KAIST Graduate Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Master’s and PhD Admission in South Korea
KAIST Graduate Scholarship 2027 is now accepting applications for the Spring 2027 international graduate admission at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in South Korea. The opportunity is open to eligible international students applying for Master’s, Master’s-Ph.D. Integrated, and Ph.D. programs.
According to the official KAIST application schedule, the 2027 Spring Semester international graduate application period runs from August 18 to September 1, 2026.
International students who apply for the KAIST Scholarship can receive substantial financial support, including full tuition coverage, national health insurance support, and a monthly stipend depending on the program, department, advisor, and research involvement.
KAIST Graduate Scholarship 2027 Overview
Category| Details
University| Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
Country| South Korea
Program| International Graduate Admission
Admission Intake| Spring 2027
Degree Levels| Master’s, Master’s-Ph.D. Integrated, Ph.D.
Eligible Applicants| International students
Scholarship| KAIST Scholarship
Tuition| Full tuition coverage
Health Insurance| National health insurance support
Stipend| Monthly stipend, depending on relevant factors
Application Period| August 18 – September 1, 2026
Application Status| Open
Study Location| Daejeon, South Korea
What Is the KAIST Graduate Scholarship 2027?
The KAIST Graduate Scholarship 2027 refers to the financial support available to international students admitted to eligible KAIST graduate programs.
KAIST states that its scholarship program is specifically designed for international students and provides full tuition coverage, national health insurance, and a monthly stipend. The amount of the stipend can vary depending on factors such as the student’s department, program, advisor, and research involvement.
The scholarship is particularly attractive to international students because financial support is considered as part of the admission process rather than requiring a completely separate scholarship application in the standard KAIST Scholarship process.
KAIST Scholarship Benefits
The KAIST Scholarship provides several important benefits for successful international graduate students.
- Full Tuition Coverage
The KAIST Scholarship provides a full tuition grant for eligible scholarship recipients.
The duration depends on the degree program:
- Master’s: up to 4 semesters
- Master’s-Ph.D. Integrated: up to 10 semesters
- Ph.D.: up to 8 semesters
The exact scholarship conditions should be checked against the admission and scholarship guidelines applicable to the relevant intake.
- Monthly Stipend
KAIST Scholarship recipients receive a monthly stipend.
However, applicants should not assume that every student receives the same fixed amount. KAIST explains that the stipend can depend on the department, program, advisor, research involvement, and performance.
- National Health Insurance
The scholarship also provides support related to national health insurance.
- Research Opportunities
KAIST is a research-focused institution, and scholarship support can be complemented by research opportunities. KAIST notes that research involvement can influence financial support arrangements.
KAIST Graduate Scholarship 2027 Eligibility
To apply for KAIST International Graduate Admission, applicants must satisfy the university’s international graduate eligibility requirements.
International Citizenship Requirement
Applicants must generally be citizens of countries other than South Korea.
Applicants who hold Korean citizenship are not eligible for KAIST International Graduate Admissions under the international applicant category. Special rules apply to applicants of Korean descent who hold foreign citizenship.
Master’s and Master’s-Ph.D. Integrated Applicants
Applicants for a Master’s or Master’s-Ph.D. Integrated program must have obtained, or be expected to obtain, a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification by the beginning of the program.
PhD Applicants
Applicants for a Ph.D. program must have obtained, or be expected to obtain, a master’s degree or equivalent qualification by the beginning of the course.
English Language Requirements
English is the official language of communication and instruction for international students at KAIST.
Applicants generally need to provide an accepted English proficiency test score that is valid at the time of the application deadline.
KAIST currently lists the following minimum scores:
- TOEFL iBT: 83 for tests taken before January 21, 2026, or 4.5 under the revised scoring system for tests taken on or after January 21, 2026
- IELTS Academic: 6.5
- TOEIC: 720
- TEPS: 326
Some applicants may qualify for an English proficiency test waiver based on citizenship or previous higher education completed in English.
Applicants should carefully review the current KAIST requirements because exemptions and accepted evidence can vary according to individual circumstances.
Who Can Apply for KAIST Graduate Programs?
The KAIST Graduate Scholarship 2027 is suitable for international applicants interested in advanced study and research in science, technology, engineering, business, and related disciplines.
KAIST’s international graduate programs cover areas across five colleges:
- College of Natural Sciences
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering
- College of Engineering
- College of Liberal Arts and Convergence Science
- College of Business
KAIST states that most international graduate programs are based in Daejeon, while MBA programs have different arrangements. Applicants should check the program-specific information for the intake they are applying to.
KAIST Graduate Programs
International applicants can apply for different graduate degree options, including:
Master’s Degree
The Master’s program is designed for students who want to develop advanced academic and research expertise after completing a bachelor’s degree.
Master’s-Ph.D. Integrated Program
The Master’s-Ph.D. Integrated Program combines master’s and doctoral-level study and research.
Ph.D. Program
The Ph.D. program is intended for applicants who already hold a master’s degree or equivalent qualification and want to pursue advanced research.
The programs available can vary by admission cycle, so applicants should confirm that their intended department is accepting applications for the specific Spring 2027 intake.
KAIST Graduate Scholarship 2027 Application Deadline
The KAIST 2027 Spring Semester international graduate application is scheduled for:
Opening Date: August 18, 2026
Closing Date: September 1, 2026
The official KAIST application schedule confirms that the international graduate application period for Spring 2027 is August 18–September 1, 2026.
Applicants should complete the application before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.
KAIST 2027 Spring Admission Timeline
The official KAIST schedule currently shows the following:
Stage| Date
International Graduate Application Opens| August 18, 2026
Application Deadline| September 1, 2026
2027 Spring Semester| Spring 2027
Application Status| Open
The KAIST application system also lists a 2027 Spring Semester Fee Waiver period from August 14 to September 1, 2026.
Applicants should check the official application system regularly because admission schedules can be updated by KAIST.
How to Apply for KAIST Graduate Scholarship 2027
Applicants interested in the KAIST Graduate Scholarship 2027 should complete the international graduate admission application through the official KAIST application system.
Step 1: Choose Your Graduate Program
Review the available KAIST international graduate programs and select the department or program that matches your academic background and research interests.
Step 2: Check Eligibility
Confirm that you meet the citizenship, academic qualification, English proficiency, and program-specific requirements.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Applicants should prepare the academic and supporting information required by KAIST, including academic records, English proficiency evidence where applicable, recommendation information, and application statements.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Create or access your KAIST application account and complete the online application before the deadline.
Step 5: Select the KAIST Scholarship
International applicants seeking KAIST financial support should select the KAIST Scholarship as their financial resource during the admission application process. Eligible applicants are then considered for applicable scholarship programs.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
Complete all required sections and submit the application by September 1, 2026.
Is a Separate KAIST Scholarship Application Required?
For the standard KAIST Scholarship, international applicants who select the KAIST Scholarship as their financial resource during the admission application are automatically considered for applicable KAIST scholarship programs.
For highly competitive scholarship options such as the KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship (KGPS) and KAIST Prestige Scholarship (KPS), eligible applicants are considered based on their admission application and academic/research achievements.
KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship
The KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship (KGPS) is available to highly competitive international applicants for Master’s and Master’s-Ph.D. Integrated programs.
KAIST lists the KGPS benefits as:
- Full tuition coverage
- 1,000,000 KRW monthly stipend
- Support for four regular semesters
No separate KGPS application is required. Applicants for the applicable programs who select the KAIST Scholarship are automatically considered, although only highly competitive applicants are recommended.
KAIST Prestige Scholarship for International PhD Students
The KAIST Prestige Scholarship (KPS) is available to eligible international applicants for Master’s-Ph.D. Integrated and Ph.D. programs.
KAIST lists the KPS benefits as:
- Full tuition coverage
- 300,000 KRW monthly stipend
- Eight regular semesters for eligible Ph.D. students
Selection is competitive and based on academic and research achievements.
How to Strengthen Your KAIST Graduate Scholarship Application
Because admission and scholarship selection can be competitive, applicants should prepare their applications carefully.
Build a Strong Academic Profile
Strong academic performance can help demonstrate your preparation for graduate-level study.
Highlight Research Experience
Research experience is particularly important for applicants targeting research-intensive graduate programs.
Include:
- Research projects
- Publications
- Conference presentations
- Laboratory experience
- Research internships
- Technical projects
- Academic awards
Write a Strong Statement of Purpose
Your statement should clearly explain:
- Your academic background
- Your research interests
- Why you selected your program
- Why KAIST is a good fit
- Your career objectives
- The research areas you want to explore
Choose Recommenders Carefully
Select academic or professional recommenders who can provide detailed evidence of your academic ability, research potential, technical skills, and suitability for graduate study.
Connect Your Goals With KAIST
A strong application should demonstrate that you understand the program you are applying for rather than submitting a generic statement.
KAIST Scholarship vs GKS
International students should distinguish between the KAIST Scholarship and the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS).
The KAIST Scholarship is provided through KAIST and is considered through the university’s admission process.
The Global Korea Scholarship, administered through Korea’s national scholarship system, provides benefits including full tuition, a monthly allowance, and one economy round-trip airfare. KAIST states that GKS applicants can apply through the university track or the Korean embassy track, depending on the applicable procedure.
Therefore, students should carefully determine which scholarship route is appropriate for their circumstances.
Why Study at KAIST?
KAIST is one of South Korea’s leading science and technology universities and offers graduate programs across a broad range of research disciplines.
For international students, the combination of advanced research opportunities, graduate-level programs, and financial support makes KAIST Graduate Scholarship 2027 an attractive opportunity.
The university’s international graduate admissions are conducted through three main cycles: Spring Admission, Fall Early Admission, and Fall Regular Admission.
Frequently Asked Questions About KAIST Graduate Scholarship 2027
Is KAIST Graduate Scholarship 2027 fully funded?
The KAIST Scholarship provides full tuition coverage, national health insurance support, and a monthly stipend for eligible international graduate students. Stipend amounts can vary depending on the department, program, advisor, research involvement, and other factors.
Who can apply for KAIST Graduate Scholarship 2027?
Eligible international students applying for KAIST graduate programs can be considered for the KAIST Scholarship. Applicants must satisfy the university’s citizenship, academic, English-language, and program-specific requirements.
What degrees are available?
Eligible applicants can apply for Master’s, Master’s-Ph.D. Integrated, or Ph.D. programs, depending on the department and admission cycle.
What is the KAIST Graduate Scholarship deadline?
For Spring 2027 international graduate admission, the application period is August 18 to September 1, 2026.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
International applicants generally need to submit an accepted English proficiency test score unless they qualify for one of KAIST’s stated exemptions. Current minimum scores include IELTS Academic 6.5 and TOEFL iBT 83 under the applicable scoring rules.
Does KAIST offer a monthly stipend?
Yes. The KAIST Scholarship provides a monthly stipend, although the amount can vary depending on the student’s circumstances. Separate competitive scholarships such as KGPS have specifically published stipend amounts.
Is the KAIST Scholarship separate from admission?
For the standard KAIST Scholarship, applicants select the scholarship as a financial resource within the admission application and are automatically considered if eligible.
KAIST Graduate Scholarship 2027 Application Status
Application Status: OPEN
The official KAIST application schedule currently shows that applications for the 2027 Spring Semester International Track are open from August 18 through September 1, 2026.
Prospective applicants should prepare their documents early and submit the complete application before the deadline.
Final Thoughts
The KAIST Graduate Scholarship 2027 provides an important opportunity for international students seeking advanced study in South Korea.
With full tuition coverage, national health insurance support, and a monthly stipend, the KAIST Scholarship can substantially reduce the financial burden of graduate education. Eligible students may also be considered for highly competitive awards such as the KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship and KAIST Prestige Scholarship.
For the Spring 2027 intake, the international graduate application deadline is September 1, 2026. Applicants should carefully review the official requirements and confirm that their intended program is accepting applications before submitting.
How to Apply for KAIST Graduate Scholarship 2027
Interested students should use the official KAIST application system and verify all current requirements before applying.
👉 Read & Apply
Important: Admission dates, eligible programs, scholarship conditions, and requirements may change. Applicants should rely on the official KAIST admissions website and application system for the latest information.
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