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Mitsui Educational Foundation Study Tour

The Mitsui Educational Foundation (MEF) was established in 1971 to build stronger ties and promote mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Australia, by introducing Australian students to Japanese culture, history, business, industry, and contemporary lifestyles through our annual study tour to Japan.

The Foundation invites UQ undergraduate students to apply to participate in a 21-day company-sponsored student visit to Japan. The visit will take place from 17 November to 8 December, 2026.

All program-related expenses, including international/domestic transport, accommodation, meals, and travel insurance, will be covered by the MEF.Ìý

One student from 91Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ will be selected to participate.

The itinerary of the study tour may include:

  • Places of historical significance such as Kyoto, Nara and Hiroshima;
  • Visits to various Japanese companies and factories;
  • 91Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµstay with a Japanese family;
  • Weekend with Japanese university students who will soon commence employment with Mitsui;
  • Attending a lecture at a Japanese university with their students;
  • Meeting with the Australian Ambassador to Japan;
  • Experience of the nature in Japan such as Hakone and Miyajima Island;
  • Experience of the Japanese tradition such as hot spring, kimono fitting and tea ceremony; and
  • Various tourist destinations in Tokyo including temples, shrines and museums.

For more information, please see .

This experience is NOT a recruitment exercise by Mitsui.

Important timing information

This program commences during UQ's Semester Two examination period. Students are strongly encouraged to plan their Semester Two enrolment to include courses that do not have end of semester exams to avoid scheduling conflicts. Deferred exams are not usually granted for participation in short-term global experiences. Should end of semester exams be unavoidable in your program, students must consult the Ìýbefore applying to seek written confirmation that a deferred exam would be approved.

Please note that the Global Experiences team cannot guarantee that deferred exams will be granted, as this decision rests with Faculties.

Application Requirements:

  1. Completed MEF Application form
  2. An Application statement (details of what to include are outlined on the above application form)
  3. UQ studies report (downloaded fromÌý)
  4. Passport-sized photo

Application Timeline:

17ÌýJune 2026UQ Application Deadline
1 or 2 July 2026Shortlist Interviews
10 applicants will be shortlisted to interview with a panel at 91Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ
10 July 20264 candidates areÌýnominated to Mitsui Educational Foundation
August 2026 (TBC)Mitsui to interview shortlisted students
29 August 2026Successful candidate notified
16ÌýNov 2026Participants to attend pre-departure orientation at Mitsui’s Melbourne Office
17ÌýNov - 8ÌýDec 202621-day MEF Study Tour of Japan
11ÌýJan 2027

Participants to submit post-program reports

(A 3,000 word report on your impression of Japan)

Feb 2027 (TBC)

Participants to present at de-briefing session at Mitsui’s Melbourne Office

(A presentation based on the report to the MEF Trustees and Mitsui staff.
Participants will become automatic members of the MEF alumni association.)

Applications will only be accepted through the submission link below.

Students applying for theÌýMitsui Educational Foundation Study Tour should be aware of the application and interview steps, and be available on the dates outlined.

Additionally, upon returning to Australia, there are two things MEF require from the participants:

  • A 3,000-word report on his or her impressions of Japan;
  • A presentation based on the report to the MEF Trustees and Mitsui staff.

Participants will become automatic members of the MEF alumni association.

Experience Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to participate in this global enrichment experience, you must:

  • be a current:
    • undergraduate student at 91Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ, studyingÌýfull-time on-campus
  • haveÌýcompleted a minimum of 16 units towards their current program at the time of application
  • not due to graduate before the completion of the experience
  • be an Australian citizen
  • holdÌýa GPA of 4.5 or above
  • have had limited knowledge or exposure to Japan
  • be able to clearly demonstrate a keen interest in learning broadly about Japan
  • be willing toÌýact as an outstanding ambassador for the University and Australia

Please note: Proficiency in Japanese language is not required. Students with extensive experience living/studying in Japan are unlikely to be selected.

Exams and assessments

This program commences during UQ's Semester Two examination period. Students are strongly encouraged to plan their Semester Two enrolment to include courses that do not have end of semester exams to avoid scheduling conflicts. Deferred exams are not usually granted for participation in short-term global experiences. Should end of semester exams be unavoidable in your program, students must consult their Faculty before applying to seek written confirmation that a deferred exam would be approved.

Please note that the Global Experiences team cannot guarantee that deferred exams will be granted, as this decision rests with Faculties.

Key Dates

Application Deadlines

17 June 2026

Program Dates

Start: 17 November 2026
End: 8 DecemberÌý2026

Additional Resources

  • Corporate brochures of and
  • Videos from past participants ( & the Study tour)

OS-HELP Loan

If you participate in a short-term program you may also be eligible to submit an application for anÌýÌýif your program is for-credit and you are enrolled as a Commonwealth supported student.Ìý

Application Deadlines

OS-HELP loan applications open on 5 January each year.

OS-HELP loan applications can’t be accepted:

  • any earlier than 6 monthsÌýbefore the official start date of your overseas study
  • any later thanÌý3 monthsÌýbefore the official end date of your overseas study.

*OS-HELP Loan applications are closed between 17 December and 5 January. Please visit theÌýÌýfor more information on how to apply for an OS-HELP loan.

Refer to the funding page for more information onÌýÌýandÌý.Ìý

Need more information

Global Experiences, by email or phone (+61 7 3443 8649) for more information.

Other Global Experiences

For other Global Experience opportunities, please visit the Global Experiences website.