Chief Minister
Media Release Applications now open for Chief Minister’s Study Tour 2027
8 September 2026
Chief Minister’s Study Tour 2027 now open for applications to give a new group of Territory Year 9 students the chance to take their learning beyond the classroom.
Study Tour will visit historic sites in Okinawa, Japan, including the Okinawa Peace Memorial Museum and the Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro says Study Tour is an investment in the next generation of Territory leaders and in growing Territory talent.
Applications are now open for the Chief Minister’s Study Tour 2027 to give a new group of Northern Territory Year 9 students the chance to take their learning beyond the classroom and onto the international stage.
Following the success of the inaugural Study Tour this year, with the theme Shared history, shared future, students will learn about Australia’s military history in the region, connect with leaders in defence, explore future career opportunities, and experience significant cultural and historical sites.
The June 2027 Study Tour will visit significant historic sites in Okinawa, Japan, including the Okinawa Peace Memorial Museum and the Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters, alongside cultural and educational experiences that connect the region’s past with its role in the Indo-Pacific today.
The program will also introduce students to the growing range of career opportunities in defence, international relations, diplomacy and related industries.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said that through direct engagement with Japan, students will build their understanding of leadership, diplomacy, critical thinking and cultural awareness.
“The first Study Tour was a fantastic success, and I’ve loved hearing from the students about what they experienced, what they learned and how it changed the way they see their future,” the Chief Minister said.
“Now we’re giving another group of young Territorians the opportunity to take their learning beyond the classroom and experience our region first-hand.
“This is much more than a school trip. It is an investment in the next generation of Territory leaders and in growing our own talent.”
Tallula Van Der Mark, who took part in the 2026 Study Tour, said: “Stepping outside the classroom allowed me to engage with history and culture on a deeply personal level, completely shifting how I view global issues.”
Another 2026 participant, Ramneet Gill, said: “This trip will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your school years, so make the most of it, you will cherish these memories forever.”
Jack McDonald also went on the Study Tour this year and said it was “an amazing opportunity”.
“Do not sit inside your comfort zone and waste it, experience new things, try new flavours, understand somebody else’s view – that’s what you’re here to do.”
The competition is open to Northern Territory students currently in Year 9 with an interest in areas such as defence, history, international relations, leadership or the Indo-Pacific.
The successful students will be accompanied by chaperones, providing supervision, support and mentoring throughout the tour.
Applications are now open until 19 October, with eight students to be selected for a fully funded study tour to Okinawa, Japan, in June 2027.
