Kochi University of Technology (KUT) Special Scholarship Program (SSP) for Doctoral Candidates, Japan

Summary

The Kochi University of Technology (KUT) Special Scholarship Program (SSP) offers a fully funded opportunity for highly qualified international students to pursue a doctoral degree in Engineering. This program covers tuition fees, provides a monthly stipend for living expenses, and offers initial travel and living costs. Applicants must first secure permission from a KUT supervisor through an online pre-application process before submitting a formal application.

Designation

Doctoral Program (3 years) in Engineering Course, Department of Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering.

Research Area

The program is open to various research fields within Engineering. Prospective applicants should consult the SSP supervisor list to identify available research areas and professors.

Location

Kochi University of Technology (KUT), Japan. Research activities will primarily be conducted at either the Kami Campus or Eikokuji Campus, depending on the research field.

Eligibility/Qualification

Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:

• Obtain permission from a preferred SSP supervisor to apply.
• Hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution (or be scheduled to acquire one) after 18 years of education.
• Be 35 years old or under at the time of enrollment, in principle.
• Possess an excellent academic record from reputable universities (bachelor’s and master’s degrees).
• Demonstrate adequate knowledge and research skills in their intended research field.
• Have high English proficiency, evidenced by a minimum score of TOEFL iBT72 (Writing 17), IELTS5.5 (Writing 5.5), CET-6, or WSK(PETS-5). (English test scores may be waived under certain conditions).

Scholarship Description

The SSP is a comprehensive scholarship for doctoral candidates, providing:

• Exemption from the 15,000 yen entrance examination fee, 300,000 yen enrollment fee, and 535,800 yen/year tuition fee for three years.
• A monthly scholarship of 150,000 yen for living expenses for three years.
• A one-time payment of 150,000 yen for travel and initial living costs (for international applicants living outside Japan with or intending to acquire “Student” status of Japanese residence).

SSP students are required to conduct research under a designated KUT professor, report on their achievements each semester, and adhere to research ethics and regulations.

How to Apply

The application process involves two main stages:

1. Pre-Application:
   • Choose a maximum of two supervisors from the SSP Supervisor List.
   • Submit an Online Pre-Application Request Form to your preferred supervisors.
   • Respond promptly if a supervisor contacts you.
   • Obtain permission from one supervisor to proceed with a formal application. (Pre-applications are considered rejected if no reply is received within two weeks.)
2. Formal Application:
   • Once permission is granted, select one preferred supervisor.
   • Complete all required documents (refer to the List of Required SSP Application Documents).
   • Submit the complete application package by post to KUT. Documents must reach KUT by the formal application deadline.

Admission Schedule

April 2027 Enrollment: (The Second Deadline)

October 2027 Enrollment: (The First Deadline)

October 2027 Enrollment: (The Second Deadline)

Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to send a pre-application request at least 8 weeks prior to the formal application deadline.

Last Date for Apply

The last dates to apply depend on the desired enrollment period:

• For April 2027 Enrollment (Second Deadline): Formal application documents must reach KUT by October 16, 2026.
• For October 2027 Enrollment (First Deadline): Formal application documents must reach KUT by October 16, 2026.
• For October 2027 Enrollment (Second Deadline): Formal application documents must reach KUT by April 9, 2027.

Apply Link

To begin the pre-application process, use the KUT Online Pre-Application Form.