The Special Scholarship Program (SSP) at Kochi University of Technology supports doctoral candidates studying in the Graduate School of Engineering. The programme is conducted in English and lasts three years. Confirmed support includes exemptions from examination, enrollment and tuition fees, a monthly scholarship, and specified travel and initial living support for eligible international applicants.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: Special Scholarship Program (SSP)
Host: Kochi University of Technology
Academic Level: Doctoral Program
Department: Department of Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering
Duration: Three years
Language: English
Enrollment Time: April or October
Scholarship: 150,000 yen per month for three years
About the Special Scholarship Program
The SSP is available only to doctoral candidates. Students conduct research at Kochi University of Technology under the supervision of a designated KUT professor and according to an approved research plan.
Students must also report their study and research achievements to the dean of the Graduate School of Engineering at the end of each semester.
Scholarship Benefits
The official guidelines confirm the following financial support:
✓ Exemption from the 15,000 yen entrance examination fee
✓ Exemption from the 300,000 yen enrollment fee
✓ Exemption from the 535,800 yen annual tuition fee for three years
✓ Scholarship payment of 150,000 yen per month for three years
✓ 150,000 yen for travel and initial living costs for eligible international applicants living outside Japan
The travel and initial living allowance applies to international applicants living outside Japan who have, or intend to obtain, “Student” status of residence when entering Japan.
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Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy all conditions stated by Kochi University of Technology.
• Obtain permission to apply from a preferred SSP supervisor.
• Hold, or be scheduled to obtain before enrollment, a qualification comparable to a KUT master’s degree after 18 years of education.
• Be 35 years old or younger at the time of enrollment, in principle.
• Have an excellent academic record and strong bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
• Have the knowledge, research skills and intention required for the proposed research field.
• Meet the stated English-language proficiency requirement.
The listed minimum English scores include TOEFL iBT 72 with Writing 17, IELTS 5.5 with Writing 5.5, CET-6, or WSK (PETS-5). KUT also states that applicants meeting specified conditions may be exempt from submitting an English test score.
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Pre-Application Process
Applicants must begin with the KUT Online Pre-Application Request Form. A candidate may select a maximum of two supervisors from the SSP supervisor list.
The preferred supervisor reviews the request before a formal application can proceed. Only applicants who receive permission from a supervisor may submit a formal SSP application.
The main steps are:
• Select up to two preferred supervisors from the SSP supervisor list.
• Submit the Online Pre-Application Request Form.
• Wait for the preferred supervisor to review the request.
• Respond promptly if contacted by the supervisor.
• After receiving permission, select only one preferred supervisor.
• Prepare the required formal application documents.
• Submit the documents to KUT by post.
KUT recommends sending the pre-application request at least eight weeks before the applicable formal application deadline.
Required Application Documents
The formal application stage requires supporting academic and research documents. Confirmed documents include:
• Evidence showing permission from the preferred supervisor
• Signed pre-application request
• Bachelor’s degree academic transcript
• Master’s degree academic transcript
• Master’s degree certificate
• Master’s thesis or an English abstract where applicable
• Research Outline
• Two signed recommendation letters
• Certificate of health
• Certificate of English ability, unless the stated exemption conditions apply
Formal application documents must be submitted by post. KUT states that formal application documents are not accepted by email.
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Selection Process
Only applicants who have obtained permission from their preferred supervisor may proceed to formal consideration.
KUT makes the admission decision after:
• Screening the submitted documents
• An interview
• An examination in the specialized subject
The interview and specialized-subject examination may be conducted through Webex or another communication tool. Applicants may also be rejected during document screening before reaching the interview and examination stage.
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Doctoral Programme Requirements
The doctoral programme requires at least three years of enrollment at KUT and at least 10 doctoral course credits.
Candidates must pass a preliminary examination before their final public defense. They must also have at least one academic paper published in a high-level peer-reviewed journal by the final defense, although the guidelines note that significant research achievements may be considered in special circumstances.
Depending on the research field, students may obtain a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering or a Doctor of Philosophy.
Apply Here
Review the official SSP guidelines and follow the required pre-application and formal application process provided by Kochi University of Technology.
View the Official Special Scholarship Program (SSP) Application Guidelines
