Application Fee Payment Guide for KAIST Scholarship 2026
One key step for international students applying to KAIST in 2026 is paying the application fee. Many find this part confusing. If you make a mistake here it could cause delays or problems with your application.
This guide explains everything clearly:
- How to pay the fee.
- The exact amount you need to pay.
- Which payment methods work best.
- How to confirm your payment went through.
Follow these steps carefully so you don’t miss the deadline or make errors in the process.
Quick Overview
| What You Need To Know | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | 80,000 KRW (about $60-65 USD) |
| Who Pays | All students applying (undergrad and grad) |
| When To Pay | Same day as your application deadline |
| Can You Get Money Back | No refunds ever |
| How To Pay | Credit card / International bank transfer / Korean bank payment (KRW only) |
Step-by-Step: How to Pay the KAIST Application Fee
1. Create Your KAIST Application Account
Start your application on the official KAIST portal for 2026 intake.
Go to: https://apply.kaist.ac.kr/
2. Complete All Required Fields First
Before paying, you must complete the basic application form, upload documents, and select your program. The payment button appears at the end.
3. Choose a Payment Method
A. Credit/Debit Card (Recommended)
- Works for both international and Korean cards
- Instant confirmation
- Visa, MasterCard, JCB accepted
- Processing fee may apply depending on your bank
Best option for international applicants
B. Bank Transfer (International Wire)
- Takes 2–5 business days to confirm
- You’ll receive a virtual bank account or reference number after submitting the form
- Include your application number or full name in the payment reference
- You must upload the transfer receipt manually in the portal
Common mistake: Failing to include your name or reference code = unverified payment.
C. Domestic Transfer (for Korean residents)
- Pay through Korean banks using the assigned bank info
- Keep a receipt for manual upload
4. Upload Proof (If Required)
For bank transfers, go to the Upload Documents section and add your payment confirmation receipt under “Miscellaneous”.
5. Wait for Verification
- Credit cards: almost instant
- Bank transfer: up to 3–5 days
You’ll see “Payment Confirmed” status once it’s done.
Pro Tips to Avoid Issues
| Mistake | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Missing name in bank transfer | Add your name + app ID in the memo |
| Wrong payment amount | Double-check current KRW amount |
| Uploading the wrong receipt | Upload clear, legible proof only |
| Last-minute payment | Pay 3–4 days before deadline |
What If I Can’t Pay the Fee?
Unfortunately, KAIST does not waive the fee for international students.
If your country has severe restrictions (e.g. Iran, North Korea), you must email admissions for help:
📧 ugadmission@kaist.ac.kr (Undergraduate)
📧 admission@kaist.ac.kr (Graduate)
When Should I Pay the Fee?
You must pay before your application is submitted and before the final deadline.
For 2026 Intake (Expected Dates):
| Intake Type | Deadline to Pay |
|---|---|
| Spring 2026 (Graduate only) | ~September 2025 |
| Fall 2026 (UG + Grad) | ~April 2026 |
Always refer to the official admissions website for final dates.
Related Pages for Help
- Application Process for 2026
- Required Documents for KAIST
- Graduate Scholarship Details
- Undergraduate Scholarship Details
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
Coming Soon:
A downloadable “KAIST Payment Receipt Upload Guide” with screenshots and instructions. Let me know if you want to receive this via email.