14 Best Universities In Sapporo For International Students 2025

Sapporo is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Japan. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 14 universities and colleges in Sapporo, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 14 universities in Sapporo, Hokkaido University and Sapporo Medical University are the top-performing schools in Sapporo. This list covers both public and private institutions in Sapporo.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Sapporo. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Sapporo.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Sapporo?

Applying to the universities in Sapporo involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Sapporo to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Sapporo?

Tuition fees at Sapporo’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 400,000 Yen to 1,300,000 Yen , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 525,000 Yen to 1,140,000 Yen. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Sapporo!

As we cover the best universities in Sapporo for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Sapporo for International Students

Another top-tier university in Japan, Hokkaido University, aims to deliver quality education to everyone. Since its establishment in 1876, they have developed undergraduate and graduate programs in various academic disciplines. They have been highly regarded for their goals of contributing to research and producing outstanding graduates in the field. For the next years, they aim to build more global connections through their academic programs and activities.

Sapporo is one of the largest and most populated cities in Japan. It is also home to Sapporo Medical University, one of the top academic institutions in the country. Times Higher Education Japan University Rankings place Sapporo Medical University in 111th place.

As the name implies, the university specializes in the health and medical sciences. Besides doctor of medicine, students may pursue nursing, occupation therapy, physical therapy, and medical science.

Hokkaido University of Education (HUE) is a national university with five campuses in Hokkaido, Japan. It was established in 1949. The university’s primary mission is to educate teachers and offer training opportunities for students to practice teaching. They provide programs in School Education, Special Needs Education, Japanese Language Education, Clinical Psychology, and teacher professional development training.

The Hokkaido University of Science is a private professional institution that provides education in the fields of medicine and pharmacy. This institution is located in Sapporo, Japan, and is considered to be one of the best private institutions that aim to make progress in the field of scientific research. It is a welcoming university for domestic and international students that want to make progress in their scientific careers.

With more than 130 years of history, Hokkai-Gakuen University has already evolved to become one of the leading technological universities in the country. It provides training across various disciplines and deeply plays an active role in community projects. The university seeks to help students explore their potential through proactive studies.

Sapporo University is a one-of-a-kind university that specializes in undergraduate studies. This university was founded in 1967 in Sapporo, Japan, and offers various programs in the fields of law, business administration, and sports. It boasts a talented faculty and welcomes a handful of international students every year.

Located in one of the biggest cities in Japan, Hokusei Gakuen University puts the teaching of human values and the training of ethical professionals at the core of its education. Since this is a private institution with Christian affiliations, the university emphasizes the importance of such principles and regularly holds religious activities, like chapel service. Regarding academic aspects, it is divided into 3 undergraduate schools and 3 graduate schools that offer about 12 degree programs.

Sapporo City University is a public university that was founded in 2006 in Sapporo, Japan, and it has two main campuses in Minami-ku and Chuo-ku. The predecessor of this university was established in 1991, and after a merger with a nursing college, it became a full-fledged university. This university now offers a lot of programs in the fields of nursing, design, and midwifery, which can be paid for with different scholarships that are offered by the government and the university.

Sapporo International University bears the tradition of Japanese education and seeks to cultivate the willingness to serve in the community among its students. Through its academic programs, the university has successfully strengthened its internationalization and allowed students to explore career opportunities in and out of the country. The university is complete with the equipment and resources to assist students’ research endeavors and academic activities.

Hokkaido Bunkyo University has three fundamental values within its founding principles: courage, honesty, and integrity. It’s committed to offering a high-quality education that aligns with the needs of society and takes work ethics into consideration. The university offers various degrees in the fields of healthcare, education, languages, and life sciences. In order to comply with its motto, the university is constantly adapting and updating its curricula so it’s at the forefront of what’s demanded in the job market.

Tenshi College is located in the northernmost part region in Japan. The university was established in 1950 as a junior college, initially admitting only female students. It was only in 2000 when the school made some improvements and became a co-educational institution. Currently, the college offers extensive and advanced undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing, nutrition, and liberal arts.

Fuji Women’s University is a private university located in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. The Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George founded it in 1925, but it was not officially chartered as a university until 1961. Humanities and life sciences undergraduate and graduate degree programs are available at the university. Another campus is also available in Sapporo’s northern suburbs.

Sapporo Otani University is one of the best schools when it comes to music and arts. It offers an intensive program and enables its students to explore beyond theories and textbooks. The university also collaborates with known industry leaders and works together with them in organizing events and conferences to showcase the talents of the students.

Hokkai School of Commerce is a private university founded in 2006 in Sapporo, Japan. While the university was founded in 2006, the whole school system, including its junior college, high school, and elementary school, was established as far back as 1885. It offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in Commerce and Tourism. Additionally, working adults and foreigners are accepted in the school.