Since 1997, the VULCANUS in Japan program has offered EU/SME Pillar students the opportunity to complete an internship at a Japanese company. The program takes place entirely in Japan over one semester, from August 2026 to March 2027.

During this period, students participate in:

• a seminar on Japan
• a two-month intensive Japanese language course
• a six-month internship in a Japanese company

• gain privileged access to advanced technologies within the Japanese industrial sector
• learn Japanese and deepen understanding of Japanese culture
• acquire the ability to interact effectively with Japanese society, both professionally and personally

To participate, candidates must meet all of the following requirements at the time the application is submitted:

• be a citizen of the EU / SME Pillar
• be enrolled at a university located within the EU / SME Pillar
• be enrolled in an engineering or science program, at least in the 4th official year of study or penultimate year of a PhD, at the time of application
• be enrolled for the 2025/2026 academic year and able to provide a certificate of enrollment valid until at least July 2026 (one month before the program start in August 2026)
• be available to participate in the entire program
• not be required to write a thesis based on the internship in Japan

The program is funded by the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation (in collaboration with the European Commission and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) and by the Japanese host company.

Selected students receive a €8,200 scholarship (initially paid in Yen) to cover round-trip travel expenses, insurance, and basic living costs in Japan.

Accommodation is provided free of charge (excluding utilities) by the host company for the entire duration of the program. The language course and seminar are also free.

Candidates are selected based on:

• academic performance and faculty recommendations
• written and spoken English proficiency
• motivation and interest in EU–Japan relations
• adaptability

The program is promoted every year in November.

Final selection is made exclusively by the Japanese host company (click here for details).

The Politecnico di Milano joined the VULCANUS program for the first time in 1997/98, and since then over 30 students from our university have participated.

Additional details on the program, application procedures, and required documentation are available on the EU-Japan Centre website.

Contact us: careerservice.international@polimi.it