Introduction

The majority of overseas graduate students at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) find themselves in a similar situation. Pursuing higher education abroad can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing finances while focusing on rigorous academic and research commitments. Fortunately, there is a grant specifically designed to provide unmatched assistance to international students who wish to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree at KAIST. This financial support offers students greater freedom to immerse themselves fully in their research interests without the constant worry of financial burdens. With this grant, you can concentrate on your academic goals, explore innovative ideas, and contribute meaningfully to your field.

To help you take full advantage of this opportunity, let’s go over everything you need to know in order to prepare and submit a successful application. From eligibility criteria and required documents to important deadlines and tips for standing out, this guide will cover all the essential information to ensure your application is strong and complete.

About KAIST

KAIST was a pioneer in Korea’s science and tech revolution. Located in Daejeon, it’s recognized globally for cutting-edge research in engineering, AI, biotechnology, and more. With a strong international community and most courses in English, KAIST offers a vibrant, modern environment for global scholars.
Wikipedia

Scholarship Overview

Nearly all admitted international graduate students receive a KAIST Scholarship that includes full tuition, a monthly stipend, and national health insurance. Research involvement can enhance your stipend further.
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Types of Scholarships under KAIST

KAIST Scholarship (Standard)

• Full tuition for Master’s (4 semesters), integrated MS-PhD (10), or PhD (8)

• Monthly stipend: typically KRW 350,000–400,000

• Health insurance included
  Opportunities CornersOpportunities Radarkaistscholarship.com

KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship (KGPS)

• For Master’s or MS-PhD integrated students

• Stipend: KRW 1,000,000/month for 4 semesters

• Tuition fully covered
  admission.kaist.ac.krOpportunities Corners

KAIST Prestige Scholarship (KPS)

• For PhD or MS-PhD students

• KRW 300,000/month for up to 8 semesters

• Tuition fully covered
  admission.kaist.ac.krOpportunities Corners

KAIST CoE PhD Fellowship

• For Engineering PhD/MS-PhD students

• Reward: KRW 2,500,000/month stipend

• Full tuition for 4 years
  admission.kaist.ac.krOpportunities Corners

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

• Offered via NIIED (Korean Government)

• Covers tuition, stipend, airfare, insurance, possibly settlement allowance
  admission.kaist.ac.krWikipedia

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a non-Korean citizen

• Hold or expect a Bachelor’s degree for Master’s/MS-PhD; Master’s degree for PhD

• English proficiency required (e.g. TOEFL iBT ≥ 83, IELTS ≥ 6.5)
  Leap ScholarOpportunities Radar

Approximately 80–90% of lectures are in English at KAIST.
Opportunities RadarWikipedia

Application Process & Timeline

• Application for Spring 2026 opens August 19, 2025 and closes September 2, 2025

• Fill the KAIST online application, pay USD 80 fee

• Select “KAIST Scholarship” as financial resource to be considered
  Fellowships GuideOpportunities Corners

Selection Criteria

Successful candidates typically show:

• Strong academic records

• Research potential (SOP, publications)

• Departmental support

• Letters of recommendation

On r/KAIST, several students noted that scholarship is automatic upon admission—though excellence still matters.
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Student Perspectives

Reddit users shared:

• Tutors received KRW 900,000 stipend alongside tuition waiver

• Even with modest undergraduate GPAs, research output made a difference
  Reddit

Why This Scholarship Is Worth It

• Financially comprehensive: tuition, stipend, insurance

• Focus on research excellence

• International environment and top-tier labs

• Engineering students may earn particularly high stipends through CoE Fellowship

Extra Notes for Applicants

• Consider contacting faculty before applying to strengthen your application

• Prepare a solid research plan and SOP

• Gather strong recommendation letters

Useful Links & Resources

• Financial Support & Scholarship Info:
  https://admission.kaist.ac.kr/intl-graduate/FinancialSupport/Scholarship/KAISTScholarship/
  admission.kaist.ac.kr+1

• Graduate Admissions & Deadlines:
  https://fellowshipsguide.com/kaist-international-graduate-admissions/
  Fellowships Guide

• KAIST Collaborative Excellence Scholarships (e.g., Samsung EPSS, KINS):
  https://admission.kaist.ac.kr/intl-graduate/FinancialSupport/Scholarship/KGPS
  admission.kaist.ac.kr

Conclusion

If you’re an international student aiming for a Master’s or PhD, the KAIST Graduate Scholarship 2026 offers one of the most generous fully funded opportunities worldwide. With tuition, stipend, and insurance covered—and eligibility across disciplines—it’s your gateway to high-impact research in a global environment. Don’t miss the Aug–Sept 2025 application window—start preparing now!

FAQs

1. Is the KAIST scholarship fully funded for all admitted international students?
Yes. All admitted international graduate students who choose the “KAIST Scholarship” option in their application are generally granted full funding: tuition waiver, stipend (typically KRW 350,000–400,000), and health insurance.
admission.kaist.ac.kr+1Reddit

2. What is the stipend amount for Master’s vs PhD students?
Master’s students typically receive around KRW 350,000/month; PhD students around KRW 400,000/month. Higher stipends apply under KGPS, KPS, or CoE PhD Fellowship.
Opportunities Cornerskaistscholarship.comOpportunities Radar

3. Do I need to apply separately for specific scholarship types like KGPS or KPS?
No—simply select “KAIST Scholarship” in your admission application. Eligibility for KGPS, KPS, or CoE Fellowship is automatically evaluated.
admission.kaist.ac.krOpportunities Corners

4. Are English proficiency tests required?
Yes. Applicants typically need TOEFL iBT ≥83 or IELTS ≥6.5. English-medium degree holders may be exempt.
Leap ScholarOpportunities Radar

5. When should I apply for the Spring 2026 intake?
Applications open August 19, 2025, and close September 2, 2025. Make sure to prepare documents and apply early.
Fellowships Guide