Admission

Last updated: February 6, 2017


Program Description1Project-based
Program Description2English-medium instruction
Outline
The Special Scholarship Program (SSP) was established in 2003 in order to support the development of advanced research at the university through the contribution of highly capable doctoral students. Though the 3-year curriculum, Kochi University of Technology (KUT) provides comprehensive education in the multidisciplinary environment in the engineering area. Every year, KUT enrolls approximately 15 selected doctoral students to work in specific research projects. Each student pursues a doctoral course in English while at the same time assisting his/her host professor in his/her research projects and receiving monthly payment in return for his/her contribution to the projects. This program is for those who have strong intention to engage in his/her research projects for the whole three years acquiring profound knowledge and skill and ability to become a full-fledged researcher, and aspire to satisfy the degree requirements accordingly. It is designed to help students with limited financial resources, especially foreign students from emerging countries, who are ready to devote themselves to the expected research and related studies for the coming three years so as to finally accomplish their academic goal.
  • Entry: April and October
  • Medium of study: English
  • Number of students to be admitted: No more than 3 SSP students can be enrolled concurrently for each project leader. See the SSP project list for details of which projects currently have places available for SSP students.
  • Program of study: Doctoral program (3 years), Department of Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering
  • Degree to be admitted: Doctor of Engineering or Doctor of Philosophy depending on the research field

Origin of SSP international students admitted

Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Germany ,Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Latvia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, etc.
Fields of Research Projects
  • Material and Life Systems Engineering (Kami Campus)
  • Intelligent Mechanical Systems Engineering (Kami Campus)
  • Electronic and Photonic Systems Engineering (Kami Campus)
  • Information Systems Engineering (Kami Campus)
  • Infrastructure Systems Engineering (Kami Campus)
  • Economics and Management (Eikokuji Campus)

SSP Research Project List is here


Completion Requirements
  • 3 years' enrollment at KUT
  • 10 or more credits earned
  • Successful completion of the doctoral dissertation defense after receiving a preliminary assessment more than one year in advance
  • Publication of two or more high level reviewed papers
Curriculum and Standard Schedule for Completion

(For October enrollees)

Year Semester Research work Course work ( )... Number of credits
Seminars English writing courses Courses to acquire
cutting-edge knowledge
of various
engineering fields
1st 1st
  • Decide research theme
  • Submit research project work plan
  • Submit research report
Advanced seminar I (2) Technical writing II (2) Interdisciplinary
engineering A (2)
2nd
  • Mid-term evaluation and interview
  • Submit research project work plan
  • Submit research report
Advanced seminar II (2) Research writing (2) Interdisciplinary
engineering B (2)
2nd 1st
  • Mid-term evaluation and interview
  • Submit research report
    Interdisciplinary
engineering C (2)
2nd
  • Submit research project work plan
  • Submit research report
  • Publication of at least 1 reviewed paper
  • Preliminary assessment of doctoral dissertation
    Interdisciplinary
engineering D (2)
3rd 1st
  • Submit research report
4 credits At least 6 credits
2nd
  • Submit research project work plan
  • Publication of at least 2 reviewed papers
  • Thesis defense
 

Program Description3Tuition waiver and full financial assistance
Benefits for Successful Applicants
  1. Exemption from 30,000 yen entrance examination fee, 300,000 yen enrollment fee and 535,800 yen/year tuition fee
  2. To support living expenses, 150,000 yen/month is paid as salary for research project work.   
    *You must pay some amount of taxes from this salary. See the details below.
  3. 150,000 yen is provided for travel and initial living costs (given only to international applicants who are living outside Japan).
Support Systems
  • English technical writing and research writing class will be given to first and second year doctoral students by a native English professor.
  • Japanese language class will be provided for daily conversation and grammar.
  • Tutors assist new international students with academic and daily life matters.
  • Many types of Japanese cultural activities will be offered seasonally.
  • International students can receive assistance in finding single accommodation.
International House
KUT International House in Kami campus was established as multicultural on-campus accommodation for KUT students.
International students at Kami campus can enjoy this living-learning environment to develop a better understanding of Japanese culture through daily life with Japanese students if there is vacancy.
※International students at Eikokuji campus can receive assistance in finding accommodation from the Student Support Division.

Examples of monthly living expenses

 for Kami students 
 Room fee (Shared kitchen)27,500 yen 
 Electricity fee2,500 yen 
 Food*40,000 yen 
 Income tax**2,000 yen 
 Resident tax**4,000 yen 
 National Health Insurance tax **5,000 yen 
 Other34,000 yen 
 TotalApprox. 115,000 yen 
Entrance fee (30,000 yen) and common service fee (15,000 yen / half year) for International House are separately required.
*Cost for one meal is about 500 yen.
**Tax amount fluctuates from year to year. (It depends on your annual income in the previous year in Japan.) The above is just an average.
 for Eikokuji students 
 Room fee40,000 yen 
 Utilities + Internet fee20,000 yen 
 Food*45,000 yen 
 Income tax**2,000 yen 
 Resident tax**4,000 yen 
 National Health Insurance tax **5,000 yen 
 Other34,000 yen 
 TotalApprox. 150,000 yen 
The above estimate is based on the case you live in the apartment under the contract between KUT and real estate designated by KUT. You will be charged deposit and key money around 80,000 yen to 100,000 yen before moving into the apartment. The rooms are equipped with a refrigerator, a microwave oven, TV set and a washing machine.
*Cost for one meal is about 700 yen.
**Tax amount fluctuates from year to year. (It depends on your annual income in the previous year in Japan.) The above is just an average.
Program Description4No visit to Japan required before beginning studies
Application and Admission Schedule

Requirements and Eligibility for Admission
Applicants are required to meet all of the following conditions:
  1. To hold a degree from an accredited institution comparable to the master’s degree offered at KUT after 18 years of education, or to be scheduled to acquire such a degree before the KUT enrollment date
  2. To be 35 years old or under at the time of enrollment
  3. To have an excellent academic record and strong bachelor’s and master’s degrees from reputable universities
  4. To have the intention, adequate knowledge and research skill to work in one of the designated research projects
  5. To have high English proficiency

Application Guideline is here