Western Balkans Meet Japan 2027 Youth Exchange Program

The Western Balkans Meet Japan: A Bridge into the Future programme is a seven-day youth exchange organised through cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) and the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO). The 2026/2027 edition will bring 13 eligible undergraduate and graduate students from the Western Balkans to Japan from 20–26 January 2027. The application deadline is August 31st 2026 at 23h59 CET Time.

Quick Overview

Programme: Western Balkans Meet Japan: A Bridge into the Future
Opportunity Type: Youth Exchange Programme
Organizers: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) and Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO)
Country: Japan
Duration: 7 days
Programme Dates: 20–26 January 2027
Available Places: 13 participants
Deadline: August 31st 2026 at 23h59 CET Time

About Western Balkans Meet Japan

Western Balkans Meet Japan: A Bridge into the Future is organised under the MIRAI Program. MOFA and RYCO are collaborating for the seventh consecutive year to deliver the youth exchange.

The programme aims to deepen participants’ understanding of Japan and its policies. It also promotes mutual understanding and reconciliation through intellectual and cultural exchange.

Another objective is to build a foundation for future friendship and cooperation between Japan and the Western Balkans.

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What the Programme Covers

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan covers several major participation costs.

✓ Round-trip international economy-class airfare to Japan
✓ Overseas travel accident insurance
✓ Accommodation in Japan
✓ Transportation in Japan
✓ Meals during the programme
✓ Admission fees for scheduled activities in Japan

Participants are responsible for personal expenses.

These include passport and visa costs, vaccination expenses, excess baggage charges, travel between their home and the designated airport, and personal purchases or souvenirs.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme.
• Be aged 20 years or older at the time of application.
• Live in one of the Western Balkan societies covered by the programme.
• Hold a passport issued by one of the WB6.
• Be from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Serbia.
• Have a good command of English.
• Have a valid passport.
• Be motivated to share information about Japan through different communication tools.
• Demonstrate good academic achievement and social activism.
• Respect the spirit of reconciliation and cooperation in the Western Balkans.
• Not have participated in an exchange or similar programme organised by the Government of Japan.
• Not have previously lived in Japan.

Applicants with Japanese nationality are not eligible.

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Preferred Applicant Profile

Applicants with demonstrated connections to Japan through previous studies, cultural activities, or related experience will be considered an asset.

It is also desirable for candidates to have a proven record in areas such as:

• Dealing with the past
• Reconciliation
• Regional cooperation
• Intercultural learning

The programme also expects applicants to be motivated to communicate Japan’s attractions through different communication channels.

Visa Information

Selected participants from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Montenegro* need to apply for a visa to participate in the programme.

The organisers will inform selected participants about the visa application process after the selection decision.

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Application and Selection Process

Applicants must complete and submit the official online application form provided by RYCO.

After the application deadline, shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview in September 2026.

Only selected participants will be notified. The official call states that notification is expected by mid-October 2026.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: August 31st 2026 at 23h59 CET Time
• Shortlisted Candidate Interviews: September 2026
• Expected Selection Notification: Mid-October 2026
• Programme Dates in Japan: 20–26 January 2027

Official Link

Submit your application through the official application link below.

Apply for Western Balkans Meet Japan: A Bridge into the Future