KAIST University Scholarship 2027 in South Korea

KAIST University Scholarship 2027 in South Korea

The KAIST University Scholarship 2027 is an excellent opportunity for international students who want to pursue graduate studies at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in South Korea. The scholarship supports international students enrolled in master's, master's-PhD integrated, and PhD programs.

KAIST is a leading research-focused university known for its work in science, technology, engineering, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The university provides substantial financial support to international graduate students, including tuition coverage, health insurance, and a monthly stipend.

According to the current scholarship information, the application deadline for the 2027 cycle is September 1, 2026, while recommendation letters must be submitted by September 8, 2026.

KAIST University Scholarship 2027 Overview

Category	Details
Scholarship Name	KAIST University Scholarship 2027
University	Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Country	South Korea
Degree Level	Master's, MS-PhD, PhD
Eligible Applicants	International Students
Funding Type	Fully Funded
Tuition	Full tuition coverage
Stipend	Monthly stipend
Health Insurance	National Health Insurance
Application Deadline	September 1, 2026
Recommendation Deadline	September 8, 2026

What Is the KAIST University Scholarship?

The KAIST University Scholarship is a financial support program for international students admitted to eligible graduate programs at KAIST. International applicants who select the KAIST Scholarship as their financial resource during the admission application are automatically considered for eligible KAIST scholarship programs if they meet the requirements.

The scholarship is available across a wide range of departments, making it particularly attractive to students interested in technology, engineering, computing, artificial intelligence, natural sciences, biotechnology, business, and related fields.

KAIST states that its international graduate scholarship covers full tuition, national health insurance, and a monthly stipend, with the stipend varying depending on factors such as the department and research involvement.

Available Study Programs

International students can apply for graduate programs across numerous academic areas at KAIST.

Major fields include engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, robotics, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, data science, information security, environmental and energy technology, materials science, chemical and biomolecular engineering, and nuclear and quantum engineering.

Other available areas include physics, mathematics, chemistry, biological sciences, medical science and engineering, brain and cognitive sciences, culture technology, science and technology policy, business and technology management, and digital innovation.

This broad academic range allows applicants from different STEM and interdisciplinary backgrounds to find suitable graduate programs.

Scholarship Benefits

The KAIST University Scholarship 2027 provides significant financial support to successful international students.

The main benefits include:

• Full tuition fee coverage.
• Monthly living stipend.
• National health insurance.
• Opportunities for additional research or teaching-related financial support.
• Access to KAIST's research and academic facilities.

For master's students selected for the KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship (KGPS), the current KAIST information lists full tuition coverage and a KRW 1,000,000 monthly stipend for four regular semesters.

For eligible international PhD and master's-PhD integrated students selected for the KAIST Prestige Scholarship (KPS), KAIST lists full tuition coverage and a monthly stipend of KRW 300,000 for eight regular semesters, with additional research support potentially available depending on the student's department and research involvement.

The exact financial package can therefore vary according to the degree, department, advisor, and research arrangements.

Eligibility Criteria

The KAIST Scholarship is open to international applicants seeking admission to eligible graduate programs.

Applicants must not hold Korean citizenship. Korean citizens with dual citizenship are not eligible for KAIST International Graduate Admission under the stated international admission rules.

For master's or master's-PhD integrated programs, applicants must hold or expect to hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution by the required graduation date.

Applicants for doctoral programs must hold or expect to hold a master's degree or higher from an accredited institution.

Applicants must also satisfy KAIST's English-language proficiency requirements unless they qualify for an applicable exemption. The current application information specifies that recognized English test scores must meet the required validity conditions.

English Language Requirement

English proficiency is an important part of the KAIST international graduate admission process.

Applicants may need to submit a recognized English proficiency test score unless they qualify for an exemption. The accepted test and minimum score requirements can vary according to the current admission guidelines, so applicants should carefully check the official KAIST requirements before submitting their application.

Having a valid English-language test score prepared in advance can help applicants avoid delays during the application process.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the documents required for KAIST international graduate admission.

Common application materials include:

• Academic transcripts.
• Degree certificates or diplomas.
• Curriculum vitae or résumé.
• Statement of purpose.
• Recommendation letters.
• English proficiency test results, where required.
• Citizenship documents.
• Parents' citizenship documents where required.
• Employment recommendation letter, if applicable.
• Other supporting documents requested by the selected program.

Applicants should make sure that all uploaded documents are clear, complete, and follow the specified file-format requirements.

How to Apply

The application process for the KAIST University Scholarship 2027 is conducted online.

Applicants should first select an appropriate graduate degree and major and review the admission requirements. During the application, they can select KAIST Scholarship as their financial resource. Eligible applicants are then automatically considered for applicable KAIST scholarship programs.

Applicants must complete their personal and academic information, upload the required documents, provide information about their previous experiences and achievements, submit recommendation details, and prepare a strong statement of purpose.

Master's applicants can indicate faculty members whose research interests match their own, while doctoral applicants should identify an appropriate faculty advisor according to the admission requirements.

The application fee listed by the source is USD 80, although applicants may request a fee waiver if they qualify.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the KAIST University Scholarship 2027 listed on the current Opportunities Circle page is September 1, 2026. The deadline for recommendation letters is September 8, 2026, and the decision announcement is scheduled for December 18, 2026.

Applicants should submit their application well before the deadline because missing documents or incomplete information can affect the application.

Selection Process

KAIST scholarships are competitive and academic and research achievements are important factors in selection.

For the KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship, highly competitive master's and master's-PhD applicants are recommended by their department heads. For the KAIST Prestige Scholarship, outstanding academic and research achievements are considered before recommendations are made and final selections are completed.

Applicants should therefore highlight their academic performance, research experience, technical skills, publications, projects, awards, and other achievements where relevant.

Why Apply for the KAIST Scholarship?

The KAIST University Scholarship provides international students with an opportunity to study at a leading technology and research institution in South Korea while receiving substantial financial support.

KAIST's research environment is particularly attractive for students interested in areas such as artificial intelligence, computer science, robotics, engineering, biotechnology, data science, materials science, and emerging technologies.

The university also reports extensive research activity and strong connections with government and industry, providing graduate students with opportunities to participate in advanced research projects.

For students who want to build careers in research, academia, technology, engineering, or innovation, KAIST can provide a strong international academic environment.

Final Thoughts

The KAIST University Scholarship 2027 in South Korea is a strong fully funded opportunity for international students seeking master's, master's-PhD integrated, or PhD studies in technology, engineering, science, business, and interdisciplinary fields.

The scholarship can provide full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, and national health insurance, while selected students may also benefit from research and teaching opportunities.

Applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria, select a suitable research area and program, prepare their academic and supporting documents, and submit the online application before the September 1, 2026 deadline listed for this cycle. Apply Now