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Hokkaido University (Hokudai), located in Sapporo, is one of Japan’s prestigious Imperial Universities and a leading global research hub. Known for excellence across environmental sciences, veterinary medicine, chemistry, engineering, and life sciences, Hokkaido University offers the Hokkaido University President’s Fellowship to outstanding international applicants seeking Master’s, Professional, or Doctoral degrees.
Designed to deepen academic collaboration with Hokkaido University’s partner institutions worldwide, this competitive pre-arrival award provides comprehensive financial coverage—including complete tuition exemption, monthly living stipends, and travel support.
This guide breaks down the financial benefits, eligibility guidelines, partner university criteria, required documents, and step-by-step application instructions for the upcoming 2027 intake cycle.
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Overview of Fellowship Benefits & Financial Coverage
The Hokkaido University President’s Fellowship covers essential academic and living costs throughout the standard duration of the degree program (2 years for Master’s, 3–4 years for Ph.D.).
| Scholarship Component | Coverage Details |
| Tuition & Enrollment Fees | 100% full waiver of application fee, enrollment fee, and tuition fees |
| Monthly Living Stipend | 100,000 JPY / month |
| First-Year Accommodation / Travel Grant | Approx. ¥230,000 allocated in the first year to assist with arrival and housing costs |
| Total First-Year Financial Value | Approximately ¥2.3 million (inclusive of tuition waivers and stipends) |
| Service Bond | No post-graduation employment bond required in Japan |
Eligible Fields of Study & Faculties
The President’s Fellowship is applicable across all graduate schools at Hokkaido University, including:
- Graduate School of Environmental Science
- Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering
- Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine & Infectious Diseases
- Graduate School of Engineering & Information Science
- Graduate School of Life Science & Agriculture
- Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences & Medicine
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To qualify for nomination by your home institution and consideration by Hokkaido University, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
- Academic Affiliation (Crucial Condition): Applicants must be a current student or alumnus/alumna of an international university that has concluded an official Inter-University Exchange Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding on Student Exchange with Hokkaido University.
- Academic Record: Demonstrated academic excellence, typically ranking in the top 25% of their class or holding a minimum CGPA equivalent to 3.20/4.00.
- Degree Level: Enrolling in a full-time Master’s, Professional, or Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree program at Hokkaido University starting in the October 2027 term.
- Current Status: Self-supported international students applying from abroad prior to arrival in Japan (already enrolled students at Hokkaido University are ineligible).
- Interest in Japanese Academic Culture: A expressed commitment to research and cross-cultural exchange at Hokkaido University.
English Language Proficiency & Waiver Standards
While basic knowledge of Japanese is welcomed, most graduate research and lectures in international tracks are conducted in English.
- Accepted Standardized Tests: TOEFL iBT (recommended 80+), IELTS Academic (recommended 6.5+), or TOEIC.
- English Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate: Applicants who completed their prior degree at an institution where English was the primary language of instruction can submit an official MOI letter signed by their university registrar to satisfy language requirements.
Required Documentation Checklist
Applications must be submitted through your home university’s International Office (or directly through your prospective Hokkaido University supervisor, depending on faculty rules). All documents must be in English or accompanied by official notarized translations:
- Application Form for Hokkaido University President’s Fellowship: Form 1 (official template).
- Consent Letter from Prospective Supervisor: Written confirmation from a Hokkaido University professor agreeing to supervise your research (Form 2).
- Official Academic Transcripts: Certified transcripts from all previous university-level education.
- Recommendation Letter: Issued by a supervisor or department head at your home university.
- Research Plan: Detailed summary of your proposed research topic, methodology, and target laboratory alignment.
- Proof of Graduation or Expected Graduation Certificate.
- Proof of English Language Proficiency or MOI Certificate.
- Copy of Valid International Passport.
Step-by-Step Application Process
1.Secure Prospective Supervisor Approval:Recommended August – October.
Search the Hokkaido University Researchers Database (HU-GRID) to identify professors matching your field. Contact them via email with your CV, academic transcripts, and research proposal to obtain an official Consent Letter (Form 2).
2.Verify Inter-University Exchange Partnership:Home Institution Phase.
Confirm that your home university holds an active Inter-University Exchange Agreement with Hokkaido University. Contact your home university’s International Relations Office (IRO) to request institutional nomination.
3.Prepare Official Fellowship Dossier:Document Compilation.
Complete Form 1 (Fellowship Application Form), attach your supervisor’s Consent Letter (Form 2), research proposal, recommendation letter, and academic transcripts.
4.Submit Application via Home University IRO:November – January Window.
Submit your completed hardcopy and digital dossier to your home university’s International Office before their internal deadline. The nominating university forwards official recommendations directly to Hokkaido University.
5.Hokkaido University Executive Screening:February – April.
The Hokkaido University President’s Fellowship Selection Committee reviews nominated candidates based on academic merit, research quality, and institutional partnership priorities.
6.Final Result Announcement & Admission Processing:May – June.
Successful recipients receive formal fellowship award notifications, followed by official admission letters and Certificate of Eligibility (COE) processing for Japanese visa issuance.
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Important Timelines & Deadlines
| Phase | Expected Schedule |
| Supervisor Outreach & Consent Request | August – October |
| Home University Internal Screening | October – December |
| Official Nomination Deadline to Hokkaido University | Early January |
| University Review & Interview Panel | February – March |
| Final Selection Announcement | April – May |
| Enrollment & Program Commencement | October 1, 2027 |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I apply for the President’s Fellowship directly if my university is not a partner institution?
No. Eligibility is strictly limited to current students or alumni of universities that hold an active Inter-University Exchange Agreement with Hokkaido University. If your university is not a partner, you can explore alternative funding like the MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship or JASSO awards.
Is an interview required for selection?
Selection is primarily based on document review, academic standing, and departmental recommendations. However, prospective supervisors or individual graduate schools may schedule a virtual interview (via Zoom or Teams) to assess technical background and research alignment.
Can I hold another scholarship concurrently with the President’s Fellowship?
No. The Hokkaido University President’s Fellowship cannot be combined with other major scholarships, such as the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship, JICA grants, or corporate sponsorships.
ScholarshipsHive Final Tip:
Securing a formal Consent Letter (Form 2) from a Hokkaido University professor is the single most critical step. When contacting prospective supervisors, explicitly demonstrate how your previous research directly fits their laboratory’s active projects in Sapporo.
Official Links & Resources
- Hokkaido University Official Portal: https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp
- Hokkaido University Graduate Admissions: https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp/admissions/graduate-admissions/
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