Kochi University of Technology SSP 2027

The Special Scholarship Program (SSP) is an official doctoral scholarship offered by Kochi University of Technology in Japan. Established in 2003, the programme is designed to support advanced university research by attracting highly capable doctoral students from Japan and overseas.

The SSP is a three-year doctoral programme within the Department of Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering. The programme is conducted in English, and students carry out research under the supervision of a designated KUT professor.

Unlike a standard direct university application, prospective SSP candidates must first identify one or two suitable supervisors from the official SSP Supervisor List and submit an online pre-application request. Only candidates who receive permission from a preferred supervisor may proceed to the formal application stage.

Students are expected to remain actively engaged in research throughout the three-year programme, submit research-progress reports each semester and satisfy KUT’s doctoral completion requirements. At least one academic paper in a high-level peer-reviewed journal is normally required by the final doctoral defence.

The programme combines doctoral research with substantial financial support, including fee exemptions, monthly living support and initial travel assistance for qualifying overseas students.

• Applicants must obtain permission to apply from a preferred SSP supervisor.
• Applicants must hold, or expect to obtain before enrolment, a qualification equivalent to a KUT Master’s degree after approximately 18 years of education.
• Applicants should be 35 years old or under at the time of enrolment, in principle.
• Applicants must have an excellent academic record.
• Applicants should have strong Bachelor’s and Master’s qualifications from recognised/reputable universities.
• Applicants must demonstrate sufficient research knowledge and skills for their proposed research field.
• Applicants must demonstrate high English proficiency.
• Accepted English evidence includes at least TOEFL iBT 72 with Writing 17 or IELTS Academic 5.5 with Writing 5.5; CET-6 and WSK/PETS-5 are also accepted in relevant cases.
• An English-test certificate may be waived for applicants who meet KUT’s specified exemption conditions.
• International applicants, including Pakistani citizens, may apply; the standard SSP does not impose a nationality restriction.

• Full exemption from the ¥15,000 entrance examination fee.
• Full exemption from the ¥300,000 enrolment fee.
• Full exemption from annual tuition of ¥535,800 for three years.
• Scholarship of ¥150,000 per month for living expenses for three years.
• One-time ¥150,000 support for travel and initial living costs for eligible international applicants living outside Japan.
• Doctoral research under the supervision of a KUT professor.
• English research-writing support.
• Japanese-language classes.
• Academic and daily-life support through student tutors.
• Support in finding single accommodation for eligible international students.
• Opportunities to participate in university and Japanese cultural activities.

After obtaining supervisor permission, the formal SSP application requires:

• Copy of correspondence confirming permission from the preferred KUT supervisor.
• Signed copy of the submitted online pre-application request.
• Original Bachelor’s academic transcript in English or Japanese.
• Original Master’s academic transcript in English or Japanese.
• Original Master’s degree certificate in English or Japanese.
• Applicants still completing their Master’s degree must provide the required expected-degree documentation.
• Copy of the Master’s thesis in English, or an English abstract if the thesis is written in another language.
• Research outline of approximately one page in English covering the proposed three-year research plan.
• Two signed recommendation letters in English or Japanese using the official KUT SSP form.
• One recommendation must normally be from the applicant’s Master’s supervisor.
• Original health certificate issued within the previous six months.
• English-language test certificate unless an official exemption applies.

Applicants may also submit, where applicable:

• Bachelor’s and Master’s class-rank certificates.
• Copies of previous publications.
• Copy of passport or another acceptable identification document.

The official process evaluates applicants through:

• Quality of submitted academic records.
• Strength of Bachelor’s and Master’s academic backgrounds.
• Suitability for the proposed research field.
• Research knowledge and skills.
• Quality and feasibility of the proposed research plan.
• English-language proficiency.
• Supervisor assessment during the pre-application stage.
• Formal document screening.
• Interview performance.
• Performance in the specialised-subject examination.

• Complete an English-medium PhD at a Japanese research university.
• Receive substantial financial support throughout the three-year doctorate.
• Work directly with an established KUT research supervisor.
• Build advanced research and academic-publication skills.
• Gain international research experience in Japan.
• Access multidisciplinary research facilities and academic networks.
• Develop both academic English and practical Japanese-language skills.
• Strengthen your profile for future academic, research and industry careers.