Do you dream of studying in South Korea at a top university in Asia. The KAIST University Scholarship for the 2026 academic year is now open. International students can apply for masters or PhD degrees. KAIST is often called the MIT of Asia. The scholarship is fully funded that covers your full tuition. It also gives you a monthly stipend of up to 400000 KRW. Your health insurance is included too. KAIST has modern programs in science engineering, business and bioengineering. This famous scholarship is your path to a world class education. It is a chance to be part of new innovations. Are you ready to apply? Applications are open for both the spring and fall semesters. Do not miss your chance to join a worldwide group of future leaders.
Scholarship Summary
- Who can apply? International Master’s, PhD, and Integrated MS-PhD applicants.
- What you get: Full tuition waiver + monthly stipend + national health insurance.
- Extra funding: Many labs (and programs like KGPS / some colleges) pay higher monthly support.
- When to apply (Spring 2026): Aug 19 – Sep 2, 2025 (KST) for online application; LORs by Sep 9, 2025; results in Dec 2025.
Scholarship Coverage
Core Benefits
- Tuition: Full waiver (you do not pay tuition).
- Monthly stipend:
- ~KRW 350,000 (Master’s)
- ~KRW 400,000 (PhD),
- Health insurance. Funding is usually from the advisor/department.
Check Detailed Benefits About KAIST Scholarship 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
You must first be admitted to a KAIST graduate program. General rules:
- Master’s: Bachelor’s degree completed (or by the enrollment date).
- PhD: Master’s degree completed (or by the enrollment date).
- International applicant (non-Korean).
- English proficiency: typical minimum TOEFL iBT 83 / IELTS 6.5 / TOEIC 720 / TEPS 326 (waiver possible if your previous degree was fully in English).
Scholarship is decided with admission (no separate form for the basic KAIST funding in most cases). Departmental / college programs may have extra rules. Check detailed KAIST Scholarship eligibility criteria.
Available Courses
College of Engineering
- Industrial & Systems Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
- Civil & Environmental Engineering
- Bio & Brain Engineering
- Materials Science & Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Industrial Design
- Nuclear & Quantum Engineering
College of Life Science & Bioengineering
- Biological Sciences
College of Natural Sciences
- Chemistry
- Mathematical Sciences
- Physics
College of Business
- Business and Technology Management
Application Timeline
| Stage | Key Dates |
|---|---|
| Online application | Aug 19 – Sep 2, 2025 |
| Recommenders submit LORs | By Sep 9, 2025 |
| Results announcement | Dec 12, 2025 (5 PM) |
| Semester begins | Feb 2026 |
Required Documents
- Online application form (KAIST Graduate Apply).
- Statement of Purpose (why KAIST, research goals).
- Study/Research Plan (target field, desired lab/advisor).
- Official transcripts and degree certificates.
- Two recommendation letters (uploaded by professors).
- English test score (or waiver docs).
- Passport copy and financial statement (sponsor/bank).
Documents must be in English or Korean. Use notarized translations if needed. Here is the complete list of required documents.
Application Fee
- KRW 80,000 (non-refundable). Pay online.
- Fee waivers may be available for eligible applicants (when announced).
Selection Criteria
- Academic record.
- Research fit.
- SOP/Research plan quality.
- Recommendations from faculty who know your work.
- English ability.
- Interview (some departments).
Tip: For PhD and Integrated programs, contacting potential advisors and aligning with a lab greatly helps.
Scholarship Duration & Renewal
- Master’s: tuition waiver during the regular study period (usually 4 semesters).
- PhD: tuition waiver during the regular study period (varies by program).
- Monthly stipend & insurance continue while you maintain good standing (your advisor/department funds it). Some colleges publish GPA thresholds for specific awards.
Example: KAIST Business scholarships require GPA ≥ 3.3/4.3 to maintain certain awards.
Duration & Renewal
- Tuition waiver covers the standard program duration (e.g., 4 regular semesters for Master’s per official guide).
- You must maintain good academic standing; departments may set GPA/credit rules for continued funding or RA/TA work.
How to Apply For KAIST Scholarship 2026
- Open the portal: Go to the KAIST Graduate Apply Portal.
- Create your account and choose your program/department.
- Fill the form and upload documents.
- In Funding/Financial Resources, select “KAIST Scholarship”; add RA/TA if your target lab agrees.
- Pay the fee (₩80,000) and submit.
- Ask referees to submit letters before the deadline.
- Watch email/portal for interview or status updates.
- If admitted, read your offer letter for scholarship amount and any lab conditions.