Hokkaido University

International students seeking a fully funded postgraduate opportunity in Japan can now apply for the Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship 2026 under the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship – University Recommendation (Special Selection). The scholarship is offered through the Graduate School of Environmental Science and supports outstanding students pursuing Master’s and Doctoral degrees in environmental science and sustainability.

The program is designed to educate future leaders capable of addressing global environmental challenges beyond the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Applicants must first obtain approval from a prospective academic supervisor before submitting their application. All application documents are submitted through the selected supervisor.

Scholarship Overview

About the Environmental Conservation Leadership Program

Program Objectives

The Graduate Program for Environmental Conservation Leadership for Post SDGs prepares researchers and professionals capable of solving complex environmental issues through interdisciplinary research and international collaboration.

Students admitted under this program will conduct advanced research while contributing to sustainable development, climate action, biodiversity conservation, environmental policy, and related fields.

Applicants should ensure that their proposed research aligns with the program’s focus on environmental conservation and sustainability.

Scholarship Positions Available

The number of available scholarships for the 2026 intake is limited.

Master’s Degree

• 3 scholarship positions

Doctoral Degree

• 4 scholarship positions

Due to the competitive nature of the program, applicants should contact prospective supervisors as early as possible.

Eligibility Criteria

General Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be international students applying as new graduate students or currently residing in Japan.
• Have an outstanding academic record.
• Hold a minimum GPA of 2.30 on the MEXT 3.00 scale and maintain this academic standard throughout the scholarship period.
• Meet the English language requirements.
• Receive approval from a prospective Hokkaido University supervisor before applying.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must satisfy one of the following requirements.

Option 1: English Test Scores

Applicants may submit one of the following recognized English language test results:

Option 2: Medium of Instruction

Applicants who completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree entirely in English may submit an official Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, provided it satisfies Japanese graduate admission requirements.

Additional Eligibility

Individual departments or supervisors may require additional qualifications depending on the proposed research area. Applicants are encouraged to discuss these requirements directly with their prospective supervisors before preparing their application.

Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support throughout the study period.

Monthly Living Allowance

• Master’s students: 144,000 JPY per month
• Doctoral students: 145,000 JPY per month

Tuition and University Fees

Successful applicants will receive:

• Full tuition waiver
• Application fee exemption
• Admission (matriculation) fee exemption

Airfare

Recipients will receive round-trip international airfare between their home country and Japan according to MEXT regulations.

Scholarship Duration

Students begin directly as degree students. There is no research student period before enrollment.

Application Timeline

Required Documents

Initial Application Documents

Applicants should submit the following documents through their prospective supervisor:

• MEXT Scholarship application form
• Field of Study and Study Program describing the relevance to Post-SDGs
• Passport or government-issued identification
• Official academic transcripts
• Graduation certificate or expected graduation certificate
• Evidence of academic excellence (if applicable)
• Recommendation letter from the Dean addressed to the President of Hokkaido University
• Thesis abstract
• English language proficiency evidence or Medium of Instruction certificate
• Career plan statement

Documents Required After Internal Selection

Candidates who successfully pass the internal screening must submit original hard-copy documents, including:

• Original application form
• Original academic transcripts
• Original graduation certificate
• Original pledge form

Admission Process

Receiving a supervisor’s recommendation does not automatically guarantee admission.

Selected applicants must successfully complete the Graduate School of Environmental Science admission process and pass the required entrance examination before enrollment.

Some departments may also offer an online admission procedure before arrival in Japan. Applicants should carefully follow the instructions provided by their supervisors and monitor official admission announcements.

Important Points Before Applying

Secure a Supervisor First

Applications cannot be submitted directly. Every applicant must first receive approval from a prospective academic supervisor.

Research Proposal Matters

A strong research proposal aligned with environmental conservation and Post-SDG priorities significantly improves the competitiveness of an application.

Apply Early

Because supervisors often receive many inquiries, contacting potential supervisors several weeks before the nomination deadline is highly recommended.

Contact Information

Academic Affairs Section
Graduate School of Environmental Science
Hokkaido University
Kita 10, Nishi 5, Kita-ku
Sapporo 060-0810, Japan

Email: kyomu@ees.hokudai.ac.jp