Hokkaido University

PhD in Division of Human Environmental Systems

Sapporo, Japan 3 years Taught in English Open to international students

Why students choose this program

  • Taught in English
  • No application fee

About PhD in Division of Human Environmental Systems

For PhD in Division of Human Environmental Systems, tuition is 3,372 USD per year.

Hokkaido University's Division of Human Environmental Systems is a doctoral (PhD) program located in Hokkaido, Japan. The program runs for a duration of 3 years and admits students starting in October and April. Instruction is delivered in English, allowing international applicants to pursue the doctoral (PhD) degree without first developing Japanese-language proficiency. Hokkaido University was established in 1876 as Sapporo Agricultural College and was the first institution in Japan to award a bachelor's degree. Today the university has 12 undergraduate schools and 21 graduate schools spanning nearly all fields of the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, with research recognized across Japan and abroad. The division studies the relationship between human activity and the built and natural environments, covering topics such as urban environmental systems, environmental design, and the planning of spaces that respond to human needs while accounting for environmental constraints. Students examine how urban and regional systems function, how environmental factors shape human settlement and behavior, and how design and planning interventions can address environmental and social challenges together. The curriculum draws on engineering, environmental science, and design disciplines. Graduates pursue careers in urban and regional planning, environmental design consultancies, public agencies responsible for land use and infrastructure, and research on the interaction between human systems and the environment. The Division of Human Environmental Systems suits international students seeking graduate study in this field at Hokkaido University without requiring prior study of Japanese, given the program's English-medium instruction.

About Hokkaido University

Hokkaido University, located in Sapporo, is one of Japan's leading research universities with a long tradition of academic excellence dating back to 1876. The institution enrolls roughly 18,000 students, including over 2,000 international students, and offers diverse undergraduate and graduate programs across science, engineering, agriculture, humanities and social sciences. The university is recognized for interdisciplinary research, modern facilities and a commitment to addressing global challenges through collaborative scholarship.

Academic life at Hokkaido emphasizes research-led teaching and opportunities for students to engage in laboratory work, field studies and international projects. Graduate students and undergraduates alike can join research groups, pursue internships and access language and cultural support services tailored to international learners. The campus community places value on innovation, cross-cultural exchange and practical problem solving linked to regional and global issues.

Sapporo provides a high quality of life with seasonal outdoor activities, a lively student scene and efficient transport connections to other Japanese cities. Hokkaido University supports incoming students with orientation, housing guidance and academic advising to ease the transition. For international applicants seeking strong research opportunities in a welcoming multicultural setting, Hokkaido University offers a blend of rigorous academics, supportive services and a distinctive northern campus experience.

PhD in Division of Human Environmental Systems: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the fees for PhD in Division of Human Environmental Systems?
Tuition: USD 3,372.36 per year.
Is PhD in Division of Human Environmental Systems available online?
This is an on-campus program at Hokkaido University in Sapporo.

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