YOUR QUESTIONS
ANSWERED

Who runs SWY? 

The Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan organises and funds the SWY program. 

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How often does the program run? 

The program is run each year by the Cabinet Office of Japan. The Japanese Government invites countries to participate and these change from year to year. 

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If you would like to be notified the next time Australia is invited, please subscribe to our mailing list here or follow us on social media.​

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When do applications open?

Please subscribe to our mailing list and follow us on social media to be informed when applications open. 

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How long will it take to hear back about my application? 

Participants will be finalised by the end of September, 2024. 

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What are the age restrictions? 

Delegates must be between 18 and 30 years of age. 

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I am not from Australia. How can I participate in SWY?

Please contact the Alumni Association or Japanese Embassy in the country you hold citizenship. 

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I am a Permanent Resident, can I apply? 

No. The Japanese Government has specified that all delegates must be Australian citizens. You may be able to apply through another country where you hold citizenship. Please contact the Japanese Embassy in that country. 

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I am currently out of the country, can I still apply? 

If you have permanently lived outside Australia for a long period, you may not be eligible. Please contact us to discuss case-by-case. If you are overseas temporarily, you are eligible to apply but must be available for an online interview and will be responsible for your own costs to attend the Canberra briefing weekend. You must depart for the official program from an Australian airport. 

 

How many participants are there? 

This changes from year to year. In 2025, there will be ​190 participants in total, 9 of which will come from Australia. 

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How long is the program? 

The program changes from year to year but usually lasts for six weeks from mid-January to late-February. Please see the SWY 2025 tab for 2025 dates. 

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What will I do on the program? 

This changes every year, but there is usually: ​

• Lectures and workshops by onboard facilitators (course discussion)

• Institutional visits to Japanese organisations relevant to your course discussion

• Participant led seminars, workshops and focus groups 

• Cultural exchange activities, including dance, music, art and limited gastronomical activities

• National presentations by each country

• Official visits to institutions during international Ports of Call

• Leisure including a pool, restaurant, bar, and participant-led social activities​

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Can I do my own travel in Japan before or after the program?

No. All participants must depart from and return to Australia. 

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How much does it cost? 

This program is generously funded by the Government of Japan. This includes your return airfare to Japan, as well as all living expenses whilst in Japan and onboard the ship. Participants are required to purchase travel insurance, national uniforms, gifts, and provide their own spending money for souveniers. You will also need to fund your participation in the compulsory Canberra National Workshop before departure. ​We recommend budgeting approximately $500 for pre-departure costs, plus flights to Canberra from your location. Costs on program are only personal souveniers etc., so will vary per participant. If the cost of attending the Canberra workshop is an inhibiting factor to your application, we encourage you to reach out to our team to discuss support options. 

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Can I receive feedback on my application? 

No. Due to the number of applications received, we are unable to provide individual feedback. 

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If you have another question that is not answered above, please contact us.