Special Scholarship Program – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes15 Apr, 2026

The Special Scholarship Program at Kochi University of Technology in Japan is a fully funded doctoral scholarship for international students. The SSP provides complete tuition exemption for the full duration of the doctoral program. This includes the entrance examination fee, enrollment fee, and annual tuition fees. Scholars receive a monthly living stipend to cover basic expenses in Japan. Eligible international students also receive a one-time travel and initial living allowance upon arrival.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the Special Scholarship Program before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

Engineering

GPA / Grade

Languages

IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 72

Tests

Study Levels

PhD

Total Scholarships

3 Per Supervisor

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Yes

Recommendation Letters

Result Date

May/July

Program Start

September

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Yes

¥150,000/month stipend for 3 years

Travel Allowance

¥150,000 (one-time, for eligible international students)

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award Amount¥150,000/ month for 3 years
Deadline15 Apr, 2026
LevelPhD
InstitutionKochi University of Technology
CountryJapan
ModeOnline
TypeFully funded

Apply Now

The Special Scholarship Program (SSP) at Kochi University of Technology (KUT) in Japan is a fully funded doctoral scholarship for international students. The program supports highly motivated candidates who want to pursue a PhD in Engineering. Offered by the Graduate School of Engineering, SSP focuses on advanced research under the supervision of a KUT faculty member. The program removes major financial barriers and allows scholars to concentrate fully on research and innovation.

Background and Purpose

KUT established the SSP to attract talented international researchers and strengthen its global research profile. The university aims to promote high-level engineering research through international collaboration. By offering full financial support and English-based research training, KUT creates an inclusive academic environment for global scholars. The program also prepares researchers to contribute to technological advancement and academic excellence worldwide.

Special Scholarship Program Benefits

The SSP provides complete tuition exemption for the full duration of the doctoral program. This includes the entrance examination fee, enrollment fee, and annual tuition fees. Scholars receive a monthly living stipend to cover basic expenses in Japan. Eligible international students also receive a one-time travel and initial living allowance upon arrival. These benefits significantly reduce financial pressure and support academic focus.

Eligibility Criteria

The scholarship is open to applicants from all nationalities. Candidates must hold, or be close to completing, a Master’s degree equivalent to Japanese academic standards. Applicants must secure approval from a designated SSP supervisor before applying. The program requires strong academic performance, research potential, and alignment between the applicant’s research interests and faculty expertise.

Special Scholarship Program Application Process

Applicants first contact a potential SSP supervisor and obtain permission to apply. After securing supervisor approval, candidates submit a formal application to KUT. All study and research activities take place in English. Scholars must submit regular research progress reports each semester and maintain high academic and ethical standards throughout the program.

Opportunities for Scholars

SSP scholars gain access to a research-oriented Japanese university with strong international collaborations. They develop advanced research skills, publish academic work, and build global professional networks. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, research institutions, and advanced engineering industries worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply?

Be a doctoral applicant (only PhD level).
Have (or be about to receive) a Master’s degree from a recognized institution.
Be 35 years old or under at the time of enrollment (in principle).
Have an excellent academic record and research potential.
Obtain permission from a preferred SSP supervisor at KUT before applying.
Have sufficient English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL iBT 72 / IELTS 5.5 or equivalent), unless exempted.

What are the main obligations?

Conduct research under the supervision of a KUT professor per an approved research plan.
Submit a research progress report at the end of each semester.
Adhere to academic ethics, Japanese laws, and university regulations.

What happens after application?

Your application is evaluated by KUT.
You may be asked to interview or take a specialized subject exam (often online).
Only applicants with supervisor permission are considered.
Final admission decisions are announced after screening, exams/interviews.