METI Japan Internship Program 2026

I still remember the day I got selected for the METI Japan Internship — I was nervous, excited, and curious about how it would feel to work in Japan. Spoiler alert: It turned out to be one of the best global internship experiences of my life.

If you’ve been dreaming about an international internship in Japan, where you get to work with a Japanese company, learn cross-cultural business etiquette, and get paid while doing it — the METI Japan Internship Program 2026 might be the perfect opportunity for you.

---

About METI Japan Internship Program

The METI Internship Program is organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Government of Japan, and coordinated by JIP (Japan Internship Program Office). It aims to invite foreign students and professionals to intern at Japanese companies and startups.

It’s a fully funded international internship, either on-site in Japan or online, depending on the host company.

The goal? To promote internationalization of Japanese businesses and build long-term global partnerships.

---

Internship Highlights 2026

---

Who Can Apply?

Here’s the eligibility criteria for METI Japan Internship 2026:

• Nationality: Citizen of an eligible country (India is eligible)

• Age: 20 to 40 years

• Education:

  • Final year UG or PG students

  • OR recent graduates

• Language: Must understand basic English (Japanese is a bonus)

• Other Requirements:

  • Willing to attend pre-training and orientation

  • Open to working with a Japanese company remotely or in-person

  • Must not have participated in METI internship more than once before

---

Selection Process

Getting selected is competitive — here’s how I made it through:

1. Apply online via the official JIP portal

2. Submit resume + statement of purpose (SOP)

3. Screening by METI + host companies

4. Interview (Zoom or Google Meet)

5. Final selection & orientation

The process usually takes 4–6 weeks after the application deadline. Make sure your SOP highlights your interest in Japanese culture, skills, and long-term career goals.

---

Internship Benefits

This internship is fully funded and has amazing perks:

• Round-trip airfare (for on-site interns)

• Accommodation in Japan

• Daily allowance (~3,000 JPY/day)

• Internship completion certificate

• Cross-cultural training and pre-internship orientation

• Network with global professionals and Japanese companies

• Long-term career opportunities in Japan or Indo-Japan companies

---

Documents Required

You’ll need the following documents to apply:

• Updated Resume (English)

• Passport (valid through 2026)

• Academic transcripts / degree certificate

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

• Recent passport-size photo

• Language proficiency certificate (optional but helpful)

---

How to Apply for METI Internship 2026

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Visit the official website: https://internshipprogram.go.jp/

2. Click on “Application for Foreign Nationals”

3. Register with your email

4. Fill out your profile + upload documents

5. Write a strong SOP explaining why you want to intern in Japan

6. Submit before the deadline

7. Wait for email communication for interviews

Note: You can select your preferred internship type – on-site or online – while applying.

---

Important Dates (Tentative for 2026)

---

FAQs – METI Japan Internship Program 2026

• Is the METI internship paid?
  Yes, it’s fully funded — airfare, accommodation, allowance, and more.

• Can Indian students apply?
  Yes, Indian students and professionals are fully eligible.

• Is this internship remote or in-person?
  Both options are available: on-site in Japan or online.

• Do I need to know Japanese?
  No, but knowing basic Japanese is helpful. English is acceptable for most roles.

• Is there a CGPA requirement?
  Not strictly, but strong academic and project background helps during screening.

• Can I get a job in Japan after the internship?
  While not guaranteed, many interns build long-term ties with Japanese companies.