KAIST University Graduate Scholarship 2026 in South Korea | Fully Funded

KAIST University Graduate Scholarship 2026 is now accepting applications for international students aiming to pursue advanced degrees in South Korea. Recognized as one of the world’s leading institutions, KAIST offers a dynamic academic environment that blends cutting-edge research with the rich culture and lifestyle of Korea. This scholarship provides a remarkable opportunity for talented students to enroll in Master’s, Master’s leading to PhD, and PhD programs, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a world-class education.

Open to students from all countries, the KAIST Graduate Scholarship 2026 encourages applications from final-year undergraduates as well. Successful applicants can benefit from comprehensive financial support while experiencing innovative learning, mentorship, and global networking. Below, you will find detailed information on eligibility, application procedures, and the key benefits of this prestigious scholarship.

Benefits

KAIST University offers various types of scholarship programs. Selected students will automatically be considered for the KGPS, KPS, or KAIST CoE PhD Fellowship.

1. KAIST University Scholarship
2. KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship (KGPS)
3. KAIST Prestige Scholarship for International Ph.D. Students (KPS)
4. KAIST CoE PhD Fellowship
5. GKS Scholarship (From the Korean Government) Application timeline varies.

• Benefits of the KAIST
  • Total Tuition Fee Exemption for 4 semesters for Master’s degree candidates, 10 for Master’s-Ph.D. integrated degree candidates, and 8 for Ph.D. degree candidates. Monthly Stipend: Students will cover the cost of Accommodation and other Expenses from the Stipend.
  • National Health Insurance Premium
• Benefits of the (KGPS)
  • Full Tuition Grant: 4 semesters (Masters, PhD)
  • Monthly Stipend Guarantee: KRW 1,000,000 for 4 semesters
• Benefits of the (KPS)
  • Full Tuition Grant: 8 semesters (Masters, PhD)
  • Monthly Stipend Guarantee: KRW 300,000
• Benefits of KAIST CoE PhD
  • Full Tuition Grant: 4 Academic Years
  • Monthly Stipend Guarantee: 2,500,000 KRW
• Benefits of the GKS Scholarship at KAIST
  • Full Tuition
  • Monthly Stipend
  • Accommodation
  • Airfare Tickets
  • Insurance
  • Books

Eligibility Criteria

• The scholarship is open to only international students who do not hold Korean citizenship.
• You need to show a bachelor’s degree if applying for the Master’s program.
• You need to show a Master’s degree proof if you are applying for the Ph.D. degree program.
• Final-year students can also apply.
• Over 80 to 90% of lectures are offered in English.
• English Language Proficiency Required Grades:
  • TOEFL iBT: 83
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • TOEIC: 720
  • TEPS: 326

Required Documents for KAIST University Graduate Scholarship 2026

All documents must be submitted in either Korean or English:

• Secondary copy of your national identity card.
• Scanned copies of your parents’ national identity cards.
• Certificate of family registration demonstrating your relationship with your parents.
• Certificates of all completed degrees.
• If a degree is incomplete, provide a certificate or official letter stating your expected graduation date.
• English proficiency report (taken within two years of September 2024).
• Two recommendation letters from your academic advisors.
• If recommendation letters are from your employer, provide a CV.
• Honors, awards, and employment proofs.

Degrees and Programs Offered at KAIST

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

Request for English Proficiency Waiver

You can submit a request for an English Test proof waiver if you meet one of the following conditions:

If you are from one of these countries listed below OR have completed your previous education from the countries mentioned below, then you do not need to provide an EPT score.

• 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, U.K., U.S.A.

You do not need to provide an EPT score if you hold citizenship of the following countries AND have completed an academic qualification from these countries.

• Botswana, Cameroon, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Federated States of Micronesia, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Republic of South Africa, Sudan, Republic of South Sudan, Tanzania, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
• Read the Eligibility

How to Apply?

• Visit the official KAIST Graduate Admissions portal and create an account using a valid email.
• Complete the online application form with personal, academic, and contact details.
• Select your desired program and major (Master’s, Master’s leading to PhD, or PhD).
• Upload required documents
• Pay the non-refundable application fee (USD 80) online.
• Review your application carefully and submit it.
• Keep the confirmation email and application number for reference.
• Wait for the admission decision (results announced on December 12, 2025).
• If admitted, follow instructions for enrollment, visa application, and orientation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The KAIST University Graduate Scholarship 2026 offers a structured admission process with clear deadlines, document requirements, and strict policies on authenticity. Applicants must prepare early, follow all guidelines, and ensure complete submissions to secure consideration.