FAQs (Prospective Studies)

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Q1 I would like to study at the Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences / the School of Humanities and Human Sciences, Hokkaido University. What are the the categories of international students?

A1 International students at the Graduate School of Letters belong to the regular or non-regular courses.

regular courses
  • Undergraduates
  • Graduates (Master’s Course / Doctor’s (PhD) Course)
non-regular courses
  • Research Students(Undergraduate / Graduate Course)
  • Special Auditors (HUSTEP / Undergraduate / Graduate Course)
  • Special Research Students (Graduate Course)

Q2 What is  “Research Student”?

A2 There is an opportunity to enroll as a “Kenkyusei” (non-degree-seeking research student) at the Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences / the School of Humanities and Human Sciences for those who wish to research a specific issue. We also require applicants to enroll first as research students before applying to the Master’s / Doctor’s course to prepare for the entrance examination for a year or half a year.

Kenkyusei intake takes place in April and October, and, while this is a one-year course, it is possible to extend the course duration by filing a “Request for an Extension of Research Period”. And also it is possible to finish their research period earlier, after only half a year when students pass the entrance examination to the graduate school.

Kenkyusei means to conduct research under the guidance of a supervisor. Kenkyusei is allowed to attend the regular classes without earning credits, if their supervisors and dean of faculty approve.

Q3 What is  “Special Auditor Student”?

A3 The Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences / the School of Humanities and Human Sciences, Hokkaido University accepts international students as Special Auditor Students from affiliated universities for one semester or academic year. The students can attend regular classes and receive credits after passing examinations. An application is conducted through affiliated universities. Special Auditor Students are required to take classes more than ten hours (more than seven classes) per week.

Q4 What is  “Special Research Student”?

A4 Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences / the School of Humanities and Human Sciences, Hokkaido University accepts international students as Special Research Students from affiliated universities for one semester or academic year. The students research specific issues. They cannot attend regular classes and earn credits. Special Research Students are to conduct research under the guidance of a supervisor. Applicants need to find a faculty member who is willing to give them appropriate instruction on their research. (Please refer to Q9 about how to find a supervisor.)

Q5 I would like to apply to the Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences as a research student. What procedures should I follow?

A5 To be accepted as a research student, applicants must have completed at least sixteen years of accredited secondary school education.In order to apply a research student, the consent of the supervisor is required in advance. Please email the required documents to the International Affairs Unit in order to obtain the consent from the teachers (ryugaku-sup@let.hokudai.ac.jp). We will inform you of the answer from the teacher later. When you get consent from the faculty member, please apply online and submit application documents.

Steps to take to enroll at the Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences as a research student

Find a supervisor
1. Determine the specialized field you wish to study
2. Identify a faculty member in that field

Application
3. Pre-inquiry
4. Online application
5. Submission of application form

Enrollment
6. Receive a letter of acceptance
7. Apply for housing facilities for international students
8. Apply for a student visa
9. Come to Japan
10. Enroll Hokkaido University

Q6 I would like to apply for the Master’s course of Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences. What procedures should I follow?

A6 International students who wish to apply to the Master’s course of Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences can do so via Special International Student Selection Bracket. Enrollment in the Master’s course starts in April and the entrance examination takes place in September of year previous to Enrollment and February of year of Enrollment. Entrance examination involves review of applicants’ documents, a written examination (major field) and an oral examination, etc. For more information about the application period or selection procedure, please obtain an application guide or see the webpage of Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences【Master’s Course】. Applicants need to find a faculty member who is willing to give them appropriate instruction on their research. (Please refer to Q9 about how to find a supervisor.)

Steps to enroll at the Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences as a graduate student in Master’s course.

Find a supervisor
1. Determine the specialized field you wish to study
2. Identify a faculty member in that field
3. Pre-inquiry

Application
4. Pay the examination fee
5. Submit the application
6. Take the entrance examination

Enrollment
7. Receive a letter of acceptance
8. Apply for housing facilities for international students
9. Apply for the student visa
10. Come to Japan
11. Enroll Hokkaido University

Q7 I would like to apply for the Doctor’s (PhD) course of the Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences. What procedures should I follow?

A7 International students who wish to apply to the Doctor’s course of the Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences must take the general selection examination. Enrollment in the Doctor’s course starts in April and the entrance examination takes place in September of year previous to Enrollment and February of year of Enrollment. Screening procedures is paper test (specialized subject), interview, and so on. However, the selection of foreign applicants may be a special selection, so please pre-inquire to the Student Affairs Section. For more information about application, please obtain an application guide or see the webpage of Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences【Doctoral Course】. Applicants need to find a faculty member who is willing to give them appropriate instruction on their research. (Please refer to Q9 about how to find a supervisor.)

Steps to take enroll at the Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences as a graduate student in Doctor’s course.

Find a supervisor
1. Determine the specialized field you wish to study
2. Identify a faculty member in that field
3. Pre-inquiry

Application
4. Pay the examination fee
5. Submit the application
6. Take the entrance examination

Enrollment
7. Receive a letter of acceptance
8. Apply for housing facilities for international students
9. Apply for the student visa
10. Come to Japan
11. Enroll Hokkaido University

Q8 Are the past entrance examination papers available?

A8 Past entrance examination papers are opened in this website.

Q9 How should I write a research proposal?

A9 If you wish to apply as a research student, please follow the form we provide in the prior application. In case of application to the Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences, there is no specific form. Please write a concrete research (theme, research plan, etc.).

Q10 I would like to study at the Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences. My major at the undergraduate course differs from the research I wish to study at the graduate school. Is it possible to study at the Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences?

A10 The Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences requires applicants to enroll first as research students before applying to the Master’s / Doctor’s course to prepare for the entrance examination for a year or half a year. To enter the graduate school, applicants must pass the entrance examination. Applicants are asked about specialized subjects, so they need to prepare by studying materials in fields related to what they plan to study.

Q11 Can I take classes in English?

A11 There are some English classes in the Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences / the School of Humanities and Human Sciences, but most of the classes are conducted in Japanese.

Q12 What level of Japanese language proficiency required to study at the Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences / the School of Humanities and Human Sciences?

A12 International students who wish to study at the Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences / the School of Humanities and Human Sciences are required high quality Japanese ability. About Japanese language proficiency, please ask a faculty member who is willing to give you appropriate instruction on your research. Research student applicants must submit a certificate of Japanese language proficiency (such as the results of a Japanese language proficiency test).

Q13 Can I take a Japanese language course before entering Hokkaido University?

A13 Hokkaido University does not provide Japanese language courses for prospective international students. For current international students at Hokkaido University, the Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education of Hokkaido University offers free Japanese language courses.

Q14 Can I apply to stay in a dormitory for international students?

A14 Hokkaido University provides dormitories for international students. Application for the dormitories takes place in the beginning of February and August. Application period is informed by the office of the Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences / the School of Humanities and Human Sciences.

Q15 What is meant by “Supporter System” for international students ?

A15 Supporter system for international students is to support international students who come to study in Japan for the first time. Supporters (current Japanese or international students) are selected by the supervisors.

Following support are available:

  1. Some procedures at the ward office or city office.
  2. Opening of an account in the post office or at a bank
  3. Giving general information about living in Japan
  4. Helping to find an apartment and the procedure for rent