The Western Balkans Meet Japan Youth Exchange Program 2027 in Japan is a 7-day cultural and academic youth exchange program for undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students aged 20 or older from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. The program runs from 20-26 January 2027 and welcomes 13 participants to explore peacebuilding, reconciliation, and Japan’s policies through visits to institutions and cultural activities.
The program is jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) and the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO). RYCO is an independently functioning institutional mechanism founded by the Western Balkans 6 participants to promote reconciliation and cooperation among youth through exchange programs. MOFA and RYCO have collaborated on this initiative since 2018 under the MIRAI Program, now in its seventh consecutive year.
Western Balkans Meet Japan Benefits
- Round trip international air tickets to Japan by economy class
- Overseas travel and accident insurance
- Accommodation and transportation in Japan
- Meals during the program
- Admission fees for scheduled activities in Japan
- Participants must pay personal expenses including passport, visa acquisition, vaccination, excess baggage, travel between home and designated airport, and souvenirs
Western Balkans Meet Japan Eligibility Criteria
- Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or PhD program in the Western Balkans
- Be aged 20 years or older at the time of application
- Live in one of the Western Balkans societies and hold a passport issued by one of the WB6
- Have a good command of English
- Be motivated to disseminate information on Japan’s attractions through various communication tools
- Have good academic achievements and social activism
- Not have participated in exchange or similar programs by the Government of Japan
- Not have lived in Japan
- Respect the spirit of reconciliation and cooperation in the Western Balkans
- Have a valid passport
- Applicants with demonstrated ties to Japan through previous studies or cultural activities are considered an asset
- Desirable to have a proven track record in dealing with the past, reconciliation, regional cooperation or intercultural learning
- Applicants with Japanese nationality are NOT eligible
How to Apply for Western Balkans Meet Japan?
- Visit the official online application form
- Complete the application form with your personal information and nationality details
- Select your current status of studies
- Write your university name and study program
- Mention your academic achievements and social activism
- Answer the related questions asked in the form
- Explain your motivation to apply for this program
- Read and agree to the declaration
- Click submit to send your application form before the deadline
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Western Balkans Meet Japan Scholarship 2027 in Japan. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply for this youth exchange program.
What is the Western Balkans Meet Japan program?
The Western Balkans Meet Japan program is a 7-day youth exchange organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) and the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO). It brings 13 undergraduate, graduate, or PhD students from the Western Balkans to Japan to learn about peacebuilding, reconciliation, and Japanese policy. The program takes place from 20-26 January 2027 and aims to build long-term friendship and cooperation between Japan and the Western Balkans.
Who is eligible to apply for Western Balkans Meet Japan?
Applicants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or PhD program in the Western Balkans, aged 20 years or older, and living in one of the six Western Balkans societies (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Serbia). They must hold a passport issued by one of the WB6 and have a good command of English. Applicants with Japanese nationality are not eligible.
What costs are covered by the Western Balkans Meet Japan?
The program covers round trip international air tickets to Japan by economy class, overseas travel and accident insurance, accommodation and transportation in Japan, meals during the program, and admission fees for scheduled activities. Participants must pay personal expenses such as passport fees, visa acquisition, vaccination costs, excess baggage charges, travel between their home and the designated airport, and souvenirs.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is 31 August 2026 at 23:59 CET Time. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview in September. Only selected participants will be notified, expected by mid-October. It is important to submit the online application form before the deadline to be considered.
How do I apply for the Western Balkans Meet Japan?
To apply, visit the official online application form link provided on the RYCO website. Complete the form by entering personal information, nationality details, current status of studies, university name, study program, academic achievements, and motivation. You must read and agree to the declaration and then click submit. The form is available until 31 August 2026.
Do I need a valid passport?
Yes, all applicants must have a valid passport. For participants from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Montenegro, a visa to participate in the program is also required. The organizers will inform selected participants of the visa application process once decisions are made. Ensure your passport is valid before applying.
Can applicants who have previously visited or lived in Japan apply?
No, applicants who have participated in exchange or similar programs offered by the Government of Japan or who have lived in Japan are not eligible. The program aims to provide this experience to those who have not previously engaged with Japan through such programs. This requirement ensures a fresh cohort of participants each year.
What is the age requirement?
Applicants must be aged 20 years or older at the time of application. There is no upper age limit specified, but the program targets currently enrolled undergraduate, graduate, or PhD students from the Western Balkans. The age of 20+ ensures participants have sufficient maturity for international travel and academic exchange.
Where does the program take place?
The 7-day program takes place in Japan. Participants will visit different institutions to explore peacebuilding activities and approaches. Past visits have included JICA HQ, Sophia University, and the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima. The program blends academic discussions, cultural exchange, and reflection on Japan’s approaches to peace and reconciliation.
Is the program fully funded?
The program is partially funded. It covers major costs such as international air tickets, insurance, accommodation, transportation in Japan, meals, and admission fees for scheduled activities. However, participants are responsible for personal expenses including passport, visa acquisition, vaccination, excess baggage, travel between home and the designated airport, and souvenirs. It is not fully funded because of these personal costs.
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