MEXT Japan 2025 Graduate Scholarship at Hokkaido University for Environmental Conservation Leadership

Overview

The 2025 Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship (University Recommendation) “Graduate Program for Environmental Conservation Leadership for Post-SDGs” at Hokkaido University supports outstanding international students pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral degree in environmental science. This program focuses on developing global leaders committed to sustainability beyond the SDGs.

Applicants must first contact and gain approval from a prospective supervisor before submitting their application.

Eligibility

• Open to international students with excellent academic records (GPA of 2.30/3.00 or above).

• Applicants may apply from outside Japan or within Japan.

• Must meet English proficiency requirements (CEFR B2 or higher):

  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum total score 72

  • IELTS (Academic): Overall Band 5.5

  • TOEIC: L&R 785 combined / S&W 310 combined

  • OR completion of prior education taught entirely in English.

• Other qualifications may apply depending on the prospective supervisor’s requirements.

Benefits

• Duration:

  • Master’s course: 2 years

  • Doctoral course: 3 years

• Monthly stipend:

  • Master’s: 144,000 JPY

  • Doctoral: 145,000 JPY

• Travel: Round-trip airfare covered by MEXT

• Tuition & Fees: Application, matriculation, and tuition fees are fully waived

Fellowship/Program Components

• Advanced research training in environmental conservation and sustainability beyond the SDGs

• Academic mentorship under top researchers at Hokkaido University’s Graduate School of Environmental Science

• Direct entry into degree programs (no research student period)

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following documents via their prospective supervisor:

1. MEXT Scholarship Application Form

2. Field of Study and Study Program (linking research to SDGs)

3. Passport or national ID copy

4. Official transcripts with grading scale

5. Degree certificate or proof of expected graduation

6. Proof of outstanding academic achievements (if available)

7. Recommendation letter from the dean (addressed to Hokkaido University President)

8. Thesis abstracts

9. Proof of English proficiency (as stated above)

10. Career plan

Additional original documents will be required later for shortlisted applicants.

Selection Criteria

• Academic excellence and research potential

• Alignment of research proposal with environmental conservation and SDGs

• Language proficiency and communication ability

• Strength of recommendation letter

Application Process

1. Contact a prospective supervisor via the Staff Information page to discuss eligibility.

2. Submit all required documents to your supervisor by email.

3. Nomination deadline (by supervisors): 5 December 2024

4. Internal results: Early January 2025 (tentative)

5. Additional documents submission: Late January 2025

6. Final MEXT decision: Late May 2025 (tentative)

7. Program start date: October 2025

Important Dates

• Supervisor nomination deadline: December 5, 2024

• Internal screening notification: January 2025

• Final results: May 2025

• Enrollment: October 2025

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the MEXT Japan 2025 Graduate Scholarship at Hokkaido University for Environmental Conservation Leadership