SSP 3-Year Doctoral Program at Kochi University of Technology (KUT)

The Special Scholarship Program (SSP) was established in 2003 to support advanced research at Kochi University of Technology through highly capable doctoral students.

KUT provides comprehensive education in a multidisciplinary environment over three years. Approximately 15 doctoral students are selected each year.

This program is designed for those who intend to fully engage in research for three years, acquire deep knowledge and skills, become full-fledged researchers, and meet all degree requirements. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key details:

• Entry: April and October
• Language: English
• Number of students: No more than 3 SSP students can be enrolled concurrently under each supervisor
• Program: Doctoral program (3 years), Department of Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering
• Degree : Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering or Doctor of Philosophy (depending on the research field)

Origin of SSP International Students:

Students come from East Asia, Southeast/South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa, and other regions. The program has produced over 200 graduates.

Fields of Research:

• Intelligent Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (Kami Campus)
• Electronic and Photonic Engineering (Kami Campus)
• Architecture and Infrastructure Design (Kami Campus)
• Engineering Science (Kami Campus)
• Informatics (Kami Campus)
• Data and Innovation (Kami/Eikokuji Campus)
• Economics and Management (Eikokuji Campus)

Also check: PhD, Research & Postdoc positions at ELLIS Institute and Tampere University

Completion Requirements:

Candidates must meet all of the following conditions:

• Obtain permission from the preferred supervisor to apply
• Hold a degree comparable to a master’s degree from an accredited institution after 18 years of education (or be scheduled to obtain it before enrollment)
• Be 35 years old or under at the time of enrollment (in principle)
• Have an excellent academic record and strong bachelor’s and master’s degrees from reputable universities
• Possess the intention, adequate knowledge, and research skill for the chosen field
• Demonstrate high English proficiency (minimum: TOEFL iBT 72 with Writing 17, IELTS 5.5 with Writing 5.5, CET-6, or WSK (PETS-5)). Score submission may be waived under certain conditions

• Three-Year Enrollment: Enrolled in a doctoral program at KUT for at least three years
• Course Credits: Earn 10 or more doctoral course credits
• Preliminary Examination and Final Defense: Successfully complete the final public defense (possible only after passing a preliminary examination held at least one year earlier)
• Research Publication: Have at least one academic paper published in a high-level peer-reviewed journal by the final defense. In special circumstances, significant research achievements may be accepted instead

SSP students are expected to publish multiple papers in high-level peer-reviewed journals before completing the program.

Required English level

• TOEFL iBT 72 (Writing 17)
• IELTS 5.5 (Writing 5.5)
• CET 6
• WSK (PETS-5)

Also check: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027 – 2028

Curriculum and Standard Schedule for Completion:

1st Year

• 1st Semester: Decide research theme, submit research plan, submit research report. Coursework includes Advanced seminar I (2 credits) and Interdisciplinary engineering A (2 credits)
• 2nd Semester: Mid-term evaluation and interview, submit research report. Coursework includes Advanced seminar II (2 credits), Research writing essentials (2 credits), and Interdisciplinary engineering B (2 credits)

2nd Year

• 1st Semester: Submit research plan, submit research report. Coursework includes Research writing (2 credits) and Interdisciplinary engineering C (2 credits)
• 2nd Semester: Mid-term evaluation and interview, submit research report, preliminary assessment of doctoral dissertation. Coursework includes Interdisciplinary engineering D (2 credits)

3rd Year

• 1st Semester: Submit research plan, submit research report. At least 4 credits from seminars and at least 6 credits from courses to acquire cutting-edge knowledge
• 2nd Semester: Publication of at least 1 reviewed paper, dissertation defense, submit research report, final evaluation and interview

Also check: OIST PhD Scholarship in Japan (Fully funded )

Benefits for Successful Applicants:

• Full exemption from the 15,000 yen entrance examination fee, 300,000 yen enrollment fee, and 535,800 yen/year tuition fee for three years
• Monthly scholarship of 150,000 yen to support living expenses for three years
• One-time payment of 150,000 yen for travel and initial living costs (only for international applicants living outside Japan who have or intend to acquire “Student” residence status)

Support Systems:

• English research writing class for first- and second-year doctoral students taught by a native English professor
• Japanese language classes for daily conversation and grammar
• Tutors to assist new international students with academic and daily life matters
• Seasonal Japanese cultural activities
• Assistance in finding single accommodation

Also check: InteRussia Fellowship for PhD Students, Russia (Fully Funded)

Accommodation:

• Kami Campus: KUT International House (multi-cultural living-learning environment). Entrance fee of 30,000 yen is required separately.
• Eikokuji Campus: Takasone Dormitory C (near campus). Entrance fee of 30,000 yen is required separately.

If you wish to live with family or change accommodation, you must arrange private housing at your own expense.

Examples of Monthly Living Expenses:

For Kami students (approximate)

• Room fee: 30,000–32,500 yen
• Electricity fee: 2,750 yen
• Food: 60,000 yen
• National Health Insurance tax: 2,000 yen
• Other: 28,000 yen
• Total: Approx. 125,000 yen

For Eikokuji students (approximate)

• Room fee: 32,500 yen
• Utility fees (heat, light, and water): 11,000 yen
• Food: 60,000 yen
• National Health Insurance tax: 2,000 yen
• Other: 34,000 yen
• Total: Approx. 140,000 yen

Note: 1 JPY ≈ 0.007 USD (as of September 2024). Cost for one meal is about 600–700 yen. National Health Insurance tax fluctuates yearly based on previous year’s income in Japan.

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Pre-Application Process:

SSP is only for doctoral candidates.

• Choose a maximum of two supervisors from the SSP Supervisor List
• Submit the Online Pre-Application Request Form via the KUT system at least 8 weeks before the formal application deadline
• The preferred supervisor will review the request and contact you
• Pre-application is considered rejected if the supervisor does not reply within two weeks
• Only applicants who receive permission may submit a formal application
• Even if both supervisors approve, choose only one for the formal application

The pre-application system is unavailable from 18:00 to 20:00 JST on the first Wednesday of every month for maintenance.

Formal Application and Admission Process:

1. Obtain supervisor permission through pre-application
2. Prepare and submit all required documents by post so they arrive at KUT by the deadline
3. Screening includes documentary review, online interview, and specialized subject exam
4. Admission decision is notified individually

Application and Admission Schedule:

• Online Pre-Application By the middle of February or the middle of August
• Formal Application By mid-April or mid-October
• Screening April–May or October–November (interviews and specialized subject exams scheduled individually after documentary screening)
• Notification of Admission Decision Mid-June or mid-December (individual notification)

Only applicants who obtain permission from their preferred supervisor can submit a formal application.

Additional Important Notes:

• Students in Economics and Management conduct research at Eikokuji Campus (about 25 km / 1 hour from Kami Campus by bus or JR train) and take some classes at the main campus
• Newly admitted foreign doctoral students pay approximately 33,000 yen for insurance (or 3,000 yen if without “Student” residence status)
• 10,000 yen alumni association membership fee is required
• SSP students may work as teaching or research assistants (maximum 40 hours per month)
• SSP status can be suspended or terminated if obligations are not fulfilled
• Dissertation abstracts and defense results are published online after degree conferment

Also check: FPI-ICIQ Fellowships for PhD Researchers 2026 in Spain

How to Apply:

Follow these steps carefully:

1. Visit the official SSP supervisor list and choose a maximum of two preferred supervisors.
2. Submit the Online Pre-Application Request Form through the KUT system at least 8 weeks before the formal application deadline.
3. Wait for the supervisor to contact you. If no reply arrives within two weeks, the pre-application is considered rejected.
4. Once you receive permission, select only one supervisor.
5. Prepare all required documents and send them by post so they reach KUT by the official deadline.
6. Attend the documentary screening, online interview, and specialized subject examination if shortlisted.

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