Dreaming of studying in South Korea? The KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded opportunity for outstanding international students. This prestigious award covers full tuition and provides a monthly living stipend (350,000 KRW) plus health insurance. You can focus on your education without financial stress. Read on to learn how to qualify for this golden opportunity at KAIST, often called the “MIT of Asia”.
KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) is offering this scholarship to talented freshmen worldwide. Successful applicants will join a top-ranked research university in Daejeon, South Korea, and enjoy a world-class bachelor’s program in science, engineering, and technology. Below is your complete guide to the KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 – from eligibility and benefits to application steps and tips.
Overview
- Institution: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
- Country: South Korea (Daejeon, the nation’s “innovation city”)
- Degree: Bachelor’s (Undergraduate) – 8 semesters (4 years)
- Funding Type: Fully funded (100% tuition waiver, monthly stipend, plus health insurance)
- Eligibility: Outstanding international high-school graduates (non-Korean citizens)
- Application Deadline: Regular admission by January 6, 2026 (early track ends Oct 23, 2025)
KAIST’s Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 is a fully-funded grant for international first-degree students. It is awarded automatically to admitted applicants – there is no separate scholarship form required. This generous package (grant) is designed to cover all academic and living expenses, making KAIST’s high-tech campus accessible to top students worldwide.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship 2026, you generally must:
- Be an international applicant (non-Korean citizen) applying to KAIST’s undergraduate program. (Dual citizens or current Korean nationals are typically not eligible.)
- Have graduated (or will graduate) from high school before enrollment, with strong grades.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English (KAIST’s programs are taught in English). You’ll usually need good TOEFL/IELTS scores.
- Once admitted, maintain a minimum GPA (at least 2.7 out of 4.3) each year to keep the scholarship.
- Important: Check the “KAIST Scholarship” box in your application’s financial section; no separate application is needed.
Each candidate’s application (including academic record and recommendation letters) is reviewed as part of KAIST’s international admissions process. Only those who receive an admission offer can receive the scholarship.
Coverage / Benefits
KAIST’s fully funded undergraduate scholarship includes:
- Full tuition waiver: 100% exemption from tuition for all 8 semesters (4 years).
- Monthly living allowance: KRW 350,000 per month to cover housing, food, and personal expenses.
- Health insurance: Comprehensive medical and health insurance coverage during your studies.
This means your main educational costs – tuition and basic living – are fully supported, a major financial aid that lets you focus on studying rather than bills. In effect, KAIST’s scholarship functions as a full tuition grant and living expense stipend for the standard undergraduate program.
Host Country & University Info
KAIST (established in 1971) was South Korea’s first research-focused university. It quickly earned a reputation as the country’s top engineering and science school – in fact, it’s often called the “MIT of Asia” for its innovation leadership. Today, KAIST consistently ranks among the world’s elite universities (QS World #53 in 2025). The main campus is in Daejeon, a city dubbed the nation’s “innovation city” for its high-tech research parks and startups.
South Korea is a dynamic, tech-forward country known for high-quality education and safety. International students at KAIST benefit from modern facilities, English-taught programs, and a multicultural campus. (KAIST also has a Seoul campus for business and management.) Living costs in Daejeon are moderate compared to Seoul, and KAIST dorms provide affordable housing options. Overall, this scholarship lets you live in a safe, innovative environment while earning a globally recognized degree.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Register online: Go to KAIST’s official admissions portal and create an account. Fill out the international undergraduate application form with your personal and academic details. Be sure to select “KAIST Scholarship” in the Financial Resources section of the form (there is no separate scholarship application).
- Upload documents: Prepare and upload all required documents in PDF form. This typically includes:
- Your high school transcripts and academic record (certified English translations if needed).
- A school profile or grading scale.
- Standardized test scores (e.g. SAT/ACT, if applicable).
- English test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.).
- One teacher Recommendation Letter (preferably a math or science teacher).
- A copy of your passport or national ID.
- Statement of Financial Resources (KAIST Scholarship) – declare that you are applying for KAIST’s scholarship.
- Other documents like awards or extracurricular certificates can strengthen your application.
- Pay the fee: Submit the non-refundable application fee (about USD 80 or KRW 80,000) online.
- Review and submit: Double-check that all fields and uploads are complete. Submit the application before the deadline. After submission, you can log in to your application portal to verify the receipt of each document.
- Await decision: Admission (and scholarship) results are usually announced in early January (for the Early track) or early March (for the Regular track). If admitted, you will automatically receive the KAIST scholarship.
Tip: If you encounter any issues uploading documents, you may mail them to KAIST Admissions (as a last resort). Keep copies of everything, and make sure your recommender submits the letter online by the deadline.
Important Deadlines
- Early Admission (Spring 2026 start): Application open Sept 19 – close Oct 23, 2025 (all docs by Oct 30, 2025). Decision Jan 7, 2026.
- Regular Admission: Application open Nov 6, 2025 – close Jan 6, 2026 (all docs by Jan 13, 2026). Decision Mar 4, 2026.
- Scholarship Consideration: The KAIST scholarship follows these same dates; be sure to apply in one of these admission windows.
- Enrollment: For early admits, the 2026 spring semester typically starts late Feb 2026; regular admits start in late summer 2026.
Mark your calendar! Submit your online application and documents before the deadlines above to be eligible for admission and scholarship consideration.
Tips for Applicants
- Highlight your strengths. Showcase any STEM awards, science projects, or leadership in clubs. KAIST looks for well-rounded candidates with a passion for innovation.
- Strong recommendation. Get a teacher (especially in math or science) who knows you well to write a detailed endorsement of your abilities.
- Personalize your essays. If a personal statement is required, explain why KAIST and Korea suit your goals (e.g. specific research facilities, tech culture, etc.).
- Be meticulous. Start early: gather transcripts, prepare translations, and get test scores in advance. Ensure each document is clear and meets KAIST’s requirements.
- Check English requirements. Even if not explicitly stated for scholarship, a good TOEFL/IELTS score will strengthen your application (most classes at KAIST are in English).
- Network & learn. Attend any KAIST webinars or reach out to current students for tips. Familiarity with the university shows genuine interest.
Stay organized and confident this scholarship is competitive, but thorough preparation will make your application stand out.
Conclusion
The KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 is a life-changing opportunity to study at Korea’s leading science and technology university with full financial support. If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t hesitate to apply before the deadline and share this opportunity with friends. Success comes to those who prepare and seize the moment. Good luck with your application, and we hope to see you among KAIST’s future innovators!
FAQs
Who is eligible to apply?
International high-school graduates (non-Korean citizens) can apply via KAIST’s international admissions program. Dual citizens or Korean nationals are not eligible.
Do I need a separate application for the scholarship?
No. KAIST automatically considers all eligible international undergrad applicants for this scholarship during admission. There is no additional scholarship form to complete.
What does the scholarship cover?
It covers all undergraduate tuition for 8 semesters, provides a monthly living stipend (350,000 KRW), and includes full student health insurance.
What GPA is required to maintain the scholarship?
Recipients must keep at least a 2.7 out of 4.3 GPA each year (roughly a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) to retain the scholarship.
What are the application deadlines?
KAIST’s international admission follows two tracks: Early (deadline Oct 23, 2025) and Regular (deadline Jan 6, 2026). Make sure all your documents are submitted by these dates.
Your future starts here – reach for this opportunity and apply with confidence!