Study in South Korea - Apply now for the fully funded KAIST University Graduate Scholarship 2026

Spring 2026 admissions are now open at KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), one of the world’s top-ranked universities, offering an exceptional opportunity for international students to pursue master’s and PhD degrees in South Korea. If you are inspired by Korean culture and eager to study at a prestigious institution, the KAIST Graduate Scholarship for Spring 2026 is your pathway to realizing that dream. Open to international students from all countries, including final-year undergraduate students, this fully funded scholarship covers tuition fees, living stipends, health insurance, and more.

KAIST Graduate Scholarship 2026: Key Details

• Host Country: South Korea

• University: KAIST

• Programs: Master’s, Master’s leading to PhD, and PhD

• Start Date: March 2, 2026

• Application Deadline: September 2, 2025

• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded

Scholarship Programs under KAIST

Selected students are automatically considered for one of the following scholarship programs:

• KAIST University Scholarship

• KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship (KGPS)

• KAIST Prestige Scholarship for International Ph.D. Students (KPS)

• KAIST CoE PhD Fellowship

• Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) (application timeline may vary)

Scholarship Benefits

• Tuition Fee Waiver:

  • Master’s candidates: 4 semesters

  • Master’s-PhD integrated candidates: 10 semesters

  • PhD candidates: 8 semesters

• Monthly Stipends:

  • KAIST University Scholarship & KGPS: KRW 1,000,000 for 4 semesters

  • KPS: KRW 300,000 monthly for 8 semesters

  • CoE PhD Fellowship: KRW 2,500,000 monthly for 4 years

• Accommodation and living expenses covered by monthly stipends

• National Health Insurance Premium included

• Support for airfare and books (for GKS scholars)

Degrees and Colleges

KAIST offers diverse programs through its colleges:

• College of Natural Sciences: Life Science and Bioengineering

• College of Engineering

• College of Liberal Arts and Convergence Science

• College of Business

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be an international student without Korean citizenship.

• For Master’s application: Hold a bachelor’s degree or be a final-year undergraduate student.

• For PhD application: Hold a master’s degree.

• English proficiency requirements:

  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum 83

  • IELTS: Minimum 6.5

  • TOEIC: 720

  • TEPS: 326

• English proficiency waiver is available if you are from or educated in certain countries (list includes USA, UK, Australia, India, South Africa, among others).

Required Documents

• National identity card (copy) and parents’ identity cards

• Certificate of family registration linking to parents

• Academic certificates and transcripts (official expected graduation letter if degree is incomplete)

• English proficiency test results (within two years of September 2024)

• Two recommendation letters (academic advisors or employer if applicable along with CV)

• Proofs of honors, awards, and employment if available

How to Apply

1. Complete the online application form at KAIST Graduate Admissions

2. Pay the non-refundable application fee of $80

3. Review FAQs and eligibility criteria carefully

4. Submit all required documents in English or Korean

Applicants are encouraged to apply early to ensure adequate time to prepare documents and meet the deadline on September 2, 2025. 

Studyingat KAIST offers world-class education, generous financial support, a multicultural campus, and the chance to be part of cutting-edge research in South Korea’s vibrant capital. If you meet the criteria, this is a unique chance to kickstart your academic and professional journey on a global scale.

Visit here to apply