Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship 2027

Hokkaido University, one of Japan's leading research universities, is inviting applications for the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship 2027 through its International Graduate Course for Data-driven and Hypothesis-driven Science (IGC-DHS).

The programme is offered by Hokkaido University's Graduate School of Science and supports international students interested in advanced scientific research.

Established in 2023, IGC-DHS aims to develop scientists capable of combining data-driven research with hypothesis-based scientific investigation.

For the October 2027 intake, the Graduate School of Science is offering five fully funded MEXT scholarships:

• Four scholarships for doctoral students.
• One scholarship for a Master's student.

Available Research Fields

Students can pursue research in the following areas:

• Mathematics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Cosmosciences
• Earth and Planetary Dynamics
• Earth and Planetary System Science
• Seismology and Volcanology
• Biodiversity
• Science Communication

Research is undertaken within the university's relevant departments and laboratories under academic supervision.

Successful applicants will participate in advanced research activities, develop scientific methods and contribute to their chosen research specialisation.

Scholarship Nomination Process

The scholarship follows the MEXT University Recommendation route.

Applicants must first contact a prospective Hokkaido University supervisor and obtain agreement to apply.

Applications are then reviewed by the relevant academic department and the IGC-DHS selection committee.

Successful candidates are nominated by Hokkaido University to MEXT, which makes the final scholarship decision.

Nationality Requirements

• Applicants must hold nationality from a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan.
• Japanese nationals are generally not eligible.
• Certain dual nationals may qualify if they renounce Japanese nationality before arriving in Japan or enrolling.
• Preference is given to eligible applicants from Southwest and Southeast Asia.

Age Requirement

• Applicants must have been born on or after 2 April 1992.
• An exception applies to certain former MEXT Young Leaders' Programme scholars entering doctoral study.

Academic Requirements

• Applicants must possess academic qualifications equivalent to or higher than those required of a Japanese university graduate or Master's-level graduate student, as appropriate.
• Applicants must demonstrate sufficient knowledge and experience in their proposed scientific research field.
• The required academic record score is at least 2.30 out of 3.00 according to MEXT's prescribed calculation system.
• Current students are assessed using their current degree programme.
• Working applicants are assessed using their previously completed university studies.

English-Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate English-language ability equivalent to CEFR B2 or higher through an accepted route.

Examples of qualifying test results include:

• IELTS: 5.5 or above in each of the four language skills.
• TOEFL iBT: Overall 72 or above, meeting the listed section requirements.
• Cambridge ESOL: 160 or above in all four skills.
• TOEIC: Qualifying results across listening, reading, speaking and writing.

Applicants may also meet the requirement through eligible English-medium education or an accepted university assessment of equivalent English proficiency. English test scores must have been obtained in or after December 2024.

Other Requirements

• Applicants must be able to pursue the intended academic programme in Japan.
• Successful applicants must arrive during the period specified by Hokkaido University around October 2027.
• Scholars must obtain and maintain the appropriate Japanese Student visa or residence status.
• Applicants must intend to complete their degree.
• Applicants must not be simultaneously applying for another conflicting 2027 MEXT scholarship programme.
• Applicants must comply with MEXT rules on previous scholarships and overlapping scholarship funding.

The Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship provides comprehensive financial assistance.

Financial Benefits

• Full Tuition Exemption: Scholarship recipients are exempted from university tuition fees.
• Master's Monthly Stipend: ¥144,000 per month.
• PhD Monthly Stipend: ¥145,000 per month.
• Regional Allowance: An additional allowance may apply depending on the location and scholarship arrangements.
• Travel Support: Round-trip international airfare is provided under the applicable MEXT scholarship conditions.
• Graduate Research: Access to advanced academic supervision and university research facilities.

Additional Academic Benefits

• Study and research at Hokkaido University.
• International research experience in Japan.
• Access to research laboratories and scientific facilities.
• Opportunities for academic collaboration.
• Advanced research training in the natural sciences.
• Professional and academic networking.

Initial Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following in PDF format:

• Application Form: Official Appended Form 5.
• Field of Study and Study Programme: Official Appended Form 6.
• Academic Transcript: A recent official academic transcript.
• Grade Conversion Chart: An official chart supporting academic record conversion.
• English Proficiency Evidence: An accepted language test result or qualifying equivalent documentation.
• Application Checklist: The official completed checklist.
• Passport Copy: A copy of a valid passport.
• Passport-Style Photograph: A recent digital photograph meeting the university's specified requirements.

Documents Recommended When Contacting a Supervisor

• Academic CV.
• Academic transcripts.
• English-language evidence.
• Motivation letter.
• Relevant supporting information demonstrating research interests and qualifications.

Additional Documents for Shortlisted Applicants

The university may request:

• Recommendation letter from a dean or higher-level institutional authority, addressed to the President of Hokkaido University.
• Official academic transcripts.
• Graduation certificate or expected graduation certificate.
• Evidence of academic excellence.
• Summary of Master's thesis or undergraduate research.
• Additional proof of English proficiency.
• Signed pledge.
• Valid passport documentation.

Selection is based on the programme's academic and scholarship requirements.

• Academic qualifications and achievement.
• Minimum MEXT academic record score.
• Knowledge and experience in the relevant research field.
• Quality and suitability of the proposed research.
• English-language proficiency.
• Academic supervisor agreement.
• Departmental screening results.
• Performance in the IGC-DHS final selection process.
• Compliance with nationality, age and other MEXT conditions.

The university's selection is followed by the final scholarship decision from MEXT.

• Scientific Research: Participate in advanced research across mathematics, physics and natural sciences.
• International Education: Experience graduate study at a Japanese research university.
• Research Supervision: Work with academic supervisors specialising in your chosen field.
• Innovative Research Methods: Develop expertise combining data-driven and hypothesis-driven research.
• Academic Development: Strengthen skills for scientific research and advanced academic careers.
• Global Exposure: Gain experience working in an international research environment.