Careers and Employability

Mitsui Educational Foundation Study Tour

Please note: UQ is invited to participate in the Mitsui Educational Foundation (MEF) Study Tour every two years. Application details for the 2026 study tour should be available in April 2026.

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 19 November to 10 December, 2024.

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;
  • Homestay 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 nature in Japan such as Hakone and Miyajima Island;
  • Experience Japanese traditions such as hot springs, kimono fitting and tea ceremony; and
  • Various tourist destinations in Tokyo, including temples, shrines and museums.

For more information, please see Mitsui Education Foundation

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

One student from The University of Queensland will be selected to participate.

Students applying for the Mitsui 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 UQ, studying full-time on-campus,
  • have completed a minimum of 16 units towards their current program at the time of application,
  • be an Australian citizen,
  • hold a 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 to act 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

It is your responsibility to ensure that participation in a Global Enrichment Experience does not impact your exams or assessments at UQ. Please be aware that you may not be eligible for deferred or supplementary exams or assessments if there is a conflict.

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 from mySI-net)
  4. Passport-sized photo

Application Timeline:

16 June 2024: UQ Application Deadline
1 or 2 July 2024Shortlist Interviews
10 applicants will be shortlisted to interview with a panel at UQ
5 July 2024:4 candidates are nominated to Mitsui Educational Foundation
August 2024: Mitsui to interview shortlisted students
6 Sep 2024:Successful candidate notified
18 Nov 2024:Participants to attend pre-departure orientation at Mitsui’s Melbourne Office
19 Nov - 10 Dec 202421-day MEF Study Tour of Japan
13 Jan 2025Participants to submit post-program reports
Feb 2025 (TBC)Participants to present at de-briefing session at Mitsui’s Melbourne Office.

Applications will only be accepted through the submission link below.

Apply to UQ

Visit the Mitsuit Educational Foundation website

Key Dates

Application Deadlines

16 June 2024

Program Dates

Start: 19 November 2024
End: 10 December 2024

Additional Resources

Need more information

Contact Clare Scoble, Manager - Internships and Global Experiences, by email or phone (+61 7 3365 4978) for more information.

Other Global Experiences

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