Kochi University of Technology Special Scholarship Program (SSP) 2026

Applications are invited for the Kochi University of Technology (KUT) Special Scholarship Program (SSP), a fully funded 3-year doctoral program in engineering, conducted entirely in English. This prestigious program, established in 2003, supports advanced research in fields such as intelligent mechanical engineering, electronic and photonic engineering, architecture, informatics, and economics.

The SSP is open to international students under 35 with a master’s degree or equivalent. The program is fully funded, covering tuition, entrance fees, and providing a monthly stipend of 150,000 yen plus travel support. There is no application fee, as the 15,000 yen entrance examination fee is waived. Eligible candidates must secure supervisor approval before applying and demonstrate strong academic records and English proficiency. You can also check more PhD positions here

Key Details

• Program: 3-year Doctoral Program in Engineering
• Fields: Intelligent Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Electronic and Photonic Engineering, Architecture and Infrastructure Design, Engineering Science, Informatics, Data and Innovation, Economics and Management
• Language: English
• Funding: Fully funded (tuition waiver, 150,000 yen/month stipend, 150,000 yen travel support for international students)
• Application Fee: None (15,000 yen entrance exam fee waived)
• Deadline: October 17, 2025

Scholarship Benefits

The SSP provides extensive financial support to allow students to focus on their research:

• Fee Waivers: Full exemption from:
  • 15,000 yen entrance examination fee
  • 300,000 yen enrollment fee
  • 535,800 yen annual tuition fee for 3 years
• Monthly Stipend: 150,000 yen per month for living expenses for 3 years
• Travel Support: 150,000 yen for travel and initial living costs (for international students living outside Japan with “Student” residence status)
• Additional Support:
  • English research writing classes (Years 1–2)
  • Japanese language classes for daily communication
  • Assistance in finding accommodation (e.g., International House at Kami Campus or Takasone Dormitory at Eikokuji Campus)
  • Cultural activities to enhance your experience in Japan

Check this: The Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarships at University of West London

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the SSP, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Supervisor Approval: Obtain permission from a preferred SSP supervisor before applying.
• Academic Background: Hold or expect to complete a master’s degree (or equivalent after 18 years of education) from an accredited institution before enrollment.
• Age Limit: Be 35 years old or younger at the time of enrollment.
• Academic Record: Demonstrate an excellent academic record with strong bachelor’s and master’s degrees from reputable universities.
• Research Skills: Show adequate knowledge and skills to contribute to the chosen research field.
• English Proficiency: Provide proof of high English proficiency, such as:
  • TOEFL iBT: 72+ (Writing 17+)
  • IELTS: 5.5+ (Writing 5.5+)
  • CET-6 or WSK (PETS-5)
• Note: English test scores may be waived under below conditions.
  • Individuals who have completed a program equivalent to a Japanese high school in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, or New Zealand
  • Individuals who have completed a master’s program conducted in English in any country and wrote their master’s thesis in English.

Also check: Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarships For MS and PhD

Application Process

The SSP application process involves several steps, requiring careful planning and timely submission. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

Step 1: Research and Select a Supervisor

• Visit the SSP Supervisor List to identify up to two supervisors whose research projects align with your interests.
• Review project descriptions carefully to ensure a good fit with your academic background and goals.

Step 2: Submit a Pre-Application Request

• Complete the KUT Online Pre-Application Request Form and submit it to your chosen supervisor(s).
• Important Notes:
  • You may contact up to two supervisors, but only one can be selected for the formal application.
  • If a supervisor does not respond within 2 weeks, consider your pre-application rejected.

Step 3: Obtain Supervisor Approval

• If a supervisor contacts you, respond promptly to discuss your application.
• You need explicit permission from a supervisor to proceed with the formal application.

Also check: ACU Vice Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarship

Step 4: Prepare and Submit Formal Application

• Once you have supervisor approval, select one supervisor and gather the required documents (see below).
• Submit all documents by post to KUT before the deadline:
  International Relations Section
  Kochi University of Technology
  Tosayamada, Kami City, Kochi 782-8502, JAPAN
  Email: [email protected]
  Phone: +81-887-53-1130

Required Documents

• Supervisor Approval Communication
• Signed Pre-Application Request
• Bachelor’s Degree Academic Transcript
• Master’s Degree Academic Transcript
• Master’s Degree Certificate
• Master’s Thesis (or English Abstract)
• Research Outline
• Two Recommendation Letters
• Health Certificate
• English Proficiency Certificate
• Rank Certificate (Optional)
• Copies of Past Publications (Optional)
• Passport or Identification Document (Optional)

Also check: Medical University of Graz PhD Scholarships

Step 5: Screening and Admission

• After submission, KUT will screen your documents, followed by an online interview and exam in your specialized subject (via Webex or similar tools).
• Admission decisions are based on document screening, interview performance, and exam results.
• Note: You may be rejected before the interview stage if your application does not meet requirements.

Application Deadlines

April 2026 Enrollment (Second Deadline)

• Application Deadline: October 17, 2025
• Screening Period: October–November 2025
• Notification of Admission: Mid-December 2025
• Registration Deadline: January 9, 2026

October 2026 Enrollment (First Deadline)

• Application Deadline: October 17, 2025
• Screening Period: October–November 2025
• Notification of Admission: Mid-December 2025
• Registration Deadline: January 9, 2026

Also check: Chatham House Leadership Masterclass Programme 

October 2026 Enrollment (Second Deadline)

• Application Deadline: April 10, 2026
• Screening Period: April–May 2026
• Notification of Admission: Mid-June 2026
• Registration Deadline: July 10, 2026

Note: Submit your pre-application at least 8 weeks before the formal deadline to ensure sufficient time for supervisor approval and document preparation.