KAIST Graduate Scholarship 2027, in South Korea

Applications are now open for the KAIST Graduate Scholarship 2027, a fully funded opportunity for international students seeking to pursue advanced studies at Korea’s leading research institution. This scholarship welcomes Master’s degree students, Master’s-PhD integrated program candidates, and PhD scholars from all countries (excluding Korean citizens). The application deadline is September 1st, 2026, with programs commencing on March 1st, 2027.

If you’re inspired by Korean culture, world-class research facilities, and cutting-edge academic excellence, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, monthly stipends, and health insurance with no application fees required. Final-year undergraduate students expected to graduate before enrollment may also apply. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here

Key Details:

• Host Country: South Korea
• University: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
• Degree Levels: Master’s, PhD
• Application Deadline: September 1st, 2026
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Application Fee: None
• Open to All Nationalities: Yes

What This Scholarship Offers:

Depending on Scholarship Type Awarded:

KAIST University Scholarship Benefits:

• Complete tuition fee exemption for the entire duration of your program
  • 4 semesters for Master’s degree students
  • 10 semesters for Master’s-PhD integrated program students
  • 8 semesters for PhD students
• Monthly stipend to cover accommodation and living expenses
• National health insurance premium coverage
• Access to world-class research facilities and laboratories

KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship (KGPS) Benefits:

1. Full tuition grant for all 4 semesters
2. Monthly stipend of KRW 1,000,000 (approximately USD 750–800)
3. Priority placement in premium accommodation options
4. Networking opportunities with top-tier scholars and industry leaders

KAIST Prestige Scholarship for International PhD Students (KPS) Benefits:

1. Full tuition grant for 8 semesters
2. Monthly stipend of KRW 300,000
3. Extended financial support covering your entire doctoral program
4. Access to advanced research equipment and international collaborations

KAIST CoE PhD Fellowship Benefits:

1. Full tuition grant for 4 academic years
2. Monthly stipend of KRW 2,500,000 (highest among available scholarships)
3. Preference for research assistantships and teaching opportunities
4. Conference travel grants and publication support

GKS Scholarship (Global Korea Scholarship) Benefits:

1. Full tuition fee coverage
2. Monthly stipend for living expenses
3. Fully furnished accommodation provided
4. International airfare tickets (round-trip)
5. Comprehensive health and accident insurance
6. Books and learning materials allowance

Common Benefits Across All Scholarships:

1. Access to KAIST’s state-of-the-art research laboratories
2. Opportunity to study and conduct research at an international research powerhouse
3. Exposure to Korean culture and lifestyle
4. Networking with scholars and professionals from around the world
5. Qualification enhancement through a prestigious institution recognized globally
6. Career advancement opportunities in your field

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for the KAIST Graduate Scholarship 2027, you must meet all of the following requirements:

Academic Requirements

1. Hold a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s program applicants)
2. Hold a Master’s degree (for PhD program applicants)
3. Be a final-year undergraduate student expected to graduate before enrollment (conditional approval)
4. Have completed previous academic qualifications from recognized institutions

Nationality and Residency Requirements

1. Be an international student without Korean citizenship
2. Not hold Korean national identity or permanent residency status

English Language Proficiency Requirements

You must demonstrate English proficiency through one of these standardized test scores (taken within two years of September 2024):

1. TOEFL iBT: 83 or higher
2. IELTS: 6.5 or higher
3. TOEIC: 720 or higher
4. TEPS: 326 or higher

English Proficiency Waiver Eligibility:

You do not need to provide an English language test score if any of the following apply:

Citizens/Residents of English-Speaking Countries:

You are from or have completed your previous education in any of these countries:

1. Antigua and Barbuda
2. Australia
3. The Bahamas
4. Barbados
5. Belize
6. Canada
7. Dominica
8. Grenada
9. Guyana
10. Ireland
11. Jamaica
12. Malta
13. New Zealand
14. St Kitts
15. St Lucia
16. St Vincent
17. Trinidad and Tobago
18. United Kingdom
19. United States of America

Citizens with Local Academic Qualifications:

You hold citizenship of AND have completed an academic qualification in any of these countries:

1. Botswana
2. Cameroon
3. Eswatini
4. Ethiopia
5. Fiji
6. Gambia
7. Ghana
8. India
9. Jamaica
10. Kenya
11. Kiribati
12. Lesotho
13. Liberia
14. Malawi
15. Marshall Islands
16. Mauritius
17. Federated States of Micronesia
18. Namibia
19. Nauru
20. Nigeria
21. Pakistan
22. Palau
23. Papua New Guinea
24. Philippines
25. Rwanda
26. Samoa
27. Seychelles
28. Sierra Leone
29. Singapore
30. Solomon Islands
31. Republic of South Africa
32. Sudan
33. Republic of South Sudan
34. Tanzania
35. Tonga
36. Tuvalu
37. Uganda
38. Vanuatu
39. Zambia
40. Zimbabwe

Application Deadlines and Dates:

1. Application Submission Deadline: September 1st, 2026
2. Expected Decision Announcement: November 2026 – January 2027
3. Program Start Date: March 1st, 2027
4. Enrollment Registration: February 2027

Required Documents:

1. Secondary copy of your national identity card
2. Scanned copies of both parents’ national identity cards
3. Certificate of family registration demonstrating your relationship with your parents
4. Certified degree certificates and official transcripts from all institutions
5. English proficiency test scores (taken within two years of September 2024)
6. Two recommendation letters from your academic advisors
7. Statement of purpose or personal essay explaining your motivation
8. Supporting documents including honors, awards, employment certificates, and research publications
9. English language proficiency waiver request (if eligible, submit instead of test scores)

How to Apply:

• Visit KAIST’s official admissions website
• Create an online application account with your email address
• Select “Graduate Scholarship 2027” as your application type
• Choose your desired program and field of study from available options
• Complete the application form with accurate personal information and academic background
• Write your statement of purpose clearly explaining your academic and career goals
• Upload all required documents in accepted formats (PDF, JPG, PNG)