Fully Funded PhD in Japan for International Students - No IELTS Required
If you are looking for a fully funded PhD opportunity in Japan, the Kochi University of Technology (KUT) Special Scholarship Program (SSP) 2026 could be your golden ticket.
This is an exceptional chance for international students especially those interested in Engineering, Informatics, Management, and Data Science to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Japan without paying any tuition fees and without needing IELTS.

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
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Host Country | Japan |
University | Kochi University of Technology (KUT) |
Degree | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) |
Fields of Study | Engineering, Informatics, Management, more |
Duration | 3 Years |
Language of Instruction | English |
IELTS Requirement | Not Mandatory |
Funding | Fully Funded |
Application Deadline | October 17, 2025 |
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:
Visit the official SSP website
Review available research projects and supervisors
Contact your selected supervisor to seek approval
Submit the Pre-Application Request Form
Gather all required documents
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)

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