Kochi University of Technology Scholarship 2027 in Japan (Fully Funded)

The Kochi University of Technology (KUT) Special Scholarship Program (SSP) is a fully funded, 3-year PhD opportunity in Japan, open to international students worldwide. Successful applicants can begin their studies in April or October 2027, with all major fees waived and a monthly living stipend included.

Established in 2003, the SSP has produced over 200 doctoral graduates and enrolls students from East Asia, Southeast/South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and Africa. The program is taught entirely in English, so no Japanese language ability is required to apply.

Scholarship Summary


Host Country	Japan
Host University	Kochi University of Technology (KUT)
Program	Special Scholarship Program (SSP)
Study Level	PhD (Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering, or related field)
Duration	3 years
Language	English
Eligibility	International students

Scholarship Benefits

Exemption from the ¥15,000 entrance examination fee
Exemption from the ¥300,000 enrollment fee
Exemption from ¥535,800/year tuition fee for all three years
Monthly stipend of ¥150,000 for three years, paid in exchange for research work
One-time relocation allowance of ¥150,000 for students coming from outside Japan

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following:

Have permission from a preferred SSP supervisor to apply
Hold (or be scheduled to hold, before enrollment) a degree comparable to a KUT master’s degree, earned after 18 years of education
Be 35 years old or under at the time of enrollment, in principle
Have a strong academic record from reputable universities
Have the intention, knowledge, and research skill needed for the chosen field
Meet the English proficiency requirement (minimum TOEFL iBT 72 with Writing 17, IELTS 5.5 with Writing 5.5, CET-6, or WSK/PETS-5 — some applicants may be exempt)

Research Fields

Intelligent Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Electronic and Photonic Engineering
Architecture and Infrastructure Design
Engineering Science
Informatics
Data and Innovation
Economics and Management

How to Apply

Choose up to two preferred supervisors from the SSP Supervisor List.
Submit a Pre-Application Request via the Online Pre-Application Form and obtain a supervisor’s permission — ideally at least 8 weeks before the formal deadline.
Once permission is granted, choose one supervisor, prepare the required documents, and submit them to KUT by post before the deadline.
Shortlisted candidates go through document screening, an interview, and a subject-specific exam (usually conducted online).

Application Deadlines (2027 Enrollment)

Enrollment	Application Deadline	Registration Deadline
April 2027	October 16, 2026	January 15, 2027
October 2027 (First round)	October 16, 2026	January 15, 2027
October 2027 (Second round)	April 9, 2027	July 9, 2027

Deadlines confirmed from KUT’s official site as of July 2026 — always double-check the official guidelines page before applying, as they are subject to change.