For international students seeking to pursue advanced postgraduate studies in Japan, a unique opportunity has been announced. The Kochi University of Technology (KUT) is inviting international students to apply for its 2026 Special Scholarship Program (SSP). This program is designed for exceptional candidates who wish to engage in advanced research projects at the university.
This scholarship provides substantial financial support for students pursuing postgraduate degrees. The KUT Special Scholarship Program has a strong history of global outreach, enrolling students from all over the world and having produced over 200 graduates. Consequently, this post will provide a detailed discussion of the scholarship, its benefits, and the step-by-step application method for all interested applicants.
Scholarship Summary at a Glance
- Host Country: Japan
- University: Kochi University of Technology (KUT)
- Degree Level: Doctoral (Postgraduate)
- Financial Benefits: Tuition Waiver + ¥150,000 Monthly Salary + Travel Allowance
- Deadline: April 10, 2026
Comprehensive Financial Benefits
The Special Scholarship Program at KUT provides a very attractive package of benefits for its scholars. The financial support is designed to allow students to focus entirely on their research project work.
- Tuition and Fees Waiver: A complete exemption from all major fees is provided, including the 30,000 yen entrance examination fee, the 300,000 yen enrollment fee, and the annual tuition fee of 535,800 yen.
- Monthly Salary: To support living expenses, a salary of 150,000 yen per month is paid for participation in the research project. (Note: some taxes may be deducted).
- Travel & Initial Costs: For international students living outside Japan, a one-time payment of 150,000 yen is provided to cover travel and initial living costs upon arrival.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Kochi University of Technology Scholarship, a specific set of criteria must be met by all applicants.
- Supervisor's Permission: First and foremost, you must obtain permission from the leader of your preferred SSP research project.
- Academic Background: A degree comparable to a Master’s degree from an accredited institution must be held. This must be completed after 18 years of education, or you must be scheduled to acquire it before enrolling at KUT.
- Age Limit: Applicants must be 35 years old or under at the time of enrollment.
- Academic Excellence: An excellent academic record, with strong Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from reputable universities, is required.
- Skills: You must demonstrate the intention, knowledge, and research skills suitable for your chosen research project.
- English Proficiency: High English proficiency is required. This can be demonstrated with scores such as TOEFL iBT 72, IELTS 5.5, or CEFR B2.
Required Application Documents
A complete application package is essential. The following documents must be prepared:
- Application Form
- Original Bachelor’s and Master’s degree academic transcripts (in English or Japanese)
- Original Master’s degree certificate (in English or Japanese)
- A copy of your Master’s thesis (in English)
- A detailed Research Outline
- Two signed recommendation letters
- A valid certificate of English proficiency
- A copy of your passport
- A copy of any publications (if applicable)
- Proof of Permission: A copy of an email or other communication clearly showing that the leader of your preferred project has given you permission to apply.
- A signed pre-application request form
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
The application process for the KUT Special Scholarship Program is multi-staged and must be followed precisely.
- Choose a Project: First, you must review the SSP Research Project List on the university's official website and choose one project that aligns with your research interests.
- Contact the Project Leader: Next, you must send a complete Online Pre-Application Request to the leader of your chosen project. This is done to obtain the leader’s permission to formally apply.
- Obtain Permission: You must successfully receive this permission before you can proceed. This is a mandatory step.
- Submit Full Application: Once permission is granted, you will complete all the required documents listed above and submit them by post to KUT. Your application must be received by the deadline.
This is an exceptional chance to engage in high-level research in Japan with full financial support. Be sure to start the process early, as obtaining a project leader's permission is essential. The final deadline for all documents to be received by post is April 10, 2026.