KAIST international graduate scholarship 2027: eligibility, funding, deadline and how to apply

🇰🇷 South Korea · Offered by KAIST · For Master's, PhD applicants.

Updated 10 November 2026 · Researched from the sources listed at the end. Confirm current details on the official website before you apply.

Country: 🇰🇷 South Korea
Provider: KAIST
Degree levels: Master's, PhD
Funding: KAIST Scholarship (chosen in the admission form): full tuition and a monthly stipend paid through the advisor's lab; plus national health insurance support.
Deadline: Spring 2027 round closed 1 Sep 2026. Fall 2027 round expected around Dec 2026 – Mar 2027.
Expected opening: Expected Dec 2026 (Fall 2027 intake)
Duration: Usually the regular programme length (Master's 4 semesters, PhD 6–8 semesters) if grades are kept.
Professor contact: Recommended: a professor's support or acceptance letter makes the application stronger.

Official website

About the KAIST international graduate scholarship

International graduate students admitted to KAIST typically receive tuition support, plus RA/TA funding from their lab.

Eligibility

Who can apply

International applicants (both parents non-Korean); Pakistan qualifies. Korean dual citizens are usually excluded.

Academic requirements

Master's: Bachelor's degree. PhD: Master's degree. Strong GPA and research fit with a lab.

Language requirements

English-taught programmes: TOEFL iBT ~80+ / IELTS 6.0–6.5+ (some waive for English-medium degrees). Korean-taught: TOPIK 3–4+.

What the scholarship covers

KAIST Scholarship (chosen in the admission form): full tuition and a monthly stipend paid through the advisor's lab; plus national health insurance support.

Tuition: Full tuition.
Stipend and benefits: Varies by department and research work (reported around KRW 1.4M/month Master's and KRW 1.9M/month PhD, unverified).
Duration: Usually the regular programme length (Master's 4 semesters, PhD 6–8 semesters) if grades are kept.

Deadline and opening date

Spring 2027 round closed 1 Sep 2026. Fall 2027 round expected around Dec 2026 – Mar 2027.

Expected opening: Expected Dec 2026 (Fall 2027 intake).

Required documents

Online application
Statement of purpose / study plan
CV
Two recommendation letters
Apostilled degree certificate and transcripts
English test score
Passport copy
Financial statement (if self-funded)

How to apply

Apply for international graduate admission online; scholarship is decided with admission. Contacting a professor whose lab matches your research greatly improves your chances.

Find a professor for the KAIST international graduate scholarship

A professor's acceptance can decide this application. ScholarReach finds professors in South Korea whose research matches yours, writes a personal email to each one, and tracks every reply.

Start for free

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the KAIST international graduate scholarship?

International applicants (both parents non-Korean); Pakistan qualifies. Korean dual citizens are usually excluded. Master's: Bachelor's degree. PhD: Master's degree. Strong GPA and research fit with a lab.

What does the KAIST international graduate scholarship cover?

KAIST Scholarship (chosen in the admission form): full tuition and a monthly stipend paid through the advisor's lab; plus national health insurance support. Varies by department and research work (reported around KRW 1.4M/month Master's and KRW 1.9M/month PhD, unverified).

What is the KAIST international graduate scholarship deadline?

Spring 2027 round closed 1 Sep 2026. Fall 2027 round expected around Dec 2026 – Mar 2027. Expected opening: Expected Dec 2026 (Fall 2027 intake).

Is IELTS required for the KAIST international graduate scholarship?

English-taught programmes: TOEFL iBT ~80+ / IELTS 6.0–6.5+ (some waive for English-medium degrees). Korean-taught: TOPIK 3–4+.

Do I need a supervisor or professor's acceptance for the KAIST international graduate scholarship?

Recommended: a professor's support or acceptance letter makes the application stronger.

How do I apply for the KAIST international graduate scholarship?