Kochi University of Technology Special Scholarship Program (SSP) – Fully-funded, Japan
Application deadline: September 16, 2022
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. Through the 3-year curriculum, Kochi University of Technology (KUT) provides comprehensive education in the multidisciplinary environment. 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.
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
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Germany, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Latvia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Senegal, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, United States, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, etc.
Fields of Research Projects
- Environmental 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 in a doctoral program at KUT
- 10 or more doctoral course credits earned
- Successful completion of the doctoral dissertation defense after receiving a preliminary assessment more than one year in advance of the defense.
- Two or more papers in high level peer-reviewed journals, published at least two months before completion of the program; this is the basic requirement for holding a dissertation defense.
Curriculum and Standard Schedule for Completion
| Year | Semester | Research work | Course work ( )… Number of credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seminars | English writing courses | Courses to acquire cutting-edge knowledge of various academic fields | |||
| 1st | 1st | Decide research themeSubmit research project work plan Submit research report | Advanced seminar I (2) | Technical writing II (2) | Interdisciplinary engineering A (2) |
| 2nd | Mid-term evaluation and interviewSubmit research project work plan Submit research report | Advanced seminar II (2) | Research writing (2)ORResearch writing for Management (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 reportPublication of at least 1 reviewed paperPreliminary 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 papersDissertation defense |
Tuition waiver and full financial assistance
Benefits for Successful Applicants
- Exemption from 30,000 yen entrance examination fee, 300,000 yen enrollment fee and 535,800 yen/year tuition fee
- 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. - 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.
Accommodation
KUT International House in Kami campus and the Takasone Dormitory C are multi-cultural accommodations for KUT students. International students can enjoy this living-learning environment to develop a better understanding of Japanese culture through daily life with Japanese students if there is vacancy.
Source / Additional information: Official Website.