MEXT Scholarship IGP Special Quota at Hokkaido University, Japan (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the MEXT Scholarship IGP Special Quota at Hokkaido University, Japan for the October 2027 intake. This is a fully funded scholarship offered by the Japanese Government (MEXT) for international students who want to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree in Life Sciences. The program is hosted at the Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University in Sapporo.

It covers tuition fees, provides a monthly stipend, and supports travel costs. There is no application fee. Students from almost all nationalities can apply. The deadline for submitting documents through supervisors is December 2026.  You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Degree Level: Master’s and PhD
• Host Country: Japan
• University: Hokkaido University
• Application Period: May to November 2026
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
• Application Fee: No application fee
• Eligible Nationalities: Open to international students from most countries

What This Scholarship Offers:

• Monthly stipend of 144,000 JPY for Master’s and 145,000 JPY for Doctoral students
• Full waiver of admission and tuition fees
• Round trip air travel from their home country to Japan and back
• Access to university dormitories with high speed internet
• High quality education entirely in English
• Opportunities to attend international conferences and build global networks
• Strong research environment to become global innovators in life sciences

Also Check: Matsumae International Foundation Research Fellowship Program 2027

Eligibility Criteria:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree for Master’s program or master’s degree for PhD program
• Have strong academic record
• Meet the English language requirement of the program
• Be in good physical and mental health
• Be able to arrive in Japan by the date set by the university

You are NOT eligible if you:

• Are currently serving in the armed forces
• Have previously received a MEXT scholarship
• Applied for another MEXT scholarship for 2026 fiscal year
• Will receive funding from another government or organization during the scholarship period
• Are a dual Japanese citizen and cannot renounce Japanese citizenship before arrival
• Plan to do long internships or fieldwork outside Japan during the program

Also Check: Technical University of Munich PhD and Postdoc Positions in Germany (2026)

How to Apply:

1. Visit the laboratory list and find a research group that matches your academic background and interests.
2. Contact the laboratory director or prospective supervisor as soon as possible (ideally before November 10, 2026).
3. Discuss your research plan and get approval from the professor.
4. Prepare all required application documents with help from your supervisor.
5. Submit the complete documents to your supervisor.
6. Your supervisor will forward the documents to the IGP office by December 10, 2026.

Important: Professor’s recommendation and acceptance into a laboratory is required before you can apply.

Also Check: Aalto University PhD and Postdoctoral Opportunities in Finland (Fully Funded)