Logo of Hokkaido University

Hokkaido University

Sapporo, Japan Founded 1876 World Rank #363

Overview

English Name: Hokkaido University
Local Name: 北海道大学
Acronyms: Hokudai
Founded: 1876
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #363
Rank in Japan: #6
Motto: Boys, Be Ambitious
Colours: Green
Logo of Hokkaido University

Established in 1918, the Hokkaido University (Hokkaido Daigaku) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Sapporo (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Hokkaido.

This institution also has a branch campus in Hakodate and Hokkaido. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, Hokkaido University (Hokudai) is a large-sized coeducational Japanese higher education institution.

Hokkaido University (Hokudai) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 105-year-old Japanese higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations.

The acceptance rate range is 0-9% making this Japanese higher education organization an extremely selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. Hokudai also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

For visits or applications to Hokkaido University, location and primary contact details are below. Open days are typically announced via social channels — follow them to receive event notifications.

Address: Nishi 5 Kita 8, Kita-ku
Postal Code: 060-0808
Other Sites: Also Hakodate Campus; Medical, Dental, Veterinary Hospitals; Training Ships
Phone: +81 (11) 716 2111
Fax: +81 (11) 706 2095
Social Media:

Academic Details

Hokkaido University at the institutional level: enrolment, staffing, and accreditation summary. Accreditation has expiry and renewal cycles worth checking on the awarding body site for currency.

Academic Year: April to March (April-September; October-March)
Accrediting Agency: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
Admission Requirements: Graduation from high school or recognized equivalent (Daiken), and entrance examination (Center Shiken)
Student Enrollment: 15
Academic Staff Range: 2,000-2,499
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Open Education Consortium (OEC)

Academic Structures

Hokkaido University's academic units, organised by type. Recently formed faculties (post-merger or post-split) often have updated curricula and may carry less institutional history than older units.

Unit 33 items
  • Graduate School of Agriculture
  • Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering
  • Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering
  • Graduate School of Dental Medicine
  • Graduate School of Economics and Business
  • Graduate School of Education
  • Graduate School of Engineering
  • Graduate School of Environmental Science
  • Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences
  • Graduate School of Global Food Resources
  • Graduate School of Health Sciences
  • Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences
  • Graduate School of Infectious Diseases
  • Graduate School of Information Science and Technology
  • Graduate School of International Media, Communication and Tourism Studies
  • Graduate School of Law
  • Graduate School of Life Science
  • Graduate School of Medicine
  • Graduate School of Public Policy
  • Graduate School of Science
  • Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine
  • School of Agriculture
  • School of Dental Medicine
  • School of Economics and Business
  • School of Education
  • School of Engineering
  • School of Fisheries Sciences
  • School of Humanities and Human Sciences
  • School of Law
  • School of Medicine
  • School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacy
  • School of Science
  • School of Veterinary Medicine

Degrees

Hokkaido University's qualifications, sorted by level, give a quick overview of study routes. Use this view to scan from foundation through to research-level options before drilling into specific names.

Other 36 programs
  • Agriculture
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biomedicine
  • Business Administration
  • Business and Commerce
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Communication Arts
  • Dentistry
  • Earth Sciences
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Studies
  • Fishery
  • Food Science
  • Health Sciences
  • Information Sciences
  • Information Technology
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Japanese
  • Law
  • Mass Communication
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Media Studies
  • Medicine
  • Natural Sciences
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Public Administration
  • Technology
  • Tourism
  • Veterinary Science

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.

Education and Research for Topological Science and Technology (Centre) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Technology

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Environmental and Health Sciences (Centre) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Environmental Studies
  • Health Sciences

Common Career Paths

  • Environmental Consultant
  • Sustainability Officer
  • Climate Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Field Science Centre for Northern Biosphere (Centre) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Environmental Studies

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Information Initiative Centre (Centre) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Science
  • Information Technology
  • Multimedia
Translational Research (Centre) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Genetics
  • Medicine
Agriculture (Faculty) 8 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Agricultural Economics
  • Agriculture
  • Agrobiology
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Forestry

Common Career Paths

  • Agricultural Scientist
  • Agronomist
  • Farm Manager

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Engineering (Faculty) 16 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Applied Chemistry
  • Applied Physics
  • Architecture
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Bioengineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Networks
  • Computer Science
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Information Sciences
  • Information Technology
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Natural Resources

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Letters (Faculty) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Modern Languages
Agriculture (Graduate School) 15 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Agricultural Economics
  • Agriculture
  • Agronomy
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Applied Chemistry
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Biology
  • Botany
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Food Science
  • Forest Products
  • Forestry
  • Horticulture
  • Molecular Biology

Common Career Paths

  • Agricultural Scientist
  • Agronomist
  • Farm Manager

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Chemical Sciences and Engineering (Graduate School) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biochemistry
  • Bioengineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Materials Engineering
  • Molecular Biology

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Dental Medicine (Graduate School) 15 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Anaesthesiology
  • Anatomy
  • Dental Technology
  • Dentistry
  • Gerontology
  • Oral Pathology
  • Orthodontics
  • Periodontics
  • Pharmacology
  • Physiology
  • Radiology
  • Rehabilitation and Therapy
  • Social and Preventive Medicine
  • Stomatology
  • Surgery

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Economics and Business Administration (Graduate School) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Management

Common Career Paths

  • Business Analyst
  • Operations Manager
  • Strategy Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Education (Graduate School) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Continuing Education
  • Education
  • Educational Psychology
  • Educational Sciences
  • Health Education
  • Pedagogy
  • Physical Education
  • Social Sciences

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Engineering (Graduate School) 11 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Applied Physics
  • Architectural and Environmental Design
  • Energy Engineering
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Management
  • Environmental Studies
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Natural Resources
  • Structural Architecture

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Environmental Science (Graduate School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Earth Sciences
  • Environmental Management
  • Environmental Studies

Common Career Paths

  • Environmental Consultant
  • Sustainability Officer
  • Climate Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Fisheries Sciences (Graduate School) 13 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Aquaculture
  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Environmental Management
  • Environmental Studies
  • Fishery
  • Food Science
  • Food Technology
  • Genetics
  • Marine Biology
  • Microbiology
  • Natural Resources
  • Safety Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Health Sciences (Graduate School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Health Sciences

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Information Science and Technology (Graduate School) 8 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Bioengineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Networks
  • Computer Science
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Information Sciences
  • Information Technology
  • Systems Analysis

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

International Media, Communication and Tourism Studies (Graduate School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Communication Studies
  • Media Studies
  • Tourism

Common Career Paths

  • Journalist
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Content Strategist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Law (Graduate School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Law

Common Career Paths

  • Lawyer
  • Legal Consultant
  • Compliance Officer

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Letters (Graduate School) 13 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Art History
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Behavioural Sciences
  • Cultural Studies
  • Ethics
  • History
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Philosophy
  • Psychology
  • Regional Studies
  • Religious Studies
  • Sociology
Life Science (Graduate School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Biomedicine
  • Pharmacology

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Medicine (Graduate School) 41 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Anaesthesiology
  • Anatomy
  • Applied Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Cardiology
  • Cell Biology
  • Dermatology
  • Embryology and Reproduction Biology
  • Endocrinology
  • Epidemiology
  • Forensic Medicine and Dentistry
  • Gastroenterology
  • Haematology
  • Histology
  • Immunology
  • Medical Technology
  • Medicine
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Nephrology
  • Neurological Therapy
  • Neurology
  • Neurosciences
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Oncology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Orthopaedics
  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Paediatrics
  • Pathology
  • Pharmacology
  • Physiology
  • Plastic Surgery
  • Psychiatry and Mental Health
  • Public Health
  • Radiology
  • Rehabilitation and Therapy
  • Respiratory Therapy
  • Rheumatology
  • Social and Preventive Medicine
  • Surgery

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacy (Graduate School) 10 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Applied Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Biophysics
  • Genetics
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Toxicology

Common Career Paths

  • Pharmacist
  • Clinical Pharmacist
  • Pharmaceutical Researcher

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Public Policy (Graduate School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Political Sciences
  • Public Administration
Science (Graduate School) 8 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Astronomy and Space Science
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Communication Studies
  • Earth Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Natural Sciences
  • Physics
  • Seismology

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Veterinary Medicine (Graduate School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Veterinary Science

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Genetic Medicine (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Genetics
  • Medicine

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Isotope Science (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Chemistry

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Low Temperature Science (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Meteorology
  • Physics

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Meme Media Laboratory (Laboratory) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Media Studies
  • Robotics
  • Software Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Media Producer
  • Content Strategist
  • Broadcast Journalist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Advanced Tourism Studies (Research Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Tourism

Common Career Paths

  • Tour Operator
  • Hospitality Manager
  • Travel Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Ainu and Indigenous Studies (Research Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Indigenous Studies
Catalysis (Research Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Chemistry
Creative Research Institution 'Sousei' (Research Division) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Natural Sciences
  • Technology
Electronic Science (Research Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Electronic Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Environmental Nano and Bio Engineering (Research Division) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Bioengineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Nanotechnology

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Experimental Research in Social Sciences (Research Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Social Sciences

Common Career Paths

  • Researcher
  • Policy Analyst
  • Social Worker

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Hokkaido University Archives (Research Division) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Information Law and Policy (Research Division) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Information Sciences
  • Law

Common Career Paths

  • Lawyer
  • Legal Consultant
  • Compliance Officer

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Integrated Quantum Electronics (Research Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Electronic Engineering
Integrative Mathematics (Research Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Mathematics

Common Career Paths

  • Data Analyst
  • Statistician
  • Actuary

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Language Learning (Research Division) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Cultural Studies
  • Modern Languages
Research and Education Centre for Brain Science (Research Division) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Behavioural Sciences
  • Cognitive Sciences
  • Neurology

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Slavic Studies (Research Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Slavic Languages
Sustainability Science (Research Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Environmental Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Zoonosis Control (Research Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Zoology
Dental Medicine (School) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Dental Technology
  • Dentistry
  • Oral Pathology
  • Orthodontics
  • Rehabilitation and Therapy

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Economics and Business Administration (School) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Management

Common Career Paths

  • Business Analyst
  • Operations Manager
  • Strategy Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Education (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Education

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Fisheries Sciences (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Fishery

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Law (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Law

Common Career Paths

  • Lawyer
  • Legal Consultant
  • Compliance Officer

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Medicine (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Medicine

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacy (School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy

Common Career Paths

  • Pharmacist
  • Clinical Pharmacist
  • Pharmaceutical Researcher

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Science (School) 8 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Astronomy and Space Science
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Chemistry
  • Earth Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Natural Sciences
  • Physics

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Veterinary Medicine (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Veterinary Science

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Programs Offered

Hokkaido University's teaching programmes are listed below — search or scan by level. International student eligibility varies by programme — some require additional language or visa-pathway checks.

Bachelor's Degree

12 programmes

There are 12 programmes to choose from at Hokkaido University for undergraduates. A bachelor's degree builds the broad disciplinary foundation most employers and postgraduate courses expect.

School of Humanities and Human Sciences Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
School of Fisheries Sciences Marine Science 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
School of Veterinaly Medicine Medicine 6 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 6 years
Delivery: On-campus
School of Agriculture Agriculture 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
School of Engineering General Engineering 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacy Pharmacy 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
School of Dental Medicine Dentistry 6 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 6 years
Delivery: On-campus
School of Medicine Medicine 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
School of Science Natural Sciences 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
School of Economics and Business Business & Management 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
School of Law Law 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
School of Education Education & Teaching 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus

Master's Degree

17 programmes

Hokkaido University lists 17 programmes awarding a master's — the tier where graduates build the specialist credentials many senior and technical roles now expect.

Graduate School of Life Science Religious Studies 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School of Education Education & Teaching 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School of International Media, Communication, and Tourism Studies Tourism & Leisure 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School of Health Sciences Health Sciences 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School Of Engineering General Engineering 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering Chemistry 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School of Economics and Business Administration Business & Management 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School of Medicine Medicine 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School of Agriculture Agriculture 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School of Global Food Resources Food Science 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences Humanities & Cultural Studies On-campus Japanese
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School of Information Science and Technology General Engineering On-campus Japanese
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School of Science Natural Sciences 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School of Environmental Science Environmental Sciences 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences Marine Science 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School of Law Law 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus

Doctorate

3 programmes

At the highest level, Hokkaido University runs 3 programmes. These doctoral programmes are built around a sustained research project rather than taught coursework.

Graduate School of Dental Medicine Dentistry 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School of Veterinaly Medicine Medicine 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School of Infectious Diseases 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus

Professional Doctorate

1 programme

At the highest level, Hokkaido University runs 1 programme. These doctoral programmes are built around a sustained research project rather than taught coursework.

Graduate School of Public Policy Public Policy 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus

How to apply to Hokkaido University

The standard application path for Hokkaido University, broken into five practical steps with the documents and channels you will need at each stage.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Hokkaido University runs 33 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Before applying to Hokkaido University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Japan.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Hokkaido University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Submit via the institution

    Lodge your application through the official website (www.hokudai.ac.jp). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +81 (11) 716 2111. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hokkaido University

Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Hokkaido University as a study destination.

How old is Hokkaido University?

The institution opened in 1876 (approximately 150 years ago).

Where can I find Hokkaido University?

The institution is located in Sapporo, Japan.

What is Hokkaido University's control type?

Hokkaido University is a public institution.

How many students does Hokkaido University have?

The institution has a student body of 15,000-19,999.

What is Hokkaido University's ranking?

Hokkaido University is ranked #363 globally and #6 in Japan.

What is Hokkaido University's academic structure?

Hokkaido University is organised into 33 academic units across its disciplines.

Who recognises Hokkaido University?

Hokkaido University is accredited by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

What is Hokkaido University's official website?

You can find Hokkaido University online at www.hokudai.ac.jp.

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Peer cohort post-graduation outcomes — employment rates, graduate-school placement, salary data — often track closely across institutions at Hokkaido University's level. Comparable cohorts tend to land in comparable places.

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