Overview
Hokkaido University (北海道大学, Hokkaidō daigaku), or Hokudai (北大), is a public research university in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. Founded in 1918, it is the fifth-oldest government-authorised university in Japan and one of the former Imperial Universities. The university finds its roots in Sapporo Agricultural College, which was a pioneer in the country's modern agricultural education and research, founded in 1876. The university's motto is 'Boys, Be Ambitious,' which is said to be the parting words of the American dean of the Agricultural College, William S. Clark. The university has 12 undergraduate faculties and 21 postgraduate schools.
Hokkaido University upholds "The Frontier Spirit," "Global Perspectives," "All-round Education" and "Practical Learning" — concepts that have been developed over its history of more than 130 years as the basic philosophies of education and research. Hokkaido University was the nation's first institute of higher education to award bachelor's degrees. Currently, all the faculty members, students and graduates are making concerted efforts to transform their campus into a global base for education and research.
Hokkaido University is a comprehensive university with 12 undergraduate schools, 21 graduate schools and 23 research institutes/centres with about 18,600 students from over 90 countries and regions, and about 2,100 academics. It has two campuses in Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan: the 1.7 square kilometre Sapporo campus in the heart of Sapporo city, and the Hakodate campus primarily used by the Faculty of Fisheries Sciences.
The main Sapporo campus is located just north of Sapporo Station, in the heart of Sapporo City. The entirety of the campus measures approximately 180 hectares and houses academic and administrative buildings, research laboratories, student dormitories, and farmland. The main academic buildings are found along a 1.5 kilometre stretch of road from the Main Gate to Kita 18 Gate — one of Japan's most beautiful and iconic university campuses. In 2015, Reuters included Hokkaido University in the top 100 world's most innovative universities.
As of 2021, two alumni and faculty members have won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The university received wide attention in 2010 when Professor Akira Suzuki won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry jointly with Richard F. Heck and Ei-ichi Negishi for the discovery of palladium-catalysed cross coupling. Benjamin List, winner of the 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, is the principal investigator at the Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (WPI-ICReDD) of Hokkaido University.
In 2016, the university launched the Hokkaido Summer Institute, a three-month-long program from June to August which offers a variety of classes for both undergraduate and graduate students conducted entirely in English. Both Japanese and foreign students participate in this globally recognised program. The university also maintains two fully operational research vessels — the Oshoru Maru and Ushio Maru — for marine and fishery research in Hakodate harbour.
Notable alumni include Professor Akira Suzuki (Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2010), Benjamin List (Nobel Chemistry 2021 — WPI-ICReDD Principal Investigator), Mamoru Mohri (Japan's first astronaut), Yuichiro Miura (oldest person to summit Mount Everest at age 75), Inazo Nitobe (author of Bushido, League of Nations Undersecretary-General), and Akira Ifukube (composer of the original Godzilla theme).
| ~30–40% Acceptance Rate | 18,600+ Total Students | 90+ Countries Represented | Founded 1876/1918 — Japan's 5th Imperial University |
Ranking
Hokkaido University is ranked #170 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, placing it consistently among the world's top 200 universities.
In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, Hokkaido University is ranked #351–400 globally. In the ARWU (Shanghai) Rankings 2025, the university is ranked #201–300 globally. In the US News Best Global Universities, it is ranked #434 globally. The Nature Index ranks Hokkaido University #171 globally for research output in selected journals (June 2025). In the CWTS Leiden Ranking 2025, the university achieves place #176 globally.
Hokkaido University ranked 8th in Japan in the EduRank 2026 global rating, and scored in the Top 100 across 33 research topics. In Biology, Hokkaido ranked 103rd in the world and 6th in Japan; in Chemistry, 87th globally and 7th in Japan. Its top research fields include Oceanography, Atmospheric Science, Veterinary Science, Microbiology, and Mining & Mineral Engineering.
Hokkaido University topped Japanese universities in the THE Impact Rankings 2020, ranked 76th in the world and 1st in Japan — reflecting its outstanding contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The university is particularly world-leading in Veterinary Science, Earth and Ocean Sciences, Forestry, and Agricultural Sciences.
| Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2026 | #170 Globally / #7 in Japan |
| Times Higher Education (THE) 2026 | #351–400 Globally |
| ARWU (Shanghai) 2025 | #201–300 Globally |
| US News Best Global Universities | #434 Globally |
| Nature Index 2025 | #171 Globally |
| CWTS Leiden Ranking 2025 | #176 Globally |
| THE Impact Rankings 2020 | #76 Globally / #1 in Japan |
| Reuters — World's Most Innovative Universities 2015 | Top 100 Globally |
| Nobel Prize (Alumni / Current Faculty) | 2 Nobel Prizes in Chemistry (2010, 2021 — WPI-ICReDD) |
| EduRank — Top Research Topics | Top 100 in 33 research subjects |
Intakes
Hokkaido University follows the Japanese academic calendar with English-medium programs offering both annual entry points:
- April Intake (Spring) — Primary intake for Japanese-taught undergraduate and graduate programs
- October Intake (Fall) — Primary intake for English-medium programs including the Integrated Science Program (ISP), HUSTEP exchange, and most international graduate programs
Application Deadlines (Indicative):
| Level | Intake | Application Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISP Undergraduate (English) | October | December – February | Flagship English UG program; MEXT scholarship eligible |
| Graduate / MSc (English programs) | October / April | March – June / October – January | Varies by graduate school |
| Japanese-taught Undergraduate | April | December – February | EJU + Japanese required |
| Japanese-taught Graduate | April | October – January | Japanese proficiency required |
| PhD Programs | April / October | Rolling — contact supervisor first | Supervisor contact essential before application |
| MEXT Scholarship (Embassy) | April | April – June (via Japanese embassy) | Check embassy deadlines in home country |
Note: Application fee: JPY 17,000 (undergraduate); JPY 30,000 (graduate); waived for MEXT scholarship recipients. Tuition fees are paid in two instalments in May and November. International students need a Japanese Student Visa (College Student). Verify at global.hokudai.ac.jp/admissions.
Top Courses
Hokkaido University has 12 undergraduate faculties and 21 graduate schools. The Integrated Science Program is a multifaceted English-medium degree program that provides students with a bachelor's degree in Physics, Chemistry, or Biology, with an accelerated pathway to a master's degree in five years (3.5 years undergraduate + 1.5 years graduate). Both international and domestic students may apply for graduate programs taught in English.
Key faculties and flagship programs include:
Faculty / Graduate School of Science:
- BSc in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Biological Chemistry, Earth and Planetary Sciences
- Integrated Science Program (ISP) — English-medium BSc in Physics, Chemistry, or Biology (unique 5-year BSc + MSc pathway)
- MSc / PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
- MSc / PhD in Earth and Planetary Sciences
- MSc / PhD in Natural History Sciences
Faculty / Graduate School of Engineering:
- BSc / MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering
- MSc in Materials Science, Chemical and Biological Engineering
- MSc in Architecture, Energy and Environmental Systems
- MSc in Information Science and Technology
Faculty / Graduate School of Agriculture (World-renowned — origins from 1876 Agricultural College):
- BSc / MSc in Agricultural Sciences, Agrobiology, Agro-Environmental Sciences
- MSc in Forest Science (experimental forests covering thousands of hectares)
- MSc in Food Science and Human Nutrition
- MSc in Agricultural Economics and Management
Faculty / Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine (World Top Class):
- BSc / DVM in Veterinary Medicine (6-year single cycle — highly competitive)
- MSc / PhD in Veterinary Science
- MSc in Applied Veterinary Science
Faculty / Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences (Hakodate Campus):
- BSc / MSc in Marine Biology, Aquatic Resources Science
- MSc in Marine Biological Sciences
- MSc in Fisheries Science and Technology
- Research via the Oshoru Maru and Ushio Maru research vessels
Graduate School of Life Science:
- MSc / PhD in Life Sciences (interdisciplinary — biology, chemistry, physics intersection)
- MSc in Soft Matter Science, MSc in Biosystems
Faculty of Medicine:
- MD in Medicine (6-year Japanese-taught — highly selective)
- MSc / PhD in Medical Sciences
School / Graduate School of Law:
- LLB / LLM in Law
- MSc in Legal Studies
Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (WPI-ICReDD):
- World Premier International Research Center — home to Nobel Chemistry 2021 laureate Benjamin List
- Graduate research programs in computational chemistry, catalysis, and materials
Cost of Studying at Hokkaido University
Hokkaido University is a national university, and tuition fees are quite reasonable compared to many universities in Japan. Students can enjoy much more affordable studies than at universities in large cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya once living costs are factored in. Annual tuition fee payments are split into two instalments, one for each term (due at the end of May and November). Hokkaido University has a waiver program for enrollment and tuition fees, allowing students facing financial difficulty to receive full or partial exemptions.
Hokkaido University tuition fees are the same for both domestic and international students — a significant advantage. JSPS Research Fellows (DC1, DC2) receive full tuition waivers with no separate application required. The university's waiver system offers full, half, or quarter tuition waivers for students in financial difficulty with outstanding academic performance.
| Type of Expense | Annual Cost (JPY) | Annual Cost (INR Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees — UG / BSc (All students — equal) | JPY 535,800/year | ₹3,10,000/year |
| Tuition Fees — MSc / MEng (All students — equal) | JPY 535,800/year | ₹3,10,000/year |
| Tuition Fees — PhD (All students — equal) | JPY 535,800/year | ₹3,10,000/year |
| Entrance Fee (One-time, on enrollment) | JPY 282,000 | ₹1,63,000 |
| Application / Exam Fee | JPY 17,000 – 30,000 | ₹9,800 – ₹17,400 |
| University Dormitory | JPY 10,000 – 25,000/month | ₹5,800 – ₹14,500/month |
| Private Apartment (Sapporo) | JPY 30,000 – 55,000/month | ₹17,400 – ₹31,900/month |
| Food & Personal Expenses | JPY 30,000 – 50,000/month | ₹17,400 – ₹29,000/month |
| Transport (Sapporo — subway) | JPY 5,000 – 8,000/month | ₹2,900 – ₹4,600/month |
| Health Insurance (National — mandatory) | JPY 20,000 – 30,000/year | ₹11,600 – ₹17,400/year |
| Total Estimated Annual Cost | JPY 1,100,000 – 1,700,000 | ₹6,38,000 – ₹9,86,000 |
Note: Sapporo is significantly more affordable than Tokyo and Osaka — excellent quality of life with lower living costs. Japan's four-season climate is spectacular in Hokkaido, with world-famous powder snow skiing. Tuition fees are identical for all students regardless of nationality. MEXT scholarship holders pay zero tuition and receive a monthly stipend. Verify at global.hokudai.ac.jp/admissions/student-fees.
Scholarships
The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship is a comprehensive award covering all tuition fees, including a monthly stipend of JPY 117,000 for undergraduate students and up to JPY 145,000 for research-level graduate students, plus round-trip travel expenses. One key internal opportunity is the Tuition Fee Exemption, available to undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students, allowing reductions ranging from 25% to a full waiver based on academic performance and financial circumstances. Doctoral students may also be eligible for the Special Grant Program for Self-Supported International Students, which provides a full tuition waiver for PhD candidates demonstrating academic excellence.
For the Integrated Science Program (ISP) specifically, enrollment fee and tuition fee for the first semester is fully waived for all incoming ISP students, with annual scholarship selection thereafter. The ISP was selected by MEXT for the Japanese Government Scholarship Student Priority Placement Program — one of the highest recognitions for an English-medium undergraduate program in Japan.
Key scholarships for international students:
| Scholarship | Type | Value |
|---|---|---|
| MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship — Embassy Recommendation | Japanese Government (merit) | Full tuition waiver + JPY 117,000–145,000/month stipend + return airfare |
| MEXT Scholarship — University Recommendation | Japanese Government (via HU) | Full tuition waiver + monthly stipend (graduate students) |
| ISP Tuition Fee Waiver (Integrated Science Program) | Merit-based (ISP UG students) | Full tuition waiver for first semester; annual selection thereafter |
| Special Grant Program for PhD Students | Research excellence (doctoral) | Full tuition waiver in exchange for Research Assistant duties |
| JSPS Research Fellowship (DC1 / DC2) | Research excellence (doctoral) | Full tuition waiver (automatic — no application required) + monthly stipend |
| HU Tuition Fee Waiver (Economic Hardship) | Need + merit-based | 25%, 50%, or 100% tuition waiver for qualifying enrolled students |
| JASSO Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship | Need + merit (self-financed) | JPY 48,000/month for eligible self-financed international students |
| JICA Scholarship (Development Countries) | Development-focused bilateral | Full support for JICA participants |
| China Scholarship Council (CSC) Program | Bilateral (China-Japan) | Full funding for Chinese government scholars |
Admissions
For ISP Undergraduate Programs (English-medium — BSc in Physics, Chemistry, or Biology):
- Completion of 12 years of secondary education (CBSE/ISC Class 12 or equivalent)
- Strong academic performance in relevant sciences (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 79 (non-native English speakers)
- Statement of Purpose, academic transcripts, and references
- Application fee: JPY 17,000 (waived for designated MEXT scholarship recipients)
For Japanese-taught Undergraduate Programs:
- Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) — mandatory
- JLPT N2 minimum (N1 strongly recommended)
- Faculty-specific entrance examination
- Application fee: JPY 17,000
For Postgraduate Programs (MSc / MEng — English programs):
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with strong academic record (GPA 3.0+/4.0)
- IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 79 for English-medium programs (exchange minimum)
- Prior contact with a potential supervisor strongly recommended
- Research proposal aligned with supervisor's interests
- Application fee: JPY 30,000
For PhD Programs:
Applicants must have excellent academic records and be able to prove how their research can make an impact on an international scale in their chosen field. Prior contact with the faculty supervisor is essential before formal application. Candidates can find prospective supervisors in the HU Researcher Directory and HUSCAP.
- Master's degree with strong research record
- Supervisor agreement confirmed before application
- IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 79+
- Research proposal
- Application fee: JPY 30,000
Placements
Hokkaido University is a world leader in various subjects ranging from social and natural sciences to humanities. Its teaching is based on the idea of bringing positive change to the world. Hokkaido's strongest research fields — chemistry, earth and ocean sciences, materials science, veterinary science, agriculture, and fishery sciences — are directly linked to Japan's most important export industries and environmental research sectors.
Many reputed companies recruit from Hokkaido University for career placements. Notable recruiters include Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group, Mitsubishi Corporation, Honda Motor Company, and Sony Corporation. The university's Career Center provides job placement support, career workshops, industry networking events, and internship coordination, connecting students with Japan's leading corporations and international research institutions.
Sapporo — Hokkaido's capital and Japan's fifth-largest city — is a beautiful, modern metropolis with excellent quality of life and strong industry connections in food science, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, cold-climate technology, and environmental sciences. Hokkaido's unique natural environment also drives exceptional research and career opportunities in environmental studies, fisheries, forestry, and sustainable agriculture.
Key career sectors for Hokkaido graduates:
- Chemistry & Materials — Showa Denko, Sumitomo Chemical, AGC, Toray Industries, Mitsubishi Chemical
- Food & Agriculture — Meiji Holdings, Morinaga Milk, Snow Brand Milk Products, Hokkaido Dairy Cooperative, Calbee
- Fisheries & Marine Science — Maruha Nichiro, Nichirei, Nippon Suisan Kaisha, JAMSTEC
- Pharmaceuticals & Veterinary Medicine — Hokkaido Pharmaceutical Association, Astellas Pharma, Meiji Seika Pharma
- Electronics & IT — Sony, Hitachi, NEC, Fujitsu, NTT Hokkaido
- Environmental Science & Forestry — Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Nippon Paper Industries, Oji Holdings
Jobs After Graduating from Hokkaido University
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary (JPY) | INR Approx./Year |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural / Food Scientist | JPY 4,000,000 – 7,500,000 | ₹23,20,000 – ₹43,50,000 |
| Marine / Fisheries Scientist | JPY 3,800,000 – 7,000,000 | ₹22,06,000 – ₹40,60,000 |
| Chemist / Materials Researcher | JPY 4,200,000 – 8,000,000 | ₹24,36,000 – ₹46,40,000 |
| Veterinary Surgeon / Animal Scientist | JPY 4,000,000 – 8,500,000 | ₹23,20,000 – ₹49,30,000 |
| Environmental Scientist / Forester | JPY 3,800,000 – 7,000,000 | ₹22,06,000 – ₹40,60,000 |
| Mechanical / Civil Engineer | JPY 4,200,000 – 7,500,000 | ₹24,36,000 – ₹43,50,000 |
| Medical Doctor (Hospital) | JPY 6,000,000 – 15,000,000 | ₹34,80,000 – ₹87,00,000 |
| IT / Software Engineer | JPY 4,000,000 – 8,000,000 | ₹23,20,000 – ₹46,40,000 |
| Research Scientist (National Lab / Industry) | JPY 4,000,000 – 7,500,000 | ₹23,20,000 – ₹43,50,000 |
| Average Starting Salary (Japan) | JPY 3,000,000 – 4,500,000 | ₹17,40,000 – ₹26,10,000 |
Note: Salary figures are indicative annual gross values in JPY. Japan offers the J-Find Visa (job-seeking) and Highly Skilled Professional Visa (HSP) for international graduates. Sapporo offers exceptional quality of life at significantly lower cost than Tokyo. Actual salaries vary by employer, industry, and experience.
For personalised guidance on Hokkaido University admissions, scholarships, and the Japanese student visa process, connect with the experts at Polygon Campus today.