Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Japan

Application Deadline: December 4, 2025 (via prospective supervisor)
Program Start Date: October 2026

Hokkaido University invites outstanding international students to apply for the 2026 Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship (University Recommendation) – Special Selection: Graduate Program for Environmental Conservation Leadership for Post SDGs.

This program aims to develop global leaders dedicated to advancing environmental conservation and sustainability in the post-SDGs era. Applicants must secure the consent of a prospective supervisor before submitting their application. All documents should be submitted through the supervisor.

Note: To find and contact your prospective supervisor, refer to the official Staff Information Page.

Number of Scholarship Slots

• Master’s Course: 3 positions

• Doctoral Course: 4 positions

Eligibility Criteria

1. General Eligibility

• Applicants must be international students with excellent academic records who wish to study in Japan as new students (or are currently residing in Japan).

• Applicants must have a GPA of 2.30/3.00 or above and maintain it throughout the scholarship period.

• Applicants must also fulfill one of the language proficiency requirements listed below.

2. Language Proficiency Requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following:

1. Achieve a CEFR B2 or higher level in a recognized English proficiency test:

   • TOEFL iBT: 72 (minimum scores – Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 17)

   • IELTS (Academic): Overall Band 5.5 (minimum 5.5 in each skill)

   • TOEIC L&R: 400 Listening, 385 Reading

   • TOEIC S&W: 160 Speaking, 150 Writing

2. Have completed an academic program (Bachelor’s or Master’s) conducted entirely in English that meets Japanese graduate school admission requirements.

3. Other Conditions

Applicants should confirm any additional eligibility requirements with their prospective supervisors.

Scholarship Benefits

Duration

• Master’s Course: 2 years

• Doctoral Course: 3 years

Monthly Allowance

• Master’s Students: 144,000 JPY/month

• Doctoral Students: 145,000 JPY/month

Travel Support

• Round-trip airfare to and from Japan (provided by MEXT).

Academic Fees

• Application fee: Exempted

• Matriculation fee: Exempted

• Tuition fee: Exempted

Selection Timeline

Required Documents

1. Documents for Internal Screening

Applicants must submit the following via their prospective supervisor by email:

1. Application form for MEXT Scholarship

2. Field of Study and Study Program (highlighting SDG relevance)

3. Passport copy or official government-issued ID

4. Official academic transcripts (including grading system details)

5. Certificate of (prospective) graduation or diploma

6. Proof of academic excellence (if applicable)

7. Recommendation letter from the dean (addressed to Hokkaido University President)

8. Abstract of thesis (concise summary)

9. Proof of language proficiency (test results or Medium of Instruction certificate)

10. Career plan statement

2. Additional Documents (Post-Internal Screening)

Successful candidates must later provide original hard copies by post:

• Application form

• Official transcripts (originals)

• Graduation or diploma certificates (originals)

• Pledge form (original)

Admission Process

Selected candidates must pass an entrance examination to formally enroll in the Graduate School of Environmental Science.

A pre-arrival online admission option may be available for specific departments. Applicants should follow guidance from their supervisors and refer to the official admission guidelines published in mid-February on the Graduate School website.

Successful students will begin their Master’s or Doctoral programs in October 2026.
Note: There will be no research student period before enrollment.

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship 2026