Accepting applications Fully Funded

Apply for Kochi University Special Scholarship 2027 in Japan (All Expenses Covered)

Last updated Jun 18, 2026

Deadline

2026-10-16

Country

Japan

Level

phd

Organization

Kochi University of Technology

Field

Intelligent Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Electronic and Photonic Engineering, Architecture and Infrastructure Design, Engineering Science, Informatics, Data and Innovation, Economics and Management, Engineering

Funding

fully funded

Overview

This is a fully-funded Special Scholarship Program (SSP) for international students pursuing a 3-year Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree at Kochi University of Technology (KUT) in Japan. The program aims to foster advanced research at the university by attracting highly capable doctoral students from around the world. Studies can commence in either April or October.

Coverage

This is a fully-funded scholarship covering all expenses. Benefits include exemption from admission fees, enrollment fees, and tuition fees. International applicants will also receive an initial living allowance, a monthly stipend for living expenses, and travel expenses. There is no application fee.

Eligibility

This scholarship is open to all international students, including Ethiopian nationals. Applicants must hold or be expected to obtain a comparable master’s degree. Candidates must be 35 years of age or younger at the time of enrollment and possess a good academic standing from a reputable university. Applicants should have relevant research goals, expertise, and abilities, and demonstrate a high level of fluency in English. Permission from a KUT supervisor to host the applicant is a mandatory requirement.

Requirements

To complete the doctoral program, candidates must be enrolled for at least three years and accumulate more than ten doctoral course credits. They must successfully pass a preliminary examination at least one year prior to the final defense, and then complete the final public defense. Additionally, candidates are required to have at least one academic paper published in a high-level, peer-reviewed journal by the final defense, or demonstrate noteworthy research accomplishments in certain circumstances. Required documents include a current passport, CV or Resume, Certificate of English proficiency, Research proposal, Cover Letter, and Personal Statement.

How to apply

First, applicants must choose a study project from the SSP Study Project List available on the Kochi University of Technology website. Following this, a completed Pre-Application Request form must be sent via email to the appropriate project manager to obtain their approval to apply. The application process is conducted online.

Notes

The program is conducted entirely in English. There is no requirement to visit Japan before the commencement of studies. The available research areas include Intelligent Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Electronic and Photonic Engineering, Architecture and Infrastructure Design, Engineering Science, Informatics, Data and Innovation, and Economics and Management.

Source & Verification

Host organization: Kochi University of Technology

Original source: BrightScholarship

Official application page: https://www.kochi-tech.ac.jp/english/admission/ssp/outline.html

Verify the deadline, eligibility, and document list on the official website before applying.

How to Apply

1

Read the full requirements

Visit the official application page and read all eligibility criteria carefully before investing time in the application.
2

Gather your documents

Collect transcripts, certificates, and references. Official copies may require apostille — start this process early.
3

Request recommendation letters

Contact your referees at least 4–6 weeks before the deadline. Brief them on the scholarship and your goals.
4

Write your motivation letter

Be specific about your goals, why you chose this program, and your plan to contribute to Ethiopia after completing your studies.
5

Proofread and submit early

Submit at least 3–5 days before the deadline. Technical issues are common — never submit on the last day.