KAIST Scholarships in South Korea – Bachelor’s, Master’s & PhD. Fully Funded KAIST Scholarships for International Students.
Are you looking for a fully funded scholarship to study in South Korea? KAIST scholarships are among the most attractive opportunities for international students who want to study science, technology, engineering, mathematics, business, and related fields at a world-class Korean university.
KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) offers substantial financial support to international students at both undergraduate and graduate levels. For international undergraduate students, the KAIST Scholarship provides a full tuition waiver for eight semesters, a monthly living allowance of KRW 350,000, and medical health insurance.
At the graduate level, KAIST provides scholarships covering full tuition and offering monthly stipends and national health insurance. International Master’s, Master’s-PhD integrated, and PhD applicants can be considered for KAIST scholarship programs through the admission application.
The most important advantage is that students generally do not need to submit a separate scholarship application. Instead, eligible international applicants indicate their interest in the KAIST Scholarship while completing their admission application. Undergraduate applicants who are admitted are automatically entitled to the KAIST Scholarship, subject to the stated conditions.
This guide explains everything students need to know about KAIST Scholarships in South Korea, including Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD opportunities, benefits, eligibility requirements, required documents, application procedures, deadlines, IELTS and English-language requirements, and frequently asked questions. Apply for More Fully Funded Scholarships Here.
KAIST Scholarships in South Korea – Quick Summary
| Scholarship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) |
| Country | South Korea |
| Scholarship Type | University-funded scholarship |
| Study Levels | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Master’s-PhD Integrated, PhD |
| Target Applicants | International students |
| Bachelor’s Tuition | Full tuition waiver for 8 semesters |
| Bachelor’s Stipend | KRW 350,000 per month |
| Bachelor’s Health Insurance | Medical/National Health Insurance support |
| Graduate Tuition | Full tuition coverage under KAIST Scholarship |
| Graduate Stipend | Varies according to program, college and research involvement |
| KGPS | Master’s and Master’s-PhD Integrated applicants |
| KGPS Stipend | KRW 1,000,000 per month for 4 regular semesters |
| KPS | Master’s-PhD Integrated and PhD applicants |
| KPS Stipend | KRW 300,000 per month for 8 regular semesters |
| IELTS | English proficiency evidence may be required/recommended depending on admission rules |
| Separate Scholarship Application | Generally no |
| Undergraduate 2027 Early Application | September 22–October 22, 2026 |
| Undergraduate 2027 Regular Application | November 10, 2026–January 14, 2027 |
| Graduate Spring 2027 Application | August 18–September 1, 2026 |
| Application Method | Online KAIST admission application |
| Official Website | KAIST Admissions |
Important: Scholarship amounts, admission dates, eligible programs and requirements can change. Applicants should always verify the current admission cycle on the official KAIST website before submitting an application. The dates above are based on KAIST’s currently published admission information.
What Is KAIST?
KAIST, or the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, is one of South Korea’s leading research-focused universities.
It is particularly well known for:
- Science
- Engineering
- Computer science
- Artificial intelligence
- Robotics
- Biotechnology
- Materials science
- Data science
- Business and technology management
- Aerospace
- Energy
- Quantum science
- Industrial and systems engineering
KAIST’s international graduate programs cover a wide range of disciplines through its colleges of Natural Sciences, Life Science and Bioengineering, Engineering, Liberal Arts and Convergence Science, and Business.
For students interested in STEM and technology-related education, KAIST can therefore be an excellent destination.
What Is the KAIST Scholarship?
The KAIST Scholarship is financial support provided by KAIST to eligible international students.
The scholarship structure differs between undergraduate and graduate study.
For international Bachelor’s students, KAIST currently states that the scholarship provides:
- Full tuition exemption for eight semesters
- KRW 350,000 monthly living expenses
- Medical health insurance
International undergraduate students who are admitted through the international admission process are automatically entitled to the KAIST Scholarship, provided they meet the scholarship conditions.
For graduate students, KAIST’s international graduate scholarship covers full tuition and provides a stipend, with the amount depending on the student’s program, college and research involvement.
KAIST also offers additional prestigious graduate awards, including:
- KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship (KGPS)
- KAIST Prestige Scholarship for International Ph.D. Students (KPS)
These are considered through the admission process rather than requiring a completely separate scholarship application.
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KAIST Scholarship for Bachelor’s Students
The KAIST undergraduate scholarship is particularly attractive because international students admitted through the international student admission route can receive comprehensive financial support.
Bachelor’s Scholarship Benefits
According to KAIST’s current undergraduate scholarship information, recipients receive:
1. Full Tuition Waiver
The scholarship covers the full tuition fee for up to eight semesters, corresponding to four years of undergraduate study.
This means students do not have to pay the normal tuition charges while they remain eligible for the scholarship.
KAIST’s current cost-of-attendance page lists undergraduate tuition at KRW 3,433,000 per semester before scholarship support, demonstrating the substantial value of the tuition waiver.
2. Monthly Living Allowance
International undergraduate scholarship recipients receive:
KRW 350,000 per month.
This allowance is intended to help students with living expenses.
Students should understand that a monthly stipend does not necessarily mean that every personal expense is completely covered.
Students may still need to budget for:
- Food
- Accommodation
- Books
- Transportation
- Mobile phone
- Personal expenses
- Travel
- Other living costs
KAIST’s current cost-of-attendance information estimates undergraduate living and educational expenses separately from the scholarship.
3. Medical Health Insurance
The KAIST undergraduate scholarship also includes medical health insurance support.
The university’s cost-of-attendance page separately lists National Health Insurance premiums as a student expense and the scholarship as covering NHI premiums within its stated support calculation.
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Is the KAIST Bachelor’s Scholarship Fully Funded?
The KAIST undergraduate scholarship is commonly described as a fully funded scholarship because it covers full tuition and provides a monthly stipend and health-insurance support.
However, students should understand the difference between:
Full tuition funding and covering every personal expense.
KAIST does not state that every possible living expense is completely free.
For example, accommodation and food remain part of the estimated cost of attendance, while the scholarship provides a monthly stipend to help with living expenses.
Therefore, students should prepare a realistic personal budget even after receiving the scholarship.
KAIST Scholarship for Master’s Students
International students applying for KAIST graduate programs can be considered for the KAIST Scholarship.
The current graduate scholarship information states that KAIST Scholarship recipients receive:
- Full tuition coverage
- National health insurance
- Monthly stipend
The stipend can depend on the student’s research involvement and college.
The graduate scholarship is available across KAIST’s international graduate programs, with the exception of the Global Technology Innovation Program (GDI-GTIP Track) under the current scholarship rules.
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KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship – KGPS
One of the most attractive graduate awards is the KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship (KGPS).
It is designed for outstanding international applicants to:
- Master’s programs
- Master’s-PhD integrated programs
According to KAIST, the KGPS provides:
- Full tuition coverage
- KRW 1,000,000 monthly stipend
- Support for four regular semesters
No separate KGPS application is required. Master’s and Master’s-PhD integrated applicants who select the KAIST Scholarship during admission are automatically considered. However, only highly competitive applicants recommended by the department head are selected.
This makes the KGPS particularly competitive.
KAIST Scholarship for PhD Students
KAIST also provides financial support to international doctoral students.
The standard KAIST Scholarship provides:
- Full tuition coverage
- National health insurance
- Monthly stipend
The amount can depend on the college and research involvement.
In addition, outstanding doctoral applicants may be considered for the KAIST Prestige Scholarship for International Ph.D. Students (KPS).
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KAIST Prestige Scholarship – KPS
The KAIST Prestige Scholarship for International Ph.D. Students, commonly called KPS, is a competitive award for international students entering:
- PhD programs
- Master’s-PhD integrated programs
The current KAIST scholarship information states that KPS provides:
- Full tuition coverage
- KRW 300,000 monthly stipend
- Eight regular semesters of support
For Master’s-PhD integrated students, KPS begins when the student enters the PhD stage.
Students with outstanding academic and research achievements may be recommended by the department head, followed by final selection at the college level.
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KAIST Master’s-PhD Integrated Program
Students who want to progress from Master’s-level study into doctoral research can apply to KAIST’s integrated Master’s-PhD programs where available.
This route can be attractive for students who already have clear research interests and want to pursue advanced research without applying separately for a traditional Master’s and PhD.
KAIST’s current international graduate listings show Master’s-PhD integrated options across multiple departments.
Applicants should check the department-specific admission requirements before selecting the integrated route.
Advantages of KAIST Scholarships
1. Full Tuition Support
The biggest benefit is tuition coverage.
Undergraduate international students receive a full tuition waiver for eight semesters when admitted under the KAIST Scholarship.
Graduate KAIST Scholarship recipients receive full tuition coverage under the applicable scholarship conditions.
2. Monthly Financial Support
Students receive a monthly stipend or living allowance.
For undergraduates, the current published amount is KRW 350,000 per month.
Graduate amounts vary according to scholarship and circumstances.
3. Health Insurance Support
Medical or national health insurance support is included in the scholarship package.
4. No Separate Scholarship Application
This is an important advantage.
For undergraduate applicants, there is no separate scholarship application. Students simply select the KAIST Scholarship in the financial resources section of the admission application.
Graduate applicants similarly indicate KAIST Scholarship as their financial resource during admission and can then be automatically considered for relevant KAIST scholarship awards.
5. Strong Research Environment
KAIST is heavily focused on research and technological innovation.
This makes it especially attractive for students who want to develop:
- Research skills
- Laboratory experience
- Technical expertise
- Publications
- Innovation projects
- Industry connections
6. Wide Range of Programs
International graduate applicants can choose from programs in:
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Bio and Brain Engineering
- Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Materials Science
- Nuclear and Quantum Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Green Growth and Sustainability
- Science and Technology Policy
- Business and Technology Management
The exact programs open for international admission can vary by admission cycle.
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Bachelor’s Eligibility for KAIST Scholarship
To apply as an international undergraduate applicant, students must meet KAIST’s international admission requirements.
For the 2027 Spring intake, applicants must have graduated or be scheduled to graduate from high school by February 28, 2027.
For the 2027 Fall intake, applicants must have graduated or be scheduled to graduate by August 31, 2027.
International applicants must also satisfy KAIST’s nationality requirements.
Generally, applicants must have foreign citizenship and must not hold Korean citizenship as a dual nationality.
Applicants of Korean origin can be eligible under specific conditions, including completing their entire elementary, junior high and high school education outside Korea at a comparable level.
Important Undergraduate Eligibility Rules
KAIST international undergraduate applicants should pay attention to the following points.
You must apply as a freshman
KAIST states that it does not offer a transfer program for international students.
Therefore, international students must apply as freshman students.
You must meet the international nationality conditions
Dual Korean citizenship is not accepted under the international student route.
You must complete the required education
Your high school completion date must fit the intake-specific eligibility requirement.
Master’s and PhD Eligibility
Graduate applicants must satisfy the academic requirements of the specific KAIST department.
For example:
- Master’s applicants generally need a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- PhD applicants generally need a Master’s degree or equivalent.
- Master’s-PhD integrated applicants need the academic background required by the relevant program.
KAIST’s graduate admissions system lists eligible degrees and departments for each admission cycle.
For Spring 2027, KAIST has published a detailed list of Master’s, Master’s-PhD and PhD programs.
Applicants should always confirm the specific department’s requirements before applying.
English Language Requirements
Many international students are interested in whether they can apply to KAIST without IELTS.
The answer requires some care.
KAIST’s undergraduate admissions materials recommend English proficiency evidence such as:
- TOEFL iBT
- IELTS
- TOEIC
- TEPS
The 2025 international undergraduate guideline, for example, states that scores above TOEFL iBT 83, IELTS 6.5, TEPS 326 or TOEIC Listening & Reading 720 were strongly recommended. It also describes circumstances under which an exemption may apply.
Therefore, students should not advertise KAIST as a guaranteed “without IELTS” scholarship.
Instead, applicants should check the current admission guide to determine:
- Whether an English test is required.
- Whether their educational background qualifies for an exemption.
- Which tests are accepted.
- Whether the score is mandatory or recommended.
Requirements can change between admission cycles.
Is IELTS Required for KAIST?
IELTS is not necessarily the only way to demonstrate English proficiency.
KAIST’s published undergraduate guidance recognizes multiple English proficiency tests and also provides exemption rules.
For graduate applicants, language requirements can depend on the program and current admission guide.
Therefore, the safest answer is:
IELTS may not be mandatory in every situation, but applicants should carefully check the current KAIST admission guidelines and satisfy the applicable English proficiency requirements.
Required Documents for KAIST Bachelor’s Admission
International undergraduate applicants should prepare their documents well in advance.
The exact list is determined by the current admission guide, but applicants should expect documents such as:
1. Online Application Form
The application form contains your:
- Personal information
- Educational history
- Academic achievements
- Program interests
- Financial information
2. Recommendation Letter
A recommendation letter is part of the undergraduate application.
Applicants should choose a teacher or academic recommender who can provide meaningful information about their academic ability and potential.
3. High School Transcript
Applicants must provide official academic records from their high school.
Your transcript should clearly show your academic performance.
4. Proof of Nationality
International applicants need official documents demonstrating their nationality.
Passport copies may be required for the applicant and, where applicable, parents.
5. English Proficiency Evidence
Applicants may submit an accepted English proficiency test score if required or recommended.
The current admission guide should be checked for exemptions and accepted tests.
6. Standardized Test Scores
Students may submit standardized test results such as:
- SAT
- AP
- IB
- GCE A-Level
where applicable.
These documents can help demonstrate academic preparation.
7. Honors and Awards
Academic awards, science competitions, olympiad achievements and other distinctions can strengthen an application.
8. High School Profile
A high school profile can help the admissions committee understand your educational environment.
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Additional Documents for Graduate Applicants
Graduate applicants should prepare a more research-oriented application.
Depending on the department, documents can include:
- Online application
- Degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- CV
- Statement of purpose
- Study plan
- Research interests
- Recommendation letters
- English proficiency evidence
- Publications
- Research achievements
- Awards
- Portfolio, if applicable
The exact requirements depend on the department.
Verified Academic Records for Admitted Graduate Students
After admission, KAIST requires successful graduate applicants to submit verified academic records.
KAIST states that degrees and transcripts must be legally recognized and verified.
Depending on the issuing country, verification can involve:
- Apostille certification
- Korean embassy verification
- Embassy/consulate verification in South Korea
The university also advises admitted students not to submit an original diploma if it cannot be reissued.
This is an important issue for international students.
Do not wait until the last moment to investigate document legalization.
KAIST Scholarship Application Process
The application process is relatively straightforward because the scholarship is integrated with admission.
Step 1: Choose Your Degree
First decide whether you want to apply for:
- Bachelor’s
- Master’s
- Master’s-PhD Integrated
- PhD
Step 2: Select a Program
Review KAIST’s available departments and programs.
For graduate students, verify that your intended department is accepting international applicants during your chosen admission cycle. KAIST states that available programs can vary by cycle.
Step 3: Check Eligibility
Review:
- Nationality
- Academic qualifications
- Graduation date
- English proficiency
- Department requirements
- Application documents
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Collect all required documents before starting the online application.
For graduate applicants, it is especially important to prepare academic records, recommendation letters and research-related materials early.
Step 5: Create an Online Application
Complete the official KAIST application online.
Undergraduate and graduate applicants use different admission systems.
Step 6: Select KAIST Scholarship
This is one of the most important steps.
Undergraduate applicants should select KAIST Scholarship in the Statement of Financial Resources section.
KAIST states that there is no separate scholarship application.
Graduate applicants should also select KAIST Scholarship as their financial resource during the admission application if they want to be considered for KAIST scholarship support.
Step 7: Pay the Application Fee
If an application fee applies, complete payment within the application period.
After payment, applicants should carefully review their application because some information may no longer be changeable after the relevant stage.
Step 8: Upload Documents
Upload the required documents according to KAIST’s instructions.
Make sure:
- Documents are readable.
- Names match your passport.
- Dates are correct.
- Translations are provided where necessary.
- Documents are submitted in the required format.
Step 9: Submit the Recommendation Letter
Your recommender should submit the recommendation according to KAIST’s instructions before the separate recommendation deadline.
Do not leave this until the final day.
Step 10: Wait for Admission Review
KAIST evaluates international applicants based on their academic background, achievements and overall application.
Some applicants may be contacted for an interview if KAIST considers one necessary.
Step 11: Scholarship Consideration
For undergraduate applicants, students admitted through the international admission process are automatically entitled to the KAIST Scholarship under the stated conditions.
For graduate applicants, eligible students can be automatically considered for relevant KAIST scholarship programs.
Highly competitive applicants may additionally be recommended for KGPS or KPS.
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KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship Deadline
KAIST has already published the application timeline for undergraduate admissions.
Spring – Early Admission
Application period:
September 22 to October 22, 2026, until 6:00 PM Korean Standard Time.
Recommendation letter deadline:
October 29, 2026, until 6:00 PM KST.
Interview, if required:
December 22, 2026.
Admission announcement:
January 7, 2027, at 10:00 AM KST.
Fall Undergraduate Admission
For the 2027 Fall intake:
Application period:
November 10, 2026 to January 14, 2027, until 6:00 PM KST.
Recommendation letter deadline:
January 21, 2027, until 6:00 PM KST.
Interview, if required:
March 3, 2027.
Admission announcement:
March 25, 2027, at 10:00 AM KST.
These dates are for the admission cycle and should be checked again on the official KAIST website before applying.
KAIST Graduate Scholarship Deadline
KAIST currently lists the following date for Spring international graduate admission:
Online application: August 18 – September 1, 2026
The application closes at 5:00 PM KST on September 1, 2026.
The recommendation letter submission deadline is:
September 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM KST.
KAIST’s graduate admissions timeline describes the general annual pattern as:
- Spring admission: mid-August to early September
- Fall Early admission: early to late December
- Fall Regular admission: early to late March
However, applicants should use the exact dates announced for their intended admission cycle rather than relying on the general pattern.
KAIST Scholarships in South Korea for Pakistani Students
Pakistani students interested in studying in South Korea can consider KAIST’s international admission route.
The most important point is that Pakistani applicants should apply as international students if they meet the relevant international admission requirements.
For undergraduate admission, students need to satisfy KAIST’s foreign-nationality requirements and educational requirements.
For graduate admission, applicants must meet the academic and program requirements of their selected department.
Pakistani students should also carefully prepare:
- Passport
- Academic certificates
- Transcripts
- Recommendation letters
- English proficiency evidence where applicable
- Financial-resource information
- Other program-specific documents
The scholarship itself is integrated into the KAIST admission process rather than requiring a separate scholarship application.
KAIST Scholarship for International Students
KAIST’s scholarship program is specifically attractive to international students because the university provides substantial financial support.
KAIST currently states that its graduate scholarship benefits 94% of its international student body, with full tuition and stipends available to eligible students.
For undergraduate students, KAIST describes the scholarship as a full-ride scholarship providing four years of tuition support, monthly stipend and national health insurance.
How Competitive Is KAIST Scholarship?
KAIST is a highly selective institution, so students should not assume that financial support means admission is easy.
For undergraduate students, scholarship entitlement is tied to admission through the international route, but admission itself is competitive.
For graduate students, the basic KAIST Scholarship is broad, while KGPS and KPS are particularly competitive.
For KGPS, KAIST states that only highly competitive Master’s and Master’s-PhD applicants recommended by the department head are selected.
For KPS, outstanding academic and research achievements are important.
How to Increase Your Chances of Admission
1. Build a Strong Academic Record
Strong grades are important, especially in subjects relevant to your intended field.
For STEM applicants, strong preparation in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science or related subjects can be valuable.
2. Participate in Competitions
For undergraduate applicants, achievements such as:
- Science Olympiads
- Mathematics competitions
- Programming competitions
- Robotics competitions
- Research competitions
can help demonstrate academic potential.
3. Develop Research Experience
Graduate applicants should demonstrate evidence of research ability.
This can include:
- Research projects
- Publications
- Conference presentations
- Laboratory experience
- Final-year thesis
- Research internships
4. Write a Strong Statement of Purpose
Your statement should explain:
- Why KAIST?
- Why this field?
- What are your research interests?
- What are your career goals?
- What contribution can you make?
Avoid generic statements that could be submitted to any university.
5. Choose the Right Department
Graduate applicants should identify faculty and research groups that match their interests.
A strong research fit can make your application more convincing.
6. Select Strong Recommenders
Choose people who know your academic or research work well.
A detailed recommendation is usually more useful than a generic letter.
7. Prepare Early
Do not wait until the application deadline.
Start several months in advance, especially if you need:
- Language testing
- Recommendation letters
- Attested documents
- Translations
- Research proposals
- Official transcripts
KAIST Undergraduate Academic Structure
KAIST has a distinctive undergraduate structure.
International students enter without being permanently assigned to a specific major immediately.
According to KAIST’s eligibility information, undergraduate students can choose their major after the second semester, and there is no quota for each department/major.
This can be particularly beneficial for students who have broad interests in science and technology and want some time to explore different fields before selecting a major.
What Expenses Are Not Completely Covered?
Although the scholarship is generous, students should create a realistic financial plan.
KAIST’s current undergraduate cost-of-attendance page lists expenses such as:
- Housing
- Food
- Books
- Telecommunications
- Student-related fees
in addition to tuition and health insurance.
The scholarship provides a monthly stipend, but students may need to use that allowance to manage living costs.
Therefore, calling the scholarship “fully funded” should not be interpreted as meaning that students will have zero personal expenses.
KAIST Scholarship Renewal Requirements
For undergraduate students, KAIST states that scholarship recipients must maintain a GPA above 2.7 out of 4.3 after the freshman year.
This means students should take academic performance seriously after arriving in South Korea.
A scholarship is not simply money received once at admission.
Students must continue meeting the conditions attached to the award.
Graduate scholarship conditions can vary by program and scholarship type, so graduate students should carefully read their scholarship information and university regulations.
KAIST Scholarship vs GKS
Students sometimes confuse the KAIST Scholarship with the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS).
They are not the same scholarship.
KAIST Scholarship
- Funded by KAIST
- Integrated with KAIST admission
- Designed for international students admitted to eligible KAIST programs
- Provides tuition and other financial support depending on degree level
GKS
- Korean government scholarship
- Managed through the Korean government’s scholarship system
- Has its own application routes and requirements
KAIST’s graduate admissions website lists GKS separately from KAIST Scholarship as another financial-support route.
Students should therefore avoid treating the two programs as identical.
Common Mistakes Students Should Avoid
Mistake 1: Searching for a Separate KAIST Scholarship Form
For the standard KAIST Scholarship, applicants generally apply through the admission application and indicate the scholarship as their financial resource.
Mistake 2: Applying to an Unavailable Program
Graduate programs available to international students can vary by admission cycle.
Always check the current list.
Mistake 3: Assuming IELTS Is Always Waived
KAIST has English proficiency requirements/recommendations and exemption rules.
Check the current guide rather than relying on third-party claims.
Mistake 4: Ignoring the Recommendation Deadline
The recommendation letter can have a separate deadline from the main application.
Mistake 5: Submitting Poor-Quality Documents
Blurry scans, incorrect translations and inconsistent names can create problems.
Mistake 6: Waiting for the Deadline
Applications and recommendation letters should be prepared well before the deadline.
Mistake 7: Assuming Admission Means Every Expense Is Free
The scholarship is generous, but students should still budget for living and personal expenses.
KAIST Scholarship Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, use this checklist.
Undergraduate Applicants
- Check international eligibility
- Check high school graduation date
- Choose KAIST program/application track
- Prepare high school transcripts
- Prepare recommendation letter
- Prepare passport/nationality documents
- Prepare English proficiency evidence if applicable
- Prepare standardized test scores if available
- Prepare awards and honors
- Prepare high school profile
- Complete financial resources section
- Select KAIST Scholarship
- Pay application fee
- Submit application before deadline
- Ensure recommendation letter is submitted on time
Master’s and PhD Applicants
- Check department availability
- Check degree eligibility
- Review faculty/research areas
- Prepare Bachelor’s/Master’s degree documents
- Prepare academic transcripts
- Prepare CV
- Prepare statement of purpose
- Prepare research proposal/study plan if required
- Arrange recommendation letters
- Prepare English proficiency evidence
- Select KAIST Scholarship
- Submit online application
- Monitor admission results
- Prepare legalized academic documents after admission if requested
Frequently Asked Questions About KAIST Scholarships
1. What is the KAIST Scholarship?
The KAIST Scholarship is financial support offered by KAIST to eligible international students. It can cover tuition and provide living and health-insurance support depending on the degree and scholarship type.
2. Is KAIST Scholarship fully funded?
KAIST scholarships provide very substantial financial support.
For international undergraduates, the current scholarship includes full tuition for eight semesters, KRW 350,000 monthly living expenses and medical health insurance.
Graduate scholarship support includes full tuition, health insurance and a monthly stipend under the applicable scholarship.
3. Can international students apply for KAIST scholarships?
Yes.
KAIST offers scholarships specifically for international students at undergraduate and graduate levels.
4. Is KAIST Scholarship available for Bachelor’s degrees?
Yes.
International undergraduate students admitted through the international student admission process can receive the KAIST Scholarship under the stated conditions.
5. Is KAIST Scholarship available for Master’s degrees?
Yes.
International Master’s applicants can select KAIST Scholarship as their financial resource during the graduate admission application.
6. Is KAIST Scholarship available for PhD programs?
Yes.
KAIST provides scholarship support for eligible international PhD students.
7. Does KAIST offer a Master’s-PhD scholarship?
Yes.
Eligible international students can apply for Master’s-PhD integrated programs and can be considered for KAIST scholarship support, including the KGPS or KPS where applicable.
8. How much is the KAIST undergraduate stipend?
The current KAIST undergraduate scholarship provides KRW 350,000 per month.
9. How much is the KGPS stipend?
The current KAIST graduate scholarship page states that KGPS provides KRW 1,000,000 per month for four regular semesters.
10. How much is the KPS stipend?
The current KAIST graduate scholarship page states that KPS provides KRW 300,000 per month for eight regular semesters.
11. Do I need a separate scholarship application?
Generally, no.
Undergraduate applicants select KAIST Scholarship in the financial resources section of the admission application.
Graduate applicants select KAIST Scholarship as their financial resource and are automatically considered for applicable scholarship programs if eligible.
12. Does KAIST Scholarships in South Korea cover tuition?
Yes.
The undergraduate scholarship covers full tuition for eight semesters.
The graduate KAIST Scholarship provides full tuition coverage under its applicable conditions.
13. Does KAIST Scholarship cover accommodation?
KAIST does not describe its standard undergraduate scholarship as providing free accommodation.
Instead, undergraduate students receive a monthly stipend that can be used toward living costs.
KAIST’s cost-of-attendance page separately lists housing costs.
14. Does KAIST Scholarship cover food?
The standard scholarship does not mean that every meal is provided free of charge.
Food is listed as a cost of attendance, while the monthly stipend helps students manage living expenses.
15. Is IELTS required for KAIST?
English proficiency requirements depend on the current admission guidelines.
KAIST’s undergraduate guidance recognizes IELTS and other English tests and also specifies exemption circumstances.
Students should check the current admission guide before applying.
16. Can I apply without IELTS?
Potentially, depending on the applicable exemption or accepted alternative evidence.
However, applicants should not assume that IELTS is universally waived.
17. Can Pakistani students apply to KAIST?
Pakistani students can apply through the international student admission route if they satisfy KAIST’s current eligibility and academic requirements.
18. What GPA is required to keep the undergraduate scholarship?
KAIST currently states that undergraduate scholarship recipients must maintain a GPA above 2.7 out of 4.3 after the freshman year.
19. Does KAIST have an undergraduate transfer program?
No.
KAIST states that it does not have a transfer program for international students. International applicants must apply as freshmen.
20. When can undergraduate students choose a major?
KAIST students enter with an undeclared major and can choose their major after their second semester. KAIST states that there is no quota for each major/department.
21. What is the undergraduate application deadline?
For the 2027 cycle, KAIST currently lists:
- Early: September 22–October 22, 2026
- Regular: November 10, 2026–January 14, 2027
The application deadline is 6:00 PM KST on the stated closing date.
22. What is the Spring graduate deadline?
KAIST currently lists the Spring 2027 international graduate application period as:
August 18–September 1, 2026, with the application closing at 5:00 PM KST on September 1.
23. Are all graduate programs available in every admission cycle?
No.
KAIST states that the programs accepting international students can vary by admission cycle.
24. What documents are required for KAIST graduate admission?
Requirements vary by department, but applicants should expect academic records, degree information, recommendation letters and other program-specific materials.
Successful applicants must later provide properly verified academic records.
25. Is KAIST a good university for engineering?
KAIST is particularly well known for science, technology and engineering and offers international graduate programs across many engineering disciplines.
Final Conclusion
The KAIST Scholarship in South Korea is an outstanding opportunity for international students who want to study at one of Asia’s leading science and technology universities.
For Bachelor’s students, the current KAIST Scholarship offers a full tuition waiver for eight semesters, KRW 350,000 per month in living expenses and medical health insurance.
For Master’s and PhD students, KAIST provides full tuition support, health insurance and monthly stipends through its graduate scholarship system. Outstanding applicants can also be considered for the KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship (KGPS) or KAIST Prestige Scholarship (KPS).
Another major advantage is the application process. Students generally do not need to complete a separate scholarship application. The scholarship is integrated into the KAIST admission process.
However, applicants should remember that scholarship eligibility and university admission are not the same thing. KAIST is highly selective, and students should prepare a strong academic and personal application.
For undergraduate applicants, the admission cycle is already published, with applications opening in September for the Early track and November for the Regular track.
For graduate students, Spring applications are scheduled for August 18 to September 1 .
Students interested in KAIST should therefore start preparing early, especially if they need recommendation letters, English-language test results, official transcripts or legalized academic documents.
The best strategy is:
Choose your program → Check eligibility → Prepare documents → Apply to KAIST → Select KAIST Scholarship → Submit before the deadline → Wait for admission → Receive scholarship consideration/award.
Official KAIST Scholarships in South Korea Website
For the most accurate and updated information, applicants should always use the official KAIST admissions website.
Official KAIST International Undergraduate Admissions:
KAIST International Undergraduate Admissions
Official KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship:
KAIST Scholarship for International Undergraduates
Official KAIST International Graduate Admissions:
KAIST International Graduate Admissions
Official KAIST Graduate Scholarship:
KAIST Graduate Scholarship Information
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