Western Balkans Meet Japan Program 2026/2027: Fully Funded Youth Exchange in Japan

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The Western Balkans Meet Japan 2026/2027 program is now open for applications from undergraduate and graduate students who want to visit Japan through a fully funded youth exchange program. Organized by the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) in cooperation with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the program will take place from 20 to 26 January 2027.

The MIRAI Program 2026/2027 is designed for young people from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. A total of 13 students will be selected for the seven-day exchange in Japan. The program focuses on peacebuilding, reconciliation, intercultural learning, mutual understanding and cooperation between Japan and the Western Balkans.

The Western Balkans Meet Japan program is part of Japan’s MIRAI youth exchange initiative. It provides an opportunity for young people to learn about Japan through academic discussions, cultural activities, institutional visits and interaction with Japanese students and experts.

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Western Balkans Meet Japan 2026/2027 Details

Host country: Japan
Program: MIRAI, Western Balkans Meet Japan: A Bridge into the Future
Program dates: January 20 to 26, 2027
Duration: 7 days
Number of participants: 13
Eligible countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia
Eligible applicants: Undergraduate, graduate and PhD students
Minimum age: 20 years
Language: English
Deadline: August 31, 2026, at 23:59 CET

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What Does the Japan Exchange Cover?

The Western Balkans Meet Japan 2026/2027 program provides financial support for major costs connected with participation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan will cover:

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

Participants must cover personal expenses, including passport costs, visa fees, vaccination costs, excess baggage, transportation between their home and the designated airport, and personal purchases.

The program combines academic discussions, cultural exchange, and institutional visits. Previous participants visited institutions and locations such as JICA Headquarters, Sophia University, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

Also Check: ASEM Human Rights Seminar 2026 in Mongolia

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must currently be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or PhD program in one of the Western Balkan societies and must be at least 20 years old when applying.

Candidates must also:

Live in one of the Western Balkan societies.
Hold a passport issued by one of the six eligible societies.
Have a good command of English.
Have good academic achievements.
Demonstrate social activism.
Be interested in sharing information about Japan through different communication channels.
Have a valid passport.
Respect the principles of reconciliation and cooperation in the Western Balkans.
Not have participated in a previous exchange or similar program organized by the Government of Japan.
Not have lived in Japan.

Applicants with previous experience related to Japan, including studies or cultural activities, may be considered an asset. Experience in dealing with the past, reconciliation, regional cooperation or intercultural learning is also desirable.

How to Apply for Western Balkans Meet Japan 2026/2027?

Eligible students can apply online through the application form provided by the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO). Applicants should first review the full program overview and eligibility requirements before submitting their application.

The application process includes the following steps: