【Japan NIMS】2027 International Cooperative Graduate Program (ICGP) – Research Training Opportunity for PhD Students

The National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Japan, is now accepting applications for the 2027 International Cooperative Graduate Program (ICGP).

The program offers full-time PhD students an opportunity to undertake research training at NIMS in Japan for 6–12 months, with financial support including accommodation and a monthly living allowance.

Before applying, students are strongly encouraged to carefully review the program information and application procedures and confirm their eligibility.

🔹 Program Overview & Eligibility

• Applicants must be full-time PhD students.
• The research training period at NIMS is 6–12 months.
• NIMS generally provides accommodation in Tsukuba.
• A living allowance of approximately JPY 120,000 per month is provided.
• NIMS does not charge tuition fees or facility usage fees.
• NIMS assists participants with administrative procedures, including visa processing and accommodation arrangements in Tsukuba.
• The working language of the program is English.

🔹 Important: Contact a NIMS Researcher Before Applying

Students are strongly encouraged to contact a NIMS researcher they are interested in working with before applying to discuss their research interests and the compatibility of their proposed research at NIMS.

Potential supervisors can be found through the NIMS Researchers Directory Service (SAMURAI):

https://samurai.nims.go.jp/?locale=en

🔹 Required Application Documents

Please prepare the following documents:

1. Completed ICGP Application Form
2. Bachelor's Academic Transcript
3. Master's Academic Transcript

🔹 NTHU Internal Application Deadline & Submission

Interested students should submit all required application documents by email to the Global Academic Cooperation Division, Office of Global Affairs, NTHU by:

December 22, 2026 (Tuesday)

Contact Person: Ms. Ssu Chan
Email: sychan@mx.nthu.edu.tw

Please use the following email subject line:

Application for NIMS 2027 ICGP_Department_Student ID_Name

Please note that NIMS has updated its application procedure for 2027. Application documents will be collected by NTHU and submitted to NIMS through the designated BOX submission system.

🔹 NIMS 2027 Official Application Schedule 

• Application Deadline: January 8, 2027
• Screening and Interview: January 2027 – Mid-March 2027
• Announcement of Results: Mid-March 2027
• Training Start: After July 2027

The actual starting date may be adjusted depending on necessary arrangements, including visa procedures.

🔹 Important Notes

• Students must arrange their own travel insurance, including personal and property liability insurance for daily life.
• Participants are required to enroll in Japan’s National Health Insurance after arrival, with support from NIMS.
• NIMS provides visa support for the participating student only, not for accompanying family members.

🔹 Further Information

For detailed program information and application documents:

https://www.nims.go.jp/students/en/application/

NIMS Graduate Program Section: nims-graduate@nims.go.jp

For questions regarding the NTHU internal application process:

Ms. Ssu Chan
Global Academic Collaboration Division, Office of Global Affairs, NTHU
Email: sychan@mx.nthu.edu.tw