1. About MJSP in general
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Please refer to the About MJSP page
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Please refer to the Curriculum page
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No, it is not. Although no Japanese language proficiency is required at the outset, MJSP is not an English-taught program but is bilingual degree program. In the first two-and-a-half years, MJSP students develop an essential understanding of core subjects in both English and Japanese and acquire sufficient Japanese language proficiency to attend specialized lectures and pursue advanced studies in Japanese in their final two years.
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Please refer to the Faculty & Research page.
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Graduates of MJSP obtain the degree of Bachelor in the Field of Japanese Studies.
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MJSP only offers programs starting in April. However, depending on your Japanese proficiency before enrollment, you will most likely need to complete the Intensive Japanese Course beforehand. If you are required to enter the Japanese Intensive Course, you will need to arrive in Japan in October for one semester of classes. If are exempt from it you should come to Japan in time for the start of classes in April.
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Please refer to the Syllabus page.
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Yes, Hokkaido University offers a system for recognizing credits obtained at Hokkaido University or other institutions as part of your academic record here. Please note, however, that all applications are subject to review and approval, and recognition cannot be guaranteed.
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No, MJSP does not have a double-major system. However, starting in the third year, students take MJSP specialized subjects in Japanese from other humanities faculties. Furthermore, provided that the enrollment requirements are fulfilled, students are allowed to take courses from other faculties as well.
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You can ask us questions via the Inquiry Form. We do not accept inquiries on the phone. Thank you for your kind understanding.
2. Intensive Japanese Course
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Students are classified as non-regular students during the Intensive Japanese Course.
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Those who possess Japanese language proficiency equivalent to JLPT N2 or above are eligible to apply for exemption from the Intensive Japanese Course. Please note that this is not guaranteed. For further information, please consult the application guidelines.
Application page
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Yes, before enrollment, successful applicants will take a Japanese proficiency test. Class placement will be determined according to the test results.
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You can ask us questions via the Inquiry Form. We do not accept inquiries on the phone. Thank you for your kind understanding.
3. Application Requirements and Eligibility
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Please refer to the "Application Qualifications and Requirements" section of the MJSP Application Guidelinse on the Appliction page.
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No, there is not age limit for applying and if you meet the Application Qualifications and Requirements written on the MJSP Application Guidelines, you are eligible to apply.
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No, only individuals who have citizenship other than Japanese are eligible to apply.
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Individuals who have both citizenship of any country other than Japan and Japanese citizenship are eligible to apply if they pass a preliminary qualification screening before applying. For the details of procedures, please refer to the MJSP Application Guidelines on the Appliction page.
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No, individuals who have Japanese permanent resident status are not eligible to apply.
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No, those who only hold General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) or General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary (AS-Levels) do not fulfill Application Qualification 6. Please refer to the MJSP Application Guidelines on the Appliction page.
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No, those who only hold International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) or International General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary (International AS-Levels) do not fulfill Application Qualification 7. Please refer to the MJSP Application Guidelines on the Appliction page.
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Under the regulations of Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology(MEXT), the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE-A), which is an admission qualification to Japanese universities and Professional Training Colleges, is an admission qualification of the United Kingdom and those of countries other than the UK are not applicable. However, you may fulfill other Application Qualifications than Application Qualifications 6 and 7. Please refer to the MJSP Application Guidelines on the Appliction page.
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You can ask us questions via the Inquiry Form. We do not accept inquiries on the phone. Thank you for your kind understanding.
4. Applications
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If you would like to apply for the MJSP, please refer to the MJSP Application Guidelines on the Appliction page.
The details of MJSP Application are subject to change and the MJSP Applicaiton Guidelines are released in August, so please be sure to refer to the latest MJSP Application Guidelines to prepare for applying.
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Please refer to the Appliction page and the MJSP Application Guidelines on it.
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Please refer to the Appliction page and the MJSP Application Guidelines on it.
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No, there are no application fee waivers available.
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No, you cannot change your application information that has been already submitted on the Online Registration site.
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No, late submission is not acceptable for any reason.
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No, the MJSP does not offer conditional admission.
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The Application Numbers of successful applicants will be posted on the MJSP website and the successful applicants will be notified by Notification of Acceptance on the Online Registration Site.
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The number of applications is not open to the public.
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No, additional documents cannot be submitted after the deadline.
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You can ask us questions via the Inquiry Form. We do not accept inquiries on the phone. Thank you for your kind understanding.
5. Application Documents
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The Application Documents are different depending on the Application Qualification that applicants meet, so please check which Application Qualifications you meet and prepare the Application Documents according to the MJSP Application Guidelines on the Appliction page.
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If you are in an exceptional circumstance where you cannot ask the person designated in the Application Guidelines, you are required to contact the Office of Admissions before the Online Registration Period begins.
For the details on this, please refer to the MJSP Application Guidelines on the Appliction page.
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The Letter of Recommendation(FORM 5) with the official school/institutional stamp and recommender's signature in the sealed envelope must arrive at Hokkaido University by the deadline via postal registered mail.
For the details on this, please refer to the MJSP Application Guidelines on the Appliction page.
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Yes, please add them to the end of the PDF file to be uploaded on the Online Registration site.
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No, the Application Documents are acceptable only via the Online Registration during the Online Registration Periods.
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No, late submission is not acceptable for any reason.
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You can ask us questions via the Inquiry Form. We do not accept inquiries on the phone. Thank you for your kind understanding.
6. English Language Proficiency
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No, only the test scores of English proficiency listed on the MJSP Application Guidelines are acceptable.
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No, English test scores must be from within two years of the Online Registration deadline.
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You can ask us questions via the Inquiry Form. We do not accept inquiries on the phone. Thank you for your kind understanding.
7. Fees & Scholarships
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As of November 2025, the tuition fee is ¥181,200 for the Intensive Japanese Course, and ¥535,800 annually for the Bachelor’s Degree program (¥267,900 per semester).
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Please refer to the Fees & Scholarships page.
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Yes, there is an Entrance and Tuition Fee Waiver system for students who find it difficult to pay the entrance tuition fees for financial reasons. See the page below for more information.
Entrance Fee Waiver (Deferment) and Tuition Fee Waiver
Entrance Fee Waiver (Deferment) and Tuition Fee Waiver
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MJSP was selected by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, Sports and Technology (MEXT) for the Japanese Government Scholarship Program (University Recommendation / Special Selection).
Please refer to the Hokkaido University Scholarships page.
MJSP has an original scholarship for MJSP students. Please refer to the Fees &Scholarships page.
MJSP has been selected as a designated university for the FRF Scholarship. Please refer to the Fast Retailing Foundation page.
MJSP has an original scholarship for MJSP students. Please refer to the Fees &Scholarships page.
MJSP has been selected as a designated university for the FRF Scholarship. Please refer to the Fast Retailing Foundation page.
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Under the MJSP Scholarship, the admission fee and the full tuition for the first year of the Bachelor’s Degree program will be waived. From the second year onward, based on their academic performance, either the full tuition or half of the tuition for a semester may be waived. For more details, please refer to the Fees &Scholarships page.
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MJSP is selected for the MEXT Scholarship Program (University Recommendation/ Special Selection). MEXT scholarship nominees will be selected from applicants of the first call at MJSP. For more details, please refer to the Fee & Scholarship page on this website.
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MEXT Scholarship students are not required to pay entrance and tuition fees and receive a monthly scholarship of 117,000 yen (+3,000 yen in winter).
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Yes, please refer to the Fees & Scholarships page and Scholarships for Prospective Students page.
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You can ask us questions via the Inquiry Form. We do not accept inquiries on the phone. Thank you for your kind understanding.
8. Accommodations
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All MJSP students have the option of living in HU Accommodation for their first six months of study.
The accommodation assignment is subject to change, based on availability. The dormitory is optional and you can choose whether you move into the dormitory or not during the enrollment procedure.
For more information, please refer to the Hokkaido University International House page.
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MJSP students have priority access to student dormitories for the first six months. After that, they can apply for an extension or look for a private apartment. You can find real estate agencies on campus that offer services in English, making it easier to find housing.
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No, pets are not allowed in the dormitories. If you wish to live with a pet, please find a pet-friendly apartment on your own.
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No, the dormitory doesn't allow anyone other than residents to stay overnight.
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You can ask us questions via the Inquiry Form. We do not accept inquiries on the phone. Thank you for your kind understanding.
9. Career paths
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Please refer to the Career Paths page.
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Yes, Hokkaido University’s Career Center offers a wide range of services to assist students with job searching and career development (for post-graduation, not for part-time jobs). Information on employment opportunities is also provided on the dedicated webpage for MJSP students. In addition, the MJSP curriculum includes classes on career planning and internships in Japan and overseas.
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Yes, Hokkaido University also offers internship opportunities through the Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education and the Career Center.
In addition, details about internships can be found on the dedicated webpage for current MJSP students.
In addition, details about internships can be found on the dedicated webpage for current MJSP students.
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Yes, you may participate in an internship during the vacation period.
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You can ask us questions via the Inquiry Form. We do not accept inquiries on the phone. Thank you for your kind understanding.
10. Others
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Yes, Hokkaido University provides another Bachelor’s Degree program taught in English in the field of basic sciences, known as the Integrated Science Program. For further information, please refer to the Integrated Science Program page.
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Around 2,000 international students are currently enrolled, and there are numerous opportunities to engage with Japanese students through classes, club activities, and events.
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Although campus tours are not offered, MJSP hosts an online open campus every January. Details will be announced on the university website and social media as the date approaches, so please stay informed.
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Sapporo provides an excellent quality of life and a cost of living more reasonable compared with other major cities in Japan. Your budget will depend on the lifestyle you choose to lead (eating in restaurants or cooking at home, living in private accommodation or in University dormitories). Generally with tuition costs included, you should prepare to need ￥1,500,000 per year.
Please refer to the International Student Prospectus page.
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You may be able to work part time for up to 28 hours per week if you obtain the Certificate of Authorized Employment from the Immigration Bureau.
Immigration Bureau
However, it is highly unlikely you would be able to earn enough to pay entirely for your living expenses by working part time while enrolled on MJSP. We therefore do not recommend it. Instead, we recommend that you seek financial support from scholarship foundations, relatives, and financial institutions in your home country.
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Yes, Hokkaido University has many clubs and circles. You can find a list of clubs and circles online. Please refer to the Clubs and circles page.
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No, MJSP does not admit transfer students.
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Please inquire with the faculty to which you wish to transfer.
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Students enrolled in the Bachelor’s Degree program may take part in exchange programs, provided they obtain prior consent from their supervisor.
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Yes, all persons who live in Japan for more than three months must enroll in the National Health Insurance system, which covers 70% of medical treatment costs (The person receiving treatment must pay 30% of the treatment costs).
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In April to May, the MJSP office will compile the COE applications of prospective students and submit them to the Immigration Bureau of Japan. Once the COE is issued, each prospective student will use it to apply for a visa at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate.
We will provide separate guidance on the required documents at the time of application.
We will provide separate guidance on the required documents at the time of application.
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MJSP students will obtain "Student Visa" status from the beginning of the Intensive Japanese Course. Students are classified as non-regular students during the course. (Please note that the non-regular status does not allow for you to get a dependent visa for your spouse or children during that time. When students start their Bachelor’s Degree program in April, they will be classified as regular students (and at this point it is possible for married students to begin to arrange a visa for a spouse).
We will instruct you how to obtain the Student Visa after you get accepted to MJSP.
We will instruct you how to obtain the Student Visa after you get accepted to MJSP.
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If you plan to bring your family to Japan for a period longer than 90 days, a Dependent Visa is required. However, the MJSP Office does not provide support for applying for a Dependent Visa, so please refer to the following page and complete the procedure on your own.
Handbook for International Students
Please note that while you are enrolled in the Intensive Japanese Course, it may not be possible to obtain a Dependent Visa. After checking the website below, please contact the Sapporo Regional Immigration Bureau to confirm whether you are eligible to apply.
Immigration Services Agency
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Yes, Hokkaido University has a Peer Support Unit that provides assistance to international students. Within its student counseling section, peer supporters from various faculties are available to discuss any aspect of university life. They can also refer you to more appropriate support services when necessary.
If necessary, counselors certified as clinical psychologists are available for consultations every day from Monday to Friday.
Please refer to the Student Advice and Counselling Center page.
If necessary, counselors certified as clinical psychologists are available for consultations every day from Monday to Friday.
Please refer to the Student Advice and Counselling Center page.
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You can ask us questions via the Inquiry Form. We do not accept inquiries on the phone. Thank you for your kind understanding.
