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

See Graduate School of Health Sciences.

Faculty’s key research areas: where can I find?

See Faculty Members. For the Supervising faculty of the degree programs, see Nursing Degree Programs or Health Sciences Degree Programs.

What degree will I earn upon completion of the program?

The degree of Master of Nursing
The degree of Master of Health Sciences
The degree of Doctor of Nursing
The degree of Doctor of Health Sciences

How long are the degree programs?

Master’s – 2 years
Doctoral – 3 years

 When is the student intake?

April (no October admissions)

Are the lectures/seminars conducted in English?

Master’s – 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.

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

Taught master’s

Campus-based learning or distant learning?

Campus-based learning with occasional on-demand teaching sessions. No distant-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 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.

What are the prerequisites to apply? (years of educational background, undergraduate degrees)

See Application Guidelines^*.
^*Some major fields of study at the master’s level in nursing require national qualifications for master’s admission

How do I start my application?

See How to Apply for Graduate Study.

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. See 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 being a research student?

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 Supervising faculty of the degree programs, see Nursing Degree Programs or Health Sciences Degree Programs.

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?

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

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

Refer to respective “Application Guidelines”.