EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation - Vulcanus in Japan Programme

Vulcanus in Japan Programme

You will receive a scholarship of up to 8,200 EUR for a 8-month stay in Japan (August 2026 to March 2027). It will be paid out in Japanese yen in several instalments and will cover your flight costs, insurance costs and living expenses. The programme also comprises three core components: a seminar on Japanese culture, society and the economy; a two-month intensive Japanese language course in Tokyo (no prior knowledge required); and a six-month paid placement at a Japanese company. The host company will cover the full cost of your accommodation. If you take part in the optional group project ‘Eyes on Japan’, you will receive an additional 1,000 EUR, bringing the total to up to 9,200 EUR. The programme is run by the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, a joint initiative of the European Commission and the Japanese Ministry of Industry.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a national of an EU country or a country participating in the Single Market programme (SME pillar).
• University: You are enrolled at a higher education institution in one of these countries, and your enrolment runs until at least the end of June 2026.
• Field of study: You are studying engineering, natural sciences, computer science or a related STEM subject, such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, physics, biotechnology or telecommunications.
• Study phase: At the time of your application, you should be either in your fourth official year of study or in the year before your final year of your PhD.
• English: You speak fluent English.
• Commitment: You can take part for the full 8 months. As all participants travel to Japan on the same day, the start and end dates are fixed.
• Japanese: Knowledge of Japanese is not required. Preference will be given to applicants who are not native speakers of Japanese and who have not yet gained any professional experience in a Japanese company.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online using the form linked on the programme page. The application deadline for the 2026–2027 cycle is 20 January 2026. The selection process consists of two stages. An external committee will draw up a shortlist by the end of February. Japanese companies will then select the final participants from this shortlist, with placements being finalised by the beginning of June. A maximum of 35 students will take part.

How realistic are your chances?

Competition is fierce: last year, around 578 people applied for no more than 35 places. The pool of applicants is limited to STEM students at the relevant stage of their studies who can commit to a full-time study period abroad lasting 8 months. A well-suited applicant with good grades and a genuine interest in Japan, as well as in industry in the EU and Japan, therefore stands a fair chance. As the companies make the final selection, suitability for the role on offer and a personalised, non-standardised letter of motivation are just as important as your grades.