METI Program 2026: Japan Invites Indians for Internships; Stipend, Travel Expenses Included

New Delhi: Japan runs a special program to provide internships to foreign students. Every year, dozens of interns gain employment opportunities with Japanese companies. The Japanese government's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has announced the METI Internship Program 2026 for foreign students and professionals. This program is a great opportunity for Indian graduates who want to understand Japanese work culture and pursue a career there.

The best part of the METI Internship Program is that it is fully funded, meaning the government will cover the expenses associated with Indians' travel and stay in Japan. Eighty Japanese companies are participating in this program, hiring interns. The internships are offered in two modes: online courses and in-person courses. The application deadline is June 30, 2026. Let's explore the important aspects of this internship, including the requirements for interns and where to apply.

What is the METI internship duration?

Japan's METI internship program is designed in two ways. You can choose between them based on your convenience. The following are details about both methods:

Online course: This program begins on August 24th and runs until September 18th, 2026. Interns will be able to work with a Japanese company from India.

In-person course: This program requires interns to travel to Japan. There are two batches: the first batch will run from October 7th to November 26th, 2026, and the second batch will run from November 4th to December 18th, 2026.

Application link: METI Japan Govt Internship Program 2026

What are the requirements for the METI internship?

- This internship is for individuals who wish to contribute to the overseas expansion of Japanese companies.
- Only citizens of India are eligible to apply for this internship.
- Applicants must be committed to fulfilling the core responsibilities of an intern.
- Applicants must possess proficiency in either Japanese or English.
- Applicants must be between 18 and 39 years of age.
- Applicants must be final-year students at the Bachelor's or Master's level, or university graduates.
- Applicants must not currently hold a job offer in Japan.

What are the benefits of the METI Internship?

- Interns participating in the online course will receive a daily stipend of 1,000 Yen.
- Interns participating in the in-person course will receive a daily stipend of 3,000 Yen.
- Japanese language training will be provided for a period spanning three months prior to, and three months following, the intern's arrival in Japan.
- Round-trip flight tickets to and from Japan will be provided.
- Accommodation arrangements in Japan will also be covered by the company.

What is the ideal candidate profile for this internship?

The METI Internship is designed for individuals who have obtained a degree from a university or graduate school—either in Japan or abroad—and who aspire to work in Japanese companies in roles such as Engineers, Researchers, Interpreters, Sales Professionals (focused on overseas expansion), or Legal and Accounting Professionals. Through this internship, participants will not only gain the opportunity to experience Japanese work culture but also lay the foundation for building a career in Japan. Applicants for the online course under the METI program will be notified regarding their selection status by July.

Similarly, candidates selected for the first batch of the in-person course will be notified by mid-August, while those selected for the second batch will be notified by September. The internship duration for participants in the online course is 20 days, whereas interns participating in the in-person course will undertake a 30-day internship.