Hokkaido University Doctoral Fellowship
The purpose of fellowships is to provide a stable and continuous environment where doctoral students can devote themselves to research by providing an amount equivalent to living expenses in order to nurture human resources who will contribute to "Japan’s science, technology, and innovation”. The support period is limited to the standard course duration. (3-year courses: up to 3 years, 4-year courses: up to 4 years)
＜EXEX Doctoral Fellowship＞
Through these supports, we aim to nurture "pioneers of future societies" with comprehensive abilities to solve diverse and complex problems facing the world and regions with a sustainable vision for the future, by acquiring, on top of advanced specialized knowledge, development capabilities that enable collaboration with others, and design capabilities that create new society and industries.
＜Next-Generation AI Doctoral Fellowship＞
Through these supports, we aim to nurture extremely talented doctoral students who will be a pioneer and leader of the next-generation AI field (AI field and emerging/merged areas in the AI field), which is a highly urgent national strategic area.
Outline of Application
It varies depending on the application type. Please be sure to check the official website for the latest information.
<EXEX Doctoral Fellowship>
Support Eligibility
Doctoral course students of Hokkaido University
Support Content
・Financial support for equivalent to living expenses (2.16 million yen per year)
・Financial support for research expenses (400,000 yen per year +α)
・Provision of career development and training content
Duty (Partial Excerpt)
・Registration for the Cooperative Education through Research Internships (participation is voluntary)
・Participation in a career interview
・Participation in compulsory and compulsory elective courses
*For the 1st year doctoral students, if the completion is not confirmed by the end of the 2nd year, the amount of research fellowship may be reduced.
<Next Generation AI Doctoral Fellowship>
Support Eligibility
Doctoral course students of Hokkaido University
Support Content
・Financial support for equivalent to living expenses (3.6 million yen per year)
・Financial support for research expenses (300,000 yen per year +α)
・Financial support for establishing a research environment infrastructure (700,000 yen per year)
Duty (Partial Excerpt)
・Participation in the Collaborative Research at the Data-Driven Interdisciplinary Research Emergence Department (D-RED)
・Participation in the Overseas Co-Learning Program
Application Process
1. Check the Application Guidelines
Please check the latest application guidelines on the official website.
Application > Start Your Application > 1. Check the Application Guidelines > Application Guidelines
2. Ask your (expected) supervisor of Hokkaido University to submit a recommendation letter.
A recommendation letter from your (expected) supervisor is required for all applicants. You must obtain the approval of your (expected) supervisor of Hokkaido University before applying for the fellowship.
3. Create Research Proposal
There are specific formats for the research proposal. Go to the official website and download the format.
Please note that the research formats for 【EXEX】 and 【Next Generation AI】 are different.
Application > Start Your Application > 3. Create Research Proposal > Research Proposal format
4. Enter required information in the application form and upload the required documents.
The application forms for 【EXEX】 and 【Next Generation AI】 are different.
If you are applying for both fellowships, you need to respond to both application forms.
Application > Start Your Application > 4. Enter required information in the application form and upload the required documents such as the research proposal > Application Form
5. Supervisor submits a recommendation letter on a form on the official website.
Application > Start Your Application > 5. Supervisor submits a recommendation letter with the form below > Recommendation Letter Submission Form
Future Application Periods
The schedule of applications for academic year 2025 (from April 2025 to March 2026) is below.
<EXEX Doctoral Fellowship>
May 2025 Selection: Call for new and current students in October of the current year, Early application for new students in October of the next academic year.
November 2025 Selection: Call for new and current students in April of the next academic year, Early application for new students in April of the academic year after next.
<Next Generation AI Doctoral Fellowship>
November 2025 Selection: Call for new students in April 2026
*Any further calls are not planned.