Published on August 20, 2024

2026 Enrollment

Application Guidelines
Self-Supported International Students Applying to theModern Japanese Studies Program

Hokkaido University

Admission Policy
Hokkaido University is one of the leading research-intensive universities in Japan withdepartments ranging from the sciences to the humanities. It was established in 1876 as the Sapporo
Agricultural College. It is one of Japan’s prestigious seven “former Imperial Universities” andtoday is a leading national university. During its long history, Hokkaido University has cultivatedacademic autonomy and freedom based on four basic philosophies relating to education andresearch: Frontier Spirit, Global Perspectives, All-round Education, and Practical Learning.
Guided by these philosophies, the university’s mission is to be a place where knowledge iscreated, disseminated, and applied in the new century, thereby contributing to the development of
human welfare, science, culture, and society through education and research.
The university strives to offer undergraduate education that teaches students to participate insociety as global citizens, to acquire the academic and communication skills that will give them asolid foundation in their professional lives, and to study their fields of expertise from a broad
academic perspective. The university aims to make its graduates capable of exercising soundjudgment and leadership as exemplary citizens possessing high-quality and internationallyrecognized academic credentials. In addition, the university nurtures students so that they may takeleading roles as professionals in their fields and actively promote academic creativity.
Hokkaido University has built upon this tradition and its history since it was founded andrecruits talented students from throughout Japan and the rest of the world. We use an advanced
selection system to seek out students who have the academic ability needed to pursue an
undergraduate education, such as basic knowledge, basic skills, mathematical ability, linguistic
ability, depth of understanding, and comprehension skills. We strive to recruit students who havethe qualities needed to pursue studies at the university level and beyond, such as problem-solving
skills, creativity, a sense of ethics, flexible thinking, communication ability, the ability to thinktheoretically, leadership skills, integrity, and the desire to learn.

Modern Japanese Studies Program
Admission Policy
Students We Are Seeking:(1) Knowledge and Comprehension
In the Modern Japanese Studies Program, students not only study the language, society, andculture of Japan from diverse perspectives but also gain expert knowledge in humanities andsocial sciences. We seek to identify high proficiency students with general knowledge ofliterature, history, thought, culture, society, and institutions of any country or region who arecapable of understanding the perspectives and ways of thinking that constitute that knowledge.
(2) Thinking Skills, Analytical Skills, and Creativity
Demonstrate skills gained from experiences in logical thinking and analysis from diverse
perspectives. Shows willingness to objectively look at different cultures or societies with anopen mind and respond to new ideas and experiences with creativity.
(3) Initiative for collaborative learning in a diverse environment
After completing the program, students are expected to play an active role as a bridge between
Japan and the rest of the world. Therefore, communication skills, a strong interest in theJapanese language and the society of modern Japan, and a desire for active involvement in study
and research with a clear objective are key traits we seek. Being able to cooperate with otherswith diverse backgrounds and learn collaboratively in a multicultural and multilingual
environment with openness and impartiality without biases and discriminatory intent is also
expected.
(4) English Language Proficiency
Demonstrate a high command of English to successfully participate in classes taught in English.
Being capable of thinking logically and expressing ideas both in oral and written forms.

Expected Proficiency and Skill Level before Enrollment• Have broad knowledge in all subjects and basic academic skills necessary for study andresearch at Hokkaido University. Study or research with a focus on the Japanese language andthe society of modern Japan is also recommended.
• Demonstrate communication and presentation skills to collaborate and learn with diverse
individuals.

Selection Policy
Students will be selected based on a comprehensive evaluation of screening of application
documents and interviews.
Knowledge and comprehension are largely reviewed based on application documents including
grades in secondary education or other proof of proficiency. All applicants' English language
proficiency levels will be assessed by application documents and interviews including for those
whose English is their native language. Thinking and analytical skills, initiative, willingness tocollaborate with others with diverse backgrounds are reviewed holistically based on application
documents and interviews.

Table of Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

Purpose and Objective ................................................................................................................ 1
Applicants We Are Seeking ........................................................................................................ 1
Student Intake ............................................................................................................................. 1
Application Schedule .................................................................................................................. 2
Application Qualifications and Requirements ............................................................................ 3
Application Procedures ............................................................................................................... 6
Preliminary Consultations Regarding Exam-Related Issues .................................................... 18
Selection Methods ..................................................................................................................... 18
Dates and Times of Interviews.................................................................................................. 19
Notification of Successful Applicants....................................................................................... 19
Enrollment Procedures .............................................................................................................. 20
Enrollment and Tuition Fees ..................................................................................................... 20
Scholarship Programs ............................................................................................................... 20
Privacy Policy ........................................................................................................................... 21
Other.......................................................................................................................................... 22*All dates and times in the Application Guidelines are in Japan Standard Time (JST).

If any unforeseen event (such as disaster or disease outbreak) occurs, we may selectapplicants based on the admission qualifications or criteria, which are different fromthose described in the Application Guidelines. If we change the admission qualifications
or criteria, we will announce the details on our website.
Hokkaido University’s home page > Modern Japanese Studies Program webpage:https://www.oia.hokudai.ac.jp/mjsp/

Hokkaido University will accept applications of Self-Supported International Students (applying
to the Modern Japanese Studies Program) online.
Visit the Online Registration Site (https://e-apply.jp/ds/hokudai-gakubu2-eng/) to apply.
To complete an application, you will need:(1) a scanner (for scanning application documents); and(2) an email address (for receiving a confirmation email sent after the payment of the application
fee and other notices from us).
See pages 5-18 for details about application procedures.

Hokkaido University’s Modern Japanese Studies Program, Application Guidelines, 2026

1．Purpose and Objective
The Modern Japanese Studies Program is intended to foster the development of well-educatedfuture global leaders. The degree program provides intensive Japanese language education andcourses in the social sciences and humanities to help deepen students’ understanding of modern
Japan’s society and culture. It is hoped that graduates will play active roles as intermediaries
between Japan and their own cultures both within Japanese society and in the international
community. Hokkaido University invites applications from students worldwide who have a highcommand of English, an interest in the society and culture of contemporary Japan, and very highlevels of academic achievement.

2．Applicants We Are Seeking
The program is intended for students who:
 want to study social sciences or humanities (e.g. politics, history, sociology, cultural studies, law,economics, business administration, education, philosophy, literature, psychology etc.);
 have a strong desire to study the Japanese language, culture, and society;are motivated to learn in a multicultural/multilingual environment; andaspire to become researchers of Japanese culture or leaders in the international community
based on their knowledge of the social sciences and humanities, and who aspire to become abridge between their home countries and Japanese society.

3．Student Intake
ProgramApplication Period

Student Intake

First call of applications

Approx. 12

Second call of applications

Approx. 8

Modern Japanese Studies Program* If the number of successful applicants is below the student intake for the first call of applications,the balance will be added to the intake for the second call of applications.

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Hokkaido University’s Modern Japanese Studies Program, Application Guidelines, 2026

4．Application Schedule
First Call of Applications:Application Schedule and Deadline

Date and Time/Period (JST)October 25, 2024 (Fri.) at 10:00 a.m. –November 15, 2024 (Fri.) at 5:00 p.m.

Online Registration Period

Deadline for Arrival of Letter of Recommendation No later than 5:00 p.m. on December 2,(Form 5)2024 (Mon.)
Notification of Application Number and Interview
In late December 2024 (expected)
Date
Date and time designated by Hokkaido
University between January 8, 2025 (Wed.)
and January 16, 2025 (Thu.)
February 13, 2025 (Thu.) at 3:00 p.m.
(expected)

Interview (online)
Notification of Successful Applicants

Deadline for Confirmation of Intention to Enroll/Deadline for Shipment of Original Application In late February 2025 (expected)
Documents
Enrollment in Intensive Japanese Course

October 2025

Enrollment in Modern Japanese Studies Program

April 2026

Second Call of Applications:Application Schedule and Deadline

Date and Time/Period (JST)February 3, 2025 (Mon.) at 10:00 a.m. –Online Registration Period
February 21, 2025 (Fri.) at 5:00 p.m.
Deadline for Arrival of Letter of Recommendation No later than 5:00 p.m. on March 7, 2025
(Form 5)(Fri.)
Notification of Application Number and Interview
In late March 2025 (expected)
Date
Date designated by Hokkaido University
Interview (online)
between April 7, 2025 (Mon.) and April
14, 2025 (Mon.)
May 13, 2025 (Tue.) at 3:00 p.m.
Notification of Successful Applicants(expected)
Deadline for Confirmation of Intention to Enroll/Deadline for Shipment of Original Application In late May 2025 (expected)
Documents
Enrollment in Intensive Japanese Course
October 2025
Enrollment in Modern Japanese Studies Program
April 2026

*The Modern Japanese Studies Program is a four-year Bachelor’s degree program preceded by asix-month Intensive Japanese Course.

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Hokkaido University’s Modern Japanese Studies Program, Application Guidelines, 2026

*The six-month Intensive Japanese Course is a beginners’ level course in the Japanese language toprovide students with the Japanese language ability required to enter the Bachelor’s degree
program. Only students accepted onto the Bachelor’s degree may take the Intensive Japanese
Course.
*Students who have Japanese language ability equivalent to N2 level of Japanese Language
Proficiency Test or higher can apply for exemption from taking the Intensive Japanese Course.
*Students exempted from taking the Intensive Japanese Course on the basis of the results of theentrance exam may enter the Bachelor’s degree program directly.
*Japanese language placement tests may be conducted after admission to divide the Intensive
Japanese Course participants into separate classes.

5．Application Qualifications and Requirements
Individuals who have citizenship other than Japanese are eligible to apply. Individuals who haveJapanese permanent resident status are not eligible to apply.
Note: Individuals who have both citizenship of any country other than Japan and Japanesecitizenship must pass a preliminary qualification screening before applying. Please contact the
Office of Admissions during the periods below and follow the instructions.
First call of applications: October 3, 2024 (Thu.) – October 11, 2024 (Fri.)
Second call of applications: January 6, 2025 (Mon.) – January 14, 2025 (Tue.)(1) Basic Qualifications:Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications at the time of application:
1. Individuals who have completed 12 years of school education in a country other than Japan or
expect to have graduated by September 30, 2025 (see Note 1 on page 4, Note 2 on page 4, andNote 4 on page 5).
2. Individuals who are equivalent to those who meet qualification 1 above and have been

3.

4.
5.
6.

designated by the Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology(see Note 3 on pages 4-5).
Individuals who hold or are expected to hold an International Baccalaureate Diploma in acountry other than Japan by September 30, 2025, awarded by the International Baccalaureate, afoundation pursuant to the Swiss Civil Code.
Individuals who hold an Abitur, a degree recognized as a qualification for university admission
throughout Germany.
Individuals who hold a baccalauréat, a degree recognized as a qualification for university
admission in France.
Individuals who hold General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level’s (A Levels)

recognized as a qualification for university admission in the UK.
7. Individuals who hold International General Certificate of Education (IGCE) Advanced Level’s-3-

Hokkaido University’s Modern Japanese Studies Program, Application Guidelines, 2026

(International A Levels) recognized as a qualification for university admission in the UK.
8. Individuals who hold a European Baccalaureate recognized as a qualification for university
admission in the European Union.
9. Individuals who have completed 12 years of school education at a Japanese educational
institution for foreign nationals that has accreditation from the Western Association of Schools& Colleges (WASC), the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), Cognia, the
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) the Council of International
Schools (CIS) or the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) or expect to have
graduated by September 30, 2025. However, in this case they will have been enrolled at aschool for at least two consecutive years including their final school year.
Note 1: The “12 years of school education” includes coursework completed pursuant to Japan’s
School Education Act.
Note 2: The “12 years of school education in a country other than Japan” includes the following:
A. 12 years of formal school education in the education system of the country or region where an
educational institution is located.
B. 12 years of school education at an educational institution that has accreditation from theWestern Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC), the Association of Christian Schools
International (ACSI), Cognia, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC),
the Council of International Schools (CIS) or the Council of British International Schools(COBIS).
Note 3: “Individuals who are equivalent to those who meet qualification 1 above and have been
designated by the Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology”
include the following:
A. Individuals who have passed a national exam in a country other than Japan to determine
whether they have the same level of academic ability as an individual who has completed 12
years of school education in that country (including an exam equivalent to the national exam),
and will be at least 18 years of age by September 30, 2025.
B. Individuals who, after completing a level of school education in a country other than Japanequivalent to a Japanese high school education (including those who have passed an exam inthat country to determine whether they have academic ability equivalent to those of a highschool graduate), have completed preparatory coursework for admission to a Japanese
university at one of the educational facilities designated by the Japanese Minister of Education,
Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
C. Individuals who have completed or expect to have completed a foreign education equivalent to a
Japanese high school education (and deemed to be equivalent to 12 years of school education
completed in that country) at an institution located in Japan and recognized under theeducational system of that country by September 30, 2025.
D. Individuals who, after completing a foreign education equivalent to a Japanese high school
education (excluding those cases in C above) at an institution located in Japan and recognized-4-

Hokkaido University’s Modern Japanese Studies Program, Application Guidelines, 2026

under the educational system of that country, have completed preparatory coursework foradmission to a Japanese university at one of the educational facilities designated by theJapanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
E. Individuals who have completed a level of school education in a country other than Japanequivalent to a Japanese high school education (and deemed to be equivalent to 11 years ormore of school education completed in that country and which fulfill the requirements
designated by the Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) at
one of the educational facilities designated by the Japanese Minister of Education, Culture,
Sports, Science and Technology, or expect to have graduated by September 30, 2025.
Note 4: Those who fulfill Basic Requirement 1 or 2 (Note3-E) above must have been enrolled at aschool in a country other than Japan for at least two consecutive years including their final schoolyear.
(2) English-Language Requirement:
Applicants must meet one of the following conditions:
1. Individuals who speak English as a native language, or have received four years or more of
their secondary education (at junior or senior high school, etc.), or higher education (atuniversity or college) in English as their primary language of instruction.
Note: Having learned English as a foreign language for four years or more does not satisfy theabove requirement.
2. Individuals who have achieved the following scores in TOEFL-iBT, TOEFL-iBT Home Edition
or IELTS if their native language is not English, or if they have not received four years or moreof their secondary education or higher education in English: TOEFL-iBT (Test Date Scores (‘My Best Scores’ will NOT be accepted)): 79 or higher
 TOEFL-iBT Home Edition (Test Date Scores (‘My Best Scores’ will NOT be accepted)):79 or higher
 IELTS (Academic Module): 6.5 or higher
Note: Test results must be from within two years of the Online Registration Deadline.
(3) Other Information
If national or other standardized examinations for university admission in their own country exists,
it is desirable for applicants to have taken them.

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Hokkaido University’s Modern Japanese Studies Program, Application Guidelines, 2026

6．Application Procedures(1) Application Period
First call of applications:
1. Online Registration Period: October 25, 2024 (Fri.) at 10:00 a.m.
– November 15, 2024 (Fri.) at 5:00 p.m. (JST)2. Deadline for Arrival of Letter of Recommendation (Form 5): No later than 5:00 p.m. on
December 2, 2024 (Mon.) (JST)Second call of applications:
1. Online Registration Period: February 3, 2025 (Mon.) at 10:00 a.m.
– February 21, 2025 (Fri.) at 5:00 p.m. (JST)2. Deadline for Arrival of Letter of Recommendation (Form 5): No later than 5:00 p.m. on March
7, 2025 (Fri.) (JST)-6-(2) Application Documents
Number Application Documents
1
Application form
2

Photo of applicant

3

Checklist (Form 1)

4

Educational backgroundform (Form 2)
Certificate indicatingthat you are qualified toapply for admission anda transcript

5

Notes
Enter requested information on the university’s Online Registration
Site.
Upload a photo (equal to or less than 10MB) taken within threemonths of submitting your application. The photo should present a
full front view of face, neck and shoulders without hat or head
covering.
Download the form from The Modern Japanese Studies Programwebsite, enter requested information and upload the completed form.
Download the form from The Modern Japanese Studies Programwebsite, enter requested information and upload the completed form.
a. Individuals who fulfill Basic Qualification 1, 2 (Note 3-E), or 9:
 Certificate of graduation/course completion or a certificate of
expected graduation/course completion (Form 3) (▲)*Certificate prepared by the principal or head of the highschool or course which you most recently graduatedfrom/completed
 Transcript (▲)*Transcript prepared by the principal or head of the highschool or course which you most recently graduatedfrom/completed*Transcript showing grades from the first semester of the firstyear to the most recent semester completed if you have notyet graduated from high school at the time of applicationb. Individuals who fulfill Basic Qualification 2 (Note3-A):
 A certificate indicating that you passed the exam (▲)
 A transcript (▲)
c. Individuals who fulfill Basic Qualification 2 (Note3-B):
 A certificate indicating that you completed a level of school
education in country other than Japan equivalent to a Japanesehigh school education (▲)
 A certificate indicating that you have completed preparatory-7-

Submission Method
When you enter requested information on
the Online Registration Site and pay theapplication fee, your documents will be sent
to the university online.

Combine the scanned documents into one
PDF file in the order of document number
and upload the file on the Online
Registration Site.
For documents that need to be sent directlyfrom the test administration organization,please arrange for them to arrive at theuniversity by the deadline.

Hokkaido University’s Modern Japanese Studies Program, Application Guidelines, 2026

coursework for admission to a Japanese university (▲)
 Transcripts (▲)
d. Individuals who fulfill Basic Qualification 2 (Note3-C) or (Note3D):
 A certificate indicating that you have completed or expect tohave completed a foreign education equivalent to a Japanesehigh school education at an institution located in Japan andrecognized under the educational system of that country (▲)
 A certificate indicating that you have completed preparatory
coursework for admission to a Japanese university (▲)
 Transcripts (▲)
e. Individuals who fulfill Basic Qualification 3:<For those who hold an IB Diploma>
 A copy of your International Baccalaureate Diploma issued by
the International Baccalaureate Office The official IB transcript of grades*Upload a copy of the official IB transcript of grades (sent toyou).
*In addition to uploading a copy of the official IB transcript ofgrades, you must request the International Baccalaureate
Office to send a paper copy of the transcript directly to the
Office of Admissions (see page 16) by the Online
Registration Deadline.
<For those who are expected to hold an IB Diploma in January2025 or July 2025>
 A certificate from the principal or head of the school or
institution indicating that you are expected to be awarded an IB
Diploma in January 2025 or July 2025 (▲)
 Predicted Grades or Anticipated Grades (▲)-8-

Combine the scanned documents into one
PDF file in the order of document number
and upload the file on the Online
Registration Site.
For documents that need to be sent directlyfrom the test administration organization,please arrange for them to arrive at theuniversity by the deadline.

Hokkaido University’s Modern Japanese Studies Program, Application Guidelines, 2026

f. Individuals who fulfill Basic Qualification 4:
 A copy of your Abitur certificate (Zeugnis der allgemeinen
Hochschulreife) A transcript (▲)
g. Individuals who fulfill Basic Qualification 5:
 A copy of your baccalauréat diploma (Diplôme du
Baccalauréat de l’Enseignement du Second Degré) A transcript (Relevé des Notes) (▲)

Combine the scanned documents
into one PDF file in the order of
document number and upload thefile on the Online Registration
Site.

h. Individuals who fulfill Basic Qualification 6:
 Test results certificate for A-levels/ General Certificate of
For documents that need to be
Education (GCE) (▲)
sent directly from the test
i. Individuals who fulfill Basic Qualification 7:
organization,
 Test results certificate for A-levels / International General administration
please arrange for them to arrive
Certificate of Education (IGCE) (▲)
at the university by the deadline.
j. Individuals who fulfill Basic Qualification 8:
 A copy of your European Baccalaureate Certificate
 A transcript (▲)
Supplementary Information:
1. Those who have graduated (or withdrawn) from a university or
those who are enrolled in a university should submit the following
documents.
 A certificate of graduation, a certificate of withdrawal or acertificate of enrollment from said university (▲)
 A transcript from said university (the final transcript at
graduation or one at the current stage of study), including all
grades from the first semester of the first year to the mostrecent semester completed (▲)
2. Certificates indicating school performance/grades listed above
must be issued by the principal or head of the school or institution.
3. If course names and grades on certificates indicating school
performance/grades listed above are indicated using codes or-9-

Hokkaido University’s Modern Japanese Studies Program, Application Guidelines, 2026

6

Certificate of English
language proficiency

abbreviations, an explanation of those items must be provided.
4. There are no subject and grade (GPA) requirements forapplication.
Submit one of the following.
a. TOEFL-iBT or TOEFL-iBT Home Edition Official Score
Report/Institutional Score Report (TOEFL-ITP is not
valid)*Upload a copy of the score report (sent to you).
*In addition to uploading a copy of the score report, you must
request the test administration organization to electronicallysend a copy of the report directly to the Office of Admissions by
the Online Registration Deadline. The institution code for the
Hokkaido University Modern Japanese Studies Program is 4808.
*Only Test Date Scores will be accepted (‘My Best Scores’ will
NOT be accepted).
b. IELTS Test Report Form
*Upload a copy of the Test Report Form (sent to you).
*In addition to uploading a copy of the Test Report Form, youmust request the test administration organization toelectronically send a copy of the form directly to the Office of
Admissions by the Online Registration Deadline. When making
a request, please provide the following information.
Institution: Hokkaido University – MJSP/ISP
Department: Office of Admissions
Address: Kita 17, Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
0600817, Japan
Delivery Method: Electronic Score Delivery
Only scores for which the exam date indicated on the exam results- 10 -

Combine the scanned documents
into one PDF file in the order of
document number and upload thefile on the Online Registration
Site.
For documents that need to besent directly from the test
administration
organization,please arrange for them to arriveat the university by the deadline.

Hokkaido University’s Modern Japanese Studies Program, Application Guidelines, 2026

7

Certificate of Japanese
language proficiency

certificate is within two years of the Online Registration Deadline
are valid. Individuals whose native language is English or who havereceived four years or more of their secondary education or higher
education in English as the primary language of instruction are
exempt from submitting this document.
<For those who want to be exempt from taking the Intensive
Japanese Course>• Japanese Language Proficiency Test Certificate of Result andScores (N2 level or higher) or a certificate of test scores thatproves the same level or higher level of Japanese language
proficiency.
Please follow either one of the two instructions below.
*Upload a copy of the certificate.
*Request the test administration organization to send a copy ofthe certificate directly to the Office of Admissions (see page16) on paper by the Online Registration Deadline.
<For those who do not want to be exempt from taking the Intensive
Japanese Course and have taken the Japanese Language Proficiency
Test (JLPT) or Other Japanese Language Tests>• A copy of your certificate of JLPT or other test results.

8

National or otherstandardized test score

Notes:
1. Past Japanese language study experience is not a factor in
determining a student’s admission to the Modern JapaneseStudies Program, but will be used to determine whether the
student is exempt from taking the Intensive Japanese Course.
2. Exemption from the Intensive Japanese Course is determined inconjunction with the application documents and the results of theinterview.
Individuals who have taken the following national or otherstandardized tests should upload score reports for the tests. There are- 11 -

Combine the scanned documents
into one PDF file in the order of
document number and upload thefile on the Online Registration
Site.
For documents that need to besent directly from the test
administration
organization,please arrange for them to arriveat the university by the deadline.

Hokkaido University’s Modern Japanese Studies Program, Application Guidelines, 2026

reportsno subject and grade requirements for application.
a. Exams administered by educational institutions in the US(1) Score reports for the following exams administered by theCollege Board (CB)
• SAT
*Upload a copy of the score report (sent to you).
*In addition to uploading a copy of the score report, you must
request the test administration organization to electronicallysend a copy of the report directly to the Office of Admissions
by the Online Registration Deadline. The SAT code for the
Hokkaido University Modern Japanese Studies Program is
7944.
(2) Score reports for the following exams administered by theAmerican College Testing Program (ACT)• ACT-Examination.
*Upload a copy of the score report (sent to you).
*In addition to uploading a copy of the score report, you must
request the test administration organization to electronicallysend a copy of the report directly to the Office of Admissions
by the Online Registration Deadline. The institution code for
the Hokkaido University is 8000.

9

Proof of nationality

b. Exams administered by educational institutions in other countries• In countries with a standardized test, test results certificatesfrom that standardized test (▲)• Materials providing an overview of that test
Upload a copy of valid passport (the page showing your photo,
name, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number and date of
expiry). If you have a Japanese visa, upload a copy of the visa.
If you do not have a passport, upload a copy of identification (thepage showing your photo, name, date of birth, gender andnationality) issued by a government office or other public institution.
- 12 -

Combine the scanned documents
into one PDF file in the order of
document number and upload thefile on the Online Registration
Site.
For documents that need to besent directly from the test
administration
organization,please arrange for them to arriveat the university by the deadline.

Hokkaido University’s Modern Japanese Studies Program, Application Guidelines, 2026

10

Proof of residency

If you have residency in Japan at the time of application, upload adouble-sided copy of the Residence Card or any other proof ofresidency.
*You are not allowed to apply to the Modern Japanese Studies
Program if you have a permanent residency in Japan.

11

Personal statement (Form4)

Download the form from The Modern Japanese Studies Programwebsite, enter requested information and upload the completed form.

12

Letter of
Recommendation (Form5)*Be sure to fill in sections A through C.
*Those wishing to be exempt from taking the Intensive Japanese
Course should also fill in section D.
*Section D is used to judge whether the student who wants to be
exempt from taking the Intensive Japanese Course has intermediatelevel or higher level of Japanese language proficiency. Do not use
translation software.
*Professional proofreading and use of AI is strictly prohibited foressays A to D.
Download the form from The Modern Japanese Studies Programwebsite and submit it according to the instructions. It should becompleted by a high school teacher who knows your academic
performance well. Those who have graduated (or withdrawn) from a
university or those who are enrolled in a university can submit a
Letter of Recommendation written by a university supervisor who
knows you well. In exceptional circumstances only, a letter from aperson in a professional position of responsibility such as a current
employer, etc. is acceptable.
Submit the Letter of Recommendation with the official
school/institutional stamp, which is signed and sealed by therecommender, so it will arrive on or before December 2, 2024
(Mon.) to apply in the first call of applications and on or before
March 7, 2025 (Fri.) to apply in the second call of applications. Send
the Letter of Recommendation by registered mail (or EMS, DHL,
- 13 -

Combine the scanned documents
into one PDF file in the order of
document number and upload thefile on the Online Registration
Site.
For documents that need to besent directly from the test
administration
organization,please arrange for them to arriveat the university by the deadline.
Send in a sealed envelope byregistered mail (or EMS, DHL,
FedEx, UPS or other shipping
services that provide tracking
details).

Hokkaido University’s Modern Japanese Studies Program, Application Guidelines, 2026

13

Application fee

FedEx, UPS or other shipping services that provide tracking details).
¥5,000 Methods of paying the application fee:
The application fee should be paid according to the instructions
provided on the payment screen shown after your Online
Registration has been submitted. Payment methods are shown below(See 6. “Select the Payment Method and Pay the Application Fee” ofthe section (3) on page 17.)a. Credit card: Visa, MasterCard, JCB, American Express, etc.
b. Post Office/bank ATM, online banking or convenience store
payment (in Japan only)c. ChinaPay
Notes:
1. Please be aware that payments cannot be made via ordinary banktransfer or cash.
2. The customer’s copy of the receipt or payment completion e-mailissued when the payment was made should be kept as theapplicant’s proof of payment.
Application fee refund:
Refunds of application fees already paid will not be issued for any
reason except the following. Those eligible for an application fee
refund are:
 Individuals who accidentally paid the application fee twice will
receive a refund equivalent to one application fee.
For information on requesting a refund, e-mail the Office of
Admissions.

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Complete the payment on theOnline Registration Site.

Instructions for Preparing Application Documents
 Prepare documents necessary for the application before submitting your Online
Registration. Request documents necessary to be sent directly from the test administration
organization.
 Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Make sure there is no error or missing
information in your application documents.
 If false information is discovered in your application, your admission may be canceled.
 Upload your application documents in PDF format on the Online Registration Site.
 Transcripts, score reports and other certificates must include the official seal of the issuing








institution or signature of the issuing institution’s representative.
Keep the original application documents as you will be requested to submit the original
application documents with the official seal or signature (marked with ▲ on pages 7-14)
after admission. If you received the certificate or transcript digitally from your school or
issuing institutions and uploaded them when you applied, please obtain the paper-based
original of it as well before admission and post them after admission to the Office of
Admissions. Please note that a printout of the digital file of the certificate or transcript you
received cannot be accepted.
If the grades or other academic information you upload at the time of application do notmatch the original certificates you submit after admission, your admission may becanceled.
The original application documents submitted to our university will not be returned for any
reason. If you are unable to submit an original certificate or other records because it is the
only copy you have, upload a Certified True Copy issued by the principal or head of theschool or institution when applying and submit it after admission.
Submit all certificates and other records in English or Japanese. Application documents inany other language must be accompanied by an English or Japanese translation prepared byyour school (including Japanese language schools), or an embassy or other government
agency.

(3) How to Apply
1. Download Application Documents
Download Forms 1 to 5 from the following website and enter information according to the
instructions:
The Modern Japanese Studies Program website > For Prospective Students > How to Apply(https://www.oia.hokudai.ac.jp/mjsp/for-prospective-students/how-to-apply/).
2. Submit Letter of Recommendation (Form 5)
The Letter of Recommendation (Form 5) must be submitted by registered postal mail. Request- 15 -

Hokkaido University’s Modern Japanese Studies Program, Application Guidelines, 2026

the recommender to write the Letter of Recommendation well in advance so it will arrive intime. Send it in a sealed envelope to the address below by registered postal mail, (or EMS,
DHL, FedEx, UPS or other shipping services that provide tracking details).
Retain the tracking number as you will be requested to provide it when you submit yourapplication online.
Send the “Letter of Recommendation” in 2. to the following address:
Office of Admissions, Hokkaido University
Kita 17, Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
060-0817

3. Request Test Administration Organizations to Send Documents (Score Reports etc.) Directly to
Hokkaido University
In addition to submitting the scanned data, you need to request the test administration
organizations to send the following documents directly to the university (except for Certificate
of Japanese language proficiency). See (2) “Application Documents” above for details about theprocedures. Also, when requesting test administration organizations to send them on paper,please refer to the address above in “2. Submit Letter of Recommendation”.
*Documents to be sent electronically:• TOEFL-iBT (including TOEFL-iBT Home Edition) Official Score Report/Institutional
Score Report• IELTS Test Report Form
• SAT score report• ACT-Examination score report*Documents to be sent on paper:• Official IB transcripts of grades• Certificate of Japanese language proficiency(If you submit the scanned data, a certificate directly sent from test administration
organizations is not required to be submitted.)
4. Prepare Data for Uploading
Combine the scanned application documents (Numbers 3-11) into one PDF file in the order of
document number to prepare data for uploading. The maximum file upload size is 100MB.
Keep the original application documents as you will be requested to submit the original
application documents with the official seal or signature (marked with ▲ on pages 7-14) after
admission. If you received the certificate or transcript digitally from your school or issuing
institutions and uploaded them when you applied, please obtain the paper-based original of it aswell before admission and post them after admission to the Office of Admissions. Please notethat a printout of the digital file of the certificate or transcript you received cannot be accepted.

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Hokkaido University’s Modern Japanese Studies Program, Application Guidelines, 2026

5. Submit Application Online
Visit the Online Registration Site (https://e-apply.jp/ds/hokudai-gakubu2-eng/) during theapplication period. Enter requested information and upload the application documents (Numbers
3-11) prepared under 4. above.
6. Select the Payment Method and Pay the Application Fee
Make your payment by following the instructions on the payment screen shown after youronline application has been submitted. The information needed for making a payment and thepayment procedures differ according to the payment method, so be sure to follow the on-screen
instructions.
a. Payment by credit card: Enter your credit card number, expiration date, cardholder’s name, andsecurity code.
b. Post Office/bank ATM, online banking or convenience store payment (in Japan only)
Post Office/bank ATM: Bring the payment code, application number, and confirmation number
issued after you select your preferred payment method and make your payment at a Pay-easycompatible ATM.
Convenience store: Bring the application number, confirmation number and online payment
number shown on the payment instructions, and make your payment at a convenience store.
(Payments can be made at Seven-Eleven, Lawson, Family Mart, Ministop, Daily Yamazaki andSeico Mart in Japan.)
Online Banking: Follow the instructions shown on the screen.
c. ChinaPay: On the online payment screen of any bank, enter the payment information, such as
your bank account number, expiration date, and password, to make your payment.
7. Complete Your Application
Your application is complete when you pay the application fee and your Letter ofRecommendation arrives at the Office of Admissions. Make sure you receive a confirmation
email sent after the payment of the application fee.
(4) Notification of Application Number and Interview Date
When your application documents are reviewed and your application is accepted, you will receive
an email with the application number and interview date.
The email will be sent on the following dates:
First call of applications: In late December 2024 (expected)
Second call of applications: In late March 2025 (expected)(5) Other Application Information
1. If your address changes after submitting an application online, please contact the Office of
Admissions at the address given below.
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Hokkaido University’s Modern Japanese Studies Program, Application Guidelines, 2026

2. If you have any questions regarding your application eligibility, please contact the Office of
Admissions before submitting your application documents.

Inquiries Regarding the Online Application Procedure(Instructions and Methods of Payment)
If you encounter any technical problems during the online application, inquiries can bemade via e-mail to the Technical Assistance Center at this email address:
cvs-web@career-tasu.co.jp

Inquiries Regarding Admissions and Examinations(1) How to contact us:
Inquiries can be made via e-mail.

(2) Contact information
Office of Admissions, Hokkaido University
E-mail: adm-mjsp@academic.hokudai.ac.jp* Inquiries into the results/status of the screening process will not be answered.

7. Preliminary Consultations Regarding Exam-Related Issues
Applicants who are expecting to have special needs during either the application process or as
students on the program should contact the Office of Admissions on or before October 18, 2024
(Fri.) to apply in the first call of applications and on or before January 24, 2025 (Fri.) to apply in thesecond call of applications.
Please be aware that depending on the nature and time frame of your request, we may not be able to
make necessary accommodations by the exam date.
Consultations regarding other exam-related and class-related issues are welcome all throughout theyear.

8. Selection Methods
Students will be selected based on a comprehensive evaluation of their application documents- 18 -

Hokkaido University’s Modern Japanese Studies Program, Application Guidelines, 2026

(transcripts, personal statement, and other documents) and their interview results.
1. Application review
A comprehensive review of the submitted transcripts, personal statement, and other documents will
be conducted.
2. Interview
Interviewers determine whether the applicant has the basic skills and aptitude required for pursuinga university education in the Modern Japanese Studies Program.
(Subjects and Scores of Selection)
Scoring
Application review

100 points

Interview

100 points

9. Dates and Times of Interviews
Interviews will be conducted online during the periods below.
Applicants will be informed of the interview schedule via email.
First call of applications:January 8, 2025 (Wed.) – January 16, 2025 (Thu.)
Second call of applications: April 7, 2025 (Mon.) – April 14, 2025 (Mon.)

10. Notification of Successful Applicants(1) Schedule
First call of applications:February 13, 2025 (Thu.) at 3:00 p.m. (JST) (expected)
Second call of applications: May 13, 2025 (Tue.) at 3:00 p.m. (JST) (expected)(2) Notification method
The application numbers of successful applicants will be posted on the Modern Japanese Studies
Program website (https://www.oia.hokudai.ac.jp/mjsp/) and successful applicants will be notified
by Notification of Acceptance on the Online Registration Site. Inquiries into the results/status of
the screening process will not be answered.
*Students admitted to Hokkaido University’s Undergraduate Courses, the Integrated Science- 19 -

Hokkaido University’s Modern Japanese Studies Program, Application Guidelines, 2026

Program (Undergraduate) or International Qualification-Based Admission, who complete theenrollment procedures, will not be accepted into the Modern Japanese Studies Program.

11. Enrollment Procedures
Deadline for Confirmation of Intention to Enroll is as follows:First call of applications:
In late February 2025 (expected)
Second call of applications:
In late May 2025 (expected)*Successful applicants must submit the original application documents (marked with ▲ in (2)“Application Documents” on pages 7-14) by registered mail (or EMS, DHL, FedEx, UPS or othershipping services that provide tracking details), by Deadline for Confirmation of Intention to
Enroll.
*Detailed enrollment procedure information will be provided to successful applicants at a later date.

12. Enrollment and Tuition Fees
Application fee

Enrollment fee

Tuition fees

Intensive Japanese Course
WaivedWaived¥181,200 (6 months)
Bachelor’s degree in¥5,000¥282,000¥535,800 (per year)
Modern Japanese Studies*The above enrollment and tuition fees are correct as of August 2024. If they are revised before
admission or during enrollment, the new amount will apply with immediate effect from the time ofrevision.
*The full amount of the enrollment fee and first year of tuition will be waived (2026 academic year)
for students enrolling in the Modern Japanese Studies Program in April (2026).

13. Scholarship Programs(1) Hokkaido University has a scholarship program for students enrolling in the Modern JapaneseStudies Program (the Modern Japanese Studies Program Scholarship Program). Details of that
program are outlined below.
a. We will waive the full amount of the enrollment and tuition fees for the 2026 academic year for
students enrolling in the Modern Japanese Studies Program in April 2026.
b. In the second year of the Bachelor’s degree in the Modern Japanese Studies and thereafter, allor half of the tuition fees will be waived for selected students based on academic performance.
(Waivers will not be available to all students.)(2) Even in cases when a student does not receive a scholarship from the Modern Japanese Studies- 20 -

Hokkaido University’s Modern Japanese Studies Program, Application Guidelines, 2026

Program Scholarship Program, that student may apply for a full, half, or quarter tuition waiver ifthey are facing hardship in paying their tuition for financial reasons and have demonstrated
outstanding academic performance.
(3) In addition, there are scholarships available from private organizations, and those who wish to
apply for such programs may apply for scholarships after being admitted to the Modern
Japanese Studies Program. Details on how to apply for these scholarships will be distributed
separately after enrollment.

14. Privacy Policy(1) All personal information collected by Hokkaido University will be completely protected incompliance with the Act on the Protection of Personal Information and the EU General Data
Protection Regulation (GDPR) pursuant to the Hokkaido University Regulations on Personal
Information Management.
(2) Your name, address, and other personal information you provide to the university throughapplication and individual admissions screening processes will be used solely for ① enrollee
selection (application processing and the screening process), ② the announcement of exam
results, ③ admission procedures, ④ surveys and research on enrollee selection methods, and ⑤
other related processes.
(3) The personal information in section (2) above will also be used after enrollment, only for those
who pass the exam, for processes related to ① academic affairs (registration, academic
guidance), ② student support services (health management, scholarship applications, dorm
admission selection, welfare services, etc.), ③ job search support services, ④ tuition, ⑤ use of
the university library, ⑥ use of information education facilities, ⑦ confirming your safety andcommunication in a disaster or emergency situation, and ⑧ public relations (distributing
newsletters, information on events, etc.).
(4) Personal information contained in exam results will be used to conduct surveys and research onenrollee selection methods.
(5) For recruiting purposes, when we receive a request for information from the Hokkaido
University Frontier Foundation (Kita 8 Nishi 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido; Telephone: +81(0)11-706-2017) or any of the following university-affiliated organizations listed below, theonly personal information listed in section (2) will be provided for use within the scope of thatorganization’s activities. ①Faculty Alumni Associations (Kita 8, Nishi 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo,
Hokkaido; Telephone: +81-(0)11-716-2111), ②Hokkaido University Elm Alumni Association(Kita 9, Nishi 6, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido; Telephone: +81-(0)11-706-2101).
(6) The personal information set forth in (2) will be retained for five years from the next academic
year of our acquirement.
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Hokkaido University’s Modern Japanese Studies Program, Application Guidelines, 2026

(7) The university shall use Article 6, Paragraph 1 (a) of the EU GDPR as the basis for handlingpersonal information and obtaining consent to use it. Personal information will only be used forthe purpose for which consent has been given, except when required by laws and regulations.
(8) The consent set forth in (7) may be revoked at any time. However, this does not affect the legal
handling of personal information before consent was revoked.
(9) Individuals who provide personal information may make the following requests to the university
based on the EU GDPR and related laws and regulations:① Disclosure of personal information，② Correction of personal information，③ Erasure of
personal information，④ Limitation of the handling of personal information, ⑤ Objection to
the handling of personal information，⑥ Transfer of personal information to other service
providers.
(10) If you have provided personal information within the European Economic Area, you may file
an objection to a supervisory authority in accordance with Article 51, Paragraph 1 of the EU
GDPR if you are dissatisfied with the university’s handling of your personal information, etc.
(11) Some of the processes in (2)－(5) mentioned above may be outsourced by the university to acontracted service provider (hereinafter referred to as “contractor”). All or some of the personal
information provided by applicants may be provided to the contractor only as needed to performthe tasks for which it has been contracted.
<Contractor List (Address, Contact Information)>- Career-tasu, Inc. (2-5-1 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo. Telephone: +81-(0)3-5804-5500).

15. Other(1) Housing
Students on this program usually spend their first six months in Japan living in student dorms:
For more information about the student dorms, please refer to our website(https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp/university-life/housing/student-dormitories/).
When you apply for housing, you can choose the housing in which you wish to live. However, you
may be assigned to housing that you do not wish. The boarding fee described on the website above
is subject to change.
(2) Health and Hygiene
Hokkaido University has a health care center to promote student health and hygiene. It offers
routine health checkups as well as everyday health management and advice.
The center also offers diagnoses, health consultations, and counseling by physicians specializing ininternal medicine and mental health care.

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Hokkaido University’s Modern Japanese Studies Program, Application Guidelines, 2026

(3) Student Support Facilities
The Sapporo campus is home to such facilities as the Clark Memorial Student Center, Shokudo(cafeterias), and Welfare Facility. It offers convenient daily access to meals, books, supplies, andother amenities.
(4) International Student Support
Hokkaido University provides a wide range of services for international students such as aCounselling Service, and a Student Support Desk in which experienced international students
provide consultation in various languages. Also, the Modern Japanese Studies Program hasvarious academic support systems, such as a home room and home room teacher system.
(5) Part-Time Jobs
Those who want to work part-time to help cover their study expenses and other costs must apply
for permission to engage in non-specified activities from the Immigration Services Bureau before
starting a job. However, applicants are strongly advised against assuming that tuition fees andliving expenses incurred while studying on the Modern Japanese Studies Program can be largely
or completely paid for by working part-time while on the program.

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Hokkaido University’s Modern Japanese Studies Program, Application Guidelines, 2026

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