Location: Japan
Program: Internship Program
Organizer: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Internship Modes: Online Course and In-person Course
Deadline: June 30, 2026
Eligible Applicants: Foreign professionals from OECD/DAC-listed countries
The METI Japan Internship Program 2026 provides internship opportunities for overseas-based highly skilled foreign professionals interested in working with Japanese companies. The initiative supports Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises while allowing participants to gain practical professional experience and exposure to Japanese workplace culture.
About the METI Japan Internship Program 2026
The internship program is designed for foreign professionals with specialized knowledge and skills. Selected interns will work with Japanese SMEs through placements arranged by the program office. Both online and in-person participation options are available for 2026.
The online internship course is scheduled from August 24 to September 18, 2026. Participants in this track may complete up to 20 internship days and around 80 total working hours. The in-person course includes two internship periods in Japan later in the year.
What the Program Provides
The program offers logistical and operational support for selected interns.
✓ Economy-class round-trip airfare to Japan
✓ Internship and travel insurance
✓ Visa cost support
✓ Mobile phone support during the internship
✓ Accommodation support from host companies
✓ Transportation arrangements related to internship activities
Online course participants will receive computer, internet, and communication support for their internship activities.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy all conditions stated by the organizers.
• Be a citizen of a country listed on the OECD/DAC list, excluding the People’s Republic of China
• Reside outside Japan at the time of application
• Be between 18 and 39 years old as of August 24, 2026
• Be in the final year of university studies or already graduated
• Have Japanese or English language proficiency
• Support the objectives of the internship initiative
The organizers also require applicants to submit supporting academic and recommendation documents after the initial screening stage.
Internship Terms and Duration
The online internship will end with a final presentation session scheduled for September 18, 2026. Meanwhile, the in-person course includes two internship terms:
• October 7 to November 26, 2026
• November 4 to December 18, 2026
Each in-person internship can continue for up to 30 business days with approximately 7–8 working hours daily.
Selection Procedure
Applications will undergo document screening conducted by the Japan Office. Candidates who pass the review will attend a first interview in Japanese or English. Afterward, applicants will be matched with companies according to their profiles, preferences, and experience. Final intern selection will take place after company interviews.
Related Opportunity: HENNGE Global Internship Program 2025 in Japan Fully Funded
Documents Required
Applicants may need to prepare the following documents:
• Certificate of enrollment or graduation
• Recommendation letter from a university faculty member or institution
• Language proficiency documents
Additional documents may be requested before the interview process.
Deadline
Applications for the METI Japan Internship Program 2026 must be submitted before June 30, 2026.
