The Special Scholarship Program (SSP) is Kochi University of Technology’s funded route into its three-year, English-taught doctoral program in the Graduate School of Engineering. Students research under one KUT supervisor at the Kami campus, or at the Eikokuji campus in Kochi City for economics and management.
It admits students twice a year, for April and October entry. Fields span mechanical and aerospace, electronic and photonic, architecture and infrastructure, engineering science, informatics, data and innovation, and economics and management.
Benefits & funding
- Entrance exam fee (¥15,000), enrolment fee (¥300,000) and tuition (¥535,800 a year) waived for three years.
- ¥150,000 a month toward living costs for three years; reduced under KUT rules if you hold another scholarship.
- ¥150,000 once for travel and settling in, only for applicants living outside Japan who hold or will take “Student” residence status.
- Semester progress reports are assessed; a weak one can suspend or end the award.
Eligibility
- Prior permission from your chosen SSP supervisor, via the pre-application.
- A master’s-level degree after 18 years of education, or one due before enrolment.
- Aged 35 or under at enrolment (“in principle”).
- An excellent academic record from reputable universities, and the knowledge and skills to research in the field.
- English: TOEFL iBT 72 (Writing 17), IELTS Academic 5.5 (Writing 5.5), CET-6 or WSK (PETS-5); waived after high school in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Ireland or New Zealand, or a fully English master’s including the thesis.
- No nationality bar; Japan’s security export rules may restrict some research or admission.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Education required
Master Enrolled · Master
Age requirement
≤ 35 yrs
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Application process
- 1Send the online pre-application to up to two supervisors on the SSP list, ideally 8+ weeks before the deadline; no reply within two weeks means rejection.
- 2With permission, pick one supervisor and post the documents, including two signed recommendation letters (one from your master’s supervisor). They must arrive by the deadline; email is not accepted.
- 3Pass document screening, then an online interview and specialized-subject exam.
Program timeline
16 Oct 2026
Deadline (documents arrive) for April 2027 or October 2027 entry
Interview and subject exam
Oct–Nov 2026
Decisions
Mid-Dec 2026
Registration deadline
15 Jan 2027
9 Apr 2027
Next deadline, October 2027 entry