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Japan · Hokkaido · Distinguished Northern Liberal Arts & Social Welfare University · Reviewed 15 October 2026

Hokusei Gakuen University: Degrees, Scholarships & Faculty Guide

Established in 1887 in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Hokusei Gakuen University (Hokusei Gakuen Daigaku) is a prominent private liberal arts university. Celebrated for pioneering social welfare science, international economics, bilingual intercultural communication, and environmental community policy in northern Japan, Hokusei Gakuen maintains strong international partnerships.

Official university portal ↗Graduate Funding & FacultyResearch checked, not sponsored

Verified degree programs and opportunities

Review checked academic pathways and funding options below:

Admissions, language requirements & application process

Master's admission eligibility
Accredited Bachelor's degree (minimum 16 years of education) with demonstrated academic foundation in social work, economics, or humanities.
Doctoral admission eligibility
Master's degree from a recognized institution with a defended master's thesis and approved doctoral dissertation outline.
Language proficiency
Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 or N1 for Japanese-taught tracks, or IELTS 6.0/TOEFL iBT 75 for designated international seminars.
Research statement / Proposal
Statement of academic purpose (1,000 words in Japanese or English) and detailed research plan outlining thesis methodology.
Application fee
¥30,000 application examination fee.
Required documentation
Official academic transcripts, graduation certificate, standardized language scores, two letters of recommendation, and copy of passport.

Tuition fees and verified scholarship systems

Annual tuition for international graduate students is approximately ¥780,000 to ¥920,000 plus an initial matriculation fee of ¥200,000. Qualifying international students receive a 30% tuition fee reduction under Hokusei Gakuen's International Student Tuition Exemption Scheme, alongside private foundation and JASSO study stipends.

Verified faculty profiles and research leaders

Distinguished researchers and laboratory heads at Hokusei Gakuen University:

Prof. Dr. Hironobu Matsumura

Professor of Social Welfare & Dean of Graduate School · Gerontological welfare, Community care systems, Long-term care insurance, Social work ethics

Prof. Dr. Yuji Shizuka

Professor of International Economics & Trade Policy · Agricultural trade, CPTPP impacts, Regional economic integration, Food security

Prof. Catherine Munroe

Associate Professor of Intercultural Studies and Applied Linguistics · Intercultural pragmatics, Language acquisition, Classroom discourse, Study abroad outcomes

Important verification note

Facts reflect official Hokusei Gakuen University documentation reviewed 2026-10-15. Degree admissions, scholarship awards, and employment positions are subject to formal university review. OpenField does not charge students application fees.

Reviewed 2026-10-15 · Editorial standards · Report an issue