Applications are now open for the METI Government of Japan Internship Program for foreign nationals. The program has been created for nationals of OECD countries on DAC list (excluding China), living outside Japan.
The Japan Internship Program (JIP) 2025 is an exciting opportunity for highly skilled professionals from developing countries to gain hands-on experience with Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Designed to enhance cross-border collaboration and talent development, the program is supported by the Japanese government and offers both online and in-person internship options with full support and benefits.
The program is seeking young applicants who have good academic achievements and are committed to the team. The program aims to provide hands-on experience to interns. The internship is open to those who have not participated in the program since 2016~2024.
Program Details
- Host institution: Companies in Japan.
- Host Country: Japan (or virtual participation via Online Course)
- Number of Placements: Up to 100 companies (generally one intern per company)
- Internship Type: Online or In-Person (in Japan)
- Internship Locations: Japanese SMEs across various industries (excluding government bodies, NGOs, or associations)
- Target Group: Citizens of countries listed on the OECD/DAC list (excluding the People’s Republic of China)
Government of Japan Internship Program for foreigners Benefits
Selected interns will receive comprehensive support depending on the course type:
General Benefits
- Cross-cultural, business Japanese, and career training
- Internship-related insurance coverage
Online Course Benefits
- Technical support: PC, internet access, and communication tools
- Daily stipend equivalent to ¥1,000 (in local currency)
In-Person Course Benefits
- Transportation to training facilities and accommodation during training
- Daily stipend of ¥3,000, paid in installments
- Mobile phone rental for communication
- Round-trip international airfare (economy class)
- Travel insurance and visa support
- Assistance with housing and transportation in Japan by the host company
Also Check : Japanese Government MEXT Scholarships (Master, PhD)
Available Programs
Participants will work on real business projects at Japanese SMEs, contributing to international market expansion and strategic innovation. Interns may be asked to create reports, give presentations, and support the company’s global outreach initiatives.
Government of Japan Internship Program for foreigners Eligibility
To apply for the program, applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:
- Citizenship of a country on the OECD/DAC list (excluding China); applicants living outside their home country are eligible
- Not currently residing in Japan
- Japanese proficiency (JLPT N3 or higher) or English fluency
- Aged between 18 and 40 as of August 25, 2025
- Enrolled in or graduated from a junior college, technical college, or higher education institution
- Students must submit an enrollment certificate and a letter of recommendation; graduates must submit a graduation certificate and a letter of recommendation
- Provide language test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, CEFR, JLPT, etc.)
- Free from any final job commitments and eager to pursue employment in Japan
- Willing to commit fully to the internship and activity plan
- Have not participated in the JIP from FY2016–FY2024
- Meet any additional requirements set by individual host companies
How to Apply for the Government of Japan Internship
Eligible Applicants who would like to apply for this Asia opportunity must follow the instructions below to submit their applications.
- Pre-Registration: Visit the official JIP website and enter your email in the entry form to begin pre-registration. Click on the “Apply” button below to start.
- Full Registration: A unique registration URL will be emailed to you. Complete the full application by submitting all required personal and academic details.
- Document Submission: Upload your certificate of enrollment or graduation, language proficiency scores, and a letter of recommendation.
- Initial Screening: The JIP Office will review your documents and conduct the first round of interviews in Japanese or English.
- Matching Process: Your profile will be matched with suitable companies based on experience and interests. Shortlisted candidates may proceed to a second interview with the company (optional).
- Selection Notification: You and the selected company will be informed once a final match is confirmed.
- Contract Signing: A three-way agreement will be signed between the JIP Office, the intern, and the company, outlining roles and obligations. (For online internships, a separate agreement will be signed by each party.)
Note: Once matched, applicants cannot withdraw from the internship agreement under any circumstances.
Intern Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the company to develop an internship plan
- Actively participate in all training sessions and final presentations
- Maintain regular communication with the JIP Office and host company
- Submit all required documents (e.g., letters of recommendation, reports, certifications)
- Uphold professional conduct and responsibility as a public-funded intern
Note: Participation in this internship does not constitute employment and is solely for educational and experiential purposes.
The deadline to submit applications this internship program is . For more details on the Government of Japan Internship Program for foreigners, please visit the official page. To be the first to see latest opportunities, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.