The Kochi University of Technology (KUT) in Japan invites international students to apply for the 2025 Special Scholarship Program (SSP)—a fully funded PhD opportunity designed to support outstanding scholars in advanced research.
The program offers generous financial support including full tuition coverage, monthly stipends, and travel assistance to international students from around the world.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Japan
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | $7,340 Stipends/Yr | Accommodation | Travel Costs
- Deadline: October 15, 2025
Scholarship Details
The Special Scholarship Program (SSP) is an initiative by Kochi University of Technology to attract high-performing international students to participate in doctoral-level research projects in Japan.
As part of this competitive program, scholars will be involved in cutting-edge research while receiving comprehensive financial support to ease their academic journey. Since its inception, the program has welcomed students from multiple regions including East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, producing over 200 successful graduates.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the KUT Special Scholarship Program 2025, applicants must:
- Obtain prior approval from the project leader of their selected research topic
- Hold or be expected to hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) completed after 18 years of education
- Be 35 years old or younger at the time of enrollment
- Demonstrate an excellent academic record from reputable universities
- Show strong research skills and interest aligned with the chosen research project
- Meet the required English proficiency standards:
- TOEFL iBT: 72+
- IELTS: 5.5+
- CEFR: B2 level or above
- CET6 (if applicable)
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants for the Special Scholarship Program 2025 will receive:
- Full waiver of all academic fees:
- Entrance examination fee (¥30,000)
- Enrollment fee (¥300,000)
- Annual tuition fee (¥535,800)
- Monthly Salary:
- ¥150,000 per month (approximately $1,000) for participating in research activities (subject to tax deductions)
- Travel & Initial Support:
- ¥150,000 for travel expenses and initial settlement for students entering Japan with a “Student” visa
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Completed Application Form
- Original Bachelor’s & Master’s degree transcripts (in English or Japanese)
- Original Master’s degree certificate
- Master’s thesis (in English)
- Research Outline
- Two signed letters of recommendation
- Certificate of English proficiency
- Copy of passport
- Copies of any academic publications
- Proof of permission from the project leader (email or written)
- Signed Pre-Application Request
How to Apply
Interested and eligible candidates must complete the following steps:
- Visit the KUT Special Scholarship Program application page
- Select a research project from the official SSP Research Project List
- Send a completed Online Pre-Application Request to the project leader via the official Pre-Application Form
- Obtain permission from the research project leader to apply
- Once permission is granted, prepare all documents and submit them via post to KUT before the deadline
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