About the Kochi University of Technology Fully Funded PhD Program

The KUT Special Scholarship Program (SSP) is a 3-year, research-based fully funded PhD program conducted entirely in English. It has been running since 2003 and aims to attract highly capable international researchers to contribute to innovative research projects.

Each supervisor only admits a limited number of students to ensure personalized mentorship in a collaborative research environment.

 Scholarship Highlights

 Fully Funded PhD Research Fields at KUT

Applicants must select a research topic from KUT’s official SSP research project list and get prior approval from the professor supervising that project.

Here are the major fields available:

• Intelligent Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

• Architecture and Infrastructure Design

• Electronic and Photonic Engineering

• Engineering Science

• Data and Innovation

• Informatics

• Economics and Management

Note: Each supervisor can admit up to 3 SSP students at a time.

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Eligibility for the Fully Funded PhD in Japan

To be eligible for the fully funded PhD program at KUT, applicants must:

• Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent (minimum 18 years of education)

• Be under the age of 35 at the time of enrollment

• Have a strong academic background in Bachelor’s and Master’s studies

• Show clear alignment with the research project

• Demonstrate high English language proficiency

• Obtain consent from a KUT faculty supervisor before applying

Financial Coverage: KUT Fully Funded PhD Benefits

The KUT SSP 2026 Scholarship offers one of the most generous financial support packages for PhD students in Asia:

Tuition & Fee Exemptions

• No entrance exam fee (15,000 yen)

• No enrollment fee (300,000 yen)

• No annual tuition fee (535,800 yen/year)

Monthly Living Allowance

• ¥150,000 (~USD 1,050) per month for living, food, and housing

Relocation Grant

• One-time ¥150,000 relocation support for overseas students

Additional Benefits

• Academic English research writing classes

• Basic Japanese language lessons

• Assistance with accommodation

• Cultural integration activities

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Accommodation and Living Costs for PhD Students

KUT provides low-cost housing for international PhD students:

Kami Campus Dormitory (International House)

• Rent: 30,000–32,500 yen/month

• Total monthly cost: ~125,000 yen

Eikokuji Campus Dormitory (Takasone C)

• Rent: 32,500 yen/month

• Total monthly cost: ~140,000 yen

These estimates include food, utilities, and other living expenses.

Required Documents for the KUT Fully Funded PhD Program

Prepare the following documents to apply:

• Supervisor approval (email or signed letter)

• Pre-Application Request Form

• Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s)

• Degree certificates

• English proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or university-issued letter)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Research proposal matching the SSP project

• Passport copy

• Two letters of recommendation

• (Optional) Publications or academic ranking certificates

How to Apply for the KUT SSP 2026 PhD Scholarship

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Visit the official SSP website

2. Review available research projects and supervisors

3. Contact your selected supervisor to seek approval

4. Submit the Pre-Application Request Form

5. Gather all required documents

6. Mail your complete application by post before the deadline

Deadline to apply: October 17, 2025

Why Choose This Fully Funded PhD in Japan?

• No Japanese language requirement

• Fully funded tuition and monthly stipend

• Focused research environment with expert mentorship

• Internationally diverse academic setting

• No IELTS required (if alternative proof of English is provided)