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.

Eligible students can apply through this process to be nominated for this study tour. Nominated students will then be assessed by MEF and notified of the outcome by July 2025.

TOUR INFORMATION:

The 2025 program will be held from 18 November to 9 December. The 21 day study tour will take Australian university students through various regions of Japan, providing opportunities to learn about Japanese culture, society, business & industry, as well as participate in a number of people-to-people exchanges. All airfares, transport, meals and accommodation will be met by the Mitsui Educational Foundation.

Participants will become automatic members of the MEF Alumni Association, which has chapters in each state/territory of Australia.

For further information and program highlights, please refer to the attached documents on the top right-hand side of the webpage.

• Current Students

• Centre for Aboriginal Studies
• Faculty of Business and Law
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Humanities
• Faculty of Science & Engineering
  • Science courses
  • Engineering courses
  • Western Australian School of Mines (WASM)

• Undergraduate

• Australian Citizen

• Merit Based

The 2025 Mitsui Educational Foundation Study Tour will provide all airfares, transport, meals and accommodation for the 21 day study tour.

• All undergraduate courses at Curtin University

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible to apply to be nominated for the Mitsui Educational Foundation Study Tour:

• An Australian Citizen
• In their 2nd year or above of their undergraduate degree on-campus at the time of application. Honours students are eligible if they are treated as undergraduate.
• Enrolled full time (100 credits) in their current course of study at the time of the application
• Have a minimum course weighted average (CWA) of 65
• Be able to clearly demonstrate a keen interest in learning broadly about Japan
• Demonstrate/outline how you will greatly benefit from the MEF experience
• Demonstrate how you will be an outstanding ambassador for your university, state, and Australia on the program

Note: Study of Japan/Japanese language is not required to be eligible for the program.

Preference will be given to students who have previously not travelled to Japan

Step 1: Access application form

• Application form can be accessed via ‘My Studies’ tab in OASIS or via the ‘Apply Online’ button on the top right-hand side of this page

Step 2: Complete

• Complete the application form online
• Application form can be saved at any point of the process
• Tips on how to complete your application can be found on the ‘Applying for scholarships’ link on the scholarships website

Step 3: Submit

• Closing date is listed at the top of the page
• Incomplete applications will not be assessed
• Once submitted, application status will change to submitted

Step 4: Receipt

• Application receipt will be sent to student email once application has been submitted

Step 5: Assessment

• Applications will be assessed by an assessment panel using the following criteria:
  • Responses to questions in application form
  • Academic merit
  • Statement
  • Interview performance (for shortlisted applicants)
  • Preference given to students who have not lived/studied and travelled to Japan

Step 6: Shortlist for Curtin Interview

• Shortlisted applicants will be sent an interview date and time via their student email for their interview with Curtin
• Shortlisted applicants must be available for the designated interview time
  • Interviews will be scheduled between 7th - 9th July 2025

Step 7: Curtin Interview Outcome

• Nominated students and unsuccessful interview students will be notified of their outcome via their Curtin Student Email
• Successfully nominated students will then be forwarded to the Mitsui Education Foundation for the second round interviews

Step 8: Shortlist for Mitsui Education Foundation Interview

• MEF will be in direct contact with nominated students in July for arrangements for the second round interviews
• MEF interviews will be conducted in August

Step 9: Final Outcome

• MEF will contact candidates in September with outcomes

Please note:

• Students will only be nominated if they meet sufficient merit

Nominated student must meet all of the following:

• Maintain a full-time enrolment (100 credits) in their current course at Curtin University at the time of application
• Must be studying on campus

If successful for the program (determined by MEF):

• Upon completion of the study tour in Japan, provide a 3000-word report on their experience during the program, as well as a presentation to the trustees and Mitsui employees.
• Be available to attend the pre-departure orientation on Monday 17 November 2025 as well as the end of program debrief session in February 2026 (date to be confirmed), which will be held at the head office in Melbourne

Scholarships Office

E: scholarships@curtin.edu.au

T: 1300 222 888

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions

Please find attached additional documents and information for the MEF Study Tour on the top right hand side of this page.

Video from 2024 Study Tour

Corporate brochures of Mitsui & Co. and Mitsui & Co. (Australia)

For further information about applying for scholarships including important dates and tips for preparing your application, utilise the resources available on the Applying for Scholarships webpage.