If you are a Nigerian student and you want to study at a top university in Asia then the KAIST Scholarship for Nigeria 2026 can help you. KAIST stands for Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. Many people call it the MIT of Asia because it is very strong in science and technology subjects.
KAIST ranks high in the world for engineering, computer science, AI and biology. Several Nigerian students have studied there and done very well. Students from other African countries also study at KAIST.
This post explains everything Nigerian students need to know about this scholarship. It covers who can apply and what you get. It also shows important dates and how to apply. You will find details about the Global Korea Scholarship that can bring you to KAIST.
Why Nigerian Students Should Think About KAIST?
The scholarship pays for almost everything so you do not worry about money. All classes are in English so you do not need Korean at the start. Many international students study there including some from Nigeria and Africa. After graduation many students get good jobs at big companies like Samsung or Google. The campus is in Daejeon city. This city is safe and living costs are not too high.
Different Types of KAIST Scholarships for 2026
When KAIST accepts you as an international student the university checks your application and gives scholarship automatically. You do not need a separate form for the scholarship.
Here is a table that shows the main types:
| Type of Scholarship | For Which Level | What It Gives You | Extra Information for Nigerians |
|---|---|---|---|
| KAIST International Student Scholarship | Undergraduate | Full tuition for 8 semesters and about 350,000 KRW each month for living plus health insurance | You must keep GPA of 2.7 out of 4.3 after first year |
| KAIST Graduate Scholarship | Master’s or PhD | Full tuition and monthly money from 350,000 to more than 1,000,000 KRW depending on department plus insurance | Often more money if you work with a professor |
| Global Korea Scholarship at KAIST | All levels | Full tuition and plane ticket and about 1,000,000 KRW per month plus one year to learn Korean | Apply through Nigerian embassy and only few places |
Also See: KAIST Scholarship for Indian Students
Who Can Apply from Nigeria?
Nigerian students can apply like any other international students. There are no special rules against Nigerians.
- You must not be a Korean citizen.
- For undergraduate you must finish secondary school before August 2026.
- For graduate you must have a bachelor’s degree for master’s or master’s degree for PhD.
- Age has no big limit for normal KAIST scholarship.
- For GKS undergraduate you must be under 25 years and for graduate under 40.
- Your grades must be good. English test like TOEFL or IELTS helps but if your school used English sometimes it is not needed.
- You do not need Korean to start.
What You Get from the Scholarship
- The scholarship pays all school fees.
- It gives money every month for food and housing. This amount is enough for life in Daejeon.
- You also get health insurance.
- If you come through GKS they pay for your flight to Korea and back.
Important Dates for 2026 Applications
Today is December 31, 2025. Some dates have passed but others are coming soon.
| Program | Which Track or Intake | When to Apply | When Results Come |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Fall 2026 | Regular | Early December 2025 to January 2026 | April 2026 |
| Graduate Fall 2026 | Early now closed | December 2 to 16, 2025 | March 2026 |
| Graduate Fall 2026 | Regular | March 3 to 17, 2026 | June 2026 |
The undergraduate regular track closed on January 2026. If you missed it you can prepare for next year. The next big opening for graduate is in March 2026.
How Nigerian Students Can Apply
Go to the KAIST website admission.kaist.ac.kr. Fill the online form for undergraduate or graduate. Send your school results and passport copy. Add personal statement and recommendation letters from teachers. Include English test scores if you have them. Pay small application fee of about 80 US dollars. Sometimes they can reduce this fee. If they accept you they give scholarship at the same time.
Tips for Nigerians. Show your good results in math and science from WAEC, NECO or JAMB. In your personal statement explain why you want KAIST and Korea. For graduate write to professors early about their work. After acceptance KAIST helps with visa.
Also See: KAIST Scholarship for Pakistani Students
Another Way: Global Korea Scholarship 2026
You can apply for GKS and choose KAIST as your university. Nigeria gets only few places.
Apply at the Korean Embassy in Abuja. Dates usually come in February or March 2026. This scholarship gives extra things like plane ticket and Korean lessons.
Tips to Make Your Application Strong
Many Nigerian students get accepted because they have good grades and clear plans. Write about what you want to do in science or technology.
Always check the official KAIST website for latest information: admission.kaist.ac.kr