Special Scholarship Program at Kochi University of Technology is a golden ticket for ambitious researchers who dream of sharpening their expertise in Japan.
Special Scholarship Program at Kochi University of Technology which was created to draw in bright minds from all continents, combines innovative doctoral research with substantial financial support. Selected candidates become part of a diverse group that has graduated over 200 people, all of whom have enjoyed Kochi Prefecture’s rich cultural tapestry while adding new perspectives to science, engineering, and technology.
Scholarship Overview
Special Scholarship Program at Kochi University of Technology , Special Scholarship Program(commonly referred to as SSP) combines paid project work with cutting-edge research. Awardees collaborate directly with distinguished professors on clearly defined PhD topics while receiving a yearly package worth ¥1,165,800 (about \$7,341).
Special Scholarship Program at Kochi University of Technology, waives all tuition, covers enrollment and examination fees, and even offsets relocation expenses for scholars arriving from abroad. In return, candidates devote around 50 hours per month to their supervisor’s research project experience that often leads to co‑authored publications and global conference presentations.
Eligibility Criteria
In Order to be considered eligible for this scholarship Applicants must have:
- Project Permission: Get the professor in charge of your selected SSP research project to sign off on your work.
- Academic Background: Hold (or be on track to earn) a master’s degree after at least 18 years of formal education.
- Age Limit: Be 35 years old or younger at the time of enrollment in October 2025.
- Scholastic Record: Present strong grades at both bachelor’s and master’s levels from reputable universities.
- Research Readiness: Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and motivation suited to the proposed project.
- English Proficiency :Meet TOEFL iBT 72, IELTS 5.5, CEFR B2, or CET‑6 (or higher).
Application Procedures
Applicants should follow these instructions correctly:
- Explore Projects: Look through the KUT website’s SSP Research Project List* and pick a subject that interests you.
- Submit Pre-Application: Send the project manager a brief request via the online form, including your resume, academic highlights, and research goals.
- Secure Approval: Wait for an email confirming the professor’s permission to apply. Print or save this message; you will submit it later.
- Prepare Documents: Gather every required item: application form, transcripts, degree certificates, English‑ability proof, master’s thesis (or abstract), research outline, two recommendation letters, passport copy, publications (if any), and the signed pre‑application request.
- Mail the Package: Send all originals or certified copies by registered post to Kochi University of Technology before 15 October 2025.
- Await Results: Short‑listed candidates may be asked for an online interview. Final offers are issued by early March 2026.
Benefits of Special Scholarship Program at Kochi University of Technology
The following fees are waived: ¥30,000 for the entrance exam, ¥300,000 for enrollment, and ¥535,800 for annual tuition.
- Monthly Salary: ¥150,000 paid for project work, which helps pay for daily expenses like food, rent, and other costs (note: local taxes may apply).
- Arrival Grant: ¥150,000 lump sum to ease travel and initial living costs for those coming from outside Japan.
- Research Environment : Access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratories, high‑performance computing, and dedicated technical staff.
- Career Boost: Opportunities to publish with supervisors, present internationally, and build networks within Japan’s innovation ecosystem.
Why Choose Kochi University of Technology?
KUT punches well above its size in research impact, ranking among Japan’s most productive institutes in engineering and environmental science.
The campus, nestled between verdant mountains and the Pacific coastline, provides a tranquil yet stimulating backdrop for focused study. Living costs in Kochi are lower than in Tokyo or Osaka, allowing your stipend to stretch further.
Small graduate cohorts mean you receive close mentorship, while partnerships with industry especially in renewable energy and smart infrastructure translate academic findings into real‑world solutions.
Add Japan’s safe cities, efficient transport, and vibrant culture, and KUT becomes an ideal launchpad for a global research career.
Application and Deadline
Early contact with project leaders is strongly advised, as approvals take time and positions are competitive.
Deadline: All application materials must arrive at Kochi University of Technology on or before 15 October 2025.
Official Scholarship Website : https://www.kochi-tech.ac.jp/english/admission/ssp/outline.html