Discover the KAIST Graduate Scholarship in South Korea

Are you dreaming of studying in South Korea and pursuing higher education at a top-tier science and technology university? The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) offers a fantastic opportunity for international students through its Graduate Scholarship program for 2027. This scholarship is designed to support talented individuals from all over the world who wish to undertake Master’s, Master’s leading to PhD, or PhD programs. KAIST is a leading research university, and this scholarship can help make your academic goals a reality.

Key Takeaways

• The KAIST Graduate Scholarship in South Korea is a fully funded program for international students seeking Master’s or PhD degrees.
• Scholarship benefits can cover tuition, provide a monthly stipend, and include national health insurance.
• Applicants need a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and must meet English proficiency requirements, though waivers are available.
• The application deadline for the 2027 intake is September 1st, 2026, and applications are submitted online.

About the KAIST Graduate Scholarship

The KAIST Graduate Scholarship is a fully funded program for international students. It aims to attract bright minds to South Korea to study at KAIST, a university known for its cutting-edge research and innovation. The scholarship covers various expenses, making it easier for students to focus on their studies and research. Applications are open to students from any country, and even final-year undergraduate students who expect to graduate before the program starts can apply.

Scholarship Benefits

KAIST offers several scholarship options, and selected students are automatically considered for them. These include the KAIST University Scholarship, KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship (KGPS), KAIST Prestige Scholarship for International Ph.D. Students (KPS), and the KAIST CoE PhD Fellowship. Additionally, students might be eligible for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), which is funded by the Korean government.

The specific benefits vary depending on the scholarship awarded:

• KAIST University Scholarship: This covers the total tuition fee for 4 semesters for Master’s students, 10 semesters for Master’s-PhD integrated students, and 8 semesters for PhD students. It also provides a monthly stipend to help with accommodation and other living costs, as well as national health insurance premiums.
• KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship (KGPS): This scholarship offers a full tuition grant for 4 semesters (for Master’s and PhD programs) and a guaranteed monthly stipend of KRW 1,000,000 for 4 semesters.
• KAIST Prestige Scholarship for International Ph.D. Students (KPS): This provides a full tuition grant for 8 semesters and a monthly stipend of KRW 300,000.
• KAIST CoE PhD Fellowship: This fellowship offers a full tuition grant for 4 academic years and a monthly stipend of KRW 2,500,000.
• GKS Scholarship: This government-funded scholarship typically covers full tuition fees, monthly stipends, accommodation, airfare tickets, insurance, and books.

Available Programs and Degrees

KAIST offers a wide range of programs across several colleges, including:

• College of Natural Sciences
• Life Science and Bioengineering
• College of Engineering
• College of Liberal Arts and Convergence Science
• College of Business

These colleges provide opportunities for students to pursue Master’s, Master’s leading to PhD, and PhD degrees in various specialized fields.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the KAIST Graduate Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• International Students: The scholarship is open to students who do not hold Korean citizenship.
• Academic Background: Applicants need a Bachelor’s degree for Master’s programs and a Master’s degree for PhD programs. Final-year students expecting to graduate before enrollment are also welcome to apply.
• English Proficiency: While many lectures are in English, proof of English proficiency is generally required. Accepted scores include TOEFL iBT: 83, IELTS: 6.5, TOEIC: 720, or TEPS: 326.
• English Proficiency Waiver: A waiver for English test scores may be granted if you are from or have completed your previous education in specific English-speaking countries. These countries include Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts, St Lucia, St Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, the U.K., and the U.S.A. Students from certain other countries who have also completed their education there might also be eligible for a waiver.

Required Documents for Application

All application documents must be submitted in either Korean or English. The typical required documents include:

• A scanned copy of your national identity card.
• Scanned copies of your parents’ national identity cards.
• A certificate of family registration to show your relationship with your parents.
• Certificates of all completed degrees. If your degree is not yet complete, provide an official letter stating your expected graduation date.
• Your English proficiency report, taken within two years of the application deadline.
• Two recommendation letters from academic advisors. If recommendations are from an employer, a CV is also needed.
• Proof of any honors, awards, or employment history.

How to Apply

To apply for the KAIST Graduate Scholarship, you need to complete the online application form. The application system is available on the KAIST admissions website.

You can start your application by visiting the official KAIST graduate admissions portal: https://gradapply.kaist.ac.kr/intergradapply/

The deadline for applications is September 1st, 2026.

Conclusion

The KAIST Graduate Scholarship for 2027 presents a significant opportunity for international students to pursue advanced studies in South Korea with full financial support. By meeting the eligibility criteria and submitting a complete application, you can take a step towards an enriching academic experience at one of Asia’s leading science and technology universities.

Frequently Asked Questions