Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship 2026 in Japan (Fully Funded)

Are you dreaming of studying in Japan with full financial support? The Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship 2026 offers an incredible opportunity for international students to pursue Master’s or Doctoral degrees at one of Japan’s top universities. This fully funded scholarship, sponsored by the Japanese Government (MEXT), covers tuition, living expenses, and travel costs, allowing you to focus on your academic and research goals. Below, we break down everything you need to know about this prestigious scholarship, including eligibility, benefits, and how to apply. Check Also: Seoul National University Graduate Scholarships 2026

What is the Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship?

The Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship 2026 is part of the Japanese Government’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) program. It supports outstanding international students who wish to study at Hokkaido University, a leading public research university in Sapporo, Japan. The scholarship is available for Master’s and PhD programs, particularly in fields like Environmental Science, Engineering, Life Sciences, and more. It’s a fully funded opportunity, meaning it covers nearly all expenses, making it an excellent choice for aspiring scholars.

Scholarship Benefits

The MEXT Scholarship at Hokkaido University provides comprehensive financial support, ensuring you can focus on your studies without financial stress. Here’s what’s included:

• Full Tuition Coverage: Application, enrollment, and tuition fees are fully waived.
• Monthly Stipend:
  • Master’s students: ¥144,000/month (approximately $996 USD).
  • Doctoral students: ¥145,000/month (approximately $1000 USD).
  • Note: An additional ¥3,000/month is provided from November to March for students in cold regions like Hokkaido.
• Travel Expenses: Round-trip airfare (economy class) from your home country to Japan.
• No Financial Burden: The scholarship eliminates the need to worry about living expenses or educational costs.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship 2026, you must meet the following requirements:

• Nationality: Must be a citizen of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan. Japanese nationals or dual nationals with Japanese citizenship are not eligible (unless renouncing Japanese citizenship).
• Age: 35 years old
• Academic Background:
  • For Master’s programs: Must hold a Bachelor’s degree or expect to complete one before October 2026.
  • For PhD programs: Must hold a Master’s degree or expect to complete one before October 2026.
• GPA Requirement: A minimum GPA of 2.30/3.00 (or equivalent, approximately 80%) in your most recent degree, and you must maintain this academic standard during the scholarship period.
• Language Proficiency:
  • English: A valid TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent test score (CEFR B2 level or higher), or proof of completing a degree taught in English.
  • Japanese: JLPT certification (if applicable, depending on the program).
  • Note: Knowledge of Japanese or IELTS/TOEFL is not mandatory for some programs, such as those offered in English (e.g., e3 Engineering or Environmental Science programs).
• Health: Must be in good physical and mental health.
• Program Enrollment: Must intend to enroll full-time in a Master’s or Doctoral program at Hokkaido University starting in October 2026.
• Other Restrictions:
  • Cannot be an active member of foreign armed forces or a civilian employee of such forces.
  • Cannot have received another MEXT scholarship in the past or be applying for another MEXT scholarship for 2026.
  • Cannot hold another scholarship or fellowship during the MEXT scholarship period.

Fields of Study

Hokkaido University offers a range of graduate programs eligible for the MEXT Scholarship, including:

• Graduate School of Environmental Science: Focus on environmental conservation and leadership for post-Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Graduate School of Engineering (e3 Program): Includes Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics, and more.
• Graduate School of Life Science (IGP Special Quota): Focus on life sciences and global issues.
• Other Fields: Social Sciences, Humanities, International Media, Communication, and Tourism Studies.

Many programs, such as the e3 Engineering and Environmental Science programs, are offered in English, making them accessible to international students without Japanese proficiency.

You can also checkout: King Fahd University Has Announced Graduate Scholarships for 2025-2026.

Application Process

There are two main ways to apply for the Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship 2026: University Recommendation and Embassy Recommendation. Below, we outline the steps for each.

University Recommendation

This method involves applying directly through Hokkaido University, which nominates candidates to MEXT.

1. Contact a Prospective Supervisor:
   • Identify a supervisor whose research aligns with your interests using Hokkaido University’s Researcher Directory.
   • Contact the supervisor by email to discuss your research interests and obtain their agreement to support your application. This step is critical and should be done by early November 2025.
2. Prepare Application Documents:
   • Completed MEXT Scholarship application form.
   • Field of Study and Research Program Plan (outlining your research goals).
   • Official academic transcripts for all years of your most recent degree.
   • Certificate of graduation or expected graduation.
   • Two letters of recommendation (one from the dean or academic advisor of your current/last university, addressed to the President of Hokkaido University).
   • Proof of language proficiency (if applicable).
   • Copy of your passport or national ID.
   • Recent passport-sized photographs.
   • Abstracts of theses or research (if applicable).
   • Additional documents proving academic excellence (e.g., awards or publications).
3. Submit Documents:
   • Submit all documents through your prospective supervisor to the relevant graduate school (e.g., Environmental Science, Engineering, or Life Science) by December 10, 2025.
   • For the IGP Special Quota (Life Sciences), confirm specific document requirements with your supervisor.
4. Screening Process:
   • Document Screening: Initial review of your application.
   • Interview: Conducted by your prospective supervisor and/or the nomination committee.
   • If shortlisted, you may need to submit additional documents.
5. Entrance Examination:
   • If nominated for the scholarship, you must pass Hokkaido University’s entrance exam in the summer of 2026.
6. Final Approval:
   • Nominated candidates are recommended to MEXT by March 2026. MEXT makes the final selection, and successful applicants begin their studies in October 2026.

Embassy Recommendation

This method involves applying through the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

1. Contact Your Local Japanese Embassy:
   • Visit the website of the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country to find application guidelines and deadlines.
2. Submit Initial Application:
   • Provide required documents, including the MEXT application form, academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a health certificate.
   • Check specific requirements with your local embassy, as they vary by country.
3. Pass First Screening:
   • The embassy conducts a document review, written exam, and interview (May–July 2025).
4. Obtain a Letter of Acceptance:
   • If you pass the embassy’s screening, contact Hokkaido University’s Division of International Student Affairs to request a Letter of Provisional Acceptance.
   • Submit the same documents provided to the embassy (with the embassy’s confirmation seal) and a certificate of primary selection.
   • Contact two prospective supervisors to forward your application for consideration. The list can be found here
   • Deadline for this step is typically September 1, 2025.
5. Final Screening:
   • MEXT reviews your application in consultation with Hokkaido University (October 2025–February 2026).
   • Successful candidates are notified by February 2026 and arrive in Japan in April or October 2026.

Important Deadlines

• University Recommendation: Application documents due by December 10, 2025.
• Embassy Recommendation: Varies by country (typically April–May 2025 for initial applications; September 1, 2025, for Letter of Acceptance requests).
• Entrance Examination: Summer 2026 (specific dates depend on the graduate school).
• Program Start: October 2026.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Start Early: Contact prospective supervisors well before the deadline (by November 2025) to discuss your research fit and secure their support.
• Craft a Strong Research Plan: Your Field of Study and Research Program Plan should clearly outline your research goals and their relevance to your chosen field.
• Meet Language Requirements: If applying to an English-taught program, ensure you have a valid TOEFL/IELTS score or proof of English-medium education.
• Double-Check Documents: Ensure all documents are complete, accurate, and submitted through the correct channel (supervisor for University Recommendation; embassy for Embassy Recommendation).
• Research Hokkaido University: Familiarize yourself with the university’s programs and faculty to align your application with their strengths.

How to Apply

• For University Recommendation: Visit the Hokkaido University website for detailed guidelines and the online application portal. Contact your prospective supervisor and submit documents by December 10, 2025.
• For Embassy Recommendation: Check the Japanese Embassy or Consulate website in your country for application forms and deadlines. Submit your initial application between April and May 2025.
• Need Help? Contact the Academic Affairs Section of the relevant graduate school (e.g., Environmental Science: kyomu@ees.hokudai.ac.jp) or the Division of International Student Affairs for guidance.

For more details, visit the Hokkaido University website or the Study in Japan website. Don’t miss this chance to achieve your academic dreams in Japan!

Source: Official Hokkaido University Wesbite