Study Abroad

COURSES
The University offers undergraduate courses in Schools of Economics, Business, Education, Medicine, Law, Letters (the equivalent of Humanities), Engineering, Science and Health Sciences. There are a variety of courses offered in English in the fields of Culture and Society, Environment, Science and Technology. Japanese language proficiency is not required to apply, however, one may take a general Japanese language course if desired. International students usually apply to the Hokkaido University Short-Term Exchange Program in English (HUSTEP).  Over 50 courses are offered in various disciplines in English and updated each semester. Japanese language or studies majors may apply to the Japanese Language and Cultural Studies Program (JLCSP). Students interested in participating in JLCSP may take English courses along with this program. 

CREDITS
Students must study full time at the home and host Institutions. With the completion of the Request for Prior Approval of Transfer Credit of Study Abroad Programs form, your credits (not grades) will transfer towards your degree at UMass Boston. This form can be obtained from the Study Abroad office.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR 
Fall semester (1st semester): October - February
Spring semester (2nd semester): April - August
 

ELIGIBILITY 
University of Massachusetts Boston students only. Undergraduate and graduate students who have currently completed at least two years of full-time study with the most recent semester completed at UMass Boston are eligible. Students must be in good academic standing (at least 3.0 GPA) with no disciplinary problems. To qualify for the HUSTEP program, students must be proficient in English. Non-native English speakers must have a score of at least TOEFL iBT 79 or IELTS 6.5. 

Nominated students should obtain the necessary forms from the UMass Boston Office of Global Programs, complete and submit them to the same office.
1) Completed HUSTEP application form
2) Completed Certificate of Enrollment Form
3) A recommendation letter from an academic supervisor
4) An official transcript of academic record
5) Certificate of health
6) 3 photographs
7) TOEFL or IELTS score record (non-native English speakers only)
8) Photocopy of your passport

There is a screening process by HU and NOT all students who apply/are nominated will be accepted. Japanese language ability is not required to participate in the Hokkaido University Short-Term Exchange Program in English (HUSTEP). Applicants for  Exchange Programs in Japanese (JLCSP) program should have N3 (or higher) of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test or the equivalent or higher proficiency in the language at the time of application. Any students who are found to have inadequate language skills after arrival will not be able to complete the course.

HOUSING
The student dormitories are located on or near the university campus in the center of Sapporo. Furnished rooms in the university accommodations are provided for HUSTEP students. For further details, please visit the website below. 

COSTS
See budget sheet. Please note, the Office of Global Programs use estimated price values for our UMass Boston Reciprocal Exchange’ budget sheets. Actual prices may vary, please contact your program provider for more details. 

Do you receive any financial aid, such as scholarships or grants to fund your education? Find out if your financial aid will apply towards studying abroad using the following Financial Aid Guide here

The Financial Aid Guide provides lots of information. However, prior to applying it is advised to contact Financial Aid services for financial aid inquiries and concerns. Link to Financial Aid services website: https://finaid.umb.edu/

SCHOLARSHIPS
Several competitive scholarships with varied amounts are available for students wishing to study at Hokkaido University from Japanese government.