Fully Funded PhD Scholarship at Kochi University of Technology in Japan 2026

Scholarships for International

Do you dream of pursuing a PhD in one of the world’s most advanced countries in the fields of engineering and technology?
Kochi University of Technology (KUT) is once again opening its doors for applications under the Special Scholarship Program (SSP) – The Special Scholarship Program (SSP) is one of the most prominent programs offered by Kochi University of Technology (KUT) in Japan, exclusively for doctoral students in the field of engineering. The program aims to attract outstanding researchers from around the world to conduct their research under specialized academic supervision in an advanced research environment.

About the Program

Degree: Doctorate (3-year program)

Faculty: Graduate School of Engineering

Language of Instruction: English

Number of Students: No more than three SSP students can be supervised concurrently by a single professor.

Enrollment Period: April or October each year

Scholarship Duration

The scholarship lasts for a full three years, unless the student’s SSP status is terminated according to the policies outlined in the section on termination of student status.

Student Obligations

Conduct research under the supervision of the designated professor, following an approved research plan.
Submit a report at the end of each semester on research and study progress to the Dean of the Graduate School of Engineering.
Comply with research ethics and university regulations and act as a role model for other students.

Funding and Benefits

Accepted SSP students receive the following benefits:

Full tuition and fees exemption:

Application fee: 15,000 JPY
Enrollment fee: 300,000 JPY
Annual tuition fee: 535,800 JPY × 3 years

Monthly stipend: 150,000 JPY to support living expenses for three years

Transition allowance: 150,000 JPY to cover travel and initial living costs (for international students living outside Japan at the time of enrollment)

The university provides assistance in student housing (International House or Takasone Dormitory).

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Obtain permission from one of the SSP supervisors before formal application.
Hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution equivalent to KUT’s master’s degree after 18 years of education, or be scheduled to obtain such a degree before enrollment.
Be 35 years old or younger at the time of enrollment (as a general rule).
Have an excellent academic record in both bachelor’s and master’s studies from reputable universities.
Have sufficient research knowledge and skills in the relevant field.
Have high proficiency in English (minimum TOEFL iBT 72 or IELTS 5.5), with exemptions in special cases.

Application Procedure

Select a maximum of two supervisors from the SSP Supervisor List.
Submit a Pre-Application Request via KUT Online Form to the chosen supervisors.
If a supervisor approves, respond promptly and complete the formal application procedures.
After obtaining approval, choose only one supervisor, prepare all required documents, and submit them by post to KUT.
All documents must reach the university by the specified deadline.
Admission decision is made after reviewing documents, interview, and specialized subject examination.
Interviews and examinations may be conducted online via Webex or other tools.

Note: If no response is received from the supervisor within two weeks of submitting the online request, the application is automatically considered rejected.

Required Documents

A copy of email or official communication showing the supervisor’s permission to apply.
Signed pre-application request — after submitting the online pre-application form, print and sign the last page of the PDF received via email.
Original bachelor’s degree academic transcript in English or Japanese (with date of issue).
- Translations or photocopies must bear a fresh university stamp or notarization.
- Transcript must list all courses, grades, and the university’s grading system.
Original master’s degree academic transcript in English or Japanese (with date of issue).
- Electronically authenticated transcripts may be accepted if conditions are met.
- Provisional transcripts may be submitted if the master’s degree is in progress.
- If the program is research-based with no coursework, submit a university-issued certificate stating this.
Original master’s degree certificate in English or Japanese.
- Must bear a fresh university stamp or notarization.
- If the master’s degree is not yet completed, submit a certificate of expected graduation using KUT Official Form No.1.
Copy of the master’s thesis in English (or English abstract if written in another language).
Research Outline — a detailed plan of intended research after enrollment, in English, about one page in length, describing research phases, required equipment, procedures, and expected outcomes.
Two signed recommendation letters in English or Japanese using KUT Official Form No.2.
- One must be from the master’s program supervisor.
Original health certificate in English or Japanese issued within the last 6 months, using KUT Official Form No.3.
English proficiency certificate: TOEFL iBT (minimum 72, Writing 17), IELTS (minimum 5.5 Writing), CET-6, or WSK (PETS-5).
- Exemptions:
  - Completed high school in an English-speaking country (USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand).
  - Completed a master’s program fully in English with a thesis written in English.

Optional Additional Documents:

Rank certificate for bachelor’s and master’s programs.
Copies of past publications.
Passport copy or other identification (birth certificate or proof of citizenship).

Application and Admission Timeline

For October 2026 or April 2027 Enrollment:

Application Deadline: April 10, 2026
Results Notification: Mid-June 2026
Registration Deadline: July 10, 2026

Applicants are advised to send pre-application requests at least 8 weeks before the formal application deadline.

Additional Notes

If the student receives another scholarship, the monthly stipend will be adjusted according to university rules.
The abstract and results of the dissertation defense will be published on the university website within three months of conferral.
KUT maintains high standards of academic integrity; any falsification of information may result in cancellation of admission and repayment of disbursed funds.
SSP students are allowed to work as teaching or research assistants at the university, limited to 40 hours per month.

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One thought on “Fully Funded PhD Scholarship at Kochi University of Technology in Japan 2026”

Abdelkader RATIAT says:

02/05/2025 at 10:14 pm

Hello dear,
I’am Algerian nationality and I would like to get PHD in environment field. I inform you that I have doctorate in hydraulics and I some experience in dam and transfer.

Reply

Fully Funded PhD Scholarship at Kochi University of Technology in Japan 2026

About the Program

Scholarship Duration

Student Obligations

Funding and Benefits

Full tuition and fees exemption:

Eligibility Requirements

Application Procedure

Required Documents

Application and Admission Timeline

Additional Notes

شارك الفرصة

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One thought on “Fully Funded PhD Scholarship at Kochi University of Technology in Japan 2026”

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