Hokkaido University Undergraduate Scholarships 2025–26: The Ultimate Guide
for International Students
Studying in Japan is a dream for many international students — but the cost
can feel intimidating. Luckily, Hokkaido University offers
some of the most generous undergraduate scholarships in Japan for 2025–26,
including fully funded options that cover tuition, living expenses, and
even airfare.
This complete guide walks you through all the undergraduate scholarships at
Hokkaido University, from the famous MEXT Scholarship to the Integrated
Science Program (ISP) and Modern Japanese Studies Program
(MJSP) fee waivers. We’ll also give you insider tips on deadlines,
eligibility, benefits, and the smartest application strategies to boost your
chances.
Why Hokkaido University?
Located in Sapporo, Japan’s vibrant northern city, Hokkaido University is
one of Japan’s top national universities. It combines a rich history of
academic excellence with a strong international outlook.
For undergraduates, it offers:
· English-taught
and Japanese-taught degree programs
· Generous
financial aid options
· A
supportive campus community for international students
· Opportunities
for world-class research and cultural immersion
With its beautiful natural surroundings, lower cost of living than
Tokyo, and globally respected degrees, Hokkaido University is a smart
choice for anyone looking to study abroad.
1. MEXT (Japanese Government) Undergraduate Scholarship
The MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship is the most prestigious
fully funded scholarship for undergraduates in Japan. It’s funded by Japan’s
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and is
open to students from selected countries worldwide.
Benefits:
· Full
tuition coverage
· Entrance
fee waiver
· Monthly
stipend of about ¥117,000, plus an additional winter allowance in
Hokkaido
· Round-trip
airfare from your home country to Japan
· Preparatory
year of Japanese language and culture (1 year) + 4 years of degree
study (total 5 years)
Application Routes:
1. Embassy
Recommendation
o
Apply through your local Japanese embassy or
consulate.
o
This route has more seats and is open to most
eligible applicants.
o
Applications usually open April–May
the year before enrollment.
2. University
Recommendation
o
Direct nomination from Hokkaido University.
o
Extremely competitive; only a small number of
spots.
3. Domestic
Selection
o
Rare; mainly for students already in Japan.
Smart Tip: The Embassy route offers the highest chances for
undergraduates. If you’re in Rwanda, you would apply via the Japanese Embassy
in Nairobi.
2. Integrated Science Program (ISP) – Bachelor’s in Science
If you want to study science in Japan entirely in English,
the Integrated Science Program (ISP) is your gateway.
About ISP:
· Four-year
bachelor’s degree taught in English.
· Covers
physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, liberal arts, and Japanese language.
· Ideal
for students passionate about science and research.
Benefits:
· Enrollment
fee waived (saves about ¥282,000)
· First
semester tuition waived (saves about ¥267,900)
· Potential
tuition waivers in subsequent years based on performance
· Possible
nomination for MEXT University Recommendation (full coverage +
stipend)
· Eligible
for JASSO Honors Scholarship (~¥48,000/month) after enrollment
Why It’s a Smart Choice:
You can start without Japanese language skills, gain access to high-quality
research facilities, and enjoy substantial cost reductions while studying in an
international environment.
3. Modern Japanese Studies Program (MJSP) – Bachelor’s in Social Sciences
& Humanities
If you love Japanese culture, language, and society, the Modern
Japanese Studies Program (MJSP) offers the perfect blend of academic
study and cultural immersion.
About MJSP:
· First
year: Intensive Japanese language training.
· Years
2–4: Courses in history, politics, culture, and society (mainly in Japanese).
· Graduates
leave fluent in Japanese and well-versed in Japan-focused academic fields.
Benefits:
· Full
waiver of enrollment fee (¥282,000)
· Full
waiver of first-year tuition (about ¥535,800)
· Merit-based
tuition waivers in later years
· Access
to private and local scholarships post-enrollment
Why It’s a Smart Choice:
It offers deep cultural immersion, bilingual skills, and a strong academic
foundation for careers in diplomacy, academia, business, or cultural exchange.
LINK TO APPLY
4. Private & External Scholarships After Admission
Even if you don’t win MEXT or a program-specific waiver before arriving,
there are many scholarships you can apply for after becoming a
Hokkaido University student:
· JASSO
Honors Scholarship: ¥48,000/month for one year, renewable.
· Rotary
Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship: ¥140,000/month (very competitive).
· Local
Hokkaido scholarships for students involved in community activities.
· Other private foundations offering monthly stipends and research grants.
5. Application Timeline for 2025–26
|
Program /
Scholarship |
Intake |
Typical
Deadline |
Funding Type |
|
MEXT – Embassy Route |
April / Oct 2026 |
April–May 2025 |
Full tuition, stipend, airfare |
|
MEXT – University Route |
Oct 2025 / Apr 2026 |
Dec 2024–Feb 2025 |
Full tuition, stipend, airfare |
|
Integrated Science Program (ISP) |
Oct 2025 |
Jan–Feb 2025 |
Fee waiver + possible stipend |
|
Modern Japanese Studies Program (MJSP) |
Apr 2026 |
Oct–Nov 2025 |
Fee waiver + possible stipend |
DISCOVER RELATED TOPICS:
6. How to Improve Your Chances
Start Early
Applications for MEXT via Embassy Recommendation close almost a year before
your studies begin.
Choose the Right Program
· Science
background? Go for ISP.
· Humanities/social
sciences interest? Go for MJSP.
Stand Out in Your Application
Write a compelling Statement of Purpose that shows:
· Why
Hokkaido University is the best fit for you.
· How
your studies align with Japan’s global vision.
· Your
potential contribution to the university’s international community.
Maintain Excellent Academic Records
Both MEXT and internal scholarships prioritize consistent top grades.
Show Cultural Adaptability
Mention your willingness to learn Japanese, participate in local activities,
and integrate into the community.
Why Apply Now
Hokkaido University offers more than just a degree. It’s a gateway to:
· A
fully funded education in one of the world’s safest countries.
· Access
to cutting-edge research facilities.
· A
multicultural environment in a stunning natural setting.
With the right preparation, you could be studying in Japan with your
tuition, living expenses, and airfare completely covered.
Read to join Japan?
Don’t let financial worries hold you back from your dream.
Applications for the 2025–26 scholarships are opening soon — start
preparing now!
- Gather your academic transcripts and recommendation letters.
- Research your program and its deadlines.
- Begin drafting your Statement of Purpose today.
Your dream university in Japan is waiting. Apply for the Hokkaido
University Undergraduate Scholarship and take the first step towards an
extraordinary future!
If you want, I can also prepare a document checklist + sample
Statement of Purpose tailored to Hokkaido University MEXT,
ISP, and MJSP applications, so you can use them immediately when
applications open.
Do you want me to make that next?
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