Summary

The Western Balkans Meet Exchange Program 2027 (“A Bridge into the Future”) is a fully funded 7-day youth exchange initiative organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) in partnership with the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO). Held from January 20 to January 26, 2027, the program brings together undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students from Western Balkan societies to explore peacebuilding, experience Japanese culture and policy, foster mutual understanding, and build cross-cultural networks.

Designation

  • Program Type: Youth Exchange / Cultural & Intellectual Exchange Program
  • Target Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD / Doctoral Students

Program Overview Table

FeatureDetails
Host CountryJapan
Organized ByMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) & Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO)
Target ParticipantsHigher education students from the Western Balkans 6 (WB6)
Duration7 Days (January 20 – January 26, 2027)
Funding TypeFully Funded
Application FeeNone (Free)
Application DeadlineAugust 31, 2026

Research & Focus Area

  • Peacebuilding and Reconciliation
  • Japanese Foreign Policy, Society, and Culture
  • Intercultural Dialogue and Regional Youth Cooperation
  • Institutional visits and peace promotion initiatives across Japan

Location

  • Country: Japan (Multiple institutional and cultural sites across Japan)

Eligibility & Qualifications

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Academic Status: Currently enrolled in an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degree program in the Western Balkans.
  • Age Requirement: Must be at least 20 years old.
  • Eligible Nationalities/Residency: Must reside in and hold a passport from one of the Western Balkan 6 (WB6) societies:
    • Albania
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina
    • Kosovo
    • Montenegro
    • North Macedonia
    • Serbia
  • Language Proficiency: Must be fluent in English.
  • Ambassadorship: Must demonstrate motivation to share insights about Japan’s attractions and culture across communication platforms.
  • Ineligibility:
    • Japanese citizens are not eligible.
    • Applicants who have previously lived in Japan or participated in Japanese government-funded exchange programs are not eligible.

Scholarship Description & Financial Coverage

10 Master’s Students at Universität Hamburg, Germany
Read more10 Master's Students at Universität Hamburg, Germany

This program is fully funded by the host organizations and covers:

  • Round-Trip Airfare: Fully reimbursed international flights to and from Japan.
  • Accommodation: Full lodging provided during the entire stay in Japan.
  • Meals: Daily food and meal allowances provided.
  • Local Transportation: Domestic travel within Japan for all scheduled visits.
  • Admission Fees: Entry fees covered for all official events, cultural sites, and institutional visits.
  • Program Costs: No participation or registration fees required.

How to Apply

  1. Access the official online application form via the program/RYCO portal.
  2. Fill in your personal details, citizenship, and contact information.
  3. Select your current academic status and provide details of your university and study field.
  4. Mention your relevant academic achievements and background.
  5. Answer the required essay/motivation questions detailing your reasons for applying and interest in peacebuilding/Japan.
  6. Review, agree to the declaration statement, and submit the online application before the deadline.

Last Date for Apply

  • Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
Details