Western Balkans Meet Japan 2026/2027: Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

The Western Balkans Meet Japan 2026/2027 program is a seven-day cultural and academic youth exchange opportunity organized by the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) in cooperation with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

The program is part of the MIRAI Program and is designed for undergraduate, graduate and PhD students from the six Western Balkan societies. The 2026/2027 edition is scheduled for 20–26 January 2027 and will bring 13 selected participants to Japan for academic discussions, cultural activities and learning focused on peacebuilding, reconciliation and international cooperation.

The application deadline is 31 August 2026 at 23:59 CET. Shortlisted applicants are expected to participate in an online interview in September, while the final selection is expected to be announced by mid-October.

Important: This is not a scholarship for students from all countries. Eligibility is specifically limited to citizens of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia who meet the program requirements.

Opportunity Overview

Detail	Information
Program	Western Balkans Meet Japan: A Bridge into the Future
Program Year	2026/2027
Host Country	Japan
Organizer	RYCO and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Program Type	Youth exchange / cultural and academic program
Related Program	MIRAI Program
Participants	13 students
Study Level	Undergraduate, graduate and PhD
Eligible Societies	Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia
Minimum Age	20 years
Program Dates	20–26 January 2027
Duration	Approximately 7 days
Language	English
Airfare	Covered
Accommodation	Covered
Meals	Covered during the program
Insurance	Covered
Transportation in Japan	Covered
Application Fee	No participation fee
Deadline	31 August 2026, 23:59 CET

The program information and eligibility conditions are published by RYCO, while Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes MIRAI as a short-term exchange initiative for students and young professionals designed to promote mutual understanding and intellectual exchange between Japan and participants from Europe and neighboring regions.

What Is Western Balkans Meet Japan?

Western Balkans Meet Japan: A Bridge into the Future is a youth exchange program conducted under Japan’s MIRAI Program.

The initiative provides young people from the Western Balkans with an opportunity to visit Japan, learn about Japanese society and approaches to peacebuilding, and interact with Japanese students, experts and institutions.

The broader MIRAI initiative aims to strengthen mutual understanding, encourage intellectual discussions and create networks between future leaders in Japan and participating countries.

For the Western Balkans edition, particular emphasis is placed on themes such as peacebuilding, reconciliation, regional cooperation and intercultural learning.

The 2026/2027 program is scheduled to take place from 20 to 26 January 2027.

What Does the Program Cover?

One of the strongest features of this opportunity is that major program-related expenses in Japan are covered by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to the official RYCO information, selected participants receive coverage for:

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

The official FAQ also confirms that these costs are fully covered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Costs Participants Must Pay

The program does not cover every personal expense.

Participants remain responsible for expenses such as:

• Passport costs
• Visa issuance costs, where applicable
• Personal purchases
• Excess baggage
• Travel between their home and the designated airport
• Personal expenses before or during the program

RYCO’s FAQ also clarifies that there is no participation fee.

Is It a Fully Funded Scholarship?

This opportunity is better described as a funded youth exchange program rather than a traditional university scholarship.

It does not provide tuition funding for a degree program. Instead, the organizers cover the main costs associated with participating in the seven-day exchange in Japan.

This distinction is important for students searching specifically for a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD scholarship.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must satisfy the official eligibility requirements.

According to the 2026/2027 FAQ, applicants must:

1. Be citizens of one of the six Western Balkan societies:
   • Albania
   • Bosnia and Herzegovina
   • Kosovo*
   • Montenegro
   • North Macedonia
   • Serbia
2. Hold a valid passport issued by one of those societies.
3. Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a university located in the Western Balkans.
4. Be at least 20 years old at the time of application.
5. Have a good command of English.
6. Meet the program’s expectations concerning academic achievement and social activism.
7. Be interested in promoting information about Japan and its attractions through communication channels.
8. Respect the principles of reconciliation and cooperation in the Western Balkans.
9. Have a valid passport.
10. Not have previously participated in a Japanese government exchange or similar program.
11. Not have lived in Japan previously.

The official call also states that experience or demonstrated connections related to Japan may be considered an advantage. Experience involving dealing with the past, reconciliation, regional cooperation or intercultural learning is also desirable.

Can Students Studying Abroad Apply?

No.

This is an important point that applicants should not overlook.

The official FAQ states that even citizens of one of the WB6 countries are not eligible for this edition if they are studying at a university outside the Western Balkans at the time of application and program implementation.

Therefore, simply holding a passport from one of the eligible countries is not sufficient. The applicant must also be enrolled at a university located within the Western Balkans.

Eligible Countries

The program is open to citizens of the following six Western Balkan societies:

• Albania
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Kosovo*
• Montenegro
• North Macedonia
• Serbia

Applicants from countries outside this group are not eligible for this particular call.

Afghan students are therefore not eligible for the 2026/2027 Western Balkans Meet Japan program, because Afghanistan is not among the six eligible Western Balkan societies.

Academic Fields and Areas of Interest

The program is not presented as a conventional subject-specific university scholarship.

However, applicants with interests or experience connected to the program’s themes may be particularly relevant.

These include:

• Peacebuilding
• Reconciliation
• Regional cooperation
• Intercultural learning
• International relations
• Japanese society and culture
• Youth cooperation
• Social activism
• Dealing with the past

The broader MIRAI Program also includes exchanges involving areas such as politics, security policies, economics, international relations, Asian studies and Japan studies.

What Documents Are Required?

Applicants should carefully follow the official application form and program guidelines.

The official FAQ specifically confirms that proof of enrollment will be required if the applicant is selected.

Applicants should therefore be prepared to provide or obtain documents such as:

• Valid passport
• Proof of current university enrollment
• Academic information
• Information about extracurricular or social activities
• Relevant experience related to reconciliation, regional cooperation or intercultural learning, if applicable

The exact requirements should be checked in the official application form before submission.

Practical Advice

Applicants should prepare their documents before completing the form rather than waiting until the final hours.

Your application should clearly demonstrate:

• Why you are interested in Japan
• Why the program’s themes matter to you
• Your academic background
• Your involvement in your community
• Any relevant experience with youth cooperation or intercultural activities
• How you could share what you learn after returning home

These are practical application suggestions, not additional official eligibility requirements.

How to Apply

The application process is online.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before completing the form, confirm that you:

• Are a citizen of one of the WB6 societies
• Are 20 or older
• Are currently enrolled at a university in the Western Balkans
• Have a valid passport
• Meet the other program requirements

Step 2: Review the Program Information

Read the official program overview and FAQ carefully.

This is particularly important because the FAQ contains clarifications about studying abroad, previous MIRAI participation, visas and confirmation after submission.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

The application form is provided through Microsoft Forms by RYCO.

Official Application Form – RYCO

Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline

The deadline is:

31 August 2026 at 23:59 CET

Because the deadline falls on 31 August 2026, applicants should submit as early as possible rather than waiting until the final minutes.

Step 5: Wait for the Interview

Pre-selected applicants will be invited to an online interview before the final selection. Interviews are expected to take place in September.

Step 6: Check the Selection Result

Only selected applicants will receive notification by email.

The final list is expected to be announced by mid-October 2026 on the RYCO website.

What Happens After Selection?

Selected participants will receive further information about participation and travel arrangements.

Visa procedures depend on nationality. The official FAQ states that selected participants will receive detailed visa instructions from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs after selection.

Applicants do not need to obtain a Japanese visa at the application stage, and they will not be able to apply for one through the program at that point.

This is different from the general information on the RYCO announcement, which notes that participants from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Montenegro need a visa and will receive instructions from the organizers.

Important Tips for Applicants

1. Check the university location requirement

Being a citizen of an eligible Western Balkan country is not enough. Your university must be located in the Western Balkans for this edition.

2. Do not describe it as a degree scholarship

This is a short-term exchange program. It does not provide funding for an undergraduate, master’s or PhD degree.

3. Explain your motivation clearly

A strong application should show a genuine interest in the program’s themes and explain how the experience could contribute to your academic or community activities.

4. Highlight relevant experience

If you have worked on youth cooperation, intercultural activities, reconciliation, regional cooperation or similar initiatives, explain this clearly.

5. Check your passport

A valid passport is an official requirement, so applicants should ensure that their travel document is available and valid.

6. Do not assume that previous MIRAI participation is allowed

The FAQ clearly states that previous participants of any MIRAI edition cannot apply again.

7. Submit before the final hours

The application deadline is 31 August 2026 at 23:59 CET. Technical problems or incomplete submissions close to the deadline can create unnecessary risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Western Balkans Meet Japan 2026/2027 fully funded?

It is a funded exchange program, not a traditional degree scholarship. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan covers international airfare, insurance, accommodation, transportation in Japan, meals during the program and scheduled activity fees. Personal costs are not covered.

Who can apply?

Citizens of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia who meet the program’s requirements can apply. They must also be enrolled at a university located in the Western Balkans.

Can Afghan students apply?

No. Afghanistan is not included among the six eligible Western Balkan societies for this program.

Can students studying outside the Western Balkans apply?

No. The official FAQ specifically excludes eligible-country citizens who are studying at universities outside the Western Balkans during the application and program period.

What is the minimum age?

Applicants must be 20 years old or older at the time of application.

Do I need to pay a participation fee?

No. There is no participation fee. However, participants must cover personal expenses such as passport and visa costs, excess baggage, travel to the designated airport and personal purchases.

Do I need a Japanese visa when applying?

No. Applicants are not required to apply for a visa at the application stage. Selected participants will receive visa instructions from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs after selection.

When is the application deadline?

The deadline is 31 August 2026 at 23:59 CET.

When will the program take place?

The 2026/2027 edition is expected to take place from 20 to 26 January 2027.

Final Thoughts

The Western Balkans Meet Japan 2026/2027 program offers eligible young people an opportunity to experience Japan while learning about peacebuilding, reconciliation, intercultural dialogue and international cooperation.

It is particularly relevant for students who want international exposure without enrolling in a full degree program. However, eligibility is narrowly defined: applicants must belong to one of the six Western Balkan societies and study at a university located in the Western Balkans.

The application deadline is 31 August 2026 at 23:59 CET, so eligible students should review the official requirements and submit their application before the deadline.

Official Application

Apply through the official RYCO application form

For the latest announcement, eligibility details and program updates:

RYCO – Western Balkans Meet Japan 2026/2027

OFFICIAL SOURCES

• Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) – Official 2026/2027 Call
• RYCO – MIRAI Program 2026/2027 FAQ
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan – Europe Regions MIRAI
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan – MIRAI Program Overview
• Official RYCO Application Form