Applications are officially open for the Hokkaido University International Graduate Program (IGP) MEXT Scholarship 2027. Funded by the Japanese Government’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), this flagship initiative—titled the “Life Science Research Training Program for Solving Global Issues”—is designed to train the next generation of global research leaders at the Graduate School of Life Science on the Sapporo campus.
The entire academic program is taught in English. Selected candidates receive comprehensive financial support, including full academic tuition waivers, monthly living allowances, and round-trip economy flights between their home country and Japan.
📊 Scholarship Summary
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | Japan 🇯🇵 |
| Host University | Hokkaido University (Graduate School of Life Science) |
| Sponsoring Body | MEXT (Japanese Ministry of Education) |
| Degree Levels | Master’s Degree (2 Years) & PhD Degree (3 Years) |
| Available Quota | 3 Master’s Positions & 5 PhD Positions Globally |
| Master’s Stipend | Approx. ¥144,000 / month |
| PhD Stipend | Approx. ¥145,000 / month |
| Supervisor Deadline | November 10, 2026 (Initial Contact) |
| Final File Deadline | December 10, 2026 (Submitted by Supervisor) |
| Program Start Date | October 2027 |
🔬 Eligible Academic Divisions & Research Tracks
Applicants must choose a prospective laboratory within one of three specialized divisions under the Graduate School of Life Science:
- Biosystems Science Course: Focuses on advanced molecular biology, biophysics, genetics, structural biology, and systems biology research.
- Transdisciplinary Life Science Course: Integrates biological sciences with data science, physics, chemical engineering, and biotechnology to solve global environmental and health challenges.
- Division of Soft Matter: Dedicated to physical-chemical research on soft materials, functional biomaterials, soft robotics, and biological tissue applications.
🎁 Scholarship Coverage & Benefits
Selected international students receive an all-inclusive financial package sponsored directly by MEXT:
- Full Tuition & Fees: Complete exemption from university application fees, matriculation/admission fees, and full program tuition.
- Monthly Living Allowance:
- Master’s Scholars: ~¥144,000 per month.
- PhD Scholars: ~¥145,000 per month.
- Round-Trip Travel Expenses: Economy-class airfare from the nearest international airport in your home country to Japan at commencement, and a return ticket upon degree completion.
- Housing Support: Access to Hokkaido University international student dormitories in Sapporo.
👤 Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the IGP Special MEXT Quota, candidates must satisfy the following parameters:
- Nationality: Open to citizens of all countries holding official diplomatic relations with Japan.
- Academic Background:
- Master’s Degree: Must hold (or expect to complete before September 2027) a recognized 4-year Bachelor’s degree in biological science, chemistry, medicine, agricultural science, or related fields.
- PhD Degree: Must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent research thesis credential.
- Academic Record: Strong cumulative GPA demonstrating academic excellence during previous studies.
- English Proficiency: High language proficiency in written and spoken English. (TOEFL, IELTS, or official university English Medium of Instruction certificates are accepted).
📝 Step-by-Step Application Workflow
Unlike general university scholarships, admission to the IGP MEXT program requires securing a faculty supervisor before submitting formal paperwork.
- Locate a Host Laboratory: Visit the official IGP website (
altair.sci.hokudai.ac.jp/grad/igpoverview/) and review the list of affiliated laboratories. - Download the “IGP First Step Form”: Fill out this official initial contact form detailing your academic background and proposed research goals.
- Contact the Laboratory Director: Email the prospective supervisor directly, attaching the IGP First Step Form, CV, transcripts, and a concise research proposal no later than November 10, 2026.
- Laboratory Screening: If the professor agrees to supervise your studies, they will conduct an interview and grant pre-approval.
- Submit Formal Documents: Complete the formal MEXT Scholarship Application Package and send it directly to your supervisor.
- Final Administrative Submission: Your host supervisor will submit the finalized dossier to the Hokkaido University IGP Office by December 10, 2026. Final results and nominations to MEXT are announced around March 2027.
📅 Important Timeline
Application Period: May – November 2026
Selection Process: December 2026 – January 2027
Admission Procedures: July – August 2027
Programme Starts: October 2027
⚠️ Important Notice
- Application is FREE.
- Applicants must first contact a prospective supervisor before submitting their application.
- Read the official programme guidelines carefully before applying.
- Only apply through the official Hokkaido University website.
🌏 Why Study at Hokkaido University?
Hokkaido University is one of Japan’s leading research universities, known for academic excellence, cutting-edge laboratories, and a vibrant international student community. The university offers world-class education, extensive research opportunities, and a welcoming environment for students from around the world.
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