KAIST International Student Scholarship 2027

Overview

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) offers one of Asia's most generous scholarship packages for international graduate students. As South Korea's top research university in science, engineering, and technology, KAIST provides full tuition coverage, a monthly living stipend, and health insurance to admitted international students. Master's and PhD candidates from any country can study fully funded.

The scholarship is built into the graduate admissions process. Students do not submit a separate scholarship application. Instead, they select KAIST as their funding source during the online application. Admitted students receive full tuition exemption for the standard programme duration (4 semesters for Master's, 8 for PhD, 10 for integrated Master's-PhD), plus a monthly stipend that varies by tier. Under the KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship (KGPS), Master's and integrated students receive up to 1,000,000 KRW per month. Under the KAIST Prestige Scholarship (KPS), PhD students receive 300,000 KRW per month. Research assistantship funding from the supervising professor's lab is common on top of this.

Most graduate students also earn supplementary stipends through lab work, teaching assistantships, and project grants. Zero tuition, guaranteed living support, and strong research facilities make KAIST one of the most attractive fully funded graduate destinations in Asia.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Funding Body	Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
Host Country	South Korea
Degree Levels	Master's, PhD
Value	Full tuition waiver, monthly stipend (varies by scholarship tier, e.g. up to 1,000,000 KRW for Master's under KGPS, 300,000 KRW for PhD under KPS), medical health insurance, plus potential research assistantship funding
Deadline	April–May / September–October
Duration	Master's: 2 years (4 semesters). PhD: 4 years (8 semesters). Integrated Master's-PhD: 5 years (10 se
Eligible Nationalities	All international students who do not hold Korean citizenship (including dual Korean citizens are excluded)
Official Website	https://www.kaist.ac.kr/en/html/edu/03100502.html

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

Master's applicants must hold or expect to hold a Bachelor's degree before enrolment. PhD applicants must hold or expect to hold both a Bachelor's and Master's degree. Strong academic records matter, as selection is competitive across all departments.

Nationality Requirements

Open to citizens of all countries except those holding Korean citizenship. Dual Korean citizens are not eligible. There are no other country-specific restrictions.

Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency. The minimum is TOEFL iBT 83 (PBT 560), though higher scores strengthen the application. Test waivers may be available for applicants who completed a degree in an English-speaking country or who are citizens of designated English-speaking nations.

Work Experience

No work experience is required. Research experience is highly valued for PhD applicants. Prior publications or project involvement can strengthen an application.

Other Requirements

Applicants should identify up to three potential faculty advisors within their research area and register them in the Faculty section of the application. Faculty endorsement plays a major role in the admission and scholarship decision at the department level.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fee exemption for the standard programme duration
• Monthly living allowance (up to 1,000,000 KRW for Master's students under KGPS; amounts vary by tier)
• Monthly living allowance (300,000 KRW for PhD students under KPS; amounts vary by tier)
• Medical health insurance coverage
• Research assistantship stipend from the supervising professor's laboratory (amounts vary by department)
• Teaching assistantship opportunities providing supplementary income of up to 335,000 KRW/month
• Access to KAIST's research facilities, laboratories, and computing resources
• On-campus housing available at subsidised rates for international graduate students
• Settlement allowance for newly arriving international students

How to Apply

1. Identify Your Research Area and Faculty Advisors: Browse KAIST department websites to find faculty members whose research aligns with your interests. Contact potential advisors before applying. You can register up to three preferred faculty members in your application.
2. Prepare Required Documents: Gather official academic transcripts, English proficiency test scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and your research plan or proposal. All documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations.
3. Complete the KAIST Online Application: Visit the KAIST Graduate Admissions portal and complete the online application form. Select 'KAIST Scholarship' as your financial resource. Upload all required documents and pay the application fee.
4. Submit Before the Deadline: Submit your completed application before the intake deadline. Fall semester applications close around April-May; Spring semester applications close around September-October. Exact dates are published on the KAIST admissions website each cycle.
5. Department Review and Interview: Your application is reviewed by the department and potential faculty advisors. Some departments conduct interviews (in person or online). Faculty advisor endorsement is a key factor in the final admission and scholarship decision.
6. Receive Admission and Scholarship Offer: Successful candidates receive an admission letter with scholarship details. Accept the offer by the stated deadline, arrange your student visa (D-2), and prepare for your arrival at KAIST's campus in Daejeon.

Required Documents

• Completed KAIST online graduate application form
• Official academic transcripts from all prior institutions
• Bachelor's degree certificate (Master's applicants) or Bachelor's and Master's degree certificates (PhD applicants)
• English language proficiency test results (TOEFL, IELTS, or TEPS)
• Statement of purpose outlining research interests and career goals
• Research plan or proposal relevant to the chosen department
• Two or three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees
• CV or resume detailing academic and research experience
• Copy of valid passport
• Portfolio or publications list (if applicable to the field)

Important Dates & Deadlines

Milestone	Date
Applications Open	March for Fall intake; August for Spring intake
Application Deadline	Fall intake: April-May 2026. Spring intake: September-October 2026
Results Announced	6-8 weeks after the application deadline
Course Start	Fall semester: September 2026. Spring semester: March 2027

Tips for a Strong Application

Personal Statement Tips

• Spell out your research interests and explain how they connect to specific KAIST faculty members' work
• Show previous research experience, publications, or technical projects that prove your readiness for graduate-level research
• Explain why KAIST's specific strengths (e.g., AI, robotics, materials science, bioengineering) make it the right institution for your goals
• Describe a concrete research question you want to pursue during your degree

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not contacting potential faculty advisors before submitting the application, which reduces your chance of faculty endorsement
• Submitting a generic statement of purpose that does not reference specific KAIST departments or professors
• Providing English test scores below the minimum threshold of TOEFL iBT 83 without securing a waiver in advance
• Missing the application deadline for the desired intake semester
• Overlooking the requirement to select 'KAIST Scholarship' as the financial resource in the application form

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to apply separately for the KAIST International Student Scholarship?

When you apply for graduate admission and select 'KAIST Scholarship' as your financial resource, you are automatically considered. There is no separate form.

Is the KAIST scholarship fully funded?

The scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly living allowance, and health insurance. Most students also receive research assistantship funding from their laboratory, which adds to the total package.

How much is the monthly stipend?

It depends on the scholarship tier. Under the KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship (KGPS), Master's and integrated students receive up to 1,000,000 KRW per month. Under the KAIST Prestige Scholarship (KPS), PhD students receive 300,000 KRW per month. Research assistantship stipends from labs can add significantly more, depending on the department and professor.

Is contacting a faculty advisor before applying important?

Strongly recommended. Faculty endorsement is a key factor in admission and scholarship decisions. Reaching out to potential advisors shows initiative and helps confirm your research interests align with available supervision.

Can undergraduate students apply for the KAIST scholarship?

KAIST has separate scholarship schemes for international undergraduates. This scholarship is specifically for graduate (Master's, PhD, and integrated) programmes.

Are there any service obligations after graduation?

KAIST does not impose a return-to-home-country requirement. Graduates can pursue careers anywhere in the world.

Is on-campus housing guaranteed?

KAIST provides on-campus dormitory housing at subsidised rates for international graduate students. While not guaranteed, availability is good, especially for newly admitted students.

What fields of study does KAIST cover?

KAIST is primarily a science and technology institution, offering graduate programmes in engineering, computer science, biological sciences, physics, chemistry, mathematics, industrial design, business and technology management, and more.

Can I apply with an English test waiver?

In some cases. Waivers may be granted to applicants who completed a degree taught entirely in English or who are citizens of designated English-speaking countries. Check the KAIST admissions page for current waiver policies.

What is the acceptance rate for KAIST graduate programmes?

KAIST does not publish an official acceptance rate, but competition varies by department. Top departments in AI, electrical engineering, and computer science draw the most applicants. A strong research background and faculty advisor contact improve your chances.

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