The European Higher Education Fair 2026 is set to take place across two major Japanese cities, offering Japanese students and higher education professionals direct access to representatives from European institutions. Scheduled for June 13 in Tokyo and June 14 in Kyoto, the event highlights opportunities for study abroad programs, research collaborations, and academic exchanges between Japan and Europe.
Organized under the auspices of the Delegation of the European Union to Japan, this annual fair has evolved into a key platform for promoting European higher education options. Past editions have drawn participants from multiple European countries, providing sessions on admissions, scholarships, visa processes, and the unique features of European university systems. The 2026 edition continues this tradition with dedicated presentations at both venues.
Tokyo hosts the first day at Hosei University’s Ichigaya Campus in the Sotobori Building’s Satta Hall. The Kyoto session follows the next day at Doshisha University’s Imadegawa Campus in the Ryoshinkan building. Both locations were chosen for their central accessibility and established roles in international education initiatives within Japan.
European universities and national agencies are expected to participate, covering countries across the continent. Attendees can expect information on English-taught programs, joint degrees, and mobility schemes that align with Japan’s broader internationalization strategies. The fair emphasizes practical guidance tailored to Japanese students considering full-degree programs or shorter exchanges in Europe.
Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology has set ambitious targets for outbound student mobility as part of national higher education policy. These goals complement efforts to increase inbound international enrollment at Japanese institutions, creating a two-way flow that strengthens global academic networks. Events like the European Higher Education Fair support these objectives by connecting prospective students with European partners.
Host universities such as Hosei and Doshisha bring their own strengths to the fair. Hosei University has long engaged in international programs, while Doshisha maintains extensive partnerships across Europe. Their involvement underscores how Japanese institutions actively facilitate exposure to overseas opportunities for their students and faculty.
Stakeholders from Japanese higher education view such fairs as valuable for curriculum development and partnership building. Administrators note that direct interactions help address questions about credit recognition, language requirements, and post-graduation career pathways in Europe. Students gain insights into cultural adaptation and funding options that might otherwise remain abstract.
The fair also addresses practical aspects of studying in Europe, including application timelines, language proficiency tests, and health insurance requirements. Sessions often cover the diversity of European higher education landscapes, from research-intensive universities to applied sciences institutions, allowing participants to explore options matching their academic and professional goals.
Broader implications extend to research collaboration. European and Japanese institutions frequently pursue joint projects in fields such as technology, environmental studies, and social sciences. The fair serves as an entry point for early-career researchers and PhD candidates seeking supervisors or funding through European frameworks.
Looking ahead, the 2026 event occurs amid ongoing recovery in international student mobility following global disruptions. Japanese universities continue to expand support services for outbound students, including pre-departure orientations and alumni networks. The fair contributes to these efforts by showcasing real-world examples of successful study experiences in Europe.
Registration details and program schedules are available through the official event website. Advance reservations are recommended for Tokyo, reflecting anticipated interest from students across the Kanto region and beyond. Kyoto’s venue similarly expects strong attendance from western Japan.
University administrators and faculty members are encouraged to attend to explore institutional partnerships. The event format includes exhibition booths, presentations, and networking opportunities that can lead to memoranda of understanding or faculty exchange agreements.
Photo by Antoine Schibler on Unsplash
In summary, the European Higher Education Fair 2026 in Tokyo and Kyoto represents a timely opportunity for Japan’s higher education community to deepen ties with Europe. By facilitating informed decision-making among students and fostering institutional connections, the fair supports long-term goals of enhanced global competitiveness for Japanese universities.
