One of the goals for establishing the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), which started as a promotion corporation in 2005, is to advance science and technology in Japan and the rest of the world. We firmly believe that our students are integral to achieving this goal. Recruitment of the top international students and providing them with an educational and research environment in which they can flourish is one of our primary objectives as a university. The future of our university relies on the success of our students.

The OIST Graduate University offers an academic program that reflects the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of science. Throughout their PhD studies, students are exposed to the different fields of research in which our faculty have expertise. At OIST, we provide students with the opportunity to work side-by-side with world-class faculty in modern, well-equipped laboratories that supports our wide variety of scientific interests.

The diversity of our faculty, in both scientific background and nationality, provides a unique environment that fosters the creativity and individuality of students. Nearly half of all students, faculty and research staff come from outside of Japan. The location of Okinawa, equidistant from mainland Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the Philippines, is rapidly allowing us to become a hub for an international network of world-class scientists, as evidenced by our strong partnerships with leading universities and research institutions worldwide.

The university offers an internationally competitive stipend package as well as on-campus student housing. Our small, highly competitive student intake allows us to select the very best students in their fields who will thrive in an atmosphere of discovery and innovation.

I hope to be working with you at OIST.

Peter Gruss
President, OIST