Kochi University of Technology Special Scholarship Program (SSP) 2026 – Fully Funded PhD

• Highly motivated international students aiming to pursue a full-time PhD at KUT.
  
• Applicants with research interests aligned to an SSP Research Project (engineering, informatics, architecture, economics, data science, environmental studies, and related fields).
  
• Applicants 35 years old or younger at the time of admission.

Scholars may enjoy the following benefits:

• Full exemption from entrance exam fee (15,000 yen), enrollment fee (300,000 yen), and annual tuition (535,800 yen) for the 3-year program.
• Monthly living stipend of 150,000 yen.
• Relocation allowance of 150,000 yen for students arriving from abroad.
• English research writing course and basic Japanese language classes.
• Research mentorship with KUT professors and opportunities for cultural exchange activities.

Applicants must have the following qualifications:

• Must hold a Master’s degree (or be in the final stage of completion) in a relevant field.
• Must demonstrate strong academic record and research capability.
• Must be 35 years old or younger at admission.
• Must have sufficient English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent).
• Must select a project from the SSP Research Project List and align a research proposal accordingly.
• Must obtain written consent from a prospective KUT supervisor prior to application.
• Must intend to engage in full-time research and complete the PhD within three years.