KAIST University Scholarship 2027

KAIST University Scholarship 2027 in South Korea

The KAIST University Scholarship 2027 in South Korea is a fully funded opportunity for international students who want to pursue graduate studies at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). The scholarship is available for Master’s, MS-PhD integrated, and PhD programmes in science, technology, engineering, business, and related disciplines.

KAIST is internationally recognized for its strong focus on science, technology, innovation, and research. The scholarship provides financial support that allows successful international students to concentrate on their studies and research without the burden of regular tuition fees.

For the 2027 intake, the application deadline is September 1, 2026, while recommendation letters must be submitted by September 8, 2026.

KAIST University Scholarship 2027 Overview

What Is the KAIST University Scholarship?

The KAIST University Scholarship is designed to attract talented international students to KAIST's graduate programmes. Students with strong academic backgrounds and an interest in research, innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship can apply for eligible graduate programmes.

International students can apply for Master's, MS-PhD integrated, or PhD programmes. Applicants who satisfy the scholarship requirements are considered for KAIST scholarship support as part of the graduate admission process.

A major advantage of the programme is that many courses are available in English, making KAIST an attractive destination for international students who want to study in South Korea.

Scholarship Benefits

The KAIST Graduate Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support. Successful students receive a full tuition fee exemption for the applicable period of their degree. The scholarship covers up to four semesters for Master's students and eight semesters for PhD students.

Students also receive a monthly stipend, although the exact amount can vary according to factors such as degree programme, department, advisor, and research activities. The scholarship also includes National Health Insurance coverage.

Students may additionally have opportunities to earn through teaching, research, or part-time assistant positions on campus, subject to applicable university policies.

Eligible Fields of Study

KAIST offers a wide range of graduate programmes under its scholarship. Major academic areas include Engineering, Natural Sciences, Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Liberal Arts and Convergence Science, and Business.

Engineering-related programmes include Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, Information Security, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Materials Science and Engineering, and several other specialized areas.

Natural science options include Physics, Mathematical Sciences, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Quantum Science and Technology, and Medical Science and Engineering.

Students interested in life sciences can explore Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Engineering Biology, and Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology. Business-related options include Business and Technology Management, Management Engineering, Finance MBA, and Global Digital Innovation.

Eligibility Criteria

The KAIST University Scholarship 2027 is open to applicants from all countries, provided they satisfy the international graduate admission requirements. Applicants must not hold Korean citizenship, and Korean citizens with dual citizenship are not eligible to apply as international students.

For Master's and MS-PhD integrated programmes, applicants must hold or expect to obtain a Bachelor's degree or higher by the end of February 2027.

Applicants to doctoral programmes must hold or expect to obtain a Master's degree or higher by the end of February 2027. The previous qualification must be equivalent to a four-year Korean Bachelor's degree where applicable.

Applicants must also meet KAIST's English-language proficiency requirements unless they qualify for an approved exemption. A recognized English proficiency test taken on or after September 1, 2024 may be required.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare their academic and supporting documents before beginning the online application. Commonly required documents include a CV, official academic transcripts, degree certificates or diplomas, English proficiency test results, two recommendation letters, citizenship documents, and a Statement of Purpose.

Depending on the applicant's circumstances, KAIST may also require citizenship documents for parents, family registration documents, or an employer recommendation letter.

Master's applicants should identify up to three faculty members whose research interests match their proposed area, while doctoral applicants are expected to identify a faculty advisor from their department.

How to Apply

The application process for the KAIST University Scholarship 2027 is completed online through the KAIST graduate admission system. Applicants first need to review the admission guidelines and select their desired degree programme and major.

Candidates must enter their personal and academic information, upload identification and supporting documents, provide details about their previous education and achievements, and arrange recommendation letters through the online system. Applicants also need to prepare their Statement of Purpose and CV.

Applicants can designate up to two recommenders. They should carefully review all information before paying the application fee because changes to the application and uploaded files may not be possible afterward. The listed application fee is USD 80, although eligible applicants may request a fee waiver.

Only PDF documents are accepted for uploads, with each file limited to 3 MB or less according to the application information.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the KAIST University Scholarship 2027 is September 1, 2026. Applicants must submit their online application before this date. The deadline for recommendation letters is September 8, 2026.

The admission decision is scheduled to be announced on December 18, 2026.

Why Apply for the KAIST Scholarship?

The KAIST University Scholarship provides international students with the opportunity to study at a leading South Korean science and technology institution while receiving substantial financial support. Full tuition exemption, monthly financial support, and health insurance can significantly reduce the cost of graduate education.

The wide range of programmes also makes the scholarship suitable for students interested in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Robotics, Data Science, Engineering, Biotechnology, Natural Sciences, Business, and Sustainability.

For students planning careers in research, technology, innovation, or academia, studying at KAIST can also provide access to an advanced research environment and opportunities to work with faculty and research groups.

Final Thoughts

The KAIST University Scholarship 2027 in South Korea is an excellent fully funded opportunity for international students seeking Master's, MS-PhD, or PhD education in science, technology, engineering, business, and related fields. The scholarship provides full tuition exemption, a monthly stipend, and National Health Insurance coverage.

Students who meet the academic and international admission requirements should prepare their documents carefully and submit their applications before the September 1, 2026 deadline. With strong competition expected, applicants should focus on presenting a clear academic record, relevant research interests, strong recommendations, and a convincing Statement of Purpose. Apply Now