ACTIVE
Hokkaido Summer Institute (HSI) 2026
Hokkaido University
🇯🇵Japan
The Hokkaido Summer Institute (HSI) 2026 at Hokkaido University, Japan offers a diverse range of summer courses for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. IIT Madras students can participate in 154 courses across multiple disciplines, including specialized OGGs partner courses covering SDGs, research internships, Japanese language & culture, and fieldwork opportunities.
1. Program Overview
- Host Institution: Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan (Founded 1876)
- Program Duration: June – September 2026 (varies by course)
- Total Courses Available: 154 courses across three application periods
- Language of Instruction: English
- Credits: 1-2 credits per course (varies by course)
2. Program Tracks
The HSI 2026 offers three distinct learning tracks:
- Advanced Research Track: In-depth study and research in specialized fields (includes laboratory research internships)
- Global Liberal Arts Track: Interdisciplinary learning across multiple disciplines (SDGs-focused courses, Japanese language & culture)
- HSI Extension & Professional Program: Reskilling and lifelong learning for professionals and adult learners
3. Special OGGs Partner Courses for IIT Madras Students
IIT Madras students have access to 7 specially designed courses under the OGGs (Office of Global Graduate Studies) partnership:
| Course | Credits | Period (Tentative) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. SDGs Seminar: International Co-learning PBL for Problem Solving | 1 | June 29 – July 3 | Project-based learning focused on SDGs with international collaboration. Group presentations on global challenges. |
| 2. Introduction to SDGs: Awareness of Glocal Issues and International Collaboration | 2 | July 6 – July 17 | Perspectives from Japan, Southeast Asia, Northern Regions, and India. Omnibus format lectures by diverse faculty. |
| 3. SDGs Field Study: Summer School in Japan (PARE) | 2 | July 21 – July 30 | Fieldwork on water quality surveys, group discussions, presentations. Develops field research skills and problem-solving abilities. |
| 4. SDGs Field Study: Design School in Northern Region | 2 | July 21 – July 24 | Regional development and architectural design for cold regions. Site visits in Sapporo, shelter management workshops. |
| 5. SDGs Field Study: Past and Present of Hokkaido | 2 | September 2 – September 9 | History of indigenous peoples (Ainu) and Hokkaido development. Museum visits, archives, historical buildings fieldwork. |
| 6. Fundamental Learning of Japanese Language and Culture I (STSI) | 1 | June 22 – June 26 | For beginners or students with very limited Japanese. Basic and practical language skills for daily life and research. |
| 7. SDGs Field Study: Short-term Independent Research Experience (STSI) | 2 | June 1 – July 31 | Laboratory research internship. Students engage in research under academic supervisor guidance. Team-based research projects developing international collaborative research skills. |
Note on Course 7 (STSI Research Internship): Students can choose their preferred dates within June 1 – July 31, 2026. This course involves being assigned to a laboratory for hands-on research experience.
4. Fields of Study & Sample Courses
In addition to OGGs courses, students can choose from 154 HSI courses covering:
- Engineering
- Medical Science and Health Care
- Life Science
- Chemical Science
- Environmental Studies
- One Health
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- Indigenous Studies (Ainu)
Example Courses:
- Special Lecture of State-of-the-Art Drug Development (Aug 24-26, Master/Doctoral)
- Special Lecture on Arctic and Antarctic Science (Sep 10-26, Master)
- Biomass Energy Utilization System (Jul 3-24, Master/Doctoral)
- Summer School for Molecular Biomedical Science and Diagnosis (Aug 3-7, Master/Doctoral)
- Introduction to Business Model (Aug 3-7, Undergraduate)
5. Eligibility Criteria
- Level: Undergraduate, Master's, and Doctoral students (varies by course)
- Enrollment Status: Must be currently enrolled at IIT Madras throughout the program duration
- Language: English proficiency required (official test certificate needed for application)
- Prerequisites: Varies by course
6. Program Fees & Financial Support
- For IIT Madras Students (Partner University):
- System Usage Fee: ¥1,500 (waived if nominated by IIT Madras)
- Tuition Fee: WAIVED for nominated students
- For Non-Nominated Students:
- Regular tuition fees apply: From ¥14,800 per course (students) / From ¥38,000 per course (adults)
- Exact fee determined by number of courses and credit hours
- Important Note: No scholarship support provided by Hokkaido University. Students must arrange their own funding for travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
- Accommodation: University dormitories NOT available. Accommodation list posted on HSI website. Students must arrange and document accommodation details before application.
7. Application Process & Deadlines
For IIT Madras Students (Two-Step Process):
STEP 1: IIT Madras Internal Nomination
- Deadline: February 20, 2026
- Fill out the form.
STEP 2: Individual Student Application
- Application Periods (Choose ONE based on course dates):
- 1st Period: March 2 – March 9, 2026 (for courses starting June-July)
- 2nd Period: April 13 – April 20, 2026 (for courses after July 1)
- 3rd Period: May 25 – May 29, 2026 (for late summer courses)
- Students must apply individually through online application form (NOT through university office)
- Register for E-Notices at: https://hokkaidosummerinstitute.oia.hokudai.ac.jp/en/E-Notices/
- HSI Office will contact each student directly after application submission
8. Required Documents
- Application form (online)
- Photo (front-facing, upper body, no hat; 354 × 295 pixels)
- Official certificate of student status (must indicate enrollment date, duration of study, or expected graduation date)
- Official English proficiency test certificate
- Copy of passport
- Copy of student ID card with photo
- Document showing accommodation details during participation (university dormitories NOT available)
9. Program Highlights
- World-Leading Scholars: Courses taught by Hokkaido University faculty and international experts
- Fieldwork Opportunities: Hands-on experiences in Hokkaido's unique natural and cultural environments
- Laboratory Research: Direct research experience under faculty supervision (Course 7)
- Cultural Immersion: Japanese language & culture courses, Ainu indigenous studies, historical fieldwork
- International Collaboration: Learn alongside students from partner universities worldwide
- Flexible Duration: Choose from 1-week intensive courses to 2-month research programs
10. Important Notes
- Nomination is Mandatory: IIT Madras students MUST be nominated by OGE to receive fee waiver
- Students NOT on nomination sheet will be charged regular tuition fees
- Available courses vary by application period
- For longer stays (one semester or half year), apply for SA (Special Auditor) or SRS (Special Research Student) programs separately
- No scholarship support from Hokkaido University - students responsible for all travel and living costs