Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship 2027 in Japan (Fully Funded)

Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship 2027 in Japan (Fully Funded) | Master’s & PhD Programmes

Applications are now open for the Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship 2027 Intake in Japan. This prestigious scholarship is funded by the Japanese Government through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and offers international students the opportunity to pursue fully funded Master’s and PhD degrees in Life Sciences.

Hokkaido University is one of Japan’s leading national universities, offering a world-class research environment for students from across the globe. The programme is conducted entirely in English and will take place at the university’s Sapporo Campus.

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Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive comprehensive financial support, including:

Monthly stipend
PhD students: approximately JPY 145,000 per month
Master’s students: approximately JPY 144,000 per month
Full exemption from:
Admission fees
Tuition fees
Round-trip airfare:
Flight ticket from the nearest international airport to the candidate’s home country to Japan
Return airfare after completion of studies
Access to university accommodation facilities for international students.

Eligible Applicants

The Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship is open to:

International students from all countries
Applicants with excellent academic records
Candidates interested in advanced research in Life Sciences
Students seeking a Master’s (2 years) or PhD (3 years) degree programme

Study Level

Master’s Degree Programme – 2 Years
Doctoral (PhD) Programme – 3 Years

Host Country

Japan

University

Hokkaido University, Sapporo Campus
This scholarship provides an excellent opportunity for aspiring researchers to study in Japan without financial barriers while gaining access to advanced laboratories, expert supervision, and global academic networks.
Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare their academic documents and apply before the official deadline.

MEXT Scholarship at Hokkaido University: Key Facts

Institution: Hokkaido University, Graduate School of Life Science, Sapporo (Japan).
Programme: International Graduate Program (IGP) in life sciences, taught in English.
Levels: Master’s (two years) and PhD (three years).
Places: 5 PhD scholarships and 3 Master’s scholarships.
Allowance: ~JPY 145,000/month (PhD) / ~JPY 144,000/month (Master’s).
Fees: admission and tuition waived; round-trip flight covered.
Intake: October 2027.

Courses Covered by the MEXT Scholarship at Hokkaido University

The MEXT scholarship at Hokkaido University covers the research training programme in life sciences. All teaching, supervision and discussion take place in English. The programme is organised around three host units:

Division of Life Science – Biosystems Science Course;
Division of Life Science – Transdisciplinary Life Science Course;
Division of Soft Matter.

Choosing a laboratory within these courses is the very first step: the list of laboratories is published on the official IGP website, and it is from this list that the candidate identifies a potential supervisor.

Available Places and Funding

Level	Duration	Places	Monthly allowance
PhD	3 years	5	~JPY 145,000
Master’s	2 years	3	~JPY 144,000

On top of the allowance come the full waiver of admission and tuition fees as well as coverage of air travel to and from Japan. These amounts are set by MEXT and may be adjusted from one year to the next: be sure to check the figures in force at the time of application.

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Eligibility Requirements

The programme is open to international students of any nationality who have an excellent academic record and hold (or are on track to obtain) the qualification required for entry to a Master’s or PhD.

How to Apply

The process is centred on the supervisor. It works as follows:

Step 1: consult the list of laboratories and contact one or more potential supervisors to discuss your fit, no later than 10 November 2026 (act as early as possible).
Step 2: obtain acceptance into the laboratory (selection at laboratory level).
Step 3: prepare and hand your application file to the supervisor.
Step 4: the supervisor forwards the file to the IGP office before 10 December 2026.
Step 5: review of the files by each course, followed by final selection by the IGP committee.
Step 6: successful candidates are recommended to MEXT in March 2027.

If you wish to apply to the programme, you can contact the potential supervisor directly by providing them with the “IGP First Step Form” (Word).

The application file includes, among others: the MEXT scholarship application form, the “Field of study and study program” document, a letter of recommendation, a copy of the passport, an official transcript of records, the degree certificate (or expected completion), evidence of academic excellence, a summary of the Master’s thesis (or bachelor’s research work), and proof of English proficiency. An “IGP first step form” allows you to make direct contact with the prospective supervisor.