Vulcanus in Japan - A training programme for students in engineering and sciene (session AUG 2025 - MAR 2027)

Vulcanus in Japan started in 1997. The programme consists of industrial placements for students in engineering or other scientific fields. It is open to EU nationals and to citizens of countries associate to the Single Market Programme, SME Pillar. 

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

The applicant must be:

• Be a citizen of an EU Member State or country associated to the Single Market Programme, SME Pillar1
• Be registered as a student at a university based in the EU or in a country associated with the Single Market Program, SME Pillar1.
• Be a student in engineering or field related to science, technology or mathematics, for instance computer science, mechanical engineering, chemical, electronics, biotechnology, electrical engineering, physics, telecommunication, nuclear engineering, civil engineering, production systems (e.g. metal, ceramics), global navigation satellite systems.
• Be enrolled at a university in between the fourth official year of studies and the last year of PhD when applying.
• Be enrolled at a university and undertaking a current cycle of studies at a university at least until late June of the departure year; and able to provide a certificate of enrolment at the university valid until at least late June 2026.
• Be able to participate in the entire programme, which means to dedicate minimum 8 months to the programme.
• Be able to communicate fluently in English

SELECTION CRITERIA

The main criteria for selection are:

• Quality of the application:
  • Adaptability/resilience to experience abroad
  • Academic career: regularity in studies
  • Interest in an industrial experience in Japan (and attitude towards Japan and EU-Japan relations)
  • Quality of motivation letter
  • Quality of recommendation letter
  • Overall accuracy of the application
  • Grades: marks obtained at university
• Compatibility with at least one internship offered by a host company in Japan

Applications will be evaluated based on the above criteria to create a shortlist of max. 140 applicants (which is max.  4 times the expected number of participants in the 2025–2026 session of Vulcanus in Japan).

• Priority will be given to applicants who have no experience in a Japanese company and whose knowledge of Japanese is not at native speaker level. (Native speakers or equivalent will only be selected if no other candidates are compatible with certain internship offers).

The Japanese host companies have the final say in the selection of participants. They select the candidate who best matches their internship position's needs and expectations from the shortlisted applicants.

The match-making procedure operates on a 'first come first served' basis. Only the companies that accept an applicant first will guarantee their participation in the programme (for more information: click here).

Vulcanus in Japan 2025-2026 will welcome max. 35 students.

WHAT DO WE OFFER? (WHO PAYS WHAT)

The EU-Japan Centre covers costs directly related to the internship: cost for providing lectures on Japan and Japanese language course (compulsory activities).

The Host Company provides accommodation throughout the entire stay in Japan.

A maximum of € 9,200 will be given in total per student for the period spanning from August to March. € 8,200 will be given for participation in the traineeship and its compulsory activities. An additional € 1,000 will be provided to each student who participates in an optional ‘Eyes on Japan’ assignment carried out as group work. The grant amount includes insurance coverage for the duration of stay in Japan. In case the EU-Japan Centre arranges insurance, the corresponding cost will be deducted from the total grant amount.