Apply for KAIST International Graduate Scholarship 2026 in South Korea. Fully funded Master’s & PhD covering tuition, stipend, insurance, and research support.
KAIST International Graduate Scholarship
The KAIST International Graduate Students Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious fully funded opportunity offered by the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), one of Asia’s top-ranked research universities. KAIST provides international students the chance to pursue Master’s, Integrated Master’s-PhD, and PhD degrees in an English-taught research environment supported by advanced laboratories and global faculty collaboration.

International applicants admitted through KAIST Graduate Admission are automatically considered for funding, allowing students to start their journey today without financial burden. KAIST focuses on innovation, artificial intelligence, engineering, and scientific research, preparing graduates for global academic and industry careers.
Other important opportunity: Global Hope Scholarship Program
Scholarship Details and Participating University
Host University
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), South Korea
KAIST itself administers the scholarship across all graduate departments.
Degree Levels
- Master’s Degree
- Integrated MS-PhD Program
- Doctoral (PhD) Degree
Students study at KAIST’s main campus in Daejeon, a major research and technology hub.
Offered Study Fields and Graduate Tracks
KAIST offers interdisciplinary graduate programs including:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
- Materials Science
- Biological Sciences
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Nuclear Engineering
- Civil & Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Design
- Business and Technology Management
All programs emphasize research-based learning and innovation.
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Eligibility Criteria for KAIST Scholarship
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Must be a non-Korean citizen
- Bachelor’s degree for Master’s admission
- Master’s degree for PhD admission
- Strong academic background
- Research potential and motivation
- English proficiency proof
- Complete application submission before deadlines
Is Supervisor Acceptance Required?
A supervisor acceptance letter is not mandatory during application.
Students are typically matched with advisors after admission, although contacting professors beforehand can strengthen your application.
Fully Funded Benefits of KAIST Scholarship
The KAIST scholarship is a fully funded opportunity covering major academic expenses.
Financial Benefits
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly living stipend (varies by department)
- National Health Insurance coverage
- Research assistantship opportunities
- Access to advanced laboratories
- Additional research funding support
KAIST confirms that admitted international graduate students receiving the scholarship obtain tuition coverage, stipend, and insurance support. This funding enables students to focus entirely on research and academic excellence.
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Program Duration for KAIST International Graduate Scholarship
Program length depends on degree type:
- Master’s Program: 2 years
- PhD Program: 3–4 years
- Integrated MS-PhD: Up to 5 years
Scholarship continuation requires satisfactory academic performance.
IELTS and English Language Requirements
All graduate programs at KAIST are conducted in English.
Accepted English Tests
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- TOEIC or TEPS (accepted alternatives)
Recommended Scores
- IELTS: 6.5 overall
- TOEFL iBT: 83 or higher
Note: English requirement may be waived if prior education was completed fully in English (subject to verification). Check other universities which offer scholarships without IELTS for international students.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare:
- Online application form
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Two recommendation letters
- English proficiency certificate
- Updated CV or Resume
- Passport copy
- Research achievements (optional)
Recommendation letters must be submitted before document deadlines.
Also Check: Taiwan International Graduate Program
Application Deadlines for KAIST Scholarship 2026
KAIST offers multiple admission tracks annually.
Spring 2026 Intake
- Application Period: August 19 – September 2, 2025
- Semester Start: Late February 2026
Fall 2026 Intake – Early Track
- Application Period: December 2 – December 16, 2025
- Results Announcement: Around March 2026
- Classes Begin: Late August 2026
Fall 2026 Intake – Regular Track
- Application Period: March 3 – March 17, 2026
- Evaluation Period: March–April
- Semester Start: Late August 2026
These timelines are officially published in KAIST graduate admission schedules.
Important: Admission deadline = Scholarship deadline. No separate funding application is required.
Also Check: Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarships
Application Process for KAIST International Graduate Admission
Follow these steps carefully:
- Visit KAIST International Graduate Admission portal.
- Create an online account.
- Select department and degree program.
- Upload required documents.
- Choose KAIST scholarship option in financial section.
- Submit application before deadline.
- Attend interview if invited.
Applications are evaluated by faculty committees, and interviews are conducted only when necessary. Apply now, don’t miss this opportunity.
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Apply for KAIST Scholarship to Secure Your Future
The KAIST International Graduate Students Scholarship 2026 is among the best fully funded graduate opportunities in Asia. With tuition coverage, monthly stipend, health insurance, and world-class research facilities, KAIST provides a powerful platform for academic and professional success.
If you want to study in South Korea at a globally recognized research university.
Apply now. Secure your future. Start your journey today. Don’t miss this fully funded opportunity.