In short
Hokkaido University, a former Imperial University in Sapporo, offers a comprehensive education with strong research in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and cold-region studies. It provides English-taught programs and valuable scholarship opportunities for international students, set in an affordable and beautiful campus environment.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1876
- Students
- 17,541
- International students
- 2,000
- Acceptance rate
- 30%
- Tuition (intl)
- €5–6k/yr
- Languages
- EN, JA
- Location
- Sapporo, Japan
Hokkaido University (Hokudai) is one of Japan's seven former Imperial Universities, founded in 1876 in Sapporo. With 17,500+ students across 12 faculties and 18 graduate schools, it is a comprehensive research university ranked in the global top 200, excelling in agricultural sciences, veterinary medicine, cold-region engineering, and life sciences. The university's guiding philosophy of frontier spirit, internationality, holistic education, and practical learning has shaped generations of leaders in science, industry, and society. Hokudai is a global leader in sustainable agriculture, zoonotic disease research, and Arctic/cold-region studies, with research cited worldwide. International students can access a growing number of English-taught undergraduate and graduate programs. The stunning Sapporo campus—one of Japan's most beautiful—and the relatively affordable living costs make Hokudai an attractive destination for students from across Asia and beyond.
Why study here
- One of Japan's seven Imperial Universities with 150 years of research excellence.
- World-leading programs in cold-region science, sustainable agriculture, and veterinary medicine.
- Growing portfolio of English-taught graduate programs for international students.
- Beautiful, iconic campus in central Sapporo — affordable living costs for Japan.
- Strong MEXT scholarship opportunities that cover tuition and living expenses.
Student life
Campus life at Hokudai is enriched by the spectacular Sapporo setting — famous for its snow festivals, Hokkaido cuisine, and outdoor activities including skiing and hiking. Over 300 student clubs and organisations are active, with a strong international student community. The university's botanical gardens and historic buildings make it one of the most photogenic campuses in Japan.
Fees
InternationalInternational students pay the same national university tuition: approximately JPY 535,800 per year (about EUR 3,300). However, some English-medium graduate programs and professional degrees have higher fees. Total annual cost including living is approximately EUR 8,000–12,000.
HomeJapanese domestic students pay the standard national university fee of approximately JPY 535,800 per year (about EUR 3,300), plus an admission fee of JPY 282,000.
LivingLiving costs in Sapporo are estimated at JPY 80,000–120,000 per month (approximately EUR 500–750), covering accommodation, food, and daily expenses. Sapporo is one of Japan's more affordable major cities.
Japan's national university tuition is standardised and relatively low. Many international students receive MEXT scholarships that cover tuition, living allowance, and travel costs.
Admissions
Undergraduate12 years of schooling + entrance exam (EJU or program-specific)
GraduateBachelor's degree + research proposal + interview
Japanese proficiencyRequired for Japanese-medium programs; JLPT N2 recommended
TOEFL iBT72–90 depending on program
IELTS6.0–6.5 depending on program
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2026201–250
Times Higher Education World Rankings 2025301–350
QS Japan Rankings 2025#6 in Japan
QS Subject Rankings 2025Top 10 in Japan (agricultural sciences)
University scholarships
MEXT ScholarshipFull tuition + JPY 117,000–145,000/month living allowance
Hokkaido University President's ScholarshipPartial tuition waiver for outstanding international students
JASSO ScholarshipJPY 48,000/month for international students
Accreditation
National Institute for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education (NIAD-QE), Japan; member of the Imperial University network
Programs
a selectionHokkaido University · Japan
English Engineering Education Program (e3)
Hokkaido University's English Engineering Education Program (e3) offers a comprehensive range of engineering disciplines, making it one of the few programs in Japan to cover almost all fields. The School of Engineering, the university's largest, provides a stimulating and multicultural environment where students can engage in advanced learning and research. This program is ideal for international students seeking to gain expertise in Japan's renowned engineering fields, with English as the primary language of instruction and communication.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Hokkaido University · Japan
Graduate School of Engineering
Hokkaido University's Graduate School of Engineering aims to cultivate highly skilled engineers and researchers equipped with fundamental and advanced expertise in engineering. The program focuses on developing individuals with diverse knowledge, strong judgment, and practical skills to adapt to globalization, the advancement of science and technology, and interdisciplinary fields. The graduate program consists of a two-year Master's program and a subsequent three-year Doctoral program. The Master's program is designed to deepen academic knowledge across a broad range of fields and foster abilities required for advanced professional careers. The Doctoral program further specializes knowledge, aiming to develop the capacity for independent research activities as a researcher.
Master's
Level
€3k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Hokkaido University · Japan
Graduate School of Information Science and Technology
Hokkaido University's Graduate School of Information Science and Technology (GSIS) focuses on merging information science with diverse fields and integrating cyber and real-world spaces. The school aims to foster innovation and contribute to society through advanced information technology. It seeks to cultivate leaders who can shape the future by embracing new trends and driving change. The Master's program offers five specializations within the Information Science major: Information Engineering, Information Electronics, Bioinformatics, Media Networks, and Systems Informatics. Students will gain advanced knowledge in these areas, develop the ability to create new knowledge, and acquire practical and research skills to become international innovation leaders. The Doctoral program aims to train frontier leaders with world-class research and development capabilities, capable of creating new research frontiers through interdisciplinary fusion and driving global research and development in an increasingly sophisticated knowledge-based society.
Master's
Level
€3k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Hokkaido University · Japan
Modern Japanese Studies Program (MJSP)
The Modern Japanese Studies Program (MJSP) is a four-year bachelor's degree designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Japanese language, history, culture, society, and political economy. The program emphasizes intensive Japanese language acquisition, aiming for fluency upon graduation. Students will engage with Japan through four core academic disciplines and have the unique opportunity to co-learn with Japanese students in many classes. The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to explore their interests in Japan from a multicultural perspective on Hokkaido University's northernmost campus. This program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in an increasingly Asia-centric global landscape, equipping them with bilingual and multicultural skills. The MJSP is ideal for students passionate about social sciences and humanities, eager to learn Japanese language and culture, and motivated by a multicultural learning environment. It aims to foster future researchers of Japanese culture or international leaders who can act as bridges between their home countries and Japanese society.
Bachelor's
Level
€3k
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Japan
full fundingNational Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)
GRIPS Fully Funded Scholarships (National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies)
Open to international students applying to GRIPS master's and PhD policy programs taught in English. Master's and five-year PhD applicants need a bachelor's degree or equivalent; three-year PhD applicants need a master's degree or equivalent. Specific scholarships (MEXT, ADB-JSP, JJ/WBGSP, JICA, Japan-IMF) each carry their own nationality, age and work-experience conditions tied to the program selected.
full
Funding
€40k
Max
Jan 15, 2027
Deadline
full fundingNational Institute of Genetics (NIG)
NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship (National Institute of Genetics)
Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will obtain it before the start date) and have the research skills to pursue a genetics project. Applicants who were previously enrolled at NIG as postdocs, technical staff or SOKENDAI graduate students are not eligible.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
-27d left
Deadline
living only fundingNishimura Foundation
Nishimura Foundation Japan International Scholarship
Open to Indonesian citizens who are graduates of UGM, ITB, UI or UNAIR and who will apply for S1 (undergraduate), S2 (master's) or S3 (doctoral) study at an eligible Japanese university. Applicants must self-fund their study programme (the scholarship covers living expenses, not tuition), meet the minimum GPA (3.0 for undergraduate, 3.5 for master's), demonstrate financial need, and have or be willing to learn Japanese with an interest in Japanese culture and Indonesia-Japan relations.
living only
Funding
€22k
Max
Dec 10, 2026
Deadline
full fundingOsaka University (funded by MEXT, Japanese Government)
Osaka University MEXT Scholarship for Robotics and Bioengineering
Open to non-Japanese citizens with a strong academic background in a relevant field such as robotics, bioengineering or mechanical science, who meet the MEXT programme conditions, present a focused research proposal, and obtain a supporting supervisor at Osaka University before applying.
full
Funding
€22k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingJapan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program (Long-Term Scholarships)
For young government officials and professionals from partner developing countries who are nominated/selected through their country's JICA programme (such as JDS) to pursue a master's (and some doctoral) degree in Japan. Applicants apply through the in-country JICA/JDS process during the partner country's call.
full
Funding
€20k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full fundingKyoto University (funded by the Bai Xian Asia Institute)
Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP) at Kyoto University
Citizens of eligible Asian countries who meet Kyoto University's academic and admission requirements, are committed to completing the two-year programme and participating in AFLSP leadership activities, and are admitted to a qualifying undergraduate programme. Open to students of all academic disciplines.
full
Funding
€18k
Max
Apr 10, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at Hokkaido University?
+
International students pay the standard national university tuition of approximately JPY 535,800 per year. Some English-medium graduate programs and professional degrees may have higher fees. Total annual costs, including living expenses, are estimated between EUR 8,000–12,000.
Are there scholarship opportunities for international students at Hokkaido University?
+
Yes, Hokkaido University offers several scholarships, including the MEXT Scholarship which covers full tuition and provides a monthly living allowance. Other options include the Hokkaido University President's Scholarship and the JASSO Scholarship.
What are the living costs in Sapporo for students?
+
Living costs in Sapporo are estimated at JPY 80,000–120,000 per month, covering accommodation, food, and daily expenses. Sapporo is considered one of Japan's more affordable major cities.
Does Hokkaido University offer programs taught in English?
+
Hokkaido University offers a growing number of English-taught undergraduate and graduate programs for international students. English proficiency test scores like TOEFL iBT or IELTS are generally required for these programs.
What are the main research strengths of Hokkaido University?
+
Hokkaido University excels in fields such as agricultural sciences, veterinary medicine, cold-region engineering, and life sciences. It is particularly recognized for its research in sustainable agriculture, zoonotic disease research, and Arctic/cold-region studies.
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