If you want to write real code while living in Tokyo, the HENNGE Global Internship Programme is a great choice. This paid, four- to six-week program gives engineering students and recent graduates a direct path to working in Japan. If you are also seeking global placement opportunities in Europe, you might want to look into the 2026 INTERPOL Graduate & Student Internship Scheme.
Based right in Shibuya, you will work with an international team to build cloud applications using Python, Go, TypeScript, and AWS. The office uses English as its main language, so you do not need to know any Japanese to apply.
Program Details
- Host Company: HENNGE K.K., based in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan.
- Engineering Tracks: You are expected to pick one between Full-Stack Software Engineering and Front-End Software Engineering.
- Program Length: Four to six weeks, with different groups starting at various times throughout the year.
- Financial Support: A monthly allowance of 150,000 JPY plus free round-trip airfare.
- Extra Perks: Free visa help, health insurance, a local mobile SIM card with data, and access to company social clubs.
- Language Requirement: Fluent English. No Japanese skills are needed.
- Eligibility: Open to third-year undergraduate students, master’s students, PhD candidates, and recent graduates.
- Where to Apply: You can sign up through the official HENNGE GIP portal online.
What Makes This Program Special?
Moving across the world for an internship can be stressful, but HENNGE handles the big logistical steps so you can focus on coding and enjoying Tokyo:
- Monthly Living Allowance: You get 150,000 JPY each month to help pay for local housing, train rides, and meals.
- Round-Trip Flights: HENNGE buys your plane tickets to Tokyo and back home.
- Visa and Relocation Help: The team guides you step-by-step through getting your Japanese visa and settling into the city.
- Stay Connected and Safe: When you arrive, you get a local mobile data SIM card and medical insurance for your entire stay.
- Culture and Community: You can join monthly developer meetups, company lunches, board game nights, and local cultural outings.
- Career Growth: Many full-time international engineers at HENNGE started out as interns in this exact program. Students looking for practical corporate experience locally or regionally can also check out opportunities such as the Arla Foods Dano Milk Internship 2026 for Nigerian graduates.
Requirements and Technical Skills
Basic Rules
- School Status: You must be in your third year of college or higher (Master’s and PhD students are welcome) or have graduated recently.
- Field of Study: You should study computer science, software engineering, or a similar field. If not, practical experience from a coding bootcamp or past tech job is expected.
- Language: You need to be able to talk and write well in English.
- Core Tech Stack: You should be good at coding in Python or Go and feel comfortable using terminal tools on Linux, macOS, or similar systems.
- Mindset: You must really want to take part in developer groups, work on open-source projects, and begin your software career in Japan.
Extra Tech Skills
Applicants should also feel confident in at least three of these areas:
- Cloud Infrastructure: Experience with cloud platforms, especially Amazon Web Services.
- Modern Web Development: Experience building full-stack web apps using tools like React, Node.js, or TypeScript.
- Container Technology: Practical use of Docker or container tools.
- DevOps Practices: Familiarity with deployment pipelines, automated testing, or infrastructure code.
- Distributed Systems: A clear grasp of backend systems and architecture patterns. For students seeking advanced scientific research placements abroad, programs like the 2027 Max Planck Internships in Germany (Fully Funded) provide great alternative pathways.
How to Apply and Key Dates for the GIP
Step 1: Online Registration
Go to the official HENNGE GIP portal, make an account, confirm your email address, and choose the dates you want to do your internship.
Step 2: Take the coding test.
Solve an online programming puzzle using Python or Go. There is no countdown timer, and how fast you finish does not affect your score. The team simply looks at how clean your code is and whether your logic is correct.
Step 3: Send in your paperwork.
Once you finish the coding test, upload a fresh copy of your resume along with a cover letter telling them why you want to intern at HENNGE.
Step 4: Do the interviews
If you make the shortlist, you will chat on a casual video call first, followed by a technical interview with senior software engineers from the company.
Step 5: Offer and Move to Tokyo
If you pass the interviews, you get your official offer letter, finish your visa paperwork with the team, and get ready to head to Shibuya.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Japanese?
No. English is the official working language for all engineering teams, daily meetings, and documentation.
How strict is the coding challenge deadline?
There is no timer once you start the challenge, so you can work at your own pace. However, because spots fill up as people apply, turning it in early gives you a much better chance.
Does HENNGE provide housing?
HENNGE does not have a company dorm, but your 150,000 JPY monthly allowance is meant to cover local rent and food. The team also helps you find and book short-term housing in Tokyo before you fly out.
You can access the official application portal and start your registration on the HENNGE Global Internship Program (GIP) Portal

