The METI Japan Internship Program 2026 is a fully funded six-week internship offered by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), placing 80 international participants across 80 Japanese companies — one intern per company. Open to undergraduate and graduate students as well as recent graduates from OECD/DAC countries aged 18 to 39, the programme covers round-trip airfare, accommodation, a daily allowance, visa support, and insurance. No IELTS score or application fee is required. The application deadline is 30 June 2026.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Fully Funded Government Internship |
| Organising Body | Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan |
| Mode | On-Site (Offline) |
| Duration | 6 Weeks |
| Location | Various Companies Across Japan |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 June 2026 |
About the Program
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry launched the METI Japan Internship Program to bridge global talent with Japanese corporate culture, actively supporting both international participants and Japanese companies in building cross-border professional capacity. Each of the 80 participating companies hosts exactly one intern, ensuring each participant receives a focused and immersive placement experience rather than a shared or group-based assignment. Furthermore, the programme runs across two consecutive batches in late 2026, giving applicants flexibility to select the internship period that best suits their academic and professional schedule.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Applicants must be nationals of a country listed on the OECD/DAC list of ODA recipients.
- Applicants must hold a university education — either as a currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student, or as a recent graduate.
- English or Japanese language proficiency is required to participate effectively in company placements, training sessions, and final presentations.
Experience & Other Conditions
- Applicants must be between 18 and 39 years of age at the time of application.
- Applicants must not currently reside in Japan.
- Applicants must be available for the full six-week internship duration of their chosen batch without interruption.
- No IELTS score is required, and no application fee applies at any stage.
Stipend, Salary & Benefits
The METI Japan Internship Program 2026 delivers full financial coverage across all primary costs associated with travel, accommodation, and daily living in Japan.
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Round-Trip Airfare | Fully covered |
| Accommodation | Provided for the full internship duration |
| Daily Allowance | Provided to cover day-to-day living expenses in Japan |
| Visa Support | Provided by the programme |
| Insurance | Covered for the internship period |
| Application Fee | None |
| English Proficiency Test | Not required |
Selection Process
- Online application submission through the official METI Japan Internship Program portal
- Screening of nationality eligibility against the OECD/DAC recipient country list
- Verification of age, academic status, and non-residency in Japan
- Assessment of English or Japanese language proficiency
- Availability confirmation for the selected internship batch period
- Final placement and company matching by METI’s internship coordination team
How to Apply
- Visit the official METI Japan Internship Program website and review the available companies, past intern profiles, and internship sectors through the programme FAQ section.
- Confirm your eligibility against all stated criteria — including nationality, age range, academic status, and availability for the full six-week period.
- Select your preferred batch: Batch 1 (arrival 7 October, departure 26 November 2026) or Batch 2 (arrival 4 November, departure 18 December 2026).
- Complete the online application form accurately, providing all required personal, academic, and professional information.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline of 30 June 2026.
Important Dates & Links
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 30 June 2026 |
| Batch 1 — Arrival / Departure | 7 October 2026 / 26 November 2026 |
| Batch 2 — Arrival / Departure | 4 November 2026 / 18 December 2026 |
Official Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Website | METI Japan Internship Program |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the METI Japan Internship Program 2026?
Nationals of OECD/DAC-listed countries aged 18 to 39 who hold a university education – as current students or graduates — and are not residing in Japan are eligible.
What does the METI Japan Internship Program 2026 cover financially?
The programme covers round-trip airfare, accommodation, a daily living allowance, visa support, and insurance for the full six-week duration.
How many internship placements does the METI Japan Internship Program 2026 offer?
METI places exactly 80 interns across 80 Japanese companies in 2026, with one intern assigned per company to ensure a fully immersive placement experience.
Is IELTS or any language test required to apply?
No. IELTS is not required; however, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in either English or Japanese to participate effectively in company assignments and programme activities.
When is the deadline for the METI Japan Internship Program 2026?
The application deadline is 30 June 2026, with internship batches running from October through December 2026.