Kumamoto University’s Graduate School of Science and Technology (GSST) is now accepting applications for the IJEP Short-Term Exchange Program under the Environmental Leader Program, starting in October 2025. The program offers graduate-level coursework and research opportunities in English for a period of 6 or 11 months.
This program includes a monthly scholarship of 80,000 JPY, provided by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) for up to 20 qualified students from partner universities. Master’s and doctoral students from the College of Science are highly encouraged to apply!
Program Highlights
Duration: 6 months (Oct 2025–Mar 2026) or 11 months (Oct 2025–Aug 2026)
Program Components:
- Research project under supervision in a GSST laboratory
- Lectures in environmental science and related topics
- Required course: Current Science and Technology in Japan (2 credits)
- Minimum 3 classes related to environmental issues
- Field trip, midterm & final presentations, final report
Transcript & Certificate of Completion issued by GSST upon successful completion
Eligibility Requirements:
- Enrolled master’s or doctoral student at NTNU College of Science
- Strong academic record (GPA ≥ 2.30 based on JASSO scale)
- Proof of English proficiency (test date must be after May 2023): TOEFL iBT ≥ 71, TOEIC ≥ 700, or IELTS ≥ 6.0
- Non-Japanese nationality (including applicants from Taiwan and Palestine)
- Must return to NTNU to complete degree after exchange period
- Financial need (not receiving other scholarships exceeding 80,000 JPY/month)
Application Deadline: Friday, June 20, 2025 (5:00 PM JST)
All application materials must be submitted digitally through the COS office.
Required Documents:
- Application form (Form 1)
- Certificate of enrollment (including expected date of completion)
- One letter of recommendation from a professor or supervisor
- Official English transcripts (with GPA and academic ranking)
- Valid English test score (TOEFL, TOEIC, or IELTS)
Selecting a Research Supervisor
Applicants are encouraged to explore GSST’s research fields and contact faculty members to secure a prospective supervisor prior to applying.
Research fields: https://www.fast.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/gsst-en/res_act/
If no supervisor is listed in the application, GSST will assign one after selection.
Inquiries
Program content & academic matters:
Prof. Mitsuyo Kishida
ask-gsst@gpo.kumamoto-u.ac.jp
Application & document submission:
Academic/International Affairs Section, GSST
szk-kokusai@jimu.kumamoto-u.ac.jp
Official Website: https://www.fast.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/gsst-en/special/
Interested NTNU students are advised to contact the office of the College of Science as early as possible for assistance with necessary documents, internal procedures and nomination.