The Japan Mid-Career Course Scholarship 2026 offers experienced peacebuilding and international development professionals a fully funded opportunity to enhance their leadership skills and advance careers within the UN and other international organizations. Held at Hiroshima University, this intensive program combines online and in-person training.
Hiroshima University, through its Global Peace and Development Career Network (GPAD) and with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, has designed this course to strengthen global peacebuilding capacity. Participants benefit from expert instruction, peer exchange, and hands-on learning in a city symbolic of peace.
Japan Mid-Career Course Benefits
- Free participation for non-Japanese participants (course fully funded)
- Accommodation provided during the in-person workshop
- Domestic transportation between Tokyo and Higashi-Hiroshima covered
- Leadership and management skill development
- Professional networking with experts and peers globally
- Preparation for mid-level positions in UN agencies and international organizations
- Access to expert-led workshops and interactive discussions
- Exposure to current international development challenges and strategic thinking
Japan Mid-Career Course Eligibility Criteria
- At least seven years of professional experience in peacebuilding and/or international development
- Fluency in both spoken and written English
- Strong interest in pursuing a career with the United Nations or other international organizations
- Commitment to attend the online pre-course session and the in-person workshop in Japan
- Open to mid-level professionals from any country (non-Japanese and Japanese applicants welcome)
- Applicants from international organizations, NGOs, government, private sector, and development institutions are eligible
How to Apply for Japan Mid-Career Course
- Download the official application form from the program website.
- Complete the form in Microsoft Word format (PDF submissions not accepted).
- For UN staff: you may submit the UN Personal History Form instead of the employment section.
- Email the completed application to [email protected].
- Use the subject line: “2026 Mid-Career Course application (First Name Last Name – Country)”.
- Ensure submission before the deadline: 31 August 2026, 5:00 PM Japan Standard Time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Japan Mid-Career Course Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Japan Mid-Career Course Scholarship?
The Japan Mid-Career Course Scholarship is a professional development program for mid-level peacebuilding and international development professionals, organized by Hiroshima University and supported by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It aims to equip experienced individuals with leadership and strategic skills for careers in the UN and other international organizations.
Who is eligible to apply for this course?
Applicants must have at least seven years of professional experience in peacebuilding or international development, be fluent in English, and show commitment to attending both online and in-person sessions. The program is open to professionals worldwide from various sectors including international organizations, NGOs, government, and the private sector.
Is the program fully funded?
Yes, for non-Japanese participants, the course is fully funded, covering tuition, accommodation, and domestic transportation within Japan. International airfare, meals, and personal expenses are the responsibility of the participant. Japanese participants must pay a fee of approximately ¥120,000.
What does the funding cover?
The funding includes free participation in the course, accommodation during the residential workshop, and transportation between Tokyo and Higashi-Hiroshima. Participants are responsible for their international airfare to Japan, daily meals, and any personal expenses outside the official program schedule.
Where and when does the training take place?
The Japan Mid-Career Course features an online pre-course session in December 2026 and an intensive in-person workshop from 7 to 13 January 2027. The residential training takes place in Higashi-Hiroshima City, Japan, at Hiroshima University, a city recognized globally as a symbol of peace.
How can I apply?
To apply, download the application form from the official website, complete it in Microsoft Word format (PDF not accepted), and email it to [email protected] with the subject line: “2026 Mid-Career Course application (First Name Last Name – Country)”. UN staff may alternate with their Personal History Form.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply for the 2026 Mid-Career Course is August 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM JST. It is strongly recommended to submit all required documents early, as late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances. Applicants should ensure their email and attachments are complete and correct.
Do I need to pay any fees?
Non-Japanese participants pay no fees; the course, accommodation, and domestic travel are fully covered. Japanese participants are required to pay approximately ¥120,000, which covers accommodation, meals, and domestic transport. All participants must cover their own international travel to Japan and personal expenses.
What is the required professional experience?
Applicants must have a minimum of seven years of professional experience in peacebuilding and/or international development. This can be from roles in UN agencies, international organizations, NGOs, government ministries, or the private sector, demonstrating a solid track record in the field. The program targets experienced practitioners who can contribute to advanced peer discussions.
Can Japanese nationals apply?
Yes, Japanese nationals are welcome to apply. However, they are required to pay a fee of about ¥120,000, which includes accommodation, meals, and domestic transportation between Tokyo and Higashi-Hiroshima. The training is conducted in English, so Japanese applicants must be fluent and willing to participate in an international cohort.
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