The Kochi University of Technology (KUT) Special Scholarship Program (SSP) 2027 offers overseas students wishing to pursue a three-year doctoral degree in a research setting taught in English a fully supported PhD scholarship in Japan. The KUT SSP was established in 2003 with the goal of advancing advanced research at KUT by attracting highly skilled PhD applicants to its Graduate School of Engineering.
The entrance exam, enrollment, and tuition fees are all fully covered by the KUT SSP. A scholarship worth 150,000 yen per month for three years is also awarded to chosen scholars. International candidates who meet the qualifying standards and live outside of Japan may also be eligible to receive an additional 150,000 yen to aid with initial living expenses and travel expenditures.
The PhD program has two admissions periods, in April and October, and is taught only in English. Applicants must get approval from their desired SSP supervisor prior to submitting the official application. Candidates can get in touch with up to two possible supervisors at first, but they can only select one supervisor for the final application.
Scholarship Details
Scholarship Name: Kochi University of Technology Special Scholarship Program (KUT SSP)
Country: Japan
University: Kochi University of Technology
Degree Level: PhD / Doctoral
Funding: Fully Funded
Application Deadline: 16 October 2026
Degree Level
The Kochi University of Technology (KUT) Special Scholarship Program (SSP) is available for:
- PhD
- Doctoral Degree
- Doctoral Research Program
Available Subjects
The KUT Special Scholarship Program offers doctoral research opportunities in a variety of engineering and related fields. The current SSP research areas include:
- Intelligent Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
- Electronic and Photonic Engineering
- Architecture and Infrastructure Design
- Engineering Science
- Informatics
- Data and Innovation
- Economics and Management
Eligibility Criteria – Kochi University of Technology PhD Scholarship 2027, Japan
To apply for the Kochi University of Technology PhD Scholarship 2027 in Japan, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Before submitting the official application, get authorization or approval from a desired SSP supervisor.
- After completing at least 18 years of schooling, hold a degree from an accredited university that is comparable to a KUT master’s degree, or be expected to earn one prior to enrollment.
- In theory, you must be 35 years of age or younger when you enlist.
- Possess outstanding academic credentials, including solid bachelor’s and master’s degrees from reputable universities.
- Show that you have the knowledge, research aptitude, and abilities necessary to do doctoral research in the field of your choice.
- Possess a solid knowledge of the English language.
Applicants should typically fulfill one of the following minimum English proficiency requirements, under KUT’s current guidelines:
- IELTS: 5.5 or higher, with at least 5.5 in Writing
- TOEFL iBT: 72 or higher, with at least 17 in Writing
- CET-6
- WSK (PETS-5)
If they meet Kochi University of Technology’s exemption requirements, certain applicants might not need to submit their English language test results.
Benefits – Kochi University of Technology PhD Scholarship 2027, Japan
Successful Kochi University of Technology (KUT) SSP 2027 scholars receive comprehensive financial and academic support throughout the three-year doctoral program.
The scholarship benefits include:
- Monthly Scholarship: 150,000 yen a month for three years of living costs.
- Entrance Examination Fee: The 15,000 yen entrance examination fee is completely waived.
- Enrollment Fee: The 300,000 yen enrollment charge is completely waived.
- Tuition Fee: Three years of complete exemption from the 535,800 yen annual tuition cost.
- Travel and Initial Living Support: Subject to the relevant residence-status requirements, qualified foreign applicants living outside of Japan may be eligible to receive 150,000 yen for travel and initial living expenses.
- English Research-Writing Courses: Availability of research-writing courses taught by professors who speak English as their first language.
- Japanese Language Classes: Grammar and common conversation are covered.
- Cultural Activities: Possibilities to take part in educational and cultural events in Japan.
- Accommodation Support: Help in locating a suitable place to live alone in Japan.
- Research Environment: Doctoral supervision, academic resources, and research facilities at KUT are all accessible.
The KUT SSP provides a fully financed PhD study opportunity under the university’s specified scholarship criteria, with tuition, enrollment, and entrance exam expenses eliminated and a three-year monthly stipend. However, students may still be responsible for paying some charges, such as alumni association dues and specific insurance premiums.
Application Process
The Kochi University of Technology SSP application process consists of a supervisor pre-application followed by a formal application.
Step 1: Find a Suitable SSP Supervisor
First, review the official KUT SSP supervisor list and identify a professor whose research area matches your proposed doctoral research. KUT allows applicants to select a maximum of two potential supervisors for the pre-application stage.
Step 2: Submit the Online Pre-Application
Complete and submit the KUT Online Pre-Application Request Form to your preferred supervisor or supervisors. The supervisor will review your background and research interests.
KUT recommends submitting the pre-application request at least eight weeks before the formal application deadline. If a preferred supervisor does not respond within two weeks, the pre-application is considered rejected.
Step 3: Obtain Supervisor Approval
Applicants can proceed to the formal SSP application only after receiving permission from a preferred supervisor. Even if two supervisors initially give permission, applicants must select only one supervisor for the formal application.
Step 4: Prepare the Required Documents
After receiving supervisor approval, prepare all required SSP application documents according to KUT’s instructions. Make sure documents requiring original or certified copies are properly prepared.
Step 5: Submit the Formal Application by Post
The formal application documents must be sent to KUT by post. KUT states that it does not accept formal SSP application documents by email, and all required documents must arrive at the university by the applicable deadline.
Step 6: Interview and Specialized Subject Examination
The admission decision is based on document screening, an interview, and an examination in the specialized subject. The interview and specialized subject examination may be conducted online through Webex or another communication platform.
Step 7: Admission Decision
For the 16 October 2026 deadline, KUT lists screening between October and November 2026, with admission decisions scheduled for mid-December 2026.
Required Documents
Applicants who receive permission from their preferred SSP supervisor should prepare the following documents for the formal application:
- Copy of the email or other communication confirming permission from the preferred SSP supervisor.
- Signed Pre-Application Request.
- Original bachelor’s degree academic transcript in English or Japanese.
- Original master’s degree academic transcript in English or Japanese.
- Required degree/certificate documents according to KUT’s application guidelines.
- Research Outline in English, approximately one page, describing the planned doctoral research and the research activities for the first, second, and third years.
- Two signed recommendation letters in English or Japanese using the official KUT SSP form. One recommendation letter must be from the applicant’s master’s program supervisor.
- Original health certificate in English or Japanese issued within the previous six months, using the official KUT SSP form where applicable.
- English proficiency certificate, such as TOEFL iBT, IELTS, CET-6, or WSK(PETS-5), unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption.
- Any additional documents required by KUT’s current SSP application guidelines.
KUT generally requires original degree certificates and academic transcripts or appropriately certified copies. Documents issued in languages other than English should be accompanied by certified English translations. KUT also provides conditions under which electronically authenticated academic documents may be accepted.
Application Deadline
Deadline: 16 October 2026
According to KUT’s current SSP admission schedule, 16 October 2026 is listed as an application deadline for both April 2027 enrollment and October 2027 enrollment under the respective admission schedules. All required documents must arrive at KUT by the deadline.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the KUT Special Scholarship Program 2027?
The Kochi University of Technology Special Scholarship Program (SSP) 2027 is a three-year doctoral scholarship program in Japan for international applicants pursuing research at KUT’s Graduate School of Engineering.
Is the KUT SSP 2027 fully funded?
The SSP provides exemption from the entrance examination fee, enrollment fee, and tuition fee, together with a 150,000 yen monthly scholarship for three years. Eligible international applicants living outside Japan may also receive 150,000 yen for travel and initial living expenses under the applicable conditions.
How much is the monthly KUT SSP scholarship?
Selected SSP scholars receive 150,000 yen per month for three years.
What degree is offered under the KUT SSP?
The program is a three-year doctoral program conducted in English.
Can international students apply for the KUT PhD Scholarship?
Yes. The KUT SSP is designed for doctoral candidates, including eligible international applicants who meet the program’s academic, age, research, English-language, and supervisor-approval requirements.
Do I need a supervisor before applying?
Yes. Applicants must obtain permission from a preferred SSP supervisor before submitting the formal application. KUT recommends contacting potential supervisors at least eight weeks before the formal application deadline.
How many supervisors can I contact?
You can submit a pre-application request to a maximum of two supervisors during a given entry period. However, you must select only one supervisor for the formal application.
What is the age limit for the KUT SSP?
Applicants should generally be 35 years old or younger at the time of enrollment.
What IELTS score is required for KUT SSP?
The current KUT guidelines list a minimum IELTS score of 5.5, including 5.5 in Writing. Applicants may qualify for an English-test exemption under certain university conditions.
What TOEFL score is required?
The current requirement is TOEFL iBT 72, with a minimum Writing score of 17.
Can I apply without supervisor approval?
No. Only applicants who obtain permission from their preferred SSP supervisor are eligible to submit the formal application documents.
How are KUT SSP applications submitted?
The pre-application is submitted online to potential supervisors. After obtaining supervisor permission, the formal application documents must be completed and sent to KUT by post. KUT does not accept formal SSP application documents by email.
When is the KUT SSP 2027 application deadline?
The current deadline is 16 October 2026 for the applicable 2027 admission schedules. Applicants should check the official KUT guidelines before submitting their documents because admission schedules can be updated.
