Frequently asked questions

How to apply?
By filling in the appropriate application form and sending the requested supporting documents (listed on the application form) by the deadline date. ONLY the pages of the application form can be e-mailed or faxed. All the other documents (unstapled and unbound) must be sent by post.

Where do the courses take place?
All our training courses take place in Japan. Lectures are usually given at our Headquarters office located in Tokyo.

Where do participants live during the course?
We usually make a group reservation in one hotel for all participants.

Do I need to pay the non-refundable contribution or the refundable deposit?
It depends on your company size:

SMEs: participants must pay a (refundable) deposit of €2,000 for the HRTP course and €1,000 for the other courses to guarantee their place on the course and complete the ‘scholarship request – self-assessment declaration’ form that will be sent to them once the EU-Japan Centre has offered a place on the course.
Other companies: participants must pay a non-refundable contribution of €2,000 for the HRTP course or €1,000 for the DBP and WCM courses (not applicable for the FDI course) towards the costs incurred by the EU-Japan Centre in relation to each company’s participation.

Is there a scholarship for a SME?
A daily grant of 10,000 yen (approx. 80 euro/day) is available to facilitate SMEs' participation. SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) are companies meeting the standard European Commission criteria for an SME that have applied successfully for a scholarship (see the application form). Other companies are large companies or SMEs that fail to apply successfully for a scholarship.

Which kind of other costs does a participant’s company need to cover?

The EU-Japan Centre will cover costs relating to tuition, travel costs for visits, interpretation, etc.
The participant’s company needs to cover the air fare to/from Japan, accommodation* and living expenses (such as food).
As for accommodation we usually make a group reservation and benefit from a corporate rate (approximately 125-150 euro/night including breakfast). * Except for the HRTP course for which accommodation is covered (in a hotel selected by the EU-Japan Centre).

How will I be prepared before the course?
For all our training courses we provide participants with some practical information (how to reach the hotel from the airport, accommodation facilities, meeting-point times and locations, subway and city maps, telephone rental information, etc). For some missions we organise an orientation session in Japan the day before the course starts (sometimes taking place on the Sunday afternoon preceding the course).

Can I apply together with a colleague?
We accept multiple applications from the same company but need to give the opportunity to as many companies as possible to take part. This is why we ask to mention a first-choice candidate.

How will my application be assessed?
A Selection Board will assess candidates based on written information in the application documents.

When will I know if I am selected?
The Selection Board takes place after the application deadline date. Once places are allocated, the European Commission and the EU-Japan Centre’s Head Office are asked to approve its decision. Final results are announced to applicants in the days following the Selection Board.

I am not working for an industrial company, so can I still apply?
The Selection Board gives priority to candidates working for industrial companies; however, individual background, experience, concrete projects, etc. are also taken into consideration.

Can I apply several times?
You are free to apply for several training programmes or several times for the same programme.

Which kind of companies take part in these training courses?
All sized companies.

What is the course content?
For all our training courses, previous mission reports (containing former participants’ testimonials) are available by post upon request (please send us your postal address.

How many participants take part in the courses?
Groups are made up of +/- 15 people from the 27 EU Member States.

Any other questions?
Please contact us.