Sumitomo Electric Industries, a major Japanese manufacturer of electric wire, optical fiber, and automotive and electronics components, runs a Global Internship Program that places university students in its research labs and business departments in Japan. Recent cohorts (2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, with earlier years in 2019 and a virtual 2021 edition) have worked in areas such as optical-communications research and human-resources analysis.
The program recurs roughly once a year. The official page states that recruitment for the 2027 cohort opens in January 2027; detailed eligibility, benefits, and application steps are published on that recruitment page when each cycle opens.
Benefits & funding
- Placement on a real R&D or business team at Sumitomo Electric in Japan, with mentorship from staff.
- Interns receive a stipend toward living costs; the exact amount and any travel or accommodation support are confirmed on the official recruitment page when a cycle opens.
- Exposure to a Japanese corporate and cultural environment and to the company’s technical and business functions.
Eligibility
- Open to university students; the 2025 cohort included students working in engineering / optical-communications research and in business / human-resources functions.
- Ability to communicate in English is expected for a global internship placement in Japan.
- Full eligibility criteria (degree level, year of study, nationality, language) are set out on the official recruitment page when the cycle opens.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Education required
Bachelor Enrolled · Master Enrolled
Circlebreaker is a free database of global fellowships, scholarships and programs — every one decoded like this.
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Wait for the 2027 cycle to open — the official page states recruitment begins in January 2027.
- 2On the official Sumitomo Electric internship page, review the available roles and their requirements.
- 3Prepare a CV and any required documents and submit the online application before the stated deadline.
Program timeline
Application deadline for the 2026 cycle (now closed).
Feb 6, 2026
End of 2026
Sumitomo Electric plans to publish 2026 intern interviews.
January 2027
Recruitment opens for the 2027 cohort.