If you are planning to apply to the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) then it’s important to understand the cost of studying in Korea. While many international students receive scholarships and some pay part or all of their tuition and living expenses. This guide explains the KAIST tuition fees for international students in 2026.
Overview of KAIST Tuition Fees System
- Entrance Fee: A one-time payment when enrolling.
- Tuition Fee: Paid every semester (twice a year).
- Additional Fees: Student union fee, medical mutual aid, dormitory fee (if applicable).
KAIST Undergraduate Tuition Fees 2026
According to the official KAIST notices:
- Entrance Fee: approx. 353,000 KRW (one-time).
- Tuition Fee per Semester: about 9,500,000 KRW.
- Annual Tuition (2 semesters): approx. 19,000,000 KRW (~14,000 USD).
Additional small semester-based fees:
- Student Union Fee: 29,000 KRW.
- Medical Mutual Aid Fee: 30,000 KRW.
Check our KAIST Undergraduate Admissions Guides 2026.
KAIST Graduate Tuition Fees 2026
Graduate tuition varies by program, but official sources give the following structure:
- Entrance Fee: approx. 353,000 KRW (one-time).
- Tuition Fee per Semester: about 9,559,000 KRW.
- Scholarship Tuition Rate (Graduate): between 1,153,000 – 4,048,000 KRW depending on financial support.
Many graduate students receive RA/TA (Research/Teaching Assistantships) that reduce or cover tuition.
Check our KAIST Graduate Admissions Guides 2026.
Tuition Payment Deadlines
From the KAIST official website:
- Fall 2025 Payment Period: August 25–29, 2025.
- Spring 2025 Payment Period: February 17–21, 2025.
- Semester Start Dates: February (Spring) / September (Fall).
Other Student Costs (Living & Dorms)
Tuition is only part of the cost of studying at KAIST. International students should budget for:
- Dormitory Fee: 94,000–280,000 KRW per month (depends on room type).
- Meals: 3,000–5,000 KRW per meal at campus cafeterias.
- Transportation: Around 50,000 KRW/month in Daejeon.
- Personal Expenses: 200,000–300,000 KRW/month average.
Average living cost in Daejeon: 500,000–700,000 KRW per month (~400–550 USD).
How Scholarships Affect Tuition
Most international students receive the KAIST International Student Scholarship:
- Covers full tuition fees (8 semesters for undergraduates).
- Provides monthly living stipend (350,000 KRW).
- Includes health insurance support.
If you are admitted with a scholarship your effective tuition cost = 0.
FAQs
Q. Do all international students get scholarships?
Yes. All admitted international undergraduates automatically receive the KAIST Scholarship. For graduates, most receive RA/TA or scholarship funding.
Q. Do I need to pay tuition before scholarship confirmation?
No. If you are selected for a scholarship, tuition fees are waived at billing.
Q. Are there hidden fees besides tuition?
Only small optional charges like Student Union and Medical Mutual Aid fees.
Q. Can tuition change each year?
Yes. KAIST may adjust tuition slightly, but major changes are rare. Always check the latest notice.
Final Tips for Students
- Always confirm tuition payment periods on the KAIST Notice Board.
- Plan for dormitory, food, and living costs separately from tuition.
- Keep in mind that scholarships cover most costs, but small semester fees are common.
- If you are self-funded, prepare at least 20,000,000 KRW (~15,000 USD) per year for tuition alone.