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.
Scholarship Summary
- Country: South Korea
- Host: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST )
- Study Level: Masters, PhD
- Benefits: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 2 September 2025
Benefits
KAIST University offers various types of scholarship programs. Selected students will automatically be considered for the KGPS, KPS, or KAIST CoE PhD Fellowship.
- KAIST University Scholarship
- KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship (KGPS)
- KAIST Prestige Scholarship for International Ph.D. Students (KPS)
- KAIST CoE PhD Fellowship
- 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.
What is the KAIST University Graduate Scholarship 2026 timeline?
The KAIST University Graduate Scholarship 2026 follows a strict timeline. Applications open on August 19, 2025, and close on September 2, 2025. Recommendation letters are due by September 9, 2025, while final admission results will be announced on December 12, 2025.
When does the spring semester begin for KAIST University Graduate Scholarship 2026?
The spring semester for students admitted under the KAIST University Graduate Scholarship 2026 officially begins on March 2, 2026. All applicants are expected to complete the enrollment process and prepare necessary documentation before this start date.
What is the application fee for KAIST University Graduate Scholarship 2026?
The KAIST University Graduate Scholarship 2026 requires a non-refundable application fee of USD 80. Payment can be made by credit card or bank transfer, and applicants are responsible for covering any additional bank charges during the transaction.
Can applicants change their KAIST University Graduate Scholarship 2026 application after payment?
No, once the application fee for the KAIST University Graduate Scholarship 2026 has been paid, no changes or modifications can be made to the submitted form or uploaded documents. Applicants should review their materials carefully before payment.
What is the deadline for recommendation letters for KAIST University Graduate Scholarship 2026?
For the KAIST University Graduate Scholarship 2026, all recommendation letters must be submitted electronically by September 9, 2025, at 6 P.M. (KST). Applicants should complete their application early so that recommenders have enough time to upload the letters.
In what format should documents be submitted for KAIST University Graduate Scholarship 2026?
Applicants to the KAIST University Graduate Scholarship 2026 must upload documents as PDF files. Each file should not exceed 3 MB in size, and all scans must be clear and legible. Every document must be uploaded to its designated section in the system.
How does KAIST handle fraudulent applications for the Graduate Scholarship 2026?
If fraudulent or false information is detected in a KAIST University Graduate Scholarship 2026 application, admission may be revoked, even after graduation. Additionally, applicants found responsible may be barred from applying again for up to five years.
What personal information is collected for KAIST University Graduate Scholarship 2026?
The KAIST University Graduate Scholarship 2026 application collects compulsory details such as name, citizenship, address, photo, academic history, and performance. Optional information like test scores, career details, and awards may also be provided if available.
How long is applicant information kept for KAIST University Graduate Scholarship 2026?
Information submitted for the KAIST University Graduate Scholarship 2026 is securely held for ten years. This includes compulsory details for admission, verification of academic history, and optional personal data if provided by applicants during the process.
Do international students need to provide nationality confirmation for KAIST University Graduate Scholarship 2026?
Yes, international applicants to the KAIST University Graduate Scholarship 2026 must confirm they and their parents do not hold Korean nationality. If a parent once had Korean citizenship, additional documentation proving education abroad may be required.
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