Opportunity overview
The Kobe Brisbane Student Program builds upon the longstanding sister city relationship between Kobe and Brisbane, established in 1985. This exciting reciprocal program offers a Brisbane state high school an exciting opportunity to participate in an overseas cultural exchange with a Kobe high school.
Students involved in the program will each welcome and host a student from a Kobe high school. Students will then travel to Kobe where they will stay with their Kobe student buddy and experience Japanese school life at their buddy's high school. While overseas, students will practise and develop their language skills and deepen their understanding of Japanese culture.
Through this program, students have an opportunity to develop their global competence and engage in immersive experiences that will encourage cultural exchange, collaboration and personal growth. This program is designed to broaden horizons, offering students the invaluable opportunity to connect with their peers in Kobe and gain insights that will enrich their individual educational journeys.
Program inclusions
- Return international flights
- GoSafe travel insurance
- Homestay accommodation
- Most meals
- Visa if required
Eligibility
Eligibility requirements for schools
- Be a state high school located in the Brisbane local government area and offer Japanese language as a subject for students.
- Reciprocally host the inbound student group from Kobe, Japan for the duration of the program in August 2027.
- Nominate a staff member who will act as a liaison with whom all program arrangements will be made.
- Coordinate the Kobe students' school-based itinerary, including English language lessons and the arrangement of a suitable venue for welcome and farewell functions.
- Be able to nominate up to 8 Years 8–9 students who study Japanese language as part of their schooling and 2 teachers to accompany the students as chaperones for the duration of the trip (1 teacher will possess Japanese language proficiency).
- Be available to travel to Japan in September 2027.
- Full eligibility requirements for schools are listed under the
application section.
Application
Schools
Expressions of interest open on Monday 19 January 2026.
Apply via the
online application portal.
Key dates
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Expressions of interest (EOIs) open: Monday 19 January 2026
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Information session: 5pm Wednesday 10 June 2026—register your interest
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EOIs close: 5pm Friday 31 July 2026
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Interview and selection: August to September 2026
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Inbound travel dates (Kobe to Brisbane): August 2027—exact dates to be advised
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Outbound travel dates (Brisbane to Kobe): September 2027—exact dates to be advised
Global Engagement
Department of Education International
Phone: (07) 3513 5720
Email:
global.engagement@qed.qld.gov.au