What is the Graduate School of Health Sciences – what kind of degree programs do you offer?

At the (post)graduate level, we offer programs leading to master’s and doctoral degrees in nursing and in health sciences. For further details, see Graduate School of Health Sciences.

Where can I find faculty members and their key research areas?

See Faculty Members. If you are looking for a research supervisor/faculty, see Nursing Degree Programs or Health Sciences Degree Programs.

What degree will I earn upon completion of a program?

The degree of Master of Nursing;
The degree of Master of Health Sciences;
The degree of Doctor of Nursing; or
The degree of Doctor of Health Sciences.

How long are the degree programs?

Master’s – 2 years
Doctoral – 3 years

 When are student intakes at the Graduate School?

April (no October admissions)

Are the lectures/seminars conducted in English?

Master’s – Japanese language skills required. The curriculum is mainly delivered through coursework and lectures in Japanese. Documentation of Japanese language proficiency is required upon application for non-native speakers of Japanese to follow classes and group work. We suggest that you start as a ‘research student’ at Hokkaido University and take advantage of a free language program while waiting for the master’s program of your choice to begin in April. See also Research Students.
Doctoral – supervision available either in English or Japanese for PhD candidates.

Master’s: Am I going to study a taught master’s or research master’s?

Taught master’s

Campus-based learning or distance learning?

Our degree programs offer campus-based learning with occasional on-demand teaching sessions. No distance learning admissions.

What courses are available for master’s/doctoral levels?

See Student Handbook or Hokkaido University Syllabus Search

I’m a qualified physician/registered nurse licensed to practice in the Commonwealth. Can I conduct my clinical studies at the Hokkaido University Hospital?

We are afraid not. You as a clinical researcher must be a healthcare professional qualified in Japan to work with patients and collect research data in healthcare settings.

 When is the student intake?

April (no October admissions)

What are the prerequisites to apply? e.g. years of educational background, undergraduate degrees

See Application Guidelines^*.
^*Master’s in Nursing prerequisites
The major fields of study including:
– Advanced Public Health Nursing;
– Advanced Midwifery; and
– Advanced Practice Nursing
require a Japanese registered nurse license (national qualification) for master’s admission.

How do I start my application?

Read How to Apply for Graduate Study to review the application process map for the timeline and steps.

When does the admissions window open?

July in the year before your admission year. See also How to Apply for Graduate Study.

When is the admissions exam?

August in the year before your admission year. See also How to Apply for Graduate Study.

Do I need a language test score?

Yes, of both English and Japanese. We accept only the language test scores specified in Application Guidelines.

Does Hokkaido University offer scholarships for graduate students?

Go to Scholarships for Prospective Students (Hokkaido University website)

Does the Japanese government offer scholarships (MEXT scholarship) to graduate students?

Go to Scholarships for Prospective Students (Hokkaido University website)

What are the benefits of taking the research student route?

You can learn Japanese language for free at our university while waiting for the spring semester to start.
You can initiate your own research under faculty supervision before the admission to the graduate school.

When is the student intake?

Admissions in April and October.

When does the admissions window open?

For April intake: November in the year before your admission year.
For October intake: May in your admission year.

How long can I stay at the graduate school as a research student?

One year, or less than one year if there are special circumstances. An extension may be granted with permission.

How can I apply for research studentship?

See “Research Student Admissions” on the Research Students.

I would like to review your faculty and find out with whom I want to match.

See Faculty Members for the list of all faculty members. See Nursing Degree Programs or Health Sciences Degree Programs for the supervising faculty classified by graduate program/major field of study.

What are the tuition fees like for overseas students?

Fees are the same for home students and overseas students. Go to Student Fees (Hokkaido University website)

How do I pay the tuition fees?

Read the instructions in Student Fees (Hokkaido University website)

Who can apply for a tuition fee exemption (waiver)?

Go to Student Fees (Hokkaido University website). Conditions apply. Not applicable to research students.

How do I pay the admission review fees when I apply for research student?

Refer to “Research Student Application Guidelines” when provided by your supervisor-to-be faculty.

How do I pay the admission exam fees (master’s and doctoral) when I apply for a graduate program?

Refer to the respective “Application Guidelines”.