The GKS Scholarship at KAIST, a transformative study in South Korea opportunity, invites international students to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), a premier national research university founded in 1971 in Daejeon, South Korea. Ranked #53 globally (QS World University Rankings 2025), KAIST is a hub for scientific innovation, hosting 11,000+ students, including 1,200+ international scholars from 90+ countries. As a global innovation pioneer, this fully funded scholarship fosters a dynamic academic odyssey, offering English-taught programs in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Business Administration, and Physics to drive research excellence and cross-cultural collaboration.
The GKS Scholarship, administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), supports 1,820+ graduate and 262 undergraduate students annually through the University Track, enabling applications directly to KAIST for the September intake. Scholars engage in cutting-edge research at KAIST’s Daedeok Innopolis campus, home to 200+ research centers, collaborating with industry leaders like Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor Company. Engineering students innovate smart technologies, while Biotechnology researchers advance healthcare solutions. Since 1971, KAIST has produced 70,000+ alumni, with 28% of GKS graduates leading global tech advancements or securing roles in multinational corporations post-graduation.
The KAIST scholarship under the GKS Scholarship promotes cross-cultural synergy. Scholars connect with peers, faculty, and global experts from over 80 countries, participating in cultural exchanges, research symposiums, and community projects through KAIST’s International Scholar and Student Services (ISSS). The program’s inclusive framework aligns with South Korea’s global education vision, fostering diverse perspectives. Campus events, like Daejeon Science Festival, KAIST Innovation Forum, or Seoul Lantern Festival, enrich the vibrant academic experience, with 33% of scholars forming global professional networks. KAIST’s partnerships with 400+ institutions in USA, Japan, Germany, and Singapore enhance exchange programs and research collaborations.
Studying in Daejeon, a science and technology hub, scholars embark on a dynamic academic odyssey. They explore landmarks like Hanbat Arboretum, Yuseong Hot Springs, or Expo Science Park, immersing in South Korea’s cultural vibrancy. Events like Seoul International Fireworks Festival, Busan Film Festival, or Gwangju Design Biennale deepen engagement. KAIST’s 1.7 million square-meter campus, with advanced labs, libraries, and student hubs, supports a global academic immersion, enhanced by connectivity to Seoul, Busan, and Tokyo. Daejeon’s safe, innovative environment (QS Best Student Cities 2025) complements academic pursuits.
Scholars pursuing Korean-medium programs complete a 1-year Korean language course unless exempt with TOPIK level 5 or higher. Join a global cohort to champion scientific innovation, embrace Korean cultural diversity, and shape a transformative future with the GKS Scholarship at KAIST!
GKS Scholarship at KAIST South Korea:
Host Country:
•South Korea
Host University:
•Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Study Level:
•Masters.
•Doctoral.
Fields of Study:
College of Natural Sciences
•Physics.
•Mathematical Sciences.
•Chemistry.
College of Life Science & Bioengineering
•Biological Sciences
College of Engineering
•Mechanical Engineering.
•Aerospace Engineering.
•Electrical Engineering.
•Computer Science.
•Civil & Environmental Engineering.
•Bio & Brain Engineering.
•Industrial Design.
•Industrial & Systems Engineering.
•Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering.
•Materials Science & Engineering.
•Nuclear & Quantum Engineering.
College of Business
•Business and Technology Management
Benefit of GKS Scholarship South Korea:
•Airfare (Return Air Ticket).
•Settlement Allowance: 200,000 KRW (offered once after entry to Korea).
•Monthly Allowance:
•Degree Program: 900,000 KRW per month,
•Research Program: 1,500,000 KRW per month.
•Research Allowance:
•Liberal Arts and Social Science majors: 210,000 KRW per semester.
•Natural Science and Engineering majors: 240,000 KRW per semester.
•1-Year Korean Language Training Fee: Fully covered.
•Degree Program Tuition: Fully covered.
•Thesis (Dissertation) Printing Fee Reimbursement.
•Medical Insurance: 20,000 KRW per month.
•Degree Completion Grants: 100,000 KRW.
•Korean Proficiency Grants: 100,000 KRW per month.
Eligibility Criteria:
1. The scholarship is open to only international students who do not hold Korean citizenship.
2. You need to show bachelor’s degree proof if applying for the master’s program.
3. You need to show master’s degree proof if you are applying for the Ph.D. degree program.
4. Final-year students can also apply.
5. Over 80 to 90% of lectures are offered in English.
6. English Language Proficiency Required Grades (if native language is not English or MOI is not in English):
• TOEFL iBT: 83
• IELTS: 6.5
• TOEIC: 720
• TEPS: 326
7. Applicants must pay a USD 120 registration fee.
Required Document:
All documents must be submitted in either Korean or English:
1. Recommendation letter (if available).
2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Graduation of bachelor’s degree.
3. Academic transcript of bachelor’s program (if required).
4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).
5. CV (if required).
6. Motivation letter/statement of purpose (if any).
7. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.
8. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).
9. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).
10. University Admission Offer Letter (If Already Issued).
11. Secondary copy of your national identity card.
12. Scanned copies of your parents’ national identity cards.
13. Certificate of family registration demonstrating your relationship with your parents.
14. Certificates of all completed degrees.
15. If a degree is incomplete, provide a certificate or official letter stating your expected graduation date.
16. Honors, awards, and employment proofs.
Scholarship Deadline:
• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.
• The registration for 2026 is open with a tentative deadline in December 2025.
Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.
