Kochi University of Technology (KUT) Special Scholarship Program (SSP) 2026–2027: Fully Funded Doctoral Scholarship in Japan for Engineering Researchers

Overview

The Special Scholarship Program (SSP) at Kochi University of Technology is a fully funded PhD opportunity for exceptional international students in engineering fields.
Students conduct advanced research under a chosen professor, receive full tuition exemption, a monthly stipend, and additional support.

Important: You must receive permission from a supervisor BEFORE formally applying.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet all of the following:

• Must obtain permission from an SSP supervisor (after pre-application).

• Must hold or be expecting a Master’s degree (18 years of education).

• Age: 35 years or below at enrollment (in principle).

• Excellent academic record (strong bachelor’s + master’s).

• Strong research skills and relevant background in chosen field.

• English proficiency:

  • TOEFL iBT 72 (Writing 17)

  • OR IELTS 5.5 (Writing 5.5)

  • OR CET-6 / WSK(PETS-5)

  • May be exempt with certain conditions.

• Must be able to conduct research full-time at KUT.

• Only students who receive a supervisor’s approval can apply.

Benefits

• Full waiver of:

  • 15,000 yen entrance exam fee

  • 300,000 yen enrollment fee

  • 535,800 yen yearly tuition (for 3 years)

• 150,000 yen monthly stipend (for 3 years)

• 150,000 yen relocation support (for international applicants outside Japan)

• Assistance with accommodation (dormitory or rented apartment)

• Opportunity for teaching/research assistantships (up to 40 hours/month)

Programme Components

• 3-year PhD program in Engineering

• Research under a specific professor (supervisor-guided)

• Required:

  • Semester research reports

  • High-level peer-reviewed journal publication (minimum 1)

  • Preliminary exam + final defense

  • 10+ doctoral credits

  • Full-time research ethics compliance

• Research may occur at:

  • Kami Campus (main)

  • Eikokuji Campus (for economics/management-related research)

Application Requirements

A. Pre-Application (Mandatory First Step)

• Choose a maximum 2 supervisors from SSP list.

• Submit the Online Pre-Application Form.

• The supervisor must reply within 2 weeks.

  • No reply = automatically rejected.

• If both supervisors approve, you must choose only one for formal application.

B. Formal Application (after approval)

Submit required documents by post, including:

• Supervisor permission email/letter

• Official transcripts

• Master’s certificate (or expected graduation letter)

• Research proposal

• English score (if required)

• Recommendation letters

• Passport copy, CV, and other documents listed in KUT requirements.

Selection Criteria

KUT evaluates applicants based on:

• Research capacity and academic excellence

• Supervisor’s recommendation

• Submitted documents

• Interview and specialized exam (usually online)

• Research alignment with the supervisor’s field

• English proficiency

Application Process

1. Select up to 2 supervisors from SSP list.

2. Submit Pre-Application Request Online.

3. Wait for supervisor’s response (max 2 weeks).

4. If approved → choose 1 supervisor.

5. Prepare documents.

6. Send full application by post before deadline.

7. Attend interview + subject exam (online).

8. Admission decision released.

Important Dates (2025–2027)

(Deadlines are strict. Documents must ARRIVE by these dates.)

April 2026 Enrollment (Second Deadline)

• Application Deadline: 17 Oct 2025

• Result: Mid-Dec 2025

• Registration: 9 Jan 2026

October 2026 Enrollment (First Deadline)

(Same as above—shared deadline)

October 2026 Enrollment (Second Deadline)

• Application Deadline: 10 Apr 2026

• Result: Mid-Jun 2026

• Registration: 10 Jul 2026

April 2027 Enrollment (First Deadline)

(Same as Second April 2026 deadline)

April 2027 Enrollment (Second Deadline)

• Application Deadline: 16 Oct 2026

• Result: Mid-Dec 2026

• Registration: 15 Jan 2027

Note:

• Send the pre-application at least 8 weeks before the formal deadline.

• Interviews/exams are typically online.

Important Notes

• Students must publish at least one journal paper before graduation.

• Misrepresentation → refund of scholarship + possible expulsion.

• Students without “Student” visa status pay different insurance fees.

• Dissertation abstract and final results are published online.

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Kochi University of Technology (KUT) Special Scholarship Program (SSP) 2026–2027: Fully Funded Doctoral Scholarship in Japan for Engineering Researchers