Explore the KAIST Graduate Scholarship for International Students

For international students dreaming of studying in South Korea, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) offers a significant opportunity through its Graduate Scholarship program for 2027. This scholarship aims to attract talented individuals from around the globe to pursue Master’s, Master’s leading to PhD, or PhD degrees. KAIST is a leading research university, and this scholarship provides a pathway for students to access its high-quality education and research facilities.

The KAIST Graduate Scholarship is designed to support students financially, covering various aspects of their academic journey. This analysis will break down the details of the scholarship, including its benefits, eligibility requirements, and the application process, to help prospective students understand what it entails.

Key Takeaways

• The KAIST Graduate Scholarship program for 2027 offers various funding options for international students pursuing Master’s or PhD degrees.
• Scholarship benefits can include full tuition exemption, monthly stipends, and sometimes coverage for accommodation, airfare, and books.
• Applicants must not hold Korean citizenship and should meet specific academic requirements, including English proficiency.
• The application process is online, with a deadline of September 1st, 2026, for the 2027 intake.

Scholarship Details and Benefits

The KAIST Graduate Scholarship program includes several types of scholarships, and applicants are automatically considered for them upon application. These include the KAIST University Scholarship, KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship (KGPS), KAIST Prestige Scholarship for International Ph.D. Students (KPS), KAIST CoE PhD Fellowship, and the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS).

The benefits vary depending on the specific scholarship awarded:

• KAIST University Scholarship: Offers full tuition exemption for four semesters for Master’s candidates, ten for Master’s-PhD integrated candidates, and eight for PhD candidates. It also provides a monthly stipend to cover accommodation and other expenses.
• KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship (KGPS): Provides a full tuition grant for four semesters and a guaranteed monthly stipend of KRW 1,000,000 for four semesters.
• KAIST Prestige Scholarship for International Ph.D. Students (KPS): Includes a full tuition grant for eight semesters and a monthly stipend of KRW 300,000.
• KAIST CoE PhD Fellowship: Covers full tuition for four academic years and offers a monthly stipend of KRW 2,500,000.
• GKS Scholarship (Global Korea Scholarship): This government-funded scholarship typically covers full tuition fees, monthly stipends, accommodation, airfare tickets, insurance, and books.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

To be considered for the KAIST Graduate Scholarship, international students must meet specific criteria. Primarily, applicants must not hold Korean citizenship. Academic qualifications are also essential: a bachelor’s degree is required for Master’s programs, and a Master’s degree for PhD programs. Final-year undergraduate students who expect to graduate before the enrollment period can also apply.

KAIST offers a significant number of courses in English, with over 80-90% of lectures conducted in English. However, proof of English proficiency is generally required, with minimum scores typically set at TOEFL iBT: 83, IELTS: 6.5, TOEIC: 720, or TEPS: 326.

An English proficiency test score waiver is available for applicants who meet certain conditions. This includes being a citizen of or having completed previous education in specific English-speaking countries like Australia, Canada, the UK, or the USA, among others. A comprehensive list of eligible countries for the waiver is provided by the university.

Required Documents for Application

Prospective students need to prepare a set of documents for their application. All submitted documents must be in either Korean or English. The standard requirements include:

• A secondary copy of the applicant’s national identity card.
• Scanned copies of the applicant’s parents’ national identity cards.
• A certificate of family registration to prove the relationship with parents.
• Certificates of all completed degrees. If a degree is still in progress, an official letter stating the expected graduation date is needed.
• An English proficiency report, usually taken within two years of the application deadline.
• Two recommendation letters from academic advisors. If recommendations are from an employer, a CV is also required.
• Proof of honors, awards, and employment history, if applicable.

How to Apply for the KAIST Graduate Scholarship

The application process for the KAIST Graduate Scholarship is conducted online. Interested candidates must visit the official KAIST graduate admissions portal to complete the application form. The system is designed to guide applicants through each step.

The deadline for applications for the 2027 intake is September 1st, 2026. It is crucial for applicants to submit all required documents and complete the online application before this date to be considered.

Direct Application Link: https://gradapply.kaist.ac.kr/intergradapply/

Registration Link: https://gradapply.kaist.ac.kr/intergrad_apply/schedule/information.do

Conclusion

The KAIST Graduate Scholarship for 2027 presents a compelling opportunity for international students seeking advanced studies in science and technology in South Korea. With its comprehensive funding, diverse program offerings, and commitment to academic excellence, KAIST provides a world-class environment for learning and research. By carefully reviewing the eligibility criteria, preparing the necessary documents, and adhering to the application deadlines, prospective students can take a significant step towards achieving their academic goals at this prestigious institution.

Frequently Asked Questions