KAIST Scholarships in South Korea

KAIST Scholarships in South Korea

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) is inviting international students worldwide to apply for its Fully Funded Scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year. Established in 1971, KAIST was South Korea’s first research-oriented science and engineering university and is consistently ranked among the top universities in Asia.

These prestigious scholarships are available for Master’s and Doctoral degree programs, offering exceptional students the opportunity to study in one of the world’s most technologically advanced nations. The program aims to foster global research collaboration and innovation in science, engineering, business, and technology.

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Programs Offered

KAIST offers scholarships for graduate studies in a wide range of disciplines, including:

• College of Natural Sciences: Physics, Mathematical Sciences, Chemistry
• College of Life Science & Bioengineering: Biological Sciences
• College of Engineering: Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Industrial & Systems Engineering, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Bio & Brain Engineering, Nuclear & Quantum Engineering, Industrial Design
• College of Business: Business and Technology Management
• College of Liberal Arts and Convergence Science: Culture Technology, Journalism, Future Strategy, Intellectual Property, Science and Technology Policy, Humanities and Social Sciences

Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the KAIST Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be international students (non-Korean citizens).
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree for Master’s programs or a Master’s degree for PhD programs.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7 out of 4.0 after the first year of study to continue receiving the scholarship.
• Demonstrate strong academic background and leadership potential.
• Provide proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent) if previous education was not conducted in English.
• Applicants with dual citizenship including Korean nationality are not eligible.

Scholarship Benefits

The KAIST Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including:

• Full tuition fee waiver (approx. USD 6,000 per semester)
• Monthly stipend: USD 750 for Master’s students and USD 950 for PhD students
• Accommodation allowance: USD 520 (for 6 months)
• Food allowance: USD 2,600 (for 6 months)
• Transportation: USD 75 (for 6 months)
• Books and supplies: USD 110 (for 6 months)
• Medical insurance: USD 670 (for 6 months)

These benefits ensure students can focus entirely on their academic and research pursuits without financial constraints.

Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and upload the following documents during the online application process:

1. Completed KAIST Online Application Form
2. One Recommendation Letter
3. Academic Transcripts
   • Bachelor’s transcript (for Master’s applicants)
   • Master’s transcript (for PhD applicants)
4. Statement of Purpose / Study Plan
5. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
6. Copy of Passport or National ID
7. English Proficiency Test Results (if applicable)
8. Proof of Financial Resources (self-funded or scholarship application)
9. Additional documents for applicants of Korean origin educated abroad

Application Process

1. Visit the official KAIST online application portal. 
2. Create an account and select your desired degree level (Master’s or PhD).
3. Complete the online form and upload all required documents.
4. Indicate your intention to apply for the KAIST Scholarship in the financial section.
5. Pay the non-refundable application fee of approximately USD 80.
6. Request your referee to submit a recommendation letter through the portal.
7. Submit your completed application before the deadline.

Application Timelines:

• Spring 2026 Intake: August 19 – September 2, 2025
• Fall 2026 (Early Track): December 2 – 16, 2025
• Fall 2026 (Regular Track): March 3 – 17, 2026

Admission results are typically announced 2–3 months after the submission deadline.

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