The NIG-Intern Program 2026 offers international students a fully sponsored, non-IELTS opportunity to gain cutting-edge research experience at Japan’s National Institute of Genomics. The internship is primarily for candidates in the prefinal year of their academic programs (Bachelor’s or Master’s) who have a strong interest in life sciences. Benefits include airfare, local transportation, lodging in the institute’s guesthouse, travel insurance, and an allowance for meals. The application deadline is January 5, 2026.


NIG-Intern Program 2026 Summary Table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Japan |
| Host Institution | National Institute of Genomics (NIG) |
| Category | Internships |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries (International Students) |
| Reward | Full Sponsorship |
| IELTS Requirement | Not Required |
| Target Group | Students in their Prefinal Year of Academic Programs |
| Deadline | January 5, 2026 |
NIG Internship Program 2026
The National Institute of Genomics (NIG) Summer Internship 2026 is a prestigious training opportunity that allows prefinal-year students from around the globe to immerse themselves in Japan’s scientific community. The program focuses on providing hands-on experience in cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, and related life science fields.

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Interns are placed in a world-class research environment where they receive personalized mentorship from expert scientists and contribute directly to innovative projects. This experience not only strengthens academic skills but also significantly enhances academic profiles and opens doors for future career and PhD opportunities at NIG.
NIG Internship Program 2026 Benefits
Tier 1: Most Prestigious Award Title – Full Financial and Travel Support (All Expenses Covered)
- Airfare Tickets: Provision of approved airfare tickets for travel to and from Japan.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance coverage for the duration of the stay.
- Relocation & Local Travel: Coverage for local transportation costs.
Tier 2: Mid-Level Award Category Title – Living and Accommodation Stipends
- Accommodation: Fully covered lodging in the institute’s guesthouse for the entire internship period.
- Living Stipend: An allowance for meals is provided as a living stipend to cover daily expenses.
Tier 3: General Award Category Title – Research and Career Development
- Mentorship: Personalized mentorship from renowned NIG researchers and expert scientists.
- Research Experience: Hands-on experience contributing to innovative research projects in biology and genetics.
- Career Advancement: Invaluable insights into Japan’s scientific community, highly strengthening the student’s academic profile and future career prospects.
Eligibility Requirements for NIG Internship 2026
To be considered for the NIG Internship Program 2026, candidates must meet the following mandatory requirements:
- Academic Status (Critical): Candidates must be in the prefinal year of their academic program. This includes:
- 3rd year of a 4-year bachelor’s program
- 2nd year of a 3-year bachelor’s program
- 4th year of a 5-year program
- 1st year of a 2-year master’s program
- 5th year of a 6-year program
- Field of Study: Applicants must have a strong interest in life sciences (biology, genetics, etc.).
- Exclusions: Applications from non-prefinal-year students and those enrolled in PhD programs are not accepted.
- Intent: Students planning to pursue a PhD at NIG in the future are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply for NIG-Intern Program 2026 (Step by Step)
The application process is centralized through the official NIG platform. Interested and qualified candidates should prepare the required documents and submit them online.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare the complete set of required documents: Resume/CV, Letter of Motivation, Academic Transcripts, and Two Letters of Recommendation (from institution teachers).
- Ensure Letter Submission: Coordinate with your two institution teachers to ensure their Letters of Recommendation will be submitted to the portal before the deadline.
- Access Application Portal: Use the designated application button or link to access the official NIG Internship application platform.
- Complete and Submit: Fill out all required fields in the online form and upload the required documents (excluding the Letters of Recommendation, which are typically submitted separately by the referees). Submit the application before the final deadline.
Application Deadline: January 5, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which year of study is eligible for the NIG Internship Program?
The internship is strictly for candidates in the prefinal year of their academic program, such as the 3rd year of a 4-year Bachelor’s program or the 1st year of a 2-year Master’s program.
2. Is the NIG Internship 2026 available to international students?
Yes, the program is open to students from around the globe who meet the academic eligibility criteria.
3. Does the internship cover travel expenses?
Yes, the full sponsorship includes coverage for airfare tickets to and from Japan, as well as local transportation costs.
4. Is an IELTS or TOEFL score required for the application?
No, the information provided explicitly states that No IELTS is Required for this internship program.
5. What are the provided benefits for accommodation and daily living?
Interns receive lodging in the institute’s guesthouse and an allowance for meals (living stipend) for the duration of the program.
6. What research field should an applicant have a strong interest in?
Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in life sciences, including areas like biology, genetics, and related fields.
7. What types of academic documents are required from the applicant?
Required documents include a Resume/CV, a Letter of Motivation, and Academic Transcripts.
8. Are PhD students eligible to apply for the NIG Internship?
No. Applications from students enrolled in PhD programs are not accepted due to the competitive nature and focus of the prefinal-year program.
9. What is the deadline for submitting the application documents?
The final application deadline for the NIG Internship Program 2026 is January 5, 2026.
10. How many Letters of Recommendation are required?
Candidates must submit Two Letters of Recommendation from teachers at their current academic institution.












