Vulcanus Scholarship in Japan Programme 2026-2027 Open
If you’ve ever imagined yourself working inside a high-tech Japanese company, learning the language from the ground up, and building an international career profile that truly stands out, the Vulcanus in Japan Programme 2026–2027 has officially opened — and it is one of the most competitive opportunities available for engineering and STEM students in Europe.
This is not a short internship or a study tour. Vulcanus is a full 8-month industrial immersion in Japan, running from August 2026 to March 2027, designed to turn high-potential students into globally ready engineers and scientists.
What Makes Vulcanus in Japan So Special?
Vulcanus in Japan is a flagship EU–Japan cooperation programme that has been shaping international engineering careers since 1997. Selected students don’t just observe Japanese industry — they become part of it.
The programme unfolds in three powerful stages:
- A structured seminar introducing Japanese society, business culture, and innovation
- A two-month intensive Japanese language course to prepare you for real workplace interaction
- A six-month paid industrial traineeship inside a leading Japanese company
By the end of the programme, participants leave Japan with professional experience, language skills, cultural intelligence, and direct exposure to world-class technology.
What Does the Programme Offer?
Vulcanus removes the biggest barriers to studying and training abroad by covering the essentials.
Participants receive:
- Full coverage of Japan seminars and Japanese language training
- Free accommodation for the entire 8-month stay, provided by the host company
- Financial support of up to €9,200 per student
- €8,200 for participation in the traineeship and compulsory programme activities
- €1,000 additional grant for students completing the optional Eyes on Japan group assignment
- Insurance coverage for the duration of stay in Japan
This support structure allows participants to focus fully on learning, innovation, and professional growth.
Who Should Apply?
This programme is built for ambitious students who want serious international exposure. You are a strong candidate if you:
- Are a citizen of an EU Member State or a country associated with the Single Market Programme (SME Pillar)
- Are enrolled at a university in one of these countries
- Study engineering, science, technology, or mathematics, including fields such as computer science, mechanical or electrical engineering, biotechnology, physics, telecommunications, nuclear or civil engineering
- Are currently between the 4th year of study and the final year of a PhD
- Can remain enrolled at your university until at least late June 2026
- Can commit to the full 8-month duration of the programme
- Communicate fluently in English
Applicants with little or no prior exposure to Japanese companies and non-native Japanese speakers are given priority.
How Are Candidates Selected?
Selection is highly competitive and based on:
- Academic performance and consistency
- Strength of motivation and recommendation letters
- Adaptability to international and industrial environments
- Compatibility with internship roles offered by Japanese host companies
Final selection is made by the Japanese companies themselves, ensuring candidates are matched to real industry needs.
Only 35 students will be selected for the 2026–2027 cohort.
Application Timeline You Must Not Miss
The application window for Vulcanus in Japan 2026–2027 opens on 3 November 2025 and the last date to apply is 20 January 2026 at 23:00 CET.