Hokkaido University is one of Japan’s prestigious national universities, known for its strong research capabilities, multidisciplinary academic programs, and numerous scholarship opportunities for international students. If you are looking into the admission requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, or academic programs at Hokkaido University, the article below from AN KOI provides updated information to help you prepare a suitable study-abroad plan.

Overview of Hokkaido University in Japan

Hokkaido University is a long-established comprehensive national university in Japan. It was founded in 1876 as Sapporo Agricultural College, one of the country’s earliest modern educational institutions. Today, the university offers multidisciplinary education across fields ranging from social sciences and economics to engineering, agriculture, medicine, and natural sciences.

Quick facts about Hokkaido University:

Some of the university’s key highlights include:

• It is one of Japan’s long-established national universities, with an educational approach closely connected to research and practical application.
• It comprises 12 undergraduate schools and 21 graduate schools, covering a broad range of fields from the humanities to the natural sciences.
• The Sapporo campus is located near the city center and features a spacious campus, abundant green areas, and modern research facilities.
• The Hakodate campus focuses on education and research in fisheries, marine science, and related fields.
• The university operates according to four basic philosophies: frontier spirit, global perspectives, all-round education, and practical learning.
• It offers international programs, student support services, and a learning environment suitable for students from many countries.

Overview of Hokkaido University in Japan

With its broad range of academic programs and clear research strengths, Hokkaido University is well suited to students seeking to study at a reputable national university. It is particularly worth considering for applicants interested in agriculture, the environment, science, engineering, or an international learning environment in Sapporo.

Academic fields and international programs

Hokkaido University offers a diverse range of academic fields, from the humanities, education, law, and economics to science, engineering, agriculture, and biomedical sciences. This is an advantage for international students looking for a national university with interdisciplinary study opportunities. In addition to Japanese-taught programs, Hokkaido University has developed several international programs specifically for overseas students.

Notable schools and fields of study

Hokkaido University has 12 undergraduate schools. When choosing a field, international students should consider the curriculum, their personal strengths, and the career direction associated with each area of study:

• Humanities and Human Sciences: Covers philosophy, history, linguistics, psychology, sociology, and Ainu studies. These fields are suitable for students with strong reading, writing, and analytical skills who are interested in people, culture, or social issues.
• Education: In addition to teacher training, this field covers educational psychology, human development, health, and physical education. Students learn through small-group seminars, conduct research, and complete a graduation thesis.
• Law, Economics and Business: Suitable for students who want to pursue law, public administration, finance, business management, or policy research.
• Natural Sciences: Includes mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, Earth science, and planetary science. This is a suitable choice for students with a strong mathematics and science foundation who want to conduct advanced research or continue to graduate study.
• Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences: Focuses on clinical care, health sciences, oral healthcare, and pharmaceutical development. The School of Medicine also provides training in nursing, laboratory technology, radiological technology, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
• Engineering: Covers mechanical engineering, materials, applied physics, civil engineering, the environment, resources, architecture, and design. These fields suit students who enjoy technology, problem-solving, and developing products or technical systems.
• Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine: Long-standing strengths of Hokkaido University, covering biotechnology, biochemistry, forest science, animal science, environmental engineering, and agricultural economics. Students may pursue food technology, sustainable agriculture, biological research, or animal healthcare.
• Fisheries Sciences: Taught mainly at the Hakodate campus, with a focus on marine resources, aquaculture, fisheries technology, and marine ecosystem conservation. This field is suitable for students interested in marine biology and sustainable resource management.

Hokkaido University offers multidisciplinary education and a range of international programs for international students

International students should note that most undergraduate programs at Hokkaido University are taught in Japanese. The university currently offers the Integrated Science Program (ISP), which teaches natural sciences in English, and the Modern Japanese Studies Program (MJSP), a bilingual program in Japanese studies. Students should therefore check the language of instruction before choosing a major and prepare the appropriate language certificates.

English-taught programs

At the undergraduate level, Hokkaido University currently offers two notable international programs for overseas students:

• Integrated Science Program (ISP): The program focuses on physics, chemistry, and biology and is taught mainly in English. The initial stage helps students build a foundation in the sciences before choosing a specialized area that matches their abilities and research interests. ISP is suitable for students who are strong in mathematics and the natural sciences and who may wish to continue to graduate study.
• Modern Japanese Studies Program (MJSP): An interdisciplinary program covering Japanese language, history, culture, society, and political economy. The curriculum is delivered through a combination of English and Japanese. Students who have not yet reached the required Japanese level may take an intensive language course before entering the main program.

International students should note that most undergraduate majors at Hokkaido University are still taught in Japanese. Applicants should therefore carefully check the language of instruction, language proficiency requirements, and entry requirements for each program before preparing their application.

English-taught degree programs at Hokkaido University for international students

Hokkaido University admission requirements for 2026

Hokkaido University admission requirements are set separately according to the program and language of instruction. International students should first determine whether they are applying to ISP, MJSP, or a Japanese-taught program before preparing their qualifications, transcripts, and language certificates. Below are the key requirements for applying to Hokkaido University in 2026.

Hokkaido University admission requirements for international students in 2026

Academic and qualification requirements

International applicants to Hokkaido University must have completed, or be expected to complete, a formal school education equivalent to 12 years before enrollment. In addition to a high school diploma, the university recognizes several international qualifications, including the IB, Abitur, Baccalauréat, A-Level, and European Baccalaureate.

Hokkaido University does not publish a single GPA requirement for all programs. Applications are assessed based on overall academic performance, consistency of grades, and achievement in relevant subjects. For ISP, applicants should place particular emphasis on mathematics and natural science results and ensure that documents are issued by their school or another authorized institution.

EJU, JLPT, IELTS, or TOEFL requirements

Hokkaido University language requirements differ between English-taught and Japanese-taught programs. Applicants do not need to take every language test; instead, they should choose the examination required for the program to which they are applying.

ISP applicants may be exempt from submitting an English test certificate if they have studied for at least four years with English as the primary language of instruction. TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores must remain valid within two years before the application deadline; TOEFL MyBest Scores are not accepted.

Hokkaido University language proficiency requirements

EJU is not a general requirement for ISP. However, applicants who have already taken the EJU science subjects and Mathematics Course 2 must submit their results. For Japanese-taught programs, Hokkaido University requires advanced Japanese proficiency, although each school has its own combination of examinations and standards.

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Program-specific criteria

In addition to academic qualifications and language proficiency, Hokkaido University also considers how well an applicant’s abilities match the program applied for. Therefore, the essay, transcripts, recommendation letters, and interview should all demonstrate a consistent academic direction.

ISP conducts admissions in two stages. The first stage evaluates the application documents, transcripts, personal statement, and relevant test results. Applicants who pass this stage take an online interview, during which the university may assess mathematics and scientific knowledge related to the applicant’s chosen direction. For MJSP, Hokkaido University evaluates the application and interview comprehensively, with particular attention to reasoning ability, the ability to express ideas, and knowledge of Japanese society. Applicants should present specific goals rather than simply stating a general desire to study in Japan.

Modern Japanese Studies Program at Hokkaido University

Hokkaido University tuition fees and actual costs

To estimate the budget accurately, families should distinguish between tuition fees, one-time payments, and living expenses. Standard Hokkaido University tuition is 535,800 yen per year, but the total first-year cost is higher because it also includes the application fee, admission fee, and initial living expenses in Sapporo.

Tuition fees by level of study

The fee schedule effective from April 1, 2026 shows that standard undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs have the same tuition rate. The Law School and research student category have different rates.

Tuition is generally paid in two installments of 267,900 yen each, in May and November. The university also notes that fees may be revised while a student is enrolled; any new rate will apply from the date of the change.

Tuition fees and other costs to prepare for when studying at Hokkaido University

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Admission fee and additional costs

The admission fee is a one-time payment made after an applicant receives an offer of admission. It is separate from the application fee paid when submitting the application and is generally not included in the annual Hokkaido University tuition fee.

In addition to the university’s mandatory charges, students should budget for the following:

The dormitory deposit may be refunded if the student has paid all required charges and the room has no damage requiring repair. Undergraduate ISP students entering in October 2026 are eligible for several notable forms of financial support:

• The ISP program application fee is 5,000 yen.
• The full 282,000-yen admission fee is waived.
• Tuition for the first semester, from October 2026 to March 2027, is fully waived.
• From the following semester, the university reviews tuition waivers on an annual or half-year basis according to evaluation results.
• Tuition reduction or exemption after the first semester is not automatically granted to every student.

Therefore, ISP applicants should not assume that all Hokkaido University tuition fees for the full four years will be waived. Families should still prepare backup funding in case the student is not approved for continued support.

Cost of living in Sapporo

According to the university’s updated information, students should prepare at least approximately 100,000-120,000 yen per month to live in Sapporo. Actual costs vary depending on accommodation type, eating habits, transportation needs, and electricity and gas usage during winter.

Utility costs generally rise in winter because students need to use heating. Low-cost university dormitories can significantly reduce expenses, but rooms are limited and residents are selected in separate application rounds. Accommodation for international students is equipped with internet access.

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Key scholarships for international students at Hokkaido University

International students at Hokkaido University may apply for university scholarships, MEXT scholarships, JASSO support, and scholarships from certain private foundations. Each program has different funding amounts, application periods, and selection criteria. Applicants should prepare their documents early and maintain a financial backup plan in case they do not receive a scholarship.

Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship

MEXT scholarship for Hokkaido University students in 2026

MEXT is a highly valuable fully funded scholarship program for international students. Benefits generally include tuition, a monthly living allowance, and airfare support in accordance with the program rules. Reference monthly stipends for 2026 are as follows:

Students studying in Hokkaido may receive an additional cold-region allowance. Applicants may apply for MEXT through the Embassy of Japan or through university recommendation. Some ISP students at Hokkaido University may also be considered under a special nomination route, although the number of places is quite limited.

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JASSO Scholarships and Private Foundations

JASSO support is available to privately financed international students with strong academic performance. A common stipend is 48,000 yen per month for 6 or 12 months. Applicants may be considered through either of the following routes:

• Nomination by the university after enrollment.
• Scholarship reservation based on EJU results or an eligible admissions program.

In addition to JASSO, Hokkaido University students may apply for scholarships from private organizations. Each foundation generally sets its own requirements regarding nationality, field of study, age, Japanese proficiency, or academic achievement. Students should prepare their transcripts, CV, recommendation letters, and study plan in advance so they can submit applications on time.

>> Read more:JASSO Scholarship 2026: Tips to Improve Your Chances of Success for International Students – AN KOI

JASSO scholarships support international students at Hokkaido University

Hokkaido University Scholarships for 2026

ISP students entering in October 2026 receive an admission fee waiver and a tuition waiver for the first semester. From subsequent semesters, Hokkaido University will consider tuition exemptions based on each student’s academic results and financial circumstances. In addition to the ISP policy, students facing financial hardship who also have strong academic performance may apply for:

• A full tuition waiver.
• A 50% tuition reduction.
• A 25% tuition reduction.
• A tuition waiver for one semester or one year.

The number of students receiving support depends on the available budget and the results of the review. Families therefore should not assume that a Hokkaido University scholarship will continue for the entire course of study.

AN KOI supports your yourney to Hokkaido University

Applying to Hokkaido University requires careful preparation of academic qualifications, language proficiency, and program-specific application documents. With experience in Japan study-abroad consulting, AN KOI supports you throughout the application process, helping save time and reduce avoidable mistakes.

When you choose AN KOI Study Abroad, you receive support with:

• Choosing a suitable field of study and program based on your abilities, career direction, and study-abroad goals.
• Assessing admission requirements such as academic performance, GPA, JLPT, and IELTS/TOEFL to build an appropriate preparation plan.
• Preparing study-abroad application documents, including essays, study plans, recommendation letters, and other documents required by the university.
• Applying for scholarships and receiving guidance on financial support programs suitable for your individual profile.
• Interview practice and application progress tracking, with support through the admission offer and completion of pre-departure procedures for Japan.
• Visa application guidance and pre-departure preparation to help students get ready for studying and living in Japan.

AN KOI provides Hokkaido University application support for Vietnamese students

Hokkaido University is a suitable choice for students who want to study in a high-quality research environment with strong academic fields and scholarship opportunities for international students. However, each program has different admission, language, and application requirements. Researching the information and preparing a plan early will therefore help you stay more proactive throughout the application process. If you need advice on a study in Japan pathway or application preparation support for Hokkaido University, contact AN KOI for detailed guidance.