11 Cheapest Universities in Sapporo for International Students

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In Sapporo, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Japan without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Sapporo, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 14 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Sapporo, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Sapporo for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Sapporo ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Hokkaido Bunkyo University 400,000 Yen - 810,000 Yen 43%
Sapporo International University 526,600 Yen 25%
Hokkaido University 535,800 Yen 24%
Hokkaido University of Education 535,800 Yen 24%
Sapporo City University 535,800 Yen 24%
Sapporo Medical University 535,800 Yen 24%
Sapporo University 770,000 Yen -10%
Hokusei Gakuen University 780,000 Yen -11%
Hokkai-Gakuen University 872,000 Yen - 1,140,000 Yen -25%
Hokkaido University of Science 980,000 Yen - 1,300,000 Yen -40%
Sapporo Otani University 1,200,000 Yen -72%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 697,500 Yen for universities in Sapporo.

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1. Hokkaido Bunkyo University

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.

2. Sapporo International 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.

3. Hokkaido University

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.

4. Hokkaido University of Education

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.

5. Sapporo City University

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.

6. Sapporo Medical University

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.

7. Sapporo University

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.

8. Hokusei Gakuen University

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.

9. Hokkai-Gakuen University

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.

10. Hokkaido University of Science

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.

11. Sapporo Otani University

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.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Sapporo for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Sapporo ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Sapporo International University 525,000 Yen 20%
Hokkaido University 535,800 Yen - 804,000 Yen 18%
Hokkaido University of Education 535,800 Yen 18%
Sapporo City University 535,800 Yen 18%
Sapporo Medical University 535,800 Yen 18%
Hokusei Gakuen University 700,000 Yen -7%
Hokkaido University of Science 760,000 Yen - 800,000 Yen -16%
Hokkai-Gakuen University 872,000 Yen - 1,140,000 Yen -33%
Hokkai School of Commerce 872,000 Yen - 872,000 Yen -33%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 652,500 Yen for universities in Sapporo.

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1. Sapporo International 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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Sapporo International University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 525,000 Yen annually for their master's degree.

2. Hokkaido University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Hokkaido University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Hokkaido University is 535,800 Yen to 804,000 Yen.

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.

3. Hokkaido University of Education

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 tuition fee at Hokkaido University of Education for incoming international master’s students is 535,800 Yen. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Sapporo City University

Another affordable university to consider in Sapporo is Sapporo City University.

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.

The tuition fee in Sapporo City University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 535,800 Yen.

5. Sapporo Medical University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Sapporo Medical University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 535,800 Yen yearly.

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.

6. Hokusei Gakuen University

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.

7. Hokkaido University of Science

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.

8. Hokkai-Gakuen University

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.

9. Hokkai School of Commerce

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.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Sapporo?

Applying to cheap universities in Sapporo requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Japan for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Sapporo?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Sapporo. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Sapporo is the Hokkaido University, which offers Modern Japanese Studies, Integrated Science, and Chemistry to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Hokkaido University offers Psychology, Sociology, and History.


It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Sapporo, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Sapporo as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Sapporo for international students was helpful!