OKINAWA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY GRADUATE UNIVERSITY (OIST)
OIST Visiting Scholars Program (TSVP)
full · phd
- 3 to 12 monthsVisit duration
- Full travel + housing + per diemFunding type
- April 2026 to March 2027Hosting window
- No teaching dutiesResearch freedom
- Launched in 2021Programme history
- ~JPY 300,000/month (est.) per diemLiving allowance
At a glance
full
Funding
—
Max amount
Sep 15, 2026
Deadline
All countries (open worldwide)
Country
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST)
Provider
The OIST Visiting Scholars Program (also called the TSVP) at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University brings independent researchers to Okinawa, Japan for a fully funded stay of 3 to 12 months. Launched in 2021, the programme is aimed at senior postdoctoral fellows, junior group leaders, and faculty-level academics who hold a PhD and want to pursue independent research and interdisciplinary collaboration without teaching duties. Funding is comprehensive, covering international travel, housing, and a living allowance paid as a per diem, with family support that includes on-site childcare, healthcare facilities, and relocation assistance. Scholars work across OIST's research units in mathematics, physics, computational sciences, chemistry, engineering, and the life sciences, and interdisciplinary projects are encouraged. The 2026 cohort will be hosted between April 2026 and March 2027. Applications are submitted through Interfolio with a CV and full publication list, a 1-2 page research proposal, and a general-audience lecture abstract. Because the funding amounts, the exact number of places, and the deadline are set each cycle, confirm the current-cycle figures and date on the official OIST TSVP page before you apply.
What's covered
- Living allowance — A living allowance paid as a per diem, on the order of about JPY 300,000 (est.) per month, to cover day-to-day costs in Okinawa.
- Travel — International travel to and from Okinawa, Japan for the scholar.
- Housing — On-campus or nearby housing arranged for the duration of the visit.
- Family support — On-site childcare, healthcare facilities, and relocation assistance for scholars travelling with family.
- Research environment — Access to OIST research units, laboratories, and computing resources with no teaching obligations.
- Collaboration support — Structured opportunities to collaborate with OIST faculty and international researchers across disciplines.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through Interfolio Faculty Search during the published call window.
- Prepare your CV — Compile a Curriculum Vitae with a complete publication list.
- Write the research proposal — Draft a 1-2 page proposal summarising past work and the planned project at OIST, including possible collaboration units.
- Draft a lecture abstract — Prepare a title and short abstract for a general-audience talk to be given during the visit.
- Submit via Interfolio — Upload all materials through Interfolio Faculty Search before the deadline.
- Await review — Selected scholars are notified and a visit period between April 2026 and March 2027 is arranged.
Eligibility
QualificationHolds a PhD in a field relevant to OIST's research areas.
Career stageIndependent researcher at senior postdoctoral, junior group leader, or faculty level.
Research proposalSubmits a strong 1-2 page proposal aligned with OIST's interdisciplinary mission.
NationalityOpen to applicants of all nationalities worldwide.
Applications from women and researchers from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged; the visit length (3-12 months) is agreed based on the proposed project.
Eligible countries
All countries (open worldwide)
Deadlines
2026 cohort (hosted April 2026 to March 2027)~15 September 2026 (est.)
Selection
A review committee evaluates applicants on the strength of their research record and publication list, the quality and feasibility of the proposed project, and its fit with OIST's interdisciplinary research units. Diversity is an explicit priority, and the committee considers how the visit would foster collaboration across disciplines before confirming each scholar's visit length and dates.
Verified sources
- OIST Visiting Scholars Program (TSVP)oist.jpofficial
- OIST Careers and Opportunitiesoist.jpofficial
About the provider
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) is an English-language, interdisciplinary research university in Okinawa, Japan, established in 2011. It runs research units across mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering, computational sciences, and the life sciences, and is known for a unit structure without traditional academic departments.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
How long is the OIST Visiting Scholars Program?
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Scholars stay for between 3 and 12 months in Okinawa, Japan, with the exact length agreed based on the proposed project.
Who can apply?
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Independent researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD and work at senior postdoctoral, junior group leader, or faculty level.
What expenses are covered?
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The fellowship is fully funded, covering international travel, housing, and a living allowance paid as a per diem of roughly JPY 300,000 (est.) per month.
Do I have to teach during the program?
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No. Scholars have no teaching duties and focus entirely on research and collaboration.
Can international applicants apply?
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Yes. The programme is open to researchers of all nationalities worldwide.
Is family support available?
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Yes. OIST provides on-site childcare, healthcare facilities, and relocation assistance for scholars with families.
What research areas are eligible?
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Mathematics, physics, computational sciences, chemistry, engineering, and the life sciences, with interdisciplinary projects strongly encouraged.
How do I apply?
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Applications are submitted online through Interfolio Faculty Search before the deadline.
What documents are required?
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A CV with a complete publication list, a 1-2 page research proposal, and a general-audience lecture title and abstract.
When will the visit take place?
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Visits for this cohort are hosted between April 2026 and March 2027, with dates agreed individually.
When is the application deadline?
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The deadline falls in mid-September (about 15 September 2026, est.); confirm the exact date and time on the official page.
Where do I confirm the official details?
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On the official OIST TSVP page, which publishes the binding eligibility rules, funding details, and current-cycle deadline.