The Kochi University of Technology (KUT) has officially opened its globally competitive Special Scholarship Program (SSP) for the 2026 academic year, welcoming highly qualified international candidates to apply for doctoral research positions under full financial support in the field of engineering.
This prestigious program not only offers world-class research opportunities in English but also provides a fully funded PhD scholarship, including generous monthly stipends, tuition fee waivers, and relocation support.
What is the SSP Program?
The Special Scholarship Program (SSP) is a three-year doctoral program offered by the Graduate School of Engineering at KUT. It is specifically designed for outstanding international students to undertake advanced research under the supervision of KUT professors. Applicants must be under 35 years of age and possess a master’s degree or be in the process of completing one.
SSP Scholarship Benefits
Selected SSP students receive:
- Monthly stipend of 150,000 yen for living expenses (for three years)
- Full tuition waiver (535,800 yen/year)
- Waiver of enrollment and exam fees (up to 315,000 yen)
- Relocation support: 150,000 yen for travel and initial costs (for applicants outside Japan).
Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is for you if:
- You hold or are about to complete a master’s degree (after 18 years of education).
- You are 35 or under at the time of enrollment.
- You have a strong academic background and research skills.
- You can demonstrate English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 72+, IELTS 5.5+, or equivalent.
Supervisor Pre-Application: First Step is Crucial!
Before submitting a formal application, candidates must gain the approval of a supervisor listed in the SSP Supervisor List.
Applicants may contact up to two supervisors by submitting the Online Pre-Application Form. If a supervisor agrees to proceed, only then can a candidate submit the complete formal application to KUT. No supervisor approval = no application.
Important: If your selected supervisor does not respond within 2 weeks, your request is considered rejected.
Application Timeline (For April & October 2026 Intake)
For the second deadline of April 2026 enrollment, the application deadline is October 17, 2025. Screening and interviews will occur from October to November 2025, followed by the announcement of admission results in mid-December 2025, and the final registration deadline on January 9, 2026.
The first deadline for October 2026 enrollment shares the same schedule as the second April deadline, with the application deadline on October 17, 2025, screening during October–November 2025, results in mid-December 2025, and registration by January 9, 2026.
For the second deadline of October 2026 enrollment, applicants must apply by April 10, 2026. Screening and interviews will be conducted between April and May 2026, admission results will be released by mid-June 2026, and the registration deadline will be July 10, 2026.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their online pre-application forms to supervisors at least 8 weeks before the formal application deadline to ensure sufficient time for approval and document preparation.
What Documents Are Required to Apply?
- Pre-application confirmation from a supervisor
- Signed and dated Motivation Letter (max 2 pages)
- Europass-format CV
- Degree certificates & transcripts (with English/Japanese translation)
- Grading system explanation
- Passport copy
- English proficiency proof
Apply: https://www.kochi-tech.ac.jp/english/admission/ssp/application-guideline.html.