The KAIST Graduate Admission & Scholarship Program offers high-achieving international candidates the chance to pursue Master’s, Master’s–PhD Integrated, and PhD degrees at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). Ranked among Asia’s top research institutions, KAIST offers fully funded graduate opportunities. Admitted international students who select the KAIST Scholarship option receive full tuition waivers along with monthly stipends and health insurance coverage.
📊 Scholarship / Opportunity Overview
| Category | Details |
| Scholarship Name | KAIST International Graduate Scholarship |
| Institution | Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) |
| Country | South Korea |
| Study Level | Master’s, MS–PhD Integrated, & PhD Degrees |
| Programs Offered | Engineering, Natural Sciences, Life Science & Bioengineering, Business, Liberal Arts & Convergence Science |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded (100% Tuition Waiver + Monthly Living Allowance + Health Insurance) |
| Eligible Applicants | International Students (Non-Korean Citizens) |
| Duration | Master’s (2 Years) / MS-PhD (Up to 5 Years) / PhD (4 Years) |
| Application Window (Spring) | August 18 – September 1, 2026 (5:00 PM KST) |
| Application Mode | Online via KAIST Graduate Admissions Portal |
📌 About the Scholarship / Opportunity
KAIST operates an integrated admission and scholarship screening system. International applicants applying through the official online application system simply opt into the “KAIST Scholarship” track on their application. The program focuses heavily on STEM disciplines, advanced technology research, and cross-disciplinary studies.
💰 What Does It Cover?
Selected scholars receive complete financial coverage throughout their degree:
- 🎓 100% Full Tuition Waiver: Covers full tuition fees for the duration of the program.
- 💵 Monthly Stipend: A monthly allowance to cover daily living expenses (approx. KRW 350,000 for Master’s; KRW 400,000 for PhD; with additional lab research allowances available).
- 🏥 National Health Insurance: Medical insurance coverage provided by KAIST.
- 🔬 Lab Research Grants: Additional stipends directly provided by research project advisors.
🎓 What Programmes / Courses Does It Support?
The scholarship supports graduate degrees across KAIST faculties, including:
- Computer Science, AI, Cyber Security, & Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil, & Environmental Engineering
- Biological Sciences, Brain Science, & Bioengineering
- Physics, Chemistry, Mathematical Sciences, & Materials Science
- Business & Technology Management
👤 Who Can Apply?
- Candidates holding foreign citizenship (neither applicant nor parents hold South Korean citizenship).
- Applicants who hold or expect to obtain a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s applicants) or a Master’s degree (for PhD applicants) prior to program start.
- Candidates demonstrating solid research aptitude and academic competence.
🇳🇬 Can Nigerians Apply?
Yes, Nigerian citizens are eligible to apply. Nigerian candidates with strong academic qualifications in science or engineering and proof of English proficiency (or English medium of instruction exemption) can apply.
🌍 Eligible Countries
Open to international students from all non-Korean countries worldwide.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: Foreign nationality (Non-Korean).
- Academic Background: Degree qualification equivalent to a Bachelor’s or Master’s.
- English Proficiency: Official test scores meeting KAIST minimums (IELTS Academic 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 83+, TOEIC 720+, or TEPS 326+). (Exemptions apply if degree was earned in an English-speaking country or taught entirely in English).
📅 Important Application Information (Spring 2027 Intake)
- Online Application Window: August 18 – September 1, 2026 (5:00 PM KST)
- Recommendation Letter Deadline: September 8, 2026 (6:00 PM KST)
- Document Evaluation / Screening: September – November 2026
- Final Results Announcement: December 18, 2026
- Semester Start: February / March 2027
📝 How to Apply
Step 1: Account Creation
Visit the KAIST Graduate Admissions Portal (gradapply.kaist.ac.kr) and register an account.
Step 2: Select Program & Funding Track
Choose your degree program and select KAIST Scholarship under the Financial Resource section.
Step 3: Complete the Online Form
Fill in your personal details, academic background, statement of purpose, and research accomplishments.
Step 4: Upload Supporting Credentials
Scan and upload all official transcripts, certificates, passport bio-page, and English test scores in PDF format.
Step 5: Pay Application Fee & Submit
Pay the mandatory online application fee and submit the application prior to the cutoff date.
Step 6: Ensure Recommendation Letters Submission
Confirm that your two referees upload their recommendation letters before the recommendation deadline.
🔗 Official Application Link
🔗 Official Portal: KAIST Online Application System📅 Application Deadline: September 1, 2026 (5:00 PM KST)
Disclaimer: Dates, stipends, and document requirements are subject to university updates. Always verify details on the official KAIST admissions website.
📄 Documents to Prepare
- Degree Certificates (Bachelor’s/Master’s)
- Official Transcripts
- Statement of Purpose & Study Plan
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Valid English Proficiency Test Report (IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC)
- Passport Copies (Applicant & Parents)
- CV / Resume & Optional List of Honors/Publications
⭐ Why Apply for This Opportunity?
- World-Class Innovation Hub: KAIST is widely recognized as South Korea’s premier science and technology university.
- Debt-Free Postgraduate Education: Tuition waivers and living stipends ensure financial security.
- Cutting-Edge Research Facilities: Direct access to advanced laboratories and industry research collaborations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is a separate scholarship application required?
No. Selecting “KAIST Scholarship” on the main admission form automatically considers you for full scholarship coverage.
Are courses taught in English?
Yes. The vast majority of graduate-level lectures and research activities at KAIST are conducted entirely in English.
What happens if I miss the Spring intake deadline?
KAIST runs two primary international admission cycles annually (Spring intake opening around August and Fall intake opening around December/March).
💡 Important Tips for Applicants
- Contact prospective lab professors beforehand to discuss your research alignment.
- Send recommendation request links to your referees early so they meet the September 8 recommendation deadline.
- Ensure all uploaded PDF transcripts are clear and show grading scale conversion keys.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Delaying application submission until the final hours on September 1.
- Submitting unverified English test results or failing to request official electronic scores where required.
- Omitting parent passport copies or family citizenship documentation.
🎯 Final Thoughts
The KAIST International Graduate Admission offers high-achieving STEM and technology applicants an ideal gateway to fully funded postgraduate study in South Korea. Ensure all documents and referee submissions are completed within the specified schedule.