Kochi University of Technology (KUT) is offering its prestigious Special Scholarship Program (SSP) for the 2025 intake. This is a fully funded PhD opportunity in Japan for international students who want to work on advanced research projects while earning their doctorate. The scholarship covers tuition fees, offers a monthly living stipend, and provides a relocation allowance — making it an ideal choice for ambitious researchers.
Students will work as research assistants on specific projects under the mentorship of experienced professors. This allows participants to gain practical research experience alongside academic learning. The program is open to applicants worldwide, making it one of the most globally accessible PhD scholarships in Japan.
Available Subjects
Applicants must select a research project from KUT’s official list.
| Field of Study | Example Research Areas |
| Intelligent Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering | Robotics, space technology, fluid dynamics |
| Electronic & Photonic Engineering | Semiconductor devices, optical communications |
| Architecture & Infrastructure Design | Sustainable building design, urban planning |
| Engineering Science | Material science, renewable energy |
| Informatics | Artificial intelligence, software engineering |
| Data & Innovation | Big data analytics, machine learning |
| Economics & Management | Technology management, global business |
Benefits of the Scholarship
You will receive the following benefits
| Benefit Type | Details |
| Tuition & Fees | Waiver for entrance, enrollment, and tuition fees (~¥535,800/year) |
| Monthly Stipend | ~¥150,000 for living expenses |
| Travel & Settlement | One-time ¥150,000 allowance for relocation |
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Choose a Research Project – Select from the SSP project list.
- Contact the Supervisor – Send a pre-application at least 6–8 weeks before the deadline.
- Obtain Supervisor Approval – Must have written consent before applying.
- Prepare Required Documents – Academic transcripts, research proposal, recommendation letters, English test results, CV, passport, and approval letter.
- Submit by Post – Send documents to KUT before the deadline.
Who Can Apply?
Open to students of all nationalities.
Degree Level
| Requirement | Details |
| Education | Master’s degree or equivalent |
| Age Limit | 35 years or younger |
| Supervisor Approval | Mandatory |
| Academic Background | Strong academic record |
| English Proficiency | TOEFL iBT 72+, IELTS 5.5+, CEFR B2 |
Only doctoral (PhD) studies are covered.
Admission Schedule
| Enrollment Term | Application Deadline | Results | Registration Deadline |
| October 2026 | October 17, 2025 | Mid-December 2025 | January 9, 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is the Kochi University SSP fully funded?
Yes, it covers tuition fees, offers a monthly stipend (~¥150,000), and provides a relocation allowance.
Q2: Can students from any country apply?
Yes, it’s open to all nationalities.
Q3: What is the deadline for October 2026 intake?
The application deadline is October 17, 2025.
Q4: Do I need a supervisor’s approval before applying?
Yes, prior written approval from the project leader is mandatory.
Q5: What level of study does this scholarship support?
It supports only PhD (doctoral) studies.
If you need any help preparing your application documents or have further questions, feel free to contact us!