The METI Japan Internship Program 2025 is your chance to intern with top Japanese companies. This fully funded internship is designed for talented individuals from developing countries and offers both in-person and online internship options. It provides hands-on experience, cultural exchange, and valuable networking opportunities with Japanese businesses.
Organized by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the program helps international students and graduates learn how Japanese companies work. Participants receive daily allowances, travel support, accommodation, and professional training. Whether you are a student, a recent graduate, or an early-career professional, this internship opens doors to job opportunities in Japan.
With around 100 companies participating, the program matches each intern to one host company based on skills, interests, and goals. The METI internship is more than just work experience—it’s a chance to build a future career in Japan.
Quick Overview of METI Japan Internship Program 2025
- Host Country: Japan
- Host Companies: Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Deadline: June 30, 2025
- Programs: Online Internship and In-person Internship (two terms)
- Value: Daily allowance, round-trip airfare, visa support, accommodation, mobile phone, insurance
- Age Limit: 18 to 40 years (as of August 25, 2025)
- Eligibility: Nationals of OECD/DAC-listed countries (excluding China) with Japanese (JLPT N3 or above) or English proficiency
Perks of Government of Japan Internships 2025
- Round-trip flight tickets for in-person interns
- Free accommodation and transportation to the host company
- Daily allowance: ¥1,000 (online) or ¥3,000 (in-person)
- Business Japanese language training and cross-cultural workshops
- Mobile phone provided for in-person interns
- Online internships offer full tech support, including PC and internet access
- Access to mid-term and final training workshops and presentations
- Personalized career training at the end of the internship
Benefits of Fully Funded Internships in Japan 2025
- Gain hands-on experience with real Japanese companies
- Improve business Japanese, intercultural communication, and industry skills
- Build strong connections with Japanese businesses and other international interns
- Increase your chances of getting hired in Japan after the internship
- Experience Japanese work culture and build lasting relationships
Exclusions of the METI Internship Program 2025
- Chinese nationals are not eligible for this program
- Applicants already residing in Japan cannot apply
- You cannot participate if you joined the program between FY2016 and FY2024
- Participants cannot decline after matching with a company
- You must attend all training and complete the internship to receive a completion certificate
Eligibility Criteria of METI Japan Internship Program 2025
- Must be a national of a DAC-listed developing country (excluding China)
- Must be aged between 18 and 40 as of August 25, 2025
- Must have a JLPT N3 or higher level of Japanese or good English skills
- Must be a student or graduate of a college or university
- Must submit a certificate of enrollment (for students) or graduation (for graduates)
- Must submit a recommendation letter from your university or institution
- Must be enthusiastic about working in Japan or seeking employment in Japan
- Must not have participated in this internship program in the past
- Must be able to attend all required training and internship activities
Important Dates of Japan Internships for International Students
- Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
- Interviews and Matching: July–August 2025
- Internship Start: Based on the company and course schedule
- Internship End: Final presentations and career training take place after the internship ends
How to Apply to the METI Japan Internship Program 2025
- Visit the official application portal: Apply Here
- Register your email for provisional registration
- Complete the full application form through the email link
- Upload the required documents (enrollment/graduation certificates, recommendation letter, language test scores)
- Participate in the first interview (Japanese or English)
- If shortlisted, attend the matching interview with the company
- Wait for final acceptance and sign the agreement with the JIP Office
Required Documents for METI Japan Internship Program 2025
- Certificate of enrollment (for students) or graduation (for graduates)
- A letter of recommendation from your university or faculty
- Proof of language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, CEFR, JLPT, etc.)
- Valid passport
- Daily reports, internship plan, and activity forms (during and after internship)
Country-Specific Criteria for the Fully Funded Internships in Japan
- Only applicants from countries listed on the OECD DAC list are eligible
- You may apply even if you currently reside in a developed country, as long as your nationality is from an eligible country
- Applicants from China are not eligible
