Are you searching for an extraordinary academic and research opportunity in Japan? The Rakuno Gakuen University Scholarships 2027 in Japan offer international researchers and scholars a chance to pursue groundbreaking work in agricultural science, veterinary medicine, food security, and environmental sustainability. Located in Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Rakuno Gakuen University (RGU) is renowned worldwide for its specialized focus on animal husbandry, veterinary science, and sustainable agriculture.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Rakuno Gakuen University International Guest Researcher Program 2027, including key deadlines, scholarship coverage, eligibility rules, application steps, and real living expenses.
Basic Information About the Scholarships
The Rakuno Gakuen University Scholarships 2027 are offered primarily through the RGU International Guest Researcher Program. Designed to promote global scientific exchange, this program funds joint research projects between visiting international academics and host faculty members at RGU.
- Host Country: Japan
- Host University: Rakuno Gakuen University (RGU)
- Target Audience: International Academic Researchers, Faculty Members, and Scholars
- Program Type: Funded Research Stay / Guest Researcher Program
- Research Duration: 2 weeks up to 12 months (within Fiscal Year 2027: April 1, 2027 – March 31, 2028)
- Application Deadline: November 30, 2026 (Note: Certain outbound/internal university pathways close around November 24, 2026).
About the Scholarship
- Established in 1999 in memory of Mr. Mitsugu Sato, former Chairman of Rakuno Gakuen.
- The scholarship promotes international exchange between Hokkaido, Japan, and Alberta, Canada.
- It supports students participating in overseas study, research, and agricultural training programmes.
- The scholarship is non-refundable (no repayment required).
- Scholarship amounts range from ¥200,000 to ¥300,000, depending on the programme.
University Details: Rakuno Gakuen University (RGU)
Established in 1933 in Ebetsu City, Hokkaido, Rakuno Gakuen University is a pioneering private institution known as the “Dairy Science University of Japan.” Built around the philosophy of “San-Gaku” (Love for God, Love for Humanity, and Love for Earth), RGU stands out for its hands-on approach to rural science, agricultural innovation, and veterinary care.
The sprawling campus features state-of-the-art research laboratories, veterinary teaching hospitals, expansive experimental farms, and specialized bio-resource centers. RGU plays a key role in supporting Japan’s food production and ecological research, making it a destination for experts in life sciences.
Pre-departure Orientation and Scholarship Ceremony
Selected students must attend the required orientation sessions and scholarship award ceremony.
– Pre-departure orientation:
- Expected between December 2026 and February 2027.
- Several sessions may be organised.
- Applies to the University of Alberta Spring Training Programme.
– Scholarship award ceremony:
- Expected in mid-December 2026.
- All selected students must attend.
- Held at Rakuno Gakuen University.
Post-study Reporting
- Scholarship recipients must present their study or training experiences at a reporting session in the following academic year.
- The presentation will be organised through the Hokkaido–Alberta Dairy Science and Technology Exchange Association.
Study Areas and Available Programs
Rakuno Gakuen University focuses heavily on agricultural, veterinary, and environmental fields. Research projects under the 2027 International Guest Researcher Program fall under the following core academic units:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Science and Plant Pathology
- Soil Science
- Crop Nutrition
- Animal Science
- Animal Genetics
- Veterinary Medicine
- Livestock Nutrition
- Food Science and Food Safety
- Environmental Science
- Animal Health
- Sustainable Agriculture
Rakuno Gakuen University Scholarships Benefits
Selected researchers under the Rakuno Gakuen University Scholarship receive solid financial and infrastructural support to make their stay productive and stress-free:
- Monthly living allowance of up to ¥100,000.
- Payment is calculated daily if the researcher stays for less than a full month.
- Accommodation is provided by RGU during the research period.
- Utilities (electricity, heating, and water) and bedding costs must be paid by the researcher.
- Researchers must pay for their own round-trip airfare between their home country and Japan.
- Additional honorarium may be provided for lectures or academic guidance if requested.
- Free Accommodation: RGU provides university-managed housing or guest housing for the approved research stay.
- Access to Advanced Facilities: Full laboratory access, research farms, diagnostic units, and library resources.
- Academic Collaboration: Direct joint research opportunities alongside Japanese professors and scientific teams.
- Publication & Conference Support: Opportunities to publish joint research papers in scientific journals and present findings at international academic conferences.
Benefits Not Included
Because this is a research stipend and partial funding scheme, applicants must budget for expenses not covered by the scholarship:
- International Airfare: Round-trip flight tickets between your home country and Japan.
- Utilities & Bedding: Monthly utility bills (electricity, water, heating) and bedding rental fees at university housing.
- Health and Travel Insurance: Mandatory Japanese National Health Insurance (NHI) or private international travel insurance.
- Family Expenses: Financial support or housing upgrades for accompanying family members.
- Personal Daily Travel: Local transport fees outside of official campus research duties.
Eligibility Criteria for the Rakuno Gakuen University Scholarships
To qualify for the Rakuno Gakuen University International Guest Researcher Scholarship 2027, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be full-time researchers at the level of Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, or Lecturer.
- Work at a university or research institution that has an academic cooperation agreement with RGU.
- Have substantial academic and research experience.
- Obtain prior acceptance from an RGU host faculty member.
- Have sufficient Japanese or English language skills for daily communication.
- Present their research findings at a conference or publish a scientific paper within one year after returning home.
- Secure funding for research-related expenses from themselves or their host laboratory.
- Not receive another RGU scholarship selection during the same fiscal year.
Selection Process
– Selection is based on:
- Submitted application documents.
- An interview.
- Overall assessment of the applicant.
Interview Details
- Expected dates: November 25–27, 2026.
- Location: Rakuno Gakuen University campus, Japan.
- Selection method: Interview.
Important Conditions
- Rakuno Gakuen University generally prohibits travel to countries or regions classified as Level 2 or higher under Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel advisory or infectious disease risk levels.
- Even after selection, overseas programmes may be cancelled depending on the circumstances at the University of Alberta.
- Final travel decisions must follow university instructions.
Required Documents for the Application
All application files must be prepared in English or Japanese (or accompanied by an official translation). Assemble these documents before submission:
- Completed Application Form: Official RGU International Guest Researcher Application Form.
- Application Form: Completed Guest Researcher Programme Application Form using the official format, with a photograph.
- Photograph: A 4 × 3 cm photo for visa processing (front-facing, upper-body photograph, plain background, without a hat).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including educational background, professional experience, and research achievements.
- Recommendation Letter: From the head of the applicant’s university or institution.
- Health Certificate: Required only for stays longer than three months.
- Acceptance Letter: From the RGU host supervisor, using the designated form.
- Previous Research Documents: If the applicant has previously conducted joint research with the host supervisor, relevant documents explaining the research, its framework, and resulting publications must be provided.
Rakuno Gakuen University Scholarships Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to complete your application for the 2027 program:
- Verify Your Partnership Status: Check with your home university’s international office to confirm an active academic cooperation agreement with Rakuno Gakuen University.
- Identify a Host Professor: Browse the RGU faculty directory to find a laboratory or researcher whose work aligns with yours.
- Establish Initial Contact: Email the target professor with a concise CV and a brief project idea to request host mentorship.
- Draft the Joint Research Plan: Once the host accepts, collaborate on a detailed research proposal with realistic timelines.
- Fill Out Official Forms: Download the 2027 RGU application packet and complete all fields accurately.
- Submit to International Affairs: Email the complete PDF application package to the RGU International Affairs Division (
[email protected]) before the November 30, 2026 deadline. - Await Selection Results: Selection committees review files, with results announced approximately one month after the closing date.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Contact host professors at least 2–3 months before the deadline.
- Align Research Objectives: Customize your proposal to utilize RGU’s specific infrastructure, such as Hokkaido’s cold-climate farming or veterinary teaching hospitals.
- Set Realistic Goals: Research stays range from weeks to months; tailor your timeline so project goals match your stay duration.
- Highlight Shared Value: Clearly explain how the project benefits both your home institution and RGU.
- Double-Check Document Requirements: Ensure every form has required signatures, seals, and translations.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students and Researchers
Living in Ebetsu (Hokkaido) is significantly more affordable than living in central Tokyo or Osaka. The provided accommodation helps keep costs low. Here is an estimated breakdown of monthly living costs in USD ($1 USD ≈ 150 JPY):
- Housing Rent: $0 USD (Provided free by RGU)
- Utilities (Electricity, Water, Heating, Internet): $80 – $130 USD (Note: Heating costs rise during Hokkaido winters)
- Food & Groceries: $220 – $320 USD
- National Health Insurance & Medical Fees: $20 – $35 USD
- Local Transportation: $30 – $60 USD
- Personal & Miscellaneous Expenses: $70 – $120 USD
- Total Estimated Expenses: $420 – $665 USD per month
The scholarship stipend of up to JPY 100,000 (approx. $650–$680 USD) comfortably covers standard day-to-day living costs in Ebetsu.
Why Choose This Scholarship?
- Pioneering Agricultural & Veterinary Focus: RGU is an institution for advanced research in animal health, milk production, and sustainable food systems.
- Subsidized Housing & Living Allowance: Free housing paired with a stipend reduces personal financial strain during your research stay.
- World-Class Facilities in Hokkaido: Research on expansive experimental farms, specialized laboratories, and diagnostic centers.
- Strong Academic Partnerships: Long-term international institutional links foster career-defining professional networks.
- High Quality of Life: Enjoy Ebetsu’s safe, green environment, with quick access to Sapporo’s urban culture and outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can undergraduate or master’s students apply for this program?
No. The RGU International Guest Researcher Program specifically targets full-time university faculty members and professional researchers.
2. Is English sufficient, or do I need Japanese language proficiency?
English is sufficient for most research activities, provided your host professor agrees. However, basic Japanese is helpful for daily life in Hokkaido.
3. Are round-trip flight tickets covered by RGU?
No. Visiting researchers or their home institutions are responsible for international air travel.
4. Can I bring my family with me during the stay?
Yes, but family travel, visa processing, and living expenses must be self-funded. University guest housing for accompanied visitors may also be limited.
5. How are scholarship payments distributed?
Living stipends are disbursed monthly following arrival, prorated based on the exact duration of your stay.
Application Deadline
- Application deadline: November 30, 2026.
