Why OIST is for you | Admissions

OIST is a university with no departments, eliminating artificial barriers between people working in different fields, but many nationalities, with students and faculty being attracted from all over the world. Concentrating initially on Chemistry, Environmental and Ecological Sciences, Marine Sciences, Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, Neuroscience, Physics, and Engineering and Applied Science, OIST is bringing some of the best minds in the world to Okinawa to transform the way science and education are done in the global academic world.

PhD Program

An individually tailored program of preparation for thesis research complements laboratory experience that starts on day 1.

Faculty

Internationally renowned faculty members lead the research units that form the hub of the OIST graduate program, providing unparalleled opportunities for OIST PhD students to develop their full potential in research.

Flexibility

A “Gap Programme” is available so that students who need more fluency in English or more laboratory experience - or who simply wish to start early - may enrol in April. Intensive language training is available for students who need more fluency in English or wish to learn Japanese for research purposes.

Access

Access to top-rate equipment gives you the tools you need when you need them.

Freedom

Freedom to explore and combine different disciplines lets you develop a unique degree under the guidance of world-class faculty.

Support

Comprehensive and personalised support for you and your family lets you to focus on research.

Funding

Funding for your research is guaranteed, no matter which research unit you choose for your thesis work. The OIST Graduate University provides the financial support from its operations budget.

Apply for PhD