For all enquiries please contact the Exchange Office at exchange@otago.ac.nz
Last updated April, 2023
Academic Information
Language of Instruction
- Japanese/ English
Course Information
Students can choose from:
- Exchange Programs in English (HUSTEP) - see 'course curriculum' (right menu)
- Exchange Programs in Japanese (JLCSP)
Semester Dates
Academic Year: September - August
Fall semester: September - February
Spring semester: April - August
Course Load and Minimum Unit Requirements
Minimum course load: 7 courses or 10 hours per week.
Accommodation & the Cost of Living
Accommodation
Residential life is an integral part of the Hokkaido University experience with around half of all international students living on campus. In total, there are six dormitories all located at and near Sapporo Campus. Most house students in single rooms. Each dormitory room comes equipped with fresh bedding and linen, as well as high speed internet access.
Estimated Cost of Living
- Sapporo and Hakodate provide an excellent quality of life and the cost of living is more reasonable compared to other major cities in Japan.
- Please budget for JPY 90,000 per month (2020).
- Cost of living
Scholarships available for students going to Japan
Student Visa & Insurance
Information on Student Visas & Insurance for students going on exchange can be found elsewhere on this website.
Exchange Experiences
2019 SS BSc Hons GEOL AV (2912 K PDF format)
The University, City & Region
The University
Hokkaido University is one of the oldest, largest, and most prestigious universities in Japan. Boasting the largest number of faculties of Japan's national universities, almost all areas of the humanities and social and natural sciences are covered. Hokkaido is a leader in research activities in Japan and the world. Alumni include a Nobel laureate, business leaders, research pioneers, artists and writers.
Hokkaido offers a broad-based educational experience, world-class research facilities, and all the attractions of living in the cosmopolitan city of Sapporo. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, the campuses clean and safe, and the location is in a breathtakingly beautiful setting.
The City and Region
Compared to other parts of Japan, the island of Hokkaido is particularly blessed by nature. In addition to having a World Heritage Site within it, Hokkaido also has six national parks, a Global Geopark, five Quasi-National parks, and 12 nature parks. Hokkaido also boasts a total of 12 wetlands attracting a vast array of wildlife. Forests cover approximately 70% of Hokkaido's surface area, which accounts for roughly one quarter of the national total. These rich forests are representative of Japan's natural beauty and plethora of wooded areas.
Sapporo, with the 5th largest population in Japan, is the political and economic centre of Hokkaido. Despite its size, Sapporo has a mix of natural and urban surroundings which create an open feel.
Further Information
For further information about Otago Global Student Exchange please email exchange@otago.ac.nz