The Kochi University of Technology (KUT) in Japan is offering the Special Scholarship Program (SSP) 2026 for international students seeking to pursue a fully-funded Doctoral degree. The program provides a tuition fee exemption (including entrance and enrollment fees) and a ¥150,000 monthly stipend (approx. $940 USD) for research work, plus funds for initial travel and living costs. Applicants must be 35 or under, hold a Master’s degree, possess high English proficiency, and obtain permission from their preferred SSP project leader prior to submitting their application. The deadline for submission is April 10, 2026.
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Special Scholarship Program Summary
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Institution/Host | Kochi University of Technology (KUT), Japan |
| Study Abroad | Study in Asia (Japan) |
| Category | Postgraduate Scholarships (PhD/Doctoral) |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries |
| Reward | Full Scholarship (Tuition + Stipend) |
| Stipend Value | ¥150,000 per month (approx. $940 USD) |
| Deadline | April 10, 2026 |
| Note | SSP is a research-based program where students work on a pre-selected project. |
Kochi University of Technology (KUT) Special Scholarship Program (SSP) 2026 Details
The Kochi University of Technology (KUT) Special Scholarship Program (SSP) is a prestigious, research-intensive Doctoral program designed to attract outstanding international students to Japan. It provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in cutting-edge research projects led by distinguished faculty members while receiving comprehensive financial support.
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Scholarship Benefits
Tier 1: Full Financial Support and Monthly Salary
The SSP is a fully-funded scholarship package, ensuring that successful candidates can focus entirely on their research without financial stress:
- Tuition and Fees Waiver: Scholars are granted exemption from all major fees, including the entrance examination fee (¥30,000), the enrollment fee (¥300,000), and the annual tuition fee (¥535,800).
- Monthly Stipend/Salary: Scholars receive a substantial salary of ¥150,000 per month for their work on the designated research project. This funding is provided to cover living expenses, though applicants should note that taxes may be deducted.
- Travel and Initial Living Costs: International students residing outside Japan will receive an additional ¥150,000 upon entry to cover travel expenses and initial costs associated with settling in Japan.
Tier 2: Research Focus and Program Structure
The SSP operates on a unique model where candidates are selected for existing research projects, ensuring immediate and focused research engagement:
- Project-Based Admission: Unlike traditional PhD applications, applicants must first select a research project from the SSP Research Project List and secure permission to apply from the respective project leader. This commitment ensures alignment between the student’s skills and KUT’s research needs.
- Global Reach: The program is designed to enroll highly qualified students from across the globe, including Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and Africa.
- Advanced Degree Requirement: The program is exclusively for Doctoral (PhD) level study, requiring applicants to already hold, or be scheduled to acquire, a degree comparable to a Master’s degree (completed after 18 years of education).
Tier 3: High Standards for Eligibility
The KUT SSP sets a high bar for applicants to ensure they are prepared for demanding advanced research:
- Academic Excellence: Applicants must possess an excellent academic record from reputable universities, particularly in their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- Age Limit: Candidates must be 35 years old or under at the time of enrollment (April 2026).
- English Proficiency: High English proficiency is mandatory. Accepted scores include TOEFL iBT 72, IELTS 5.5, CEFR B2, or CET6.
- Research Alignment: Applicants must clearly demonstrate intention, knowledge, and research skills that are suitable for the chosen SSP research project.
Eligibility Requirements for 2026 Special Scholarship Program
To be considered for the Kochi University of Technology SSP, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Project Leader Permission: Must obtain permission from the leader of their preferred SSP project using the KUT Online Pre-Application Request Form.
- Degree: Must hold a degree comparable to a Master’s degree from an accredited institution, completed after 18 years of education, or be scheduled to acquire such a degree before KUT enrollment.
- Age: Must be 35 years old or under at the time of enrollment.
- Academic Record: Must have an excellent academic record from reputable universities.
- Research Aptitude: Must demonstrate knowledge and research skills suitable for the selected project.
- English Proficiency: Must possess high English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 72, IELTS 5.5, CEFR B2, or CET6).
How to Apply for Special Scholarship Program 2026 (Step by Step)
The application process requires careful, sequential steps, starting with securing a research position:
- Choose a Research Project: Review the official SSP Research Project List to identify a project that aligns with your Master’s background and research interests.
- Submit Pre-Application Request: Send a complete Online Pre-Application Request to the leader of your chosen project via the KUT Online Pre-Application Request Form and obtain the leader’s explicit permission to apply for that specific SSP project. This step is mandatory.
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary application materials, ensuring all transcripts, certificates, and letters of recommendation are in English or Japanese.
- Submit Application Package: Once you have the project leader’s permission, complete all documents and submit the full application package to KUT by post before the official deadline.
Required Documents for Kochi University of Technology Scholarship
Candidates must be ready to submit the following:
- Signed pre-application request (as confirmation of project leader permission).
- Original Master’s degree certificate and transcript (in English or Japanese).
- Original Bachelor’s degree academic transcript (in English or Japanese).
- Application Form.
- Research Outline (tailored to the chosen SSP project).
- A copy of the intending applicant’s Master’s thesis (in English).
- Two signed recommendation letters (in English or Japanese).
- Certificate of English ability (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS score report).
- Copy of passport.
- Copy of publication(s) (if applicable).
- A copy of an email or other communication clearly showing the project leader’s permission to apply.
Application Deadline: April 10, 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What degree level does the Special Scholarship Program (SSP) support?
The SSP supports students pursuing a Doctoral (PhD) degree in the Graduate School of Engineering at Kochi University of Technology.
2. What is the amount of the monthly stipend?
The monthly stipend for the Special Scholarship Program is ¥150,000 for work on the research project.
3. Is the tuition fee covered by the scholarship?
Yes, the SSP covers the entrance examination fee, enrollment fee, and the annual tuition fee, providing a full tuition and fee waiver.
4. What is the age limit for applicants?
Applicants must be 35 years old or under at the time of enrollment, which is typically in April 2026.
5. Is it mandatory to contact a professor before applying?
Yes, it is mandatory to choose a research project from the SSP list and obtain explicit permission from the project leader before submitting the full application.
6. What is the required minimum English score?
Applicants must demonstrate high English proficiency with scores such as TOEFL iBT 72 or IELTS 5.5.
7. Does the scholarship cover travel to Japan?
Yes, international students living outside Japan are provided with ¥150,000 to cover initial travel and living costs upon arrival.
8. Are documents required to be in English or Japanese only?
Yes, all original transcripts, certificates, and recommendation letters must be in English or Japanese.
9. What is the application deadline for the 2026 intake?
The deadline for submission of the complete application package is April 10, 2026.
10. Does the stipend have any deductions?
The monthly salary of ¥150,000 is subject to standard deductions, as some taxes may be withheld.
