Hokkaido University accepts exchange student as a Special Research Student / Special Auditor under the MOU of Student Exchange.
*This information is for the students who are enrolled in our partner universities that concluded “Departmental/Faculty-Level Agreement” with Hokkaido University.
*For the students who are enrolled in our “University-Level” partners, please contact your home university’s international office for the details.
2025-2026 Fact Sheet is available HERE
Special Research Student (SRS):
– undertakes research centered around his/her specialized area.
– receives supervision for research only. No credits will be issued.
Special Auditor (SA):
– takes courses and credits will be issued.
– is required to attend courses at least 10 hours a week.
■Academic Calendar
First Semester
April 1st – September 30th
(Summer Vacation: the beginning of August – the end of September)
Second Semester
October 1st – March 31st
(Spring Vacation: the beginning of February – the end of March)
■Period of Study
Special Research Student (SRS)
One semester or one year (two semesters)
*Applicants may choose the period of study on a monthly basis with permission of a prospective supervisor.
Special Auditor (SA)
One semester or one year (two semesters)
■University Housing
International students may apply for the university accommodation. Further details will be announced directly to the accepted students.
https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp/prospective-students/accommodation/dormitories/
■Student Visa in Japan
Accepted international students are required to obtain a visa to study in Japan. After students’ admission has been approved, Hokkaido University applies for the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) which is a required document for student visa application. It will be sent to their home university with the official acceptance letter. Students will then complete the required procedures to apply for the visa at the nearest embassy/consulate-general of Japan located in their home country.
<List of the Japanese embassies and Consulates>
https://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/over/index.html
■Japanese Language Course
Hokkaido University offers the Japanese Language Course with no charge for international students. (Credits will not be awarded for this course.) Further details will be announced directly to the accepted students. https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp/students/japanese-language-support/
■Application Procedures and Required Documents
Application documents must be submitted by your home university’s international office. Please check with them for the required documents.
*Reference:
–The available course list (Undergraduate)
■Application Deadline and Result
– First Semester (Spring) intake: <Deadline> November 1 <Result>Around January
– Second Semester (Fall) intake:<Deadline> May 1 <Result> Around July
*Please contact your home university’s international office for any inquiries such as internal deadline.