Special Scholarship Program (SSP) – Kochi University of Technology PhD 2027

Overview

A fully funded 3-year PhD track at Kochi University of Technology, waiving all fees and paying a ¥150,000/month stipend, open to international applicants with a confirmed supervisor.

Eligibility

Benefits

Application Process

Kochi University of Technology’s Special Scholarship Program (SSP) is a fully funded, three-year PhD track open to international applicants in its Department of Engineering and its Economics and Management program.

The program waives all standard fees and pays a monthly living stipend for the entire three years, plus a one-time travel grant for students relocating from overseas.

Because a supervisor’s advance approval is required before applying, prospective candidates need to contact and secure agreement from a KUT professor well ahead of the deadline.

Scholarship Summary

Scholarship Name: Special Scholarship Program (SSP), Doctoral Program

Academic Year: April 2027 entry (also first-round deadline for October 2027 entry)

Host Country: Japan

Scholarship Provider: Kochi University of Technology

Administered Through: KUT International Relations Center

Eligible Applicants: International applicants, age 35 or under

Study Location: Kami City, Kochi (Kami Campus) or Kochi City (Eikokuji Campus)

Application Method: Online pre-application, followed by postal documents

Study Levels

This scholarship funds doctoral study only, across the following fields:

• PhD / Doctoral Studies — Intelligent Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• PhD / Doctoral Studies — Electronic and Photonic Engineering
• PhD / Doctoral Studies — Architecture and Infrastructure Design
• PhD / Doctoral Studies — Engineering Science
• PhD / Doctoral Studies — Informatics, Data and Innovation
• PhD / Doctoral Studies — Economics and Management

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must secure written permission from an intended SSP supervisor at KUT before applying.

• Hold, or will hold, a master’s degree or equivalent (18 years of education)
• 35 years old or under at enrollment
• Minimum English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 72, IELTS 5.5, or equivalent
• Prior written permission from an intended SSP supervisor at KUT

Scholarship Benefits

The SSP provides full doctoral funding for 3 years:

• Entrance examination fee waived (¥15,000)
• Enrollment fee waived (¥300,000)
• Annual tuition waived (¥535,800/year)
• ¥150,000/month scholarship stipend for the full three years
• An additional one-time ¥150,000 for travel and initial living costs for applicants coming from abroad

How to Apply

Prospective applicants must first obtain permission from a preferred SSP supervisor at KUT, then submit a pre-application online, followed by formal documents by post.

Application Steps

1. Contact a prospective supervisor in your field at Kochi University of Technology and secure their written permission.
2. Submit a pre-application through KUT’s online Pre-Application system.
3. Prepare formal application documents (transcripts, degree certificates, English proficiency scores, research proposal, etc.).
4. Send the formal application documents by post before the deadline.
5. Await KUT’s admission and scholarship decision.

Application Deadline

Deadline: 16 October 2026, for April 2027 entry (also the first-round deadline for October 2027 entry; a second round for October 2027 entry closes 9 April 2027).

Important Information

• A supervisor’s written permission is required before submitting a formal application
• Applicants must be 35 years old or under at enrollment
• Covers Department of Engineering fields plus Economics and Management
• A second-round deadline (9 April 2027) exists for October 2027 entry only

Official Application Portal

KUT International Relations Center – Pre-Application System

Official Sources

Applicants should always prioritize information published by:

• Kochi University of Technology – International Relations Center

Disclaimer: Scholarship availability, eligibility requirements, benefits, deadlines, and participating programs may change. Applicants should verify all information through the official sources before applying.