and circumstances.
An extension is subject to a screening process.
Q3. Financial support from NIMS
Q3-1. Are travel expenses covered?
Students are generally responsible for travel expenses. However, for the 2026 application round, NIMS may cover transportation costs for undergraduate students only, provided they remain enrolled as undergraduates throughout the entire internship period.
Q3-2. Support for accommodation and living costs
NIMS will provide a daily allowance of 2,560 yen per day and cover accommodation fee during the internship period, up to a specified maximum limit. The daily allowance is intended to support expenses during your NIMS internship. It's not considered income. If you commute from within Tsukuba City or do not stay at NIMS-designated accommodation, neither the daily allowance nor accommodation will be provided.
If you are currently receiving funding from the Japanese Government, please consult with your university or scholarship foundation to confirm that receiving additional support from NIMS does not violate any regulations.
If you are currently receiving funding from the Japanese Government, please consult with your university or scholarship foundation to confirm that receiving additional support from NIMS does not violate any regulations.
- If you are funded by the Japanese Government, receiving additional financial support may be considered duplicate funding and may not be permitted.
- The amount of living expense support may be subject to change.
Q3-3. Staying in Tsukuba
NIMS will arrange and reserve accommodations for you. Please contact your host group for details regarding payment procedures and available facilities.
- Any optional service fees at the accommodation are generally the student’s responsibility.
Q4. Other questions
Q4-1. Can I engage in activities outside of NIMS during my internship?
No. Interns are not permitted to engage in activities outside of NIMS during the internship period. Please plan your schedule accordingly. If you have unavoidable circumstances, please consult your host researcher in advance.
Q4-2. Can I apply for the NIMS Internship if I am already receiving Japanese government-funded support?
If you are already receiving financial support (such as a Japanese government-funded scholarship or other stipend) that covers living expenses during the internship period and makes you ineligible for additional support from NIMS, you may still participate at your own expense. Please contact the researcher you wish to work with directly and explain your situation. (Application forms and required documents remain the same.)
Find an NIMS Researcher: NIMS Researchers Directory Service, SAMURAI
Find an NIMS Researcher: NIMS Researchers Directory Service, SAMURAI