Summary
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate School accepts approximately 60 full-time graduate students per year. OIST strives to create and maintain an inclusive, equitable, and diverse environment, delivering world-class teaching with a very low student-to-faculty ratio.
OIST PhD Program: Admissions & Application Guide 2027, Japan
Designation
PhD Student / Graduate Researcher
Selection Schedule
| Application Round | Application Deadline | Announcement of Shortlisting Result | Admissions Workshop Interviews | Announcement of Final Result | Enrollment |
| Admissions Workshop 2027 (online) | November 15, 2026 23:59 (JST UTC+9) | Late January 2027 | March 1 – 12, 2027 | Late March 2027 | 1) May 1, 2027 2) September 1, 2027 3) January 1, 2028 |
Research Area
Cross-disciplinary, leading-edge research in Science and Technology.
Cross-disciplinary research in Science and Technology. Applicants should consult the list of faculty and research units to find a fit for their background and interests.
Location
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), Okinawa, Japan.
Eligibility/Qualification
Applicants who have graduated with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or expect to complete their degree before the enrollment date, are eligible to apply.
Program Description
OIST does not conduct written entrance exams. Instead, shortlisted applicants are invited to participate in a mandatory online Admissions Workshop as part of the selection process. The program aims to be at the leading edge of research in science and technology.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted online only. To apply:
- Create an account on the application website.
- Prepare and upload all required documents in English (saved as PDFs):
- Transcript and Diploma (with English translations if applicable)
- Statement of Purpose (up to 800 words detailing your aspirations and why OIST is a good fit)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Recommendation Letters (2 to 5 letters required from professorial-level faculty)
- English Proficiency Score (TOEFL iBT or IELTS if your previous degree was not taught in English)
- Passport (scan of the photo page)
- ID Photo
- Optional documents like GRE scores or publication abstracts may also be submitted.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee of 5,000 JPY.
Last Date to Apply
November 15, 2026 (for the 2027 Admissions Workshop)
