KAIST Scholarship for International Undergraduates, Fall 2027 Entry

About this scholarship

A scholarship for international students admitted to bachelor's study at KAIST in Daejeon, South Korea, for the Fall 2027 intake. KAIST says all its international students receive it, and you ask for it inside the admission application.

Funding type

Covers: full tuition for 8 semesters, KRW 350,000 a month for living costs, and national health insurance premiums. Does not cover: all living costs. KAIST's own estimate leaves the student about KRW 280,000 a month to pay for housing, food and other costs. To keep the scholarship after the first year you need a GPA above 2.7 out of 4.3.

Tuition fees

Covered

Living costs

Partially covered

Travel

Not specified

Insurance

Covered

Eligibility requirements

Nationalities

All nationalities

Residence condition

No residence condition

Foreign citizenship. Holders of Korean citizenship, including dual citizens, cannot apply as international students Neither parent is a Korean citizen, or, for applicants of Korean origin, all schooling was done outside Korea High school finished by 31 August 2027 Not enrolled in another degree when you start at KAIST. There is no transfer route, so everyone starts as a freshman No restriction on nationality

Minimum grade

Not stated

Work experience asked for

Not stated

Return condition

Return condition not stated

How to apply

Straight to the provider

Language requirements and exemptions

Language test required TOEFL iBT IELTS TOEIC Other test Waiver possible

All applicants submit an English test: TOEFL iBT, IELTS, TOEIC or TEPS. The recommended scores are TOEFL iBT 83 (or 4.5 on the new scale), IELTS 6.5, TOEIC 720 and TEPS 326. Duolingo, ITP and at-home or online tests are not accepted. For the regular track the test must be taken on or after 4 February 2025. Nationals of English-speaking countries and students whose high school taught in English can ask for an exemption.

University admission details

Admission included in application?

There is no separate scholarship form. In the online application, tick KAIST Scholarship in the Statement of Financial Resources section. The regular track is open from 10 November 2026 to 14 January 2027 at 6:00 pm Korea time. Recommendation letters are due by 21 January 2027 at 6:00 pm. The early track closes on 22 October 2026. Some applicants are interviewed online, around 3 March 2027. Results come on 25 March 2027, and studies start at the end of August 2027. Dates may change. The application fee is USD 80. Admitted students later send apostilled or consular-legalised school documents and a bank statement of about USD 3,200 for the visa.

Required documents

Online application form with five essay questions High school transcripts, and university transcripts if any Copy of passport At least one standardized test or national exam result English test score report Up to two recommendation letters, and honours and awards if you have them

Application steps

Read the 2027 admissions guide and choose the regular track. Create an account on the KAIST application portal and fill in the form and the essays. Tick KAIST Scholarship in the Statement of Financial Resources section and upload your documents. Pay the USD 80 fee and submit before 14 January 2027 at 6:00 pm Korea time.

Requirement checklist

Scholarship contacts

KAIST Undergraduate Admissions Team: [email protected]Copy

Universities and contacts