Hokkaido University - Special Auditor (SA) / Special Research Student (SRS) Fall 2026

Hokkaido University - Special Auditor (SA) / Special Research Student (SRS) Fall 2026

The Special Auditor (SA) and Special Research Student (SRS) programs at Hokkaido University, Japan offer graduate students the opportunity to study courses or conduct research at one of Japan's leading national universities for either a half-year or full-year period.

1. Program Overview

• Program Duration Options:
  • Half Year: October 2026 – March 2027 (6 months)
  • Full Year: October 2026 – September 2027 (12 months)
• Start Date: October 2026
• Level: Graduate students (Master's and Doctoral)
• Partner Status: IIT Madras has inter-university exchange agreement with Hokkaido University

2. Program Types

3. Eligibility Criteria

• Level: Currently enrolled Master's or Doctoral students at IIT Madras
• Enrollment Status: Must remain enrolled at IIT Madras during exchange period
• Academic Standing: Good academic record
• Language: English or Japanese proficiency (depending on courses/research)
• For SRS: Must obtain acceptance from Hokkaido University faculty supervisor before application

4. Financial Information

• Tuition Fee: WAIVED for students from partner universities (IIT Madras)
• Living Expenses: Students responsible for accommodation, meals, and daily expenses in Sapporo
• Estimated Monthly Cost: Approximately ¥80,000-100,000 (₹50,000-62,000) for living expenses
• Scholarship Opportunities: Students may apply for JASSO scholarship (if available)

5. Application Process & Deadlines

NOMINATION DEADLINE: February 27, 2026

Application Process (Two-Step):

1. Step 1: IIT Madras Internal Nomination
   • Contact Office of Global Engagement immediately
   • Submit expression of interest with academic documents
   • For SRS: Provide acceptance letter from Hokkaido University faculty supervisor
   • OGE will consolidate nominations and submit to Hokkaido University by February 27, 2026
2. Step 2: Individual Application to Hokkaido University
   • After nomination, students will receive application instructions from Hokkaido University
   • Complete individual application with required documents
   • Application deadline: TBA (typically early March)

6. Important Notes

• Limited Slots: There are limits on the number of students accepted from each partner institution. Apply early!
• Supervisor Acceptance Required (SRS): Students applying for SRS must contact and obtain acceptance from Hokkaido University faculty members before nomination
• Exchange Quota: SA/SRS students count toward the inter-university exchange agreement quota
• Not for HUSTEP/JLCSP: This nomination is only for SA/SRS programs. HUSTEP and JLCSP have separate application processes
• TB Screening Requirement: Students from Philippines, Vietnam, and Nepal must submit TB Clearance Certificate for Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
• Coordination Required: OGE will consolidate nominations. Do not apply individually before nomination

7. Required Documents (Typical)

• Application form
• Official academic transcript
• Certificate of enrollment
• Research plan (for SRS) or Study plan (for SA)
• Acceptance letter from Hokkaido University supervisor (for SRS)
• Recommendation letter
• Copy of passport
• English/Japanese language proficiency certificate (if required)
• Health certificate
• TB Clearance Certificate (for students from Philippines, Vietnam, Nepal)

8. Contact Information

For IIT Madras Nomination & Coordination:
Office of Global Engagement, IIT Madras
Email: arvindhan@ge.iitm.ac.in
Contact: Mr. Arvindhan R B K

Note: Do not contact Hokkaido University directly before IIT Madras nomination

9. Additional Resources

• Official SA/SRS Program Website
• Hokkaido University Global Website
• Hokkaido University Factsheet 2026-2027

Active on Website Till: February 27, 2026

Remarks:

• IIT Madras is official partner university - tuition fee waived
• Two options: Half year (Oct 2026-Mar 2027) OR Full year (Oct 2026-Sep 2027)
• Graduate students only (Master's & Doctoral)
• Limited slots per institution - nomination required by Feb 27, 2026
• SRS applicants must obtain supervisor acceptance before nomination
• Contact OGE immediately for nomination process
• TB Clearance required for Philippines, Vietnam, Nepal nationals
• Different from HUSTEP/JLCSP programs