WHAT IS IT?

Vulcanus in Japan started in 1997. The programme offers training and industrial placement opportunities with companies in Japan to students in engineering or fields related to science, technology and mathematics, who are from countries of the European Union or associated with the Single Market Programme (SME pillar[1]) and enrolled at university in one of those countries. It starts in August 2026 and ends in March 2027 (total duration: 8 months).

The students follow:

• a seminar on Japan,
• a two-month intensive Japanese language course,
• and then a six-month traineeship in a company based in Japan.

OBJECTIVES

• To study the range of advanced technologies employed by a leading Japanese host company.
• To learn Japanese and to understand and appreciate Japanese culture with a view to an enriching eight-month experience abroad.
• To be well placed in your future career to interact with Japanese businesses and people.

WHAT DO WE OFFER? (WHO PAYS WHAT)

The EU-Japan Centre covers costs directly related to the internship: cost for providing lectures on Japan and Japanese language course (compulsory activities).

The Host Company provides accommodation throughout the entire stay in Japan.

A maximum of € 9,200 will be given in total per student for the period spanning from August to March. € 8,200 will be given for participation in the traineeship and its compulsory activities. An additional € 1,000 will be provided to each student who participates in an optional ‘Eyes on Japan’ assignment carried out as group work. The grant amount includes insurance coverage for the duration of stay in Japan. In case the EU-Japan Centre arranges insurance, the corresponding cost will be deducted from the total grant amount.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

The applicant must:

• Be a citizen of an EU Member State or country associated to the Single Market Programme, SME Pillar¹
• Be registered as a student at a university based in the EU or in a country associated with the Single Market Program, SME Pillar¹.
• Be a student in engineering or field related to science, technology or mathematics, for instance computer science, mechanical engineering, chemical, electronics, biotechnology, electrical engineering, physics, telecommunication, nuclear engineering, civil engineering, production systems (e.g. metal, ceramics), global navigation satellite systems.
• Be enrolled at a university in between the fourth official year of studies and the last year of PhD when applying.
• Be enrolled at a university and undertaking a current cycle of studies at a university at least until late June of the departure year; and able to provide a certificate of enrolment at the university valid until at least late June 2026.
• Be able to participate in the entire programme, which means to dedicate minimum 8 months to the programme.
• Be able to communicate fluently in English

SELECTION CRITERIA

The main criteria for selection are:

• Quality of the application:
  • Adaptability/resilience to experience abroad
  • Academic career and records including regularity in studies
  • Interest in an industrial experience in Japan (and towards Japan and EU-Japan relations)
  • Quality of motivation letter
  • Quality of recommendation letter (tutor references)
  • Overall accuracy of the application
  • Grades: marks obtained at university
• Compatibility level with one or more internship(s) offered by a host company in Japan.

Applications will be evaluated based on the above criteria to create a shortlist of about 4 times the expected number of participants in the 2026–2027 session of Vulcanus in Japan.

• Priority will be given to applicants who have no experience in a Japanese company and whose knowledge of Japanese is not at native speaker level. (Native speakers or equivalent will only be selected if no other candidates are compatible with certain internship offers).
• Extra points based on compatibility level will be assigned to candidates that match offers of traineeships with which no top scored applicants are compatible. These candidates will not be allowed to apply to a different traineeship, once shortlisted.
• EUJCIC will also strive to ensure a balance in the profile of participants on the programme to avoid the underrepresentation of certain profiles. Assuming an equal quality of applications, the underrepresentation of a country or gender in a cohort can be considered.

The Japanese host companies have the final say in the selection of participants. They select the candidate who best matches their internship position's needs and expectations from the shortlisted applicants.

The match-making procedure operates on a 'first come first served' basis. Only the companies that accept an applicant first will guarantee their participation in the programme (for more information: click here).

Vulcanus in Japan 2026-2027 will welcome max. 35[2] students.

DOES YOUR PERSONALITY SUIT VULCANUS?

Whilst nearly all participants find Vulcanus a rewarding and enriching experience, it can at times prove stressful (due to loneliness, cultural differences, work pressures, etc.). Before deciding to apply, please consider carefully whether you can deal with the challenges you might face.

DATES OF THE CALL

Session: AUG 2026 - MAR 2027 --> opening date: 3 November 2025 / DEADLINE to apply: 20 January 2026 (23:00 CET)

SUBMISSION OF YOUR APPLICATION

What documents should you submit? How should you apply? 

Please submit your application through filling out the dedicated word form (first step) and through filling out the webform (second step).

Instructions on compulsory supporting documents and on how to apply can be checked here.

A list of FAQ is available here.

Before applying, please read our Privacy Policy 

[1] Please check the status of your country at https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/smp/guidance/list-3rd-country-participation_smp_en.pdf  (please refer only to countries listed under the “COSME strand” or to countries participating in the “Competitiveness of SMEs” strand and for which the agreement is signed and entered into force by the 'Vulcanus in Japan' application deadline).

[2] The organisation of the Vulcanus in Japan Programme (cycle 2026-2027) is pending the receipt of an EU grant by the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation for the period covering cycle 2026-2027 of the programme. Please therefore note that this call is subject to the award and signature of an EU Grant Agreement and may therefore be adjusted/cancelled if needed.

TESTIMONIALS FROM FORMER PARTICIPANTS

	Ms Sarah MOUGHARBEL (FR)  VinJ Trainee at Fujitsu Lab Ltd. "Taking part in the Vulcanus in Japan program has allowed me to spend a year during which every second was a mental, social and cultural stimulation" Read more
	Ms Madalina IOVANICA (RO) VinJ Trainee at Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation  "I applied for Vulcanus in Japan with the mindset that the program would, for sure substantially, improve my professional skills and stimulate my personal growth. And so it happened." Read more