Hokkaido University
About the university
Hokkaido University, located in Sapporo, Japan, is a top national university renowned for research and education across science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, and social sciences. Established in 1876, it emphasizes innovation, interdisciplinary research, and internationalization. Its spacious campuses feature modern laboratories, libraries, museums, and green spaces. Students engage in hands-on learning, internships, exchange programs, and research projects. The university fosters global perspectives, professional skills, and a vibrant campus culture, while Sapporo’s urban environment provides access to industry, cultural experiences, and outdoor recreation.
Key information
- Location: Sapporo, JP
- Ranking #250
- QS #112
- THE #201
- US News #124
- National ranking #3
- Institution type: public
Popular faculties
- Science
- Engineering
- Agriculture
- Medicine
- Economics
- Law
Programs (5)
- Medicine
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Law
- Engineering
Student body
- Total students: 18,000
- Undergraduate: 13,500
- Graduate: 4,500
- International students: 13%
Campus life
Hokkaido University’s campuses in Sapporo are expansive and green, combining historic and modern buildings, laboratories, libraries, and student centers. Students enjoy active club participation, sports, cultural events, and festivals. International students are supported through orientation programs, language clubs, and exchange programs. Sapporo offers a balance of urban amenities, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences, making campus life dynamic and engaging.
Housing & accommodation
Housing cost: $350 - $900 / per month
Housing options
- On-campus dormitories
- international student housing
- private apartments
- shared rentals
Student clubs and organizations
- Cultural clubs
- music clubs
- sports clubs
- volunteer groups
- debate society
- language exchange clubs
Sports
- Soccer
- baseball
- basketball
- tennis
- rugby
- athletics teams
Career & internships
Employment rate: 92%
Partner companies
- Toyota
- Mitsubishi
- Sony
- Hitachi
- Panasonic
- SoftBank
- Fujitsu
Internships: Hokkaido University offers a wide range of internships and research placements in collaboration with domestic and international companies, research institutions, and government agencies. Students can engage in hands-on projects in science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, and social sciences. The Career Center provides workshops, networking events, and job fairs to help students gain professional experience, industry contacts, and international exposure.
Admission requirements
Required tests
- IELTS
- TOEFL
Required documents
- Academic transcripts
- diploma
- Japanese or English proficiency certificate
- recommendation letters
- personal statement
- entrance exam results
- passport copy
Minimum GPA: 3.3
Tuition costs
- $5,500 - $11,000 / per year
- Acceptance rate: 40.00%
- Scholarships available: Hokkaido University offers merit-based, need-based, and MEXT scholarships for international students. Scholarships may cover tuition fully or partially, sometimes including living expenses. Graduate students have access to research assistantships, faculty-specific funding, and international exchange program support. Scholarships support academic achievement, research, and professional development.
Quick facts
- Founded: 1876
- Teaching languages: Japanese, English, english, japanese
- Study formats: offline
Contact
- Website: https://www.hokudai.ac.jp
- [email protected]
- +81 11 706 2103