STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO ENTRY
Thank you for your interest in the Graduate School of Science and Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University!!
First of all, you can see the “Prospectus”, which is the pamphlet for prospective International students, to know about our university in general.
International Student Prospectus
STEP 0. BEFORE YOU GET STARTED…
STEP 1. FIND AND CONTACT A SUPERVISOR
STEP 2. CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY
STEP 3. APPLY TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL
STEP 4. APPLY FOR HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL HOUSING
STEP 5. APPLY FOR A STUDENT VISA
STEP 6. APPLY FOR JAPANESE LANGUAGE COURSE (Optional)
STEP 7. PREPARE FOR DEPARTURE
STEP 8. ARRIVE IN SAPPORO!!
STEP 0. BEFORE YOU GET STARTED…
1. SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
Many of you may be seeking some information about scholarships to come to Japan.
If so, we highly recommend you gather information 1 year prior to your intended enrollment.
Scholarships (HU Website)
JASSO’s Website about Scholarships
2. VISIT OUR GRADUATE SCHOOLS FOR SHORT TERM
The School of Science, Graduate School of Science, and Graduate School of Life Science offer unique opportunities to get to know our graduate schools before officially enrolled as regular students in the framework of HOKKAIDO SUMMER INSTITUTE (HSI). By enrolling into our Independent Study courses, prospective students may experience research activities in a laboratory of your choice and experience the life in Sapporo for up to 12 weeks. If you are uncertain about applying to our graduate school, we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity.
STEP 1. FIND AND CONTACT A SUPERVISOR
NOTE: You need to have completed STEP 1, AT LEAST SIX MONTHS PRIOR to your intended enrollment!
Graduate and research students conduct research under the guidance of a supervisor.
Students must find a faculty member who is willing to give them instruction on their research in advance.
1. Visit the following websites, download the “Supervisor List” and find your ideal supervisor.
Graduate School of Science
Graduate School of Life Science
Other methods to search for a supervisor:
Find a researcher in HU website
2. Contact the faculty member directly by Email.
(*Our office recommends you attach your CV, research plan and transcripts, etc. when you email him/her.)
3. Apply for the graduate schools after the faculty member agrees to accept you.
STEP 2. CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY
Before applying, you should check if you are eligible to apply to the relevant graduate school in advance.
Please obtain the Application Guidelines (for Residing Abroad) from here and check the section of “Eligibility”.
NOTE: The guidelines will be released on the above webpages about one month before the application period starts. Until then, please check the previous guidelines as a reference.
Graduate School of Science
Graduate School of Life Science
*If you would like to confirm your eligibility, please contact the Graduate School Educational Affairs Section.
Graduate School Educational Affairs Section
Science and Life Science Administration Department
E-mail: r-gakuin (at) sci.hokudai.ac.jp
STEP 3. APPLY TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL
The application will be accepted online for students who cannot come to Japan to take the entrance examination.
Generally, applicants will be assessed based on their submitted application documents.
For details, please check the application guidelines.
*About Research Students
A research student is defined as part-time students enrolled in a course for short-term research (6 months-1 year) and not to obtain a degree. Some students use this period to prepare for entrance into a regular course (Master’s or Doctoral Course).
STEP 4. APPLY FOR HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL HOUSING
While you are waiting for the application results, you can apply for the HU International Housing in advance.
Our office will email you with the application form when the time comes.
STEP 5. APPLY FOR A STUDENT VISA
To apply for a visa, a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) will be required.
The OIAS will act as a proxy for your application for the COE.
For details, we will send you an email when the time comes.
After receiving the COE, please submit it with other necessary documents to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country.
Please inquire at the Japanese embassy concerning other necessary documents.
Websites of Japanese Embassies, Consulates and Permanent Missions
STEP 6. APPLY FOR JAPANESE LANGUAGE COURSE (Optional)
Hokkaido University offers free Japanese language courses for international students. Students who passed the entrance examination will receive an email about it before enrollment.
For details, please check the website.
STEP 7. PREPARE FOR DEPARTURE
- Buy an airline ticket yourself after obtaining a visa.
(*MEXT Students are not required.) - Prepare enough amount of cash. (at least to cover living expenses for one month or two)
*If you are planning to use a mobile phone during your stay in Japan, we recommend you bring your credit card with you since most of the SIM contract requires payment by credit card.
STEP 8. ARRIVE IN SAPPORO!!
OIAS offers a “Supporter System” for new international students.
A current HU student will help you to get used to your new life in Sapporo, such as guiding how to get to your dormitory from the Sapporo Station, filling forms at the Ward Office (Registration, National health insurance), opening a bank account, and so on.
(*Detailed Information on this system will be sent to your prospective supervisor.)