METI Government of Japan Internship Program 2026

The METI Government of Japan Internship Program 2026 is now accepting applications from highly skilled foreign professionals and students. Organized by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) , this paid internship offers two tracks: an Online Course (August 24 - September 18, 2026) and an In-person Course (October 7 - November 26, 2026 or November 4 - December 20, 2026). Interns work with Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on projects related to engineering, research, sales, interpretation, legal, and accounting. Applicants must be citizens of eligible countries (OECD/DAC list, excluding China), aged 18 - 39, be a final-year student or graduate, and have Japanese (JLPT N3 or equivalent) or English proficiency. Benefits include daily allowance (JPY 1,000 for online; JPY 3,000 for in-person) , round-trip airfare, accommodation, insurance, language training, and career support. The application deadline is June 30, 2026. Read on for complete details about eligibility, internship periods, benefits, and how to apply.

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METI Government of Japan Internship Program 2026 | Fully Funded

Do you want to gain professional work experience in Japan, learn from Japanese companies, and receive financial support? The METI Government of Japan Internship Program 2026 offers exactly that opportunity.

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) runs this program to help foreign professionals and students intern at Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The goal is to support the internationalization of Japanese companies and help talented foreigners find employment in Japan.

The program offers two formats: an Online Course that you can complete from your home country, and an In-person Course that brings you to Japan for up to 30 business days. Both tracks are paid. You will receive daily allowances, training, and support. In-person interns also get round-trip airfare, free accommodation, and insurance.

Eligible applicants come from countries on the OECD/DAC list (excluding China). You must be aged 18 - 39, a final-year student or graduate, and have Japanese or English proficiency. The application deadline is June 30, 2026.

If you want to experience Japanese work culture, build your CV, and possibly find a job in Japan, this internship is for you.

In this guide, we will cover everything about the METI Japan Internship Program 2026 , including eligible countries, internship periods, benefits, eligibility criteria, and the step-by-step application process.

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Program Details at a Glance

Program Name: METI Government of Japan Internship Program (JIP)
Organizer: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan
Host Companies: Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Internship Types: Online Course and In-person Course (two terms)
Online Course Dates: August 24 – September 18, 2026 (up to 20 days)
In-person Course (First Term): Arrival October 7, 2026 - Departure November 26, 2026 (up to 30 business days)
In-person Course (Second Term): Arrival November 4, 2026 - Departure December 20, 2026 (up to 30 business days)
Number of Recruits: Approximately 1 per company (max 80 companies)
Application Deadline: June 30, 2026 (Tuesday, JST)
Eligible Countries: OECD/DAC list (excluding China) – see full list here or below

Whic are the Eligible Countries for METI Japanese Internship? (OECD/DAC List – Excluding China)

Applicants must hold citizenship of a country listed in the OECD/DAC list, excluding the People's Republic of China. The eligible countries include:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan (listed as "West Bank and Gaza Strip" note – actual list includes many), Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Wallis and Futuna, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Important: Applicants residing in a country different from their nationality are eligible. However, applicants currently residing in Japan are NOT eligible.

What are the Internship Courses and Periods?

Online Course

Dates: August 24 - September 18, 2026
Duration: Up to 20 days (approximately 80 hours total; 2 - 8 hours per day)
Work location: Your own residence or workplace (remote)
Final presentation: September 18, 2026

In-person Course - First Term

Arrival in Japan: October 7, 2026
Departure from Japan: November 26, 2026
Duration: Up to 30 business days (approximately 7- 8 hours per day)

In-person Course - Second Term

Arrival in Japan: November 4, 2026
Departure from Japan: December 20, 2026
Duration: Up to 30 business days (approximately 7- 8 hours per day)

Note: For the in-person course, interns must be able to arrive in Japan following the travel schedule arranged by the JIP Office.

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What are the Financial and Practical Benefits of METI Japan Internship Program?

Support Common to Both Courses

Training programs - Cross-cultural understanding training, crisis management training, mid-term follow-up training, Japanese language training (for prospective interns)
Insurance coverage - Performance bond insurance, liability insurance, and fidelity insurance

Online Course Benefits

Daily allowance - JPY 1,000 per day of activities (paid in local currency after completion)
Equipment provided - PC, dedicated email address, Wi-Fi, paid file-sharing systems

In-person Course Benefits (JIP Office Support)

Daily allowance - JPY 3,000 per day of internship stay (paid in multiple installments)
Japanese language training – Three months before and after the stay (September–November or October–December)
Transportation - Between airport, host company, and training facilities
Accommodation - During training sessions
Mobile phone - Provided for emergency contact
Round-trip economy airfare - To and from Japan
Travel insurance - For the journey to Japan
Visa support - Assistance with japan visa application
Pre-departure career training

In-person Course Benefits (Host Company Support)

Accommodation - During the internship (including furniture, appliances, bedding, tableware, utilities: Wi-Fi, electricity, water, gas)
Commuting costs Reimbursement or safe transport between lodging and workplace
Work environment - Computer, desk, and necessary equipment

What is Eligibility Criteria for METI Government of JAPAN, Japan Internship Program?

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
Endorse the program purpose - Willing to contribute to internationalization of Japanese companies, expansion of overseas business, and networking with overseas universities.
Citizenship - Hold citizenship of a country on the OECD/DAC list (excluding China). Applicants residing in a different country are eligible, but current residents of Japan are NOT eligible.
Age - Between 18 and 39 years old as of August 24, 2026.
Education - Be a final-year student or graduate of a university (undergraduate or graduate school). Current students must submit a certificate of enrollment and a recommendation letter. Graduates must submit a certificate of graduation and a recommendation letter.
Language proficiency - Sufficient proficiency in Japanese (at least JLPT N3 / CEFR B1 level) OR in English.
Commitment - Able to devote themselves entirely to all training and internship activities, and participate reliably on specified activity days. For in-person course, able to arrive in Japan on schedule.
Employment status - Have not secured employment yet and have a desire to work in Japan. (If already employed, they may apply if they have a strong desire to change jobs to Japan.)
No prior participation - Have not participated in this project from FY2016 to FY2025.
Able to submit - Various certificates, proofs of qualifications (language test scores, qualification certificates) after passing document screening.

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What is the Desired Candidate Profile for Internship?

The program seeks candidates who:

Have obtained a degree (or equivalent) from a university or graduate school in Japan or overseas.
Aspire to work in roles such as:
1. Engineers
2. Researchers
3. Interpreters
4. Sales professionals responsible for overseas expansion
5. Legal or accounting professionals at Japanese companies

What is Internship Recruitment Process (Step-by-Step)?

Step 1: Recruitment and Matching

1. Recruitment / Information Sessions

Interns are recruited from eligible countries.
Attending an information session is not required to apply.

2. Application and Document Screening

Submit your application online.
The JIP Office conducts document screening.
Applicants who pass proceed to the first interview (in Japanese or English).
Before the interview, you must submit certificates (enrollment, language scores) and recommendation letters.

3. Selection and Matching

The JIP Office matches your experience and preferences with host company profiles.
Selected applicants have a second interview with the company (optional).
The company makes the final decision.
Matching results are communicated; the match is finalized upon mutual agreement.

4. Notification of Results and Contract

After final confirmation, an acceptance notice is sent.
A contract specifying rules and obligations is concluded between the JIP Office, the company, and the intern.
Once matched, the intern cannot withdraw.

Step 2: Determining Acceptance and Procedures

Successful applicants complete necessary paperwork and pre-departure training.
Travel arrangements for in-person course are coordinated by the JIP Office.

Step 3: Internship Implementation

Interns begin their internship according to the agreed plan.
Daily reports must be submitted via the system.
Participate in all training sessions and final presentation.
After the internship, complete questionnaires and cooperate with follow-up surveys.

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How to Apply for METI Japan Government Internship Program?

Step 1: Review Eligibility

Check that your country is on the eligible list (OECD/DAC excluding China).
Ensure you meet age, education, language, and residency requirements.
Confirm you are not currently residing in Japan.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Certificate of enrollment or graduation
Language proficiency certificate (JLPT N3 or equivalent for Japanese; or English test scores)
Recommendation letter from university or faculty member
Other qualifications as needed

Step 3: Complete Online Application

Go to the official application portal (linked on METI website).
Fill in all required information.
Upload your documents.

Step 4: Document Screening

The JIP Office reviews your application.
If you pass, you will be invited for a first interview.

Step 5: First Interview (with JIP Office)

Conducted in Japanese or English.
You will be asked to submit additional documents if requested.

Step 6: Matching and Second Interview (with Company)

The JIP Office matches you with potential host companies.
You may have a second interview with the company (optional).
The company makes the final decision.

Step 7: Receive Final Results

Results for Online Course: Around end of July 2026
Results for In-person (First Term): Around mid-August 2026
Results for In-person (Second Term): Around early September 2026
If you do not pass, you will receive a final rejection email after all stages.

Step 8: Accept Match and Sign Contract

Once matched, you cannot withdraw.
Sign the contract with JIP Office and host company.

Step 9: Pre-departure Preparation (In-person Course)

Receive visa support.
Attend pre-departure career training.
Book flights (arranged by JIP Office).

Step 10: Begin Internship

Online course: Start August 24, 2026.
In-person course (First Term): Arrive October 7, 2026.
In-person course (Second Term): Arrive November 4, 2026.

What is Application Deadline for 2026 METI Internship Program?

June 30, 2026 (Tuesday, Japan Standard Time)

Apply well before the deadline. Late applications are not accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I apply if I am currently living in Japan?

No. Applicants currently residing in Japan are not eligible.

Q2: Do I need Japanese language skills?

You need proficiency in either Japanese (JLPT N3 or equivalent) OR English. If you choose English, you must still be able to communicate with your host company.