he OIST Graduate University offers an individualized PhD program providing a secure foundation in the fundamentals of your field, with unparalleled opportunities for cross-disciplinary research. We recognize every student as a unique individual and take this into account in the design of each student’s program.
The Academic Affairs Section administers the PhD program to facilitate your academic progress from enrollment to graduation.
PhD Program Structure
The PhD program is structured as follows:
Year 1: Research rotations in three different units, in parallel with basic and advanced courses.
Year 2: The start of research on the thesis topic, in the thesis research unit, in parallel with remaining course requirements. A qualifying examination leads to candidacy.
Years 3 to 5: Thesis research continues toward submission of a completed thesis for examination.
Degree offered: Doctor of Philosophy.
Professional and Career Development continues throughout the program.
Penultimate means Graduate in the year before the internship: These would be penultimate year BA/MA students, meaning they are currently in the second-to-last year of their undergraduate or postgraduate studies.
Accepted for enrollment in a Japanese university undergraduate or graduate degree program starting spring (April/May) or autumn (September – November) of 2024.
Enrollment must be confirmed.
Not eligible for students in Japanese language programs or short-term programs.
Registered on JAPAN STUDY SUPPORT (JPSS) website and have a “MY PAGE”.
Received a message from the specified university via the “JPSS Scout function” prior to acceptance.
Accepted for enrollment in a Japanese university undergraduate or graduate degree program starting spring (April/May) or autumn (September – November) of 2024.
Enrollment must be confirmed.
Not eligible for students in Japanese language programs or short-term programs.
Registered on JAPAN STUDY SUPPORT (JPSS) website and have a “MY PAGE”.
Received a message from the specified university via the “JPSS Scout function” prior to acceptance.
The scholarship will be awarded in any subject offered by Japanese universities.
Accepted for enrollment in a Japanese university undergraduate or graduate degree program starting spring (April/May) or autumn (September – November) of 2024.
Enrollment must be confirmed.
Not eligible for students in Japanese language programs or short-term programs.
Primarily targeted at graduate students from African countries
Open to students pursuing any subject offered by the university
Successful recipients of the MOL Scholarship will enjoy a comprehensive package, covering full enrollment fees and tuition, coupled with a generous monthly stipend of 150,000 yen for an approximate duration of two years.