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The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Japan Office is accepting applications for its 2026 Short-Term Fellowship Programme, a five-day training and internship opportunity designed for international students currently studying at universities and graduate schools in Japan.
Participants will gain practical exposure to intellectual property through training hosted by Japanese patent law firms. Activities may include lectures on intellectual property and IP strategy, practical office training, institutional visits and presentations relating to intellectual-property systems.
Eligibility — Important
WIPO defines the country requirement as applicants from countries classified as either:
Important language clarification
The official announcement specifically says applicants need the ability to communicate in English and Japanese.
There is therefore no stated IELTS requirement, but this should not be marketed as “No IELTS Required” because WIPO has not framed it that way. The safe TripDoc wording is:
“No specific English-language certificate is listed in the official application requirements.”
Training Dates
Option 1: November 24–30, 2026
Option 2: November 30–December 4, 2026
The application form also lets candidates select “Either is fine.
Who Can Apply?
hold a foreign nationality;
currently be enrolled at a Japanese university or graduate school;
come from an eligible developing country;
be able to communicate in English and Japanese;
have an interest in intellectual property or related fields.
Students from any academic major may apply.
What Does the Programme Cover?
Participation in the programme is free.
Depending on a participant's residential location, WIPO states that travel costs to the programme venue and accommodation costs may be supported. These benefits should not be considered guaranteed.
Documents Required
the official WIPO fellowship application form; and
a CV in Japanese or English.
Selection
Applications will be screened. Selected candidates may be invited for additional assessment and/or an interview.
How to Apply
Complete the official WIPO application form and submit it together with your CV to the WIPO Japan Office at:
japan.office@wipo.int
Important
This fellowship is not open to students living abroad who wish to travel to Japan for the programme. Applicants must already be international students enrolled at a university or graduate school in Japan.
Source: Official World Intellectual Property Organization announcement and official application form.
