The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, a graduate university in Japan that teaches in English, is taking applications for its PhD until 23:59 Japan time on 15 November 2026. Successful applicants can enrol on 1 May 2027, 1 September 2027 or 1 January 2028.
Applicants need a bachelor's or master's degree, or must expect to finish one before enrolling. OIST says its students receive financial support of about 2.6 million yen in the first year, rising with progress to about 3.6 million yen, and that this is enough for a comfortable standard of living, including the tuition fee. Campus housing is subsidised, from 21,600 yen a month for a furnished single apartment.
The application asks for transcripts, a statement of purpose of up to 800 words, a CV and 2 to 5 recommendation letters from professors. You can submit only once at least two letters have arrived. The fee is 5,000 yen and is not refundable.
Shortlisted applicants hear in late December 2026 and take part in online interviews between 18 January and 7 February 2027. Final results are due in mid-February.
Our OIST listing has the details, and our KAUST page covers another funded science PhD in Asia.
