KOCHI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR DOCTORAL INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS, 2027

Application Deadline: October 16th, 2026

LOCATION: Japan

The Kochi University of Technology (KUT) extends their application for qualified international doctoral students to apply for the Special Scholarship Program (SSP) on research projects in the field of Engineering. Every year in April and October, the university enrolls selected doctoral students for specific research projects. The students pursue the doctoral course in English (excl. Japanese students) while at the same time assisting their host professor as a research assistant (RA). Through this program, KUT wishes to expand and deepen international ties with academic and educational institutions all over the world.

ELIGIBILITY:

To have permission from the preferred SSP supervisor to apply

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

To be 35 years old or under at the time of enrollment, in principle

To have an excellent academic record and strong bachelor’s and master’s degrees from reputable universities

To have the intention, adequate knowledge and research skill to study in the research field

To have high English proficiency(a minimum score of TOEFL iBT72 (Writing 17), IELTS 5.5 (Writing 5.5), CET-6 or WSK(PETS-5) . Applicants may not be required to submit English test score if they meet certain conditions.

The applicants are encouraged to send a pre-application request to their preferred supervisors at least 8 weeks prior to the formal application deadline. (Please find the application deadline in item 11 “Admission Sechedule” on this page. Only individuals who have obtained the permission of their preferred supervisors are eligible to formally apply to the SSP program.

BENEFIT:

Exemption from 15,000 yen entrance examination fee, 300,000 yen enrollment fee and 535,800 yen/year tuition fee for three years

To support living expenses, 150,000 yen/month is paid as scholarship for three years

150,000 yen is provided for travel and initial living costs. (given only to international applicants who are living outside Japan, and who have, or have the intention to acquire, “Student” status of Japanese residence at the time of entry into Japan)

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INTEGRATED DROUGHT MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (IDMP) COMPETITION FOR YOUTH-LED PROJECTS

Application Deadline: 31st August 2026

LOCATION: Multiple Regions

The competition is organized by the Associated Programme on Flood Management (APFM) and the Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP) – joint programmes of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and Global Water Partnership (GWP) in partnership with the Water Youth Network (WYN).

The competition for youth-led projects aims to:

Empower young people to design and lead practical solutions for disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and response.

Strengthen community resilience through projects rooted in local needs.

Encourage youth engagement and show the impacts youth can make in building flood and drought resilience. 

ELIGIBILITY:

The proposed projects must

Be youth-led (students/young professionals aged 18– 35) and demonstrate the active participation and engagement of youth of all ages below 35in the proposed project activities.

Be practical and results-oriented; have clearly identified objectives, a timeline, and scope. 

Demonstrate a concrete contribution to enhancing resilience to floods and drought with tangible outputs. 

Be implemented within a maximum of 9 months. 

Be scalable and sustainable in time. 

Include a feasible innovative element (e.g., combining Indigenous and scientific approaches, a new community engagement model, low-cost adaptation methods, strong women’s engagement, etc.) 

To submit your proposal:

Before submitting your proposal, please read the submission guidelines carefully. 

Submission Guidelines – English

Submission Guidelines – Spanish
Proposals can be submitted in English or Spanish. To submit your proposal, please complete the following submission form:

Submission Form – English

Submission Form – Spanish


A proposal can only be submitted once, in one language. Proposals submitted multiple times will not be considered. Only proposals submitted through the submission forms will be taken into account.

Deadline for Submissions: 31st August 2026

For questions related to the competition or submission process, please contact droughtmanagement@wmo.int.

BENEFIT:

Following the success of the previous editions, the Competition for Youth-Led Projects 2026-27 aims to finance two initiatives that enhance resilience in communities that are vulnerable to floods and droughts.

Two prizes consisting of 3000 CHF each will be awarded to selected projects that are in line with the objectives and selection criteria of the competition. Awarded project leaders will implement their initiatives over 9 months, with guidance and support from experts on floods and drought.  

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