Hokkaido University MEXT Fully-Funded Scholarships 2026 (Graduate Program for Environmental Conservation Leadership for Post-SDGs)
- Omran Aburayya
- Oct 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 12
If you are a passionate student aiming to contribute to solving global environmental challenges and advance sustainable development goals beyond 2030, the applications are now open for the Hokkaido University MEXT Fully-Funded Scholarships 2026 in Japan. This prestigious opportunity welcomes outstanding international students to pursue Master’s and Doctoral degrees at one of Japan’s leading research institutions, under the Graduate Program for Environmental Conservation Leadership for Post-SDGs.
The program is designed for talented individuals who wish to become global leaders in environmental science and sustainability. Successful candidates will study in an innovative academic environment at Hokkaido University’s Graduate School of Environmental Science, located in Sapporo, Japan. Here's everything you need to know.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: Sapporo, Japan
Host Institution: Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University
Study Levels: Master’s and Doctoral degrees
Program Title: Graduate Program for Environmental Conservation Leadership for Post-SDGs
Scholarship Type: Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship (University Recommendation, Special Selection)
Target Group: International students with excellent academic achievements
Fields of Study: Environmental Science and related disciplines (Earth System Science, Biological Science, Environmental Material Science, Environmental Governance, etc.)
Award Value and Coverage: Fully funded (monthly stipend, tuition exemption, travel expenses)
Duration:
Master’s: 2 years
Doctoral: 3 years
Application Deadline: Applicants must confirm the submission deadline directly with their prospective supervisor.
Nomination Deadline (Internal): December 4, 2025
Final Results: Late May 2026 (tentative)
Program Start Date: October 2026
🧭 Scholarship Overview
The Graduate Program for Environmental Conservation Leadership for Post-SDGs at Hokkaido University is an elite research and training program designed to cultivate advanced knowledge and leadership in environmental science, sustainability, and conservation beyond the Sustainable Development Goals era.
Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of global environmental systems and work under world-class supervisors conducting innovative research. The program includes lectures, laboratory work, interdisciplinary seminars, and collaborative projects addressing pressing environmental challenges.
All courses are conducted in English, and students are guided through their research in close cooperation with faculty advisors. Participants are expected to develop innovative research aligned with sustainable development and contribute to global policy and practice.
💲 Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship 2026 will receive full financial support, which includes:
Monthly Allowance:
144,000 JPY per month for Master’s students
145,000 JPY per month for Doctoral students
Travel Expenses:
Round-trip airfare to and from Japan provided by MEXT
Academic Fees:
Application fee exempted
Admission (matriculation) fee exempted
Full tuition fee waiver
Research Support:
Access to world-class laboratories, research facilities, and environmental data systems
Academic supervision by expert faculty members in environmental science
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Hokkaido University MEXT Fully-Funded Scholarships 2026, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Nationality: Must be a non-Japanese citizen eligible for a student visa.
Academic Achievement:
Must hold or expect to hold a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s) or Master’s degree (for Doctoral) from a recognized institution.
Must have a GPA of at least 2.30/3.00 in the most recent academic program.
Language Proficiency:
Applicants must meet one of the following English requirements corresponding to CEFR B2 or higher:
TOEFL iBT: 72 or higher (Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 17)
IELTS (Academic): 5.5 overall with all bands meeting the threshold
TOEIC L&R + S&W: Listening 400, Reading 385, Speaking 160, Writing 150
OR completion of a degree taught in English
Supervisor Agreement: Applicants must contact and obtain the consent of a prospective supervisor before submission.
Other Conditions: Must meet additional requirements specified by the supervisor or faculty.
📝 Application Procedure
All applications must be submitted via a prospective supervisor at Hokkaido University. The process involves several key steps:
Identify a Supervisor: Review the staff information on the Graduate School of Environmental Science website and contact a potential supervisor to discuss your research interests and eligibility.
Obtain Supervisor’s Approval: Secure agreement from the supervisor before preparing your application.
Prepare and Submit Documents: Submit all required documents to your supervisor by email for the internal screening.
Internal Selection: The faculty will conduct internal evaluation and nominate candidates to MEXT.
Final Selection: Successful applicants after internal screening will be asked to provide original documents for final submission to MEXT.
Admission Examination: Selected candidates will undergo an entrance examination (online for pre-arrival admission in some cases).
🗂️ Documents Required:
Completed Application Form for MEXT Scholarship
Field of Study and Study Program (including relevance to SDGs)
Copy of Passport or National ID
Academic Transcripts from all universities attended (with grading system details)
Certificate of Graduation or Expected Graduation
Recommendation Letter from the Dean or higher official addressed to the President of Hokkaido University
Abstracts of Theses (concise and clear)
Proof of English Proficiency (valid test scores or English-taught degree certificate)
Career Plan Statement
Any documents proving outstanding academic performance, if applicable
For Successful Internal Candidates:
Original copies of transcripts, diplomas, and pledge forms sent by post
📆 Selection Timeline
Application submission to supervisor: Confirm directly
Nomination deadline (internal): December 4, 2025
Internal results: Mid-January 2026 (tentative)
Final notification: Late May 2026 (tentative)
Program start: October 2026
📞 Contact Information
Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University
Academic Affairs Section
Kita 10, Nishi 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
📧 Email: kyomu@ees.hokudai.ac.jp
🚀 Conclusion
The Hokkaido University MEXT Fully-Funded Scholarship 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for global talents passionate about environmental sustainability. This scholarship not only provides full financial support but also offers an academic platform to develop leadership and research skills essential for driving sustainable environmental transformation worldwide.
