The KAIST Scholarship 2027 offers international students the opportunity to pursue graduate studies at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in South Korea with substantial financial support. The scholarship covers full tuition, provides national health insurance, and includes a monthly stipend, with the exact stipend depending on the applicable scholarship and programme.
KAIST offers international graduate programmes in areas including computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, life sciences, materials science, and other research-focused disciplines. International graduate applicants can apply through KAIST’s Spring, Fall Early, or Fall Regular admission cycles, although the programmes available can vary by cycle.
For students planning to apply, the KAIST Scholarship 2027 is particularly relevant because scholarship consideration is integrated into the graduate admission application. Applicants who select the KAIST Scholarship as their financial resource are automatically considered for applicable KAIST scholarship programmes.
Quick Status — KAIST Scholarship 2027
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | KAIST Scholarship |
| University | Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) |
| Country | South Korea |
| Study Level | Graduate |
| Available Degrees | Master’s, Master’s-PhD Integrated, PhD |
| Target Applicants | International students |
| Current Cycle | Spring 2027 |
| Application Period | August 18 – September 1, 2026 |
| Recommendation Deadline | September 8, 2026 |
| Tuition | Full tuition coverage |
| Health Insurance | National health insurance |
| Stipend | Monthly stipend |
| KGPS Stipend | KRW 1,000,000/month for 4 regular semesters |
| KPS Stipend | KRW 300,000/month for 8 regular semesters |
| Separate Scholarship Application | No |
| Application Method | Online |
KAIST’s official scholarship page states that the KAIST Scholarship is available to international applicants to KAIST graduate programmes and provides full tuition, national health insurance, and a monthly stipend. It also states that applicants who select the scholarship during admission are automatically considered for applicable KAIST scholarship programmes.
KAIST Scholarship 2027 Deadline
The current Spring 2027 international graduate admission cycle is particularly time-sensitive.
The application period is scheduled from August 18 to September 1, 2026, while recommendation letters must be submitted by September 8, 2026 according to the current Spring 2027 departmental admission notice. Applicants should verify the exact programme-specific instructions before submitting because KAIST notes that programmes accepting students can vary by admission cycle.
KAIST Scholarship 2027 Application Timeline
| Application Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | August 18, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | September 1, 2026 |
| Recommendation Letter Deadline | September 8, 2026 |
| Intake | Spring 2027 |
Applicants should not wait until the final day. The application involves academic documents, English-language information, recommendations, and scholarship selection.
Future KAIST Admission Cycles
KAIST’s international graduate admissions operate through three cycles:
- Spring
- Fall Early
- Fall Regular
However, KAIST specifically warns that the programmes accepting international students can differ by admission cycle. Applicants should therefore check the application guide for the exact programme they want rather than assuming that every programme is available in every cycle.
What Is the KAIST Scholarship?
The KAIST Scholarship is KAIST’s main scholarship support for international graduate students.
It is not a conventional scholarship where students first submit a separate scholarship application and then wait for a funding decision.
Instead, international applicants select the KAIST Scholarship as their financial resource during the graduate admission application.
Eligible accepted applicants are then automatically considered for applicable KAIST scholarship programmes.
The current KAIST scholarship information states that the programme:
- Covers full tuition
- Provides national health insurance
- Provides a monthly stipend
- Is available to international applicants to KAIST graduate programmes
- Requires applicants to select the KAIST Scholarship during the admission application
KAIST also states that stipend amounts can vary depending on the college and research involvement.
KAIST Scholarship 2027 Benefits
The financial support available through the KAIST Scholarship can significantly reduce the cost of graduate study in South Korea.
Full Tuition Coverage
The KAIST Scholarship provides full tuition coverage for eligible scholarship recipients.
This is one of the main reasons the scholarship is attractive to international Master’s and PhD applicants.
Students receiving a full KAIST tuition grant are exempt from paying the tuition invoice associated with their scholarship-covered tuition.
National Health Insurance
The scholarship provides national health insurance as part of the financial support package.
Monthly Stipend
The KAIST Scholarship also provides a monthly stipend.
The exact amount is not necessarily identical for every student because KAIST states that stipend support can vary depending on the college and research involvement.
This is why applicants should distinguish the general KAIST Scholarship from specific scholarship programmes such as KGPS and KPS.
KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship
The KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship (KGPS) is available to international applicants for:
- Master’s programmes
- Master’s-PhD Integrated programmes
The official KAIST scholarship page lists:
- Full tuition coverage
- KRW 1,000,000 monthly stipend
- Four regular semesters
There is no separate KGPS application. Eligible Master’s and Master’s-PhD Integrated applicants who select the KAIST Scholarship are automatically considered, although only highly competitive applicants are recommended by the department head.
KAIST Prestige Scholarship for International PhD Students
The KAIST Prestige Scholarship for International Ph.D. Students (KPS) is available to international applicants for:
- Master’s-PhD Integrated programmes
- PhD programmes
The official KAIST scholarship page lists:
- Full tuition coverage
- KRW 300,000 monthly stipend
- Eight regular semesters
Master’s-PhD Integrated students receive the KPS starting from the PhD portion of their programme. Selection is based on outstanding academic and research achievements and requires recommendation by the department head followed by final selection by the college dean.
Scholarship Benefits at a Glance
| Benefit | KAIST Scholarship |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Full coverage |
| National Health Insurance | Included |
| Monthly Stipend | Yes |
| KGPS | KRW 1,000,000/month for eligible recipients |
| KPS | KRW 300,000/month for eligible recipients |
| Separate Scholarship Application | No |
KAIST Scholarship 2027 Study Levels
The KAIST Scholarship is available to eligible international applicants entering KAIST graduate programmes.
Master’s
International students can apply for Master’s programmes in the disciplines available during their selected admission cycle.
KAIST offers Master’s programmes across science, engineering, life sciences, and other graduate fields.
Master’s-PhD Integrated
The Master’s-PhD Integrated pathway combines Master’s and doctoral study.
Applicants can be considered for the KAIST Scholarship and, where applicable, the KGPS or KPS depending on their programme and eligibility.
PhD
KAIST offers PhD programmes across numerous research fields.
International PhD applicants who select the KAIST Scholarship can be considered for the applicable scholarship programmes, including KPS where eligibility requirements are met.
KAIST Scholarship 2027 Fields of Study
KAIST’s international graduate programme directory covers 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
The programme directory includes research-focused graduate degrees at Master’s, Master’s-PhD Integrated, and PhD levels.
Computer Science
Computer science is one of the most relevant fields for international applicants interested in KAIST.
Students interested in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, software systems, data, computing, and related research should review the current Computer Science programme and its available research areas.
Applicants should confirm that their intended programme is accepting students in the specific admission cycle.
Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering and related technology fields are also represented within KAIST’s engineering programmes.
These programmes can be relevant to applicants interested in:
- Electronics
- Communications
- Signal processing
- Robotics
- Control
- Semiconductor technologies
- Artificial intelligence hardware
Mechanical Engineering
KAIST’s Mechanical Engineering programme covers research areas including design, manufacturing, robotics, energy, biomedical engineering, and intelligent mechatronics.
Materials Science
Materials Science and Engineering is another KAIST graduate discipline.
Its listed research areas include healthcare, energy and environment, artificial intelligence, and other materials-related research.
Mathematics
KAIST’s Mathematical Sciences programme includes areas such as:
- Applied and computational mathematics
- Mathematics for AI and big data
- Probability and statistics
- Analysis and partial differential equations
- Discrete mathematics
- Geometry and topology
Life Sciences and Bioengineering
KAIST also offers graduate programmes in biological sciences, bioengineering, brain science, and medical science and engineering.
KAIST Scholarship 2027 Eligibility
The KAIST Scholarship is intended for international applicants to KAIST graduate programmes.
Applicants must first satisfy the academic and admission requirements of their intended graduate programme.
International Applicant Requirement
The scholarship page specifically states that the KAIST Scholarship is open to international applicants for KAIST graduate programmes.
Applicants should review the nationality and admission definitions in the official application guide for their specific cycle.
Academic Qualification
The required previous degree depends on the programme.
Generally:
- Master’s applicants need an appropriate Bachelor’s-level qualification.
- PhD applicants generally need the academic preparation required by their intended doctoral programme.
- Master’s-PhD Integrated applicants follow the requirements specified by their selected programme.
The exact requirements can differ by programme, so applicants should not assume that one set of requirements applies to every KAIST department.
Programme-Specific Requirements
KAIST’s international graduate programme directory makes clear that available degrees and programmes vary.
Applicants should therefore verify:
- Degree offered
- Admission cycle
- Research areas
- Department requirements
- Required documents
before submitting an application.
KAIST Scholarship 2027 English Requirements
English is the official language of communication and instruction for international students at KAIST.
International graduate applicants must provide an accepted English proficiency test score unless they qualify for an exemption under the current admission guide.
Accepted English Tests
Applicants should consult the current KAIST application guide for the accepted tests and minimum scores applicable to the 2027 admission cycle.
The exact requirements can change between admission cycles, so applicants should not rely on an old KAIST admission guide.
English Test Exemption
Some applicants can qualify for an exemption from the English proficiency requirement under KAIST’s stated conditions.
Applicants should select the exemption option only if they satisfy the conditions in the current application guide.
Pakistani Applicants
Pakistani applicants should pay particular attention to the English requirement.
Do not assume that studying at a university where English is commonly used automatically provides an exemption.
The applicant should follow the exemption conditions in the official KAIST application guide for the relevant admission cycle.
KAIST Scholarship 2027 Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the required documents before the application deadline.
Academic Records
Applicants need to provide their academic information and supporting documents as required by the application guide.
Official academic records become particularly important after admission because KAIST requires successful applicants to submit verified degrees and transcripts.
English Proficiency Evidence
International applicants must provide the required English proficiency information unless they qualify for an official exemption.
Recommendation Letter
Applicants need recommendation letters from their referees according to the applicable admission cycle.
For the current Spring 2027 cycle, the recommendation-letter deadline is September 8, 2026. Applicants should make sure their recommenders have enough time to complete the submission.
Statement and Application Information
Applicants should provide the academic, personal, research, and programme information requested by the online application system.
The exact required fields and supporting documents should be taken from the current KAIST application guide rather than an older admission cycle.
How to Apply for KAIST Scholarship 2027
The KAIST Scholarship is integrated into the graduate admission process.
Step 1 — Choose a Graduate Programme
Start by reviewing the available KAIST international graduate programmes.
KAIST’s official programme directory allows applicants to review programmes and research areas.
Step 2 — Check the Admission Cycle
Confirm that your intended programme is accepting international students in the selected admission cycle.
KAIST states that programme availability can vary between Spring, Fall Early, and Fall Regular admissions.
Step 3 — Prepare Your Documents
Prepare the required academic records, English-language information, recommendation details, and other documents requested in the current application guide.
Step 4 — Complete the Online Application
Use the official KAIST international graduate application system.
Enter your information carefully and make sure your programme selection matches your academic goals.
Step 5 — Select KAIST Scholarship
During the financial-resource section of the application, select KAIST Scholarship if you are applying for KAIST’s scholarship support rather than an external sponsorship.
KAIST states that eligible applicants who select the KAIST Scholarship are automatically considered for the applicable scholarship programmes.
Step 6 — Arrange Recommendation Letters
Provide the required recommender information and make sure your referees submit their recommendations before the applicable deadline.
Step 7 — Submit Before the Deadline
For the current Spring 2027 cycle, the application deadline is September 1, 2026.
The recommendation deadline is September 8, 2026.
Step 8 — Monitor Your Application
After submission, applicants should regularly check their KAIST application account for document status, requests, interview information, and final admission and scholarship results.
Is There a Separate KAIST Scholarship Application?
No.
This is one of the most important points for applicants.
KAIST states that international applicants select the KAIST Scholarship as their financial resource during the admission application.
Eligible accepted candidates are then automatically considered for applicable scholarship programmes such as KGPS or KPS.
Applicants should therefore focus on preparing a strong graduate admission application rather than looking for a separate KAIST Scholarship form.
KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship 2027
The KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship (KGPS) is one of the scholarship programmes considered through the KAIST Scholarship application.
It is available to international applicants for:
- Master’s programmes
- Master’s-PhD Integrated programmes
KGPS Benefits
The official KAIST scholarship page lists:
- Full tuition coverage
- KRW 1,000,000 monthly stipend
- Four regular semesters
No separate KGPS application is required.
However, the award is competitive, and only highly competitive applicants are recommended by the department head.
KAIST Prestige Scholarship 2027
The KAIST Prestige Scholarship for International Ph.D. Students (KPS) is another scholarship available to eligible international graduate applicants.
KPS Eligibility
The official KAIST page lists eligibility for:
- Master’s-PhD Integrated programmes
- PhD programmes
KPS Benefits
The scholarship provides:
- Full tuition coverage
- KRW 300,000 monthly stipend
- Eight regular semesters
Applicants are automatically considered when eligible, but selection requires strong academic and research achievements.
KAIST Scholarship 2027 for Pakistani Students
Pakistani students can consider the KAIST Scholarship 2027 as an option for graduate study in South Korea if they meet the relevant international graduate admission requirements.
The scholarship is particularly relevant for Pakistani applicants with backgrounds in:
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
- Other KAIST research fields
What Pakistani Applicants Should Prepare
Before applying, Pakistani students should prepare:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree documents
- English-language test information
- Recommendation letters
- Research or academic information
- Statement and other required application materials
- Passport or identification documents
Applicants should also verify the current requirements directly from KAIST because admission requirements can differ by programme.
KAIST Scholarship 2027 Application Fee
Applicants should check the current application guide for the applicable graduate admission fee and payment instructions.
The fee is separate from the scholarship itself.
Applicants should not assume that receiving a scholarship automatically means every cost associated with the application process is waived.
KAIST Scholarship 2027 Selection Process
The KAIST Scholarship is connected to the graduate admission process.
Application Review
KAIST reviews the submitted application and supporting documents.
Applicants should ensure that all required information is complete before the deadline.
Academic Evaluation
The strength of the academic background and suitability for the selected programme are important components of graduate admission.
Research-oriented programmes can also place substantial importance on research preparation and academic fit.
Recommendation Review
Recommendation letters provide additional information about the applicant’s academic and research potential.
Applicants should select referees who know their academic work well.
Scholarship Selection
Applicants who select KAIST Scholarship are automatically considered for applicable scholarship programmes.
However, specific scholarships such as KGPS and KPS have competitive selection processes.
KAIST Scholarship 2027 Results
Applicants should monitor their KAIST admissions account for admission and scholarship results.
KAIST’s admissions system provides applicants with access to their application information and final results.
Successful applicants must then complete the required admission and enrollment procedures.
Verified Academic Records
After admission, KAIST requires verification of degrees and transcripts.
Depending on the country where the documents were issued, verification can involve:
- Korean embassy verification
- Apostille certification
- Embassy or consulate verification
KAIST states that successful applicants will receive the applicable submission instructions and deadlines.
Tuition After Admission
Students receiving a full KAIST tuition grant do not have to pay the tuition invoice because the scholarship tuition is disbursed directly.
KAIST notes that students receiving partial scholarships, external scholarships, or self-funding their studies may still be required to pay the applicable tuition invoice.
Important Things to Know Before Applying
Applicants should understand several points before submitting a KAIST Scholarship application.
Scholarship Does Not Mean Automatic Admission
Selecting KAIST Scholarship in the application does not guarantee admission.
Applicants must first be admitted to a KAIST graduate programme.
KGPS and KPS Are Competitive
The KAIST Scholarship page specifically states that KGPS is highly competitive.
KPS is also awarded based on outstanding academic and research achievements.
Stipends Can Differ
Do not assume that every KAIST international graduate student receives the same monthly amount.
KAIST states that stipend support can vary by college and research involvement.
Programme Availability Changes
KAIST explicitly states that the programmes accepting students can vary between admission cycles.
Always check the current application guide before applying.
KAIST Scholarship 2027 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the KAIST Scholarship 2027?
The KAIST Scholarship is financial support for eligible international graduate students at KAIST. It provides full tuition coverage, national health insurance, and a monthly stipend.
Is the KAIST Scholarship 2027 fully funded?
The KAIST Scholarship provides full tuition coverage, national health insurance, and a monthly stipend. The exact overall financial package can vary depending on the scholarship, college, and research involvement.
Is the KAIST Scholarship 2027 open now?
For the current Spring 2027 international graduate cycle, applications are scheduled from August 18 to September 1, 2026.
What is the KAIST Scholarship 2027 deadline?
The current Spring 2027 international graduate application deadline is September 1, 2026.
When is the recommendation-letter deadline?
For the current Spring 2027 cycle, the recommendation-letter deadline is September 8, 2026.
Who can apply for the KAIST Scholarship?
The scholarship is open to international applicants applying to KAIST graduate programmes.
What degree levels are available?
The KAIST Scholarship can support eligible international applicants to Master’s, Master’s-PhD Integrated, and PhD programmes.
Does KAIST cover full tuition?
Yes. The KAIST Scholarship provides full tuition coverage for eligible scholarship recipients.
Does KAIST provide a monthly stipend?
Yes. The KAIST Scholarship provides a monthly stipend, although the amount can vary depending on the college and research involvement.
How much is the KGPS stipend?
The KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship provides KRW 1,000,000 per month for four regular semesters to eligible recipients.
How much is the KPS stipend?
The KAIST Prestige Scholarship for International Ph.D. Students provides KRW 300,000 per month for eight regular semesters under the conditions stated by KAIST.
Do I need to apply separately for KGPS?
No. Eligible Master’s and Master’s-PhD Integrated applicants who select the KAIST Scholarship are automatically considered for KGPS.
Do I need to apply separately for KPS?
No. Eligible applicants are automatically considered for KPS through the KAIST Scholarship process.
Does KAIST provide health insurance?
Yes. The KAIST Scholarship includes national health insurance.
Is the KAIST Scholarship available to Pakistani students?
Yes. Pakistani applicants can apply as international graduate applicants if they meet the applicable KAIST admission requirements.
Is KAIST good for Computer Science?
KAIST offers graduate programmes and research opportunities in Computer Science and related computing fields. Applicants should check the programme availability for their intended admission cycle.
Can Master’s students apply?
Yes. International applicants can apply for eligible Master’s programmes and can be considered for the KAIST Scholarship.
Can PhD students apply?
Yes. International applicants can apply to eligible PhD programmes and can be considered for the KAIST Scholarship and applicable scholarship programmes.
Can I apply for the Master’s-PhD Integrated programme?
Yes. KAIST offers Master’s-PhD Integrated programmes in multiple graduate disciplines.
Do I need a separate scholarship application?
No. Applicants select the KAIST Scholarship as their financial resource during the graduate admission application.
Is the scholarship guaranteed if I select it?
No.
Applicants must first be admitted, and specific scholarship programmes such as KGPS and KPS involve competitive selection.
Do all KAIST students receive the same stipend?
No.
KAIST states that stipend amounts can vary depending on the college and research involvement.
Can I apply to multiple KAIST programmes?
Applicants should follow the current admission guide regarding programme selection and application restrictions for their specific cycle.
Does KAIST offer scholarships every year?
KAIST international graduate admission operates through Spring, Fall Early, and Fall Regular cycles, although the programmes accepting students can vary by cycle.
Final Takeaway
The KAIST Scholarship 2027 is a strong fully funded graduate study opportunity for international students interested in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related research fields in South Korea.
The scholarship provides full tuition coverage, national health insurance, and a monthly stipend for eligible international graduate students. Applicants who select the KAIST Scholarship during the admission process are automatically considered for applicable KAIST scholarship programmes.
For Master’s and Master’s-PhD Integrated applicants, the KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship can provide full tuition and a KRW 1,000,000 monthly stipend for four regular semesters. For eligible Master’s-PhD Integrated and PhD applicants, the KAIST Prestige Scholarship provides full tuition and a KRW 300,000 monthly stipend for eight regular semesters. These specific awards are competitive and should not be treated as automatic benefits for every applicant.
The current Spring 2027 application period runs from August 18 to September 1, 2026, with recommendation letters due by September 8, 2026. Applicants should verify the current programme-specific application guide before submitting because KAIST states that the programmes accepting international students can vary by admission cycle.
If you are preparing an application, start with the official KAIST International Graduate Admissions portal and review the current programme and application requirements before submitting.
Official Sources
KAIST International Graduate Admissions
KAIST International Graduate Admissions
Use the official KAIST admissions portal for the application process, programme information, admission notices, and current application instructions.
KAIST Scholarship
KAIST Scholarship — Official KAIST Admissions
This is the primary official source for KAIST Scholarship benefits, KGPS, KPS, eligibility, and scholarship selection.
KAIST Graduate Programs
Use this page to review graduate programmes, degrees, research areas, and programme availability.
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