About the opportunity
KAIST International Graduate Admissions offers foreign students the opportunity to pursue advanced degree programs (Master’s, Master’s-Ph.D. Integrated, and Ph.D.) across various departments. Most admitted international students receive generous financial support through KAIST Scholarships, covering full tuition and providing a monthly stipend to support academic and research activities in Daejeon, South Korea.
Funding and benefits
- Full tuition fee waiver for regular semesters
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses (dependent on degree program and research involvement)
- KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship (KGPS): Full tuition coverage and a monthly stipend of 1,000,000 KRW for 4 regular semesters for select Master's or Integrated degree applicants
- KAIST Prestige Scholarship for International Ph.D. Students (KPS): Full tuition coverage and a monthly stipend of 300,000 KRW for 8 regular semesters for select Ph.D. applicants
- National health insurance coverage support
Who can apply?
- Applicants must hold citizenship of a country other than Korea (individuals holding Korean citizenship are not eligible)
- Applicants of Korean descent with foreign citizenship must provide proof of complete renunciation of Korean citizenship for both themselves and their parents, or have completed all primary and secondary education outside of Korea
- For Master's or Master's-Ph.D. Integrated programs: Hold or expect to hold a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent standard) by the start of the course
- For Ph.D. programs: Hold or expect to hold a Master's degree (or equivalent standard) by the start of the course
- Demonstrate English proficiency by submitting valid scores: TOEFL iBT 83 (or 4.5 if taken on or after Jan 21, 2026), IELTS Academic 6.5 band, TOEIC 720, or TEPS 326 (unless eligible for an English Proficiency Test waiver)
Required documents
- Completed online application form
- Official undergraduate and/or graduate degree certificates and academic transcripts
- Official English Proficiency Test (EPT) score report or EPT waiver certificate
- Recommendation letter(s)
- Proof of nationality/citizenship documentation for applicant and parents (or renunciation proof/foreign education certificates if applicable)
When to apply
- Spring 2027 Entry: August 18, 2026 – September 1, 2026
- Fall 2027 Entry (Early Track): Early December – Late December (TBA)
- Fall 2027 Entry (Regular Track): Early March – Late March (TBA)
- Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) University Track: Early February
How to apply
- Create an account on the KAIST online application portal (ApplyWeb)
- Fill out the online application form and upload all required supporting documents
- Select the KAIST scholarship option in the financial resources section during application
- Pay the application fee and submit the completed application before the posted deadline
- Track application status and await official admission and scholarship decisions
Additional information
- Applicants who select the KAIST Scholarship option during the online application are automatically considered for departmental and institutional scholarships, including KGPS and KPS, without requiring a separate application.
- Stipends may vary depending on the specific college or department (e.g., College of Engineering).
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- International students with a strong academic background in engineering or science seeking advanced degrees.
- Researchers looking for a fully funded environment in South Korea with access to institutional stipends.
- Applicants who can demonstrate English proficiency through standardized testing.
What should you think carefully about?
- The program requires relocation to Daejeon, South Korea, for the duration of the degree.
- Stipends vary by department, so applicants should verify the specific financial support available for their chosen field.
- Applicants of Korean descent must provide specific documentation regarding their citizenship status.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This opportunity is perfect for those aiming to conduct high-level research in a globally recognized institution. The automatic consideration for various scholarships makes it a stable path for students seeking to complete a Master's or Ph.D. while receiving financial support for living and research expenses.
Our take
International students seeking a rigorous, research-intensive graduate education in South Korea should apply. Those who are not prepared for a long-term international relocation may find this less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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