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The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) stands among the world’s elite science and engineering institutions, routinely ranked among top global research universities. For international students pursuing higher education in STEM, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and management, the KAIST International Graduate Scholarship 2027 offers an unparalleled pathway to obtain a fully funded Master’s, Integrated MS–Ph.D., or Doctoral degree in South Korea.
As global demand for scientific innovation continues to rise, KAIST provides robust financial backing for international scholars, covering full tuition fees, offering monthly living stipends, and connecting researchers with cutting-edge laboratories.
This guide provides a breakdown of scholarship benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, language guidelines, and the step-by-step application procedure for the upcoming intake cycle.
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Overview of KAIST Scholarship Benefits
The KAIST International Graduate Student Scholarship is automatically awarded to exceptional international candidates admitted to KAIST degree programs. Recipients do not need to submit a separate scholarship application; ticking the scholarship request box on the standard graduate admission application triggers institutional funding consideration.
Scholarship Coverage at a Glance
- Full Tuition Waiver: 100% of tuition fees covered for the official duration of the program (4 semesters for Master’s, 8 semesters for Ph.D.).
- Monthly Living Allowance:
- Master’s Candidates: Approximately 350,000 KRW/month.
- Ph.D. Candidates: Approximately 400,000 KRW/month.
- Research Assistantship (RA) & Project Funds: Additional stipends often provided directly by research laboratories based on active participation in national or industry projects.
- National Health Insurance Coverage: Subsidized official Korean National Health Insurance premiums throughout the study period.
- Campus Housing & Facilities: Access to state-of-the-art research facilities, high-performance supercomputing centers, and subsidized student dormitories.
Key Fields of Study & Academic Departments
KAIST delivers world-class academic instruction across five distinct colleges:
1. College of Engineering
- Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence
- Electrical Engineering & Microelectronics
- Mechanical Engineering & Robotics
- Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
- Civil, Environmental & Sustainable Infrastructure
- Aerospace Engineering
2. College of Natural Sciences
- Physics & Quantum Science
- Chemistry & Molecular Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
3. College of Life Science & Bioengineering
- Biological Sciences
- Brain & Cognitive Sciences
- Biomedical Engineering
4. College of Business & Technology Management
- Management Engineering
- Global Technology & Innovation Policy
Eligibility Criteria for International Applicants
To qualify for the KAIST International Graduate Scholarship for the 2027 intake, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
- Nationality Requirement: Neither the applicant nor their parents may hold Korean citizenship (foreign nationals only).
- Degree Requirements:
- Master’s / Integrated MS–Ph.D.: Must hold (or expect to receive before enrollment) a recognized Bachelor’s degree.
- Ph.D. Program: Must hold (or expect to receive before enrollment) a recognized Master’s degree.
- Academic Record: Candidates are expected to present strong academic performance (GPA), relevant undergraduate/graduate coursework, and research potential.
English Language Proficiency Requirements & Waiver Options
Because all regular graduate-level lectures at KAIST are conducted entirely in English, applicants must demonstrate sufficient proficiency.
Accepted Official Test Scores
| Test Type | Minimum Score Requirement | Notes |
| TOEFL iBT | 83 or higher | Must be officially reported by ETS |
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 or higher | Overall band score requirement |
| TEPS | 326 or higher | New TEPS grading scale |
| TOEIC | 720 or higher | Listening & Reading combined |
Requesting an English Language Waiver
Applicants can request an official waiver of the standardized English language score requirement if they meet either of the following conditions:
- Citizenship from Native English-Speaking Nations: Citizens of designated countries (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa).
- Degrees Completed in English-Speaking Countries: Candidates who completed their previous degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s) at an institution physically located in a recognized native English-speaking country.
Required Documentation Checklist
Preparing a thorough, well-organized application file is crucial for approval. All documents must be uploaded in English or accompanied by notarized translations:
- KAIST Application Form: Completed via the official online admissions portal.
- Statement of Purpose & Study Plan: A clear description of academic achievements, technical skill set, career ambitions, and specific KAIST lab interests.
- Official Transcripts & Degree Certificates: Certified copies of all previous university transcripts and graduation certificates.
- Two Letters of Recommendation: Submitted directly through the KAIST online system by academic supervisors or department professors.
- Proof of English Language Proficiency: Valid TOEFL, IELTS, or official waiver qualification documents.
- Proof of Citizenship: Passports or national ID cards of both the applicant and their parents.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) & List of Publications: Including conference papers, journal publications, patents, or awards (if applicable).
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow this procedure to submit your application for the KAIST International Graduate Scholarship:
1.Explore Research Labs & Target Faculty:Recommended 1–2 months prior to deadline.
Browse KAIST departmental websites and review ongoing projects. Contact potential advisors via email with your academic CV and research proposal to confirm laboratory capacity and align interests.
2.Complete Online Portal Registration:During active admission window.
Access the KAIST International Graduate Admission System. Create your account and enter personal details, academic history, and degree track selections.
3.Select ‘KAIST Scholarship’ Funding Option:Crucial Step.
Under the Financial Information section of your application form, check the box for “KAIST Scholarship”. This flags your application for full institutional tuition and stipend consideration.
4.Pay the Application Processing Fee:80,000 KRW / ~80 USD.
Complete payment via international credit card or wire transfer before uploading finalized documents.
5.Upload Required Documents & Submit Recommender Requests:Before online closing date.
Upload legible PDF scans of all transcripts, degree certificates, English test scores, and personal statements. Input official university email addresses for your two recommenders.
6.Departmental Evaluation & Virtual Interview:4–6 weeks after application close.
Selected departments conduct technical evaluations and schedule virtual interviews via Zoom or Teams to assess research background and English communication.
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Important Timelines & Deadlines
KAIST accepts international applicants across two main intake periods each year:
| Admission Cycle | Online Application Period | Selection Results | Term Commences |
| Spring Intake | Mid-August – Late September | Mid-December | March |
| Fall Intake | Mid-March – Early April | Late June | September |
FAQ’s
Do I need to secure an acceptance letter from a professor before applying?
While obtaining advance approval from a professor is not strictly mandatory for all KAIST departments, it is highly recommended for STEM fields. Securing a preliminary confirmation from a lab head significantly boosts your chances of securing additional Research Assistantship (RA) funding.
Is GRE required for KAIST graduate admissions?
No, GRE General or Subject test scores are not mandatory for admission to KAIST graduate programs. However, submitting high GRE scores can strengthen your overall application profile if you choose to include them.
Can I apply for both the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) and KAIST Scholarship?
Yes. Candidates may explore GKS University Track options or apply directly for the KAIST Scholarship. However, you can ultimately hold only one full government or institutional grant at a time.
ScholarshipsHive Final Tip:
When drafting your KAIST Statement of Purpose, focus on specific technical challenges and match your prior research experience directly with active projects in your target KAIST laboratory. Specificity in your study plan is often the single most decisive factor during faculty evaluations.
Official Links & Resources
To check updated departmental guidelines, review faculty directories, and begin your application, visit the official channels:
- Official KAIST International Graduate Admissions: https://admission.kaist.ac.kr/intl-graduate
- KAIST Online Submission System: https://apply.kaist.ac.kr/intergradapply
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