Application
Applications for MLSS Okinawa 2027 opened in August 2026; the OpenReview submission site remains open until October 10, 2026. All applications are collected through OpenReview. No application fee is required.
Apply on OpenReviewImportant Dates
All deadlines are in UTC unless otherwise noted.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | August 1, 2026 |
| Poster Abstract Deadline (official application deadline) | |
| CV & References Due / OpenReview Submission Site Closes | October 10, 2026 |
| Acceptance Notices Sent | November 1, 2026 (23:00 UTC) |
| Registration Opens | November 10, 2026 (10:00 JST) |
| Registration Fee Payment Deadline | November 30, 2026 |
Note: Due to a limitation in our OpenReview configuration, we are unable to separate the abstract registration deadline from the final submission deadline. Therefore, the OpenReview submission site will remain open until October 10, 2026. September 30, 2026 remains our official application deadline, and applications submitted by that date will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after September 30 and by October 10 may still be considered, subject to availability. If you have already submitted your application, no further action is required, and you may continue to update your submission until October 10.
Eligibility
MLSS Okinawa 2027 is open to all applicants. We aim to select approximately 200 highly motivated participants. Our primary target audience is:
- Master's and PhD students with a strong technical background in machine learning related research topics.
A limited number of spots may be available for:
- Postdoctoral researchers, staff scientists, and faculty members
- Industry practitioners (who may attend through company sponsorship)
- Outstanding undergraduate students
All applicants are expected to have:
- Programming proficiency in Python
- Genuine interest in machine learning
- Foundational knowledge of linear algebra, calculus, probability, and statistics
Application Materials
All materials are submitted through OpenReview. Required documents:
Poster Abstract
Title and abstract of the poster you plan to present. The poster may cover ongoing projects or undergraduate work — publication is not required.
Statement of Motivation
A concise statement explaining your background, research interests, and why you want to attend MLSS Okinawa 2027.
Curriculum Vitae
Your CV in PDF format, including your academic and research history.
Supplementary Materials Optional
Papers, technical reports, GitHub profile, or other materials demonstrating your work.
Accommodation Request Optional
A brief statement explaining your need for on-site accommodation, if you wish to be considered. Accommodation is provided in-kind by the organizers, not as a monetary grant.
Letter of Recommendation Students Only
One letter of recommendation from a chosen referee is required for all student applicants.
Note: Each accepted participant is required to present their poster in person during the school.
Registration Fees
Fees are payable after acceptance. Amounts below are current estimates and may be subject to slight adjustments before registration opens.
USD/EUR amounts are approximate, for reference only, based on 1 USD = ¥160 and 1 EUR = ¥180. Payment is in Japanese Yen (¥).
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by the program committee for both admission eligibility and accommodation support prioritization. Selection is competitive — submitting a strong poster abstract and motivation statement is important. Accepted applicants will be notified by November 1, 2026.
There is no application fee.
Accommodation Support
A limited number of accepted participants may be provided with on-site accommodation at or near OIST. This is offered in-kind and is not a monetary grant — accommodation will be arranged and provided directly by the organizers. Supported participants will be provided with either a room in OIST campus housing or a shared hotel room, as arranged by the organizers. See the Hotels page for a list of accommodation options near OIST.
Note: Accommodation support does not cover travel expenses. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to Okinawa.
FAQ
I am a working professional but also enrolled as a student (e.g., part-time or PhD student) — can I apply at the student rate?
Yes. If you hold an official student status at a university in addition to your employment, and you can obtain a letter of recommendation from a faculty member or supervisor at that university, you are eligible to apply and register at the student rate.
Is a letter of recommendation required, and how long should it be?
Yes, a letter of recommendation is required for all student applicants. However, it does not need to be long — a short letter of about 1–3 paragraphs is sufficient, as long as it meaningfully supports the applicant.
My referee cannot submit the letter of recommendation through the system. What should we do?
If your referee is unable to submit the letter through the application system due to a technical issue, they may send it directly by email to mlss2027@oist.jp. Please ask them to include the applicant's full name in the email subject.
What kind of accommodation is provided through accommodation support?
Participants selected for accommodation support will be provided with either a room in OIST campus housing or a shared hotel room. The type of accommodation is assigned by the organizers. Accommodation support is in-kind and does not cover travel expenses.
Questions?
If you have questions about the application process, please contact us at mlss2027@oist.jp.