Kochi University of Technology SSP Doctoral Program 2027 in Japan
The Kochi University of Technology Special Scholarship Program is a 3-year doctoral program conducted in English at the Graduate School of Engineering. The program provides tuition waiver and full financial assistance, with the next listed deadline for April 2027 enrollment on October 16, 2026.
Quick Overview
Programme: Special Scholarship Program (SSP)
Opportunity Type: Doctoral Scholarship Program
Host Institution: Kochi University of Technology
Country: Japan
Study Level: Doctoral Program
Duration: 3 years
Language: English
Deadline: October 16, 2026 for April 2027 enrollment
Funding: Tuition waiver and full financial assistance
About the Special Scholarship Program
The Special Scholarship Program was established in 2003 to support advanced research at Kochi University of Technology through highly capable doctoral students. The program is research-focused and is conducted in English.
Through the 3-year curriculum, Kochi University of Technology provides education in a multidisciplinary environment. The university enrolls approximately 15 selected doctoral students every year.
The program is intended for applicants who have a strong intention to engage in research for the full three years. Students are expected to acquire advanced knowledge, research skills, and the ability to become full-fledged researchers.
Program of Study
The SSP is a doctoral program in the Department of Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering.
Students admitted from the academic year 2024 and beyond may obtain one of the following degrees, depending on the research field:
• Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering
• Doctor of Philosophy
The entry periods are April and October.
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Research Fields
The Special Scholarship Program covers several research fields at Kochi University of Technology.
Available research fields include:
• Intelligent Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Electronic and Photonic Engineering
• Architecture and Infrastructure Design
• Engineering Science
• Informatics
• Data and Innovation
• Economics and Management
Applicants must choose their preferred supervisor from the SSP supervisor list before submitting the online pre-application request.
Benefits and Financial Coverage
Successful applicants receive tuition waiver and financial support for the 3-year program.
Confirmed benefits include:
✓ Exemption from the 15,000 yen entrance examination fee
✓ Exemption from the 300,000 yen enrollment fee
✓ Exemption from the 535,800 yen per year tuition fee for three years
✓ 150,000 yen per month scholarship for three years to support living expenses
✓ 150,000 yen for travel and initial living costs for eligible international applicants living outside Japan
The travel and initial living cost support is given only to international applicants who are living outside Japan and who have, or intend to acquire, “Student” status of Japanese residence at the time of entry into Japan.
Support Systems
Kochi University of Technology provides several support systems for SSP students during the doctoral program.
Support includes:
✓ English research writing classes for first- and second-year doctoral students
✓ Japanese language classes for daily conversation and grammar
✓ Tutors for new international students
✓ Seasonal Japanese cultural activities
✓ Assistance for international students in finding single accommodation
International students may stay at KUT International House on Kami Campus if there is vacancy. Students at Eikokuji Campus may stay at Takasone Dormitory C if there is vacancy.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all official eligibility conditions to apply for the SSP.
Applicants are required to:
• Have permission from their preferred SSP supervisor to apply
• Hold a degree from an accredited institution comparable to a KUT master’s degree after 18 years of education
• Be scheduled to acquire such a degree before the KUT enrollment date, if not already completed
• Be 35 years old or under at the time of enrollment, in principle
• Have an excellent academic record
• Have strong bachelor’s and master’s degrees from reputable universities
• Have the intention, knowledge, and research skills needed for the chosen research field
• Have high English proficiency
Applicants must obtain permission from their preferred supervisor before they can formally apply.
English Proficiency Requirement
Applicants must have high English proficiency.
The official guideline lists the following minimum English proficiency scores:
• TOEFL iBT 72, with Writing 17
• IELTS 5.5, with Writing 5.5
• CET-6
• WSK (PETS-5)
Applicants may not be required to submit an English test score if they meet certain conditions stated by KUT. Alternative documentation must be submitted when an exemption condition applies.
Required Documents
Only applicants who have obtained permission from their preferred supervisor through the KUT Online Pre-Application Form may submit formal application documents.
Required documents include:
• Copy of communication showing permission from the preferred 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
• Original master’s degree certificate in English or Japanese
• Copy of master’s thesis in English
• Research outline in English
• Two signed recommendation letters in English or Japanese
• Original certificate of health in English or Japanese issued within the past 6 months
• Certificate of English ability
Applicants may also submit other documents if available, such as rank certificates, copies of past publications, and a copy of passport or other identification document.
Application Process
The application process begins with an online pre-application request.
Applicants should:
• Choose a maximum of two supervisors from the SSP supervisor list
• Submit the online pre-application request to preferred supervisors
• Wait for the supervisor’s review and response
• Respond promptly if contacted by the preferred supervisor
• Obtain permission to apply formally
• Choose only one preferred supervisor for the formal application
• Complete all required documents
• Submit the formal application documents to KUT by post
KUT does not accept formal application documents by email. All required documents must arrive by post at the International Relations Section by the deadline.
Applicants are encouraged to send a pre-application request at least 8 weeks before the formal application deadline.
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Selection Process
Only applicants who have obtained permission from their preferred supervisor are eligible to submit a formal application to KUT.
The admission decision is made after:
• Screening of submitted documents
• Interview
• Exam in the specialized subject
Applicants may be rejected before taking the interview and exam. The examination may be conducted through Webex or another communication tool.
Application Deadline
For April 2027 enrollment, the second listed application deadline is October 16, 2026.
The screening period is between October and November, with notification of admission decision in mid-December 2026. The registration deadline is January 15, 2027.
All required documents must arrive at KUT by the application deadline.
Official Link
Submit your pre-application through the official application link below.
