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 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. 

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

The itinerary of the study tour may include:

  • 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 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 Mitsui Education Foundation.
  • This experience is NOT a recruitment exercise by Mitsui – as sometime confused by universities and students.

*IMPORTANT NOTE* The MEF Study Tour of Japan 2026 coincides with UQ’s examination period. Students considering participation should consult their relevant course coordinators regarding possible academic adjustments. 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:

17 June 2026UQ Application Deadline
1 or 2 July 2026Shortlist Interviews
10 applicants will be shortlisted to interview with a panel at UQ
10 July 20264 candidates are nominated to Mitsui Educational Foundation
August 2026 (TBC)Mitsui to interview shortlisted students
29 August 2026Successful candidate notified
16 Nov 2026Participants to attend pre-departure orientation at Mitsui’s Melbourne Office
17 Nov - 8 Dec 202621-day MEF Study Tour of Japan
11 Jan 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.

Apply to UQ

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

*IMPORTANT NOTE* The Mitsui Educational Foundation Study Tour of Japan 2026 coincides with UQ’s examination period. Students considering participation should consult their relevant course coordinators regarding possible academic adjustments. 

Please be aware that you may not be eligible for deferred or supplementary exams or assessments if there is a conflict.

Visit the Mitsuit Educational Foundation website

Key Dates

Application Deadlines

17 June 2026

Program Dates

Start: 17 November 2026
End: 8 December 2026

Additional Resources

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.