The KAIST International Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 is a highly coveted, fully funded educational opportunity for international undergraduate students at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). The scholarship covers full tuition fees for the entire four-year program (eight semesters), provides a generous monthly living stipend of KRW 350,000, and includes National Health Insurance coverage. There is no separate process to apply for this fully funded KAIST scholarship; applicants are automatically considered when they check the designated box on the online admission application’s Statement of Financial Resources section. Eligibility requires applicants to be international citizens and, critically, to maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.7 after their freshman year for renewal.
The regular application deadline is January 6, 2026, making this an ideal opportunity for students who want to study in Korea undergraduate programs without financial burden.
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KAIST International Undergraduate Scholarship Program Summary
This remarkable opportunity is open to applicants from all countries, making it a truly global scholarship program.
| Detail | Information |
| Host Country | South Korea |
| Institution | Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) |
| Category | Undergraduate Scholarships |
| Duration | 4 Years (8 Semesters) |
| Financial Reward | Full Tuition Waiver + KRW 350,000 Monthly Stipend |
| English Language Requirement | No IELTS required KAIST application process |
| Deadline (Fall 2026 Regular) | January 6, 2026 |
For bright, ambitious students worldwide, the opportunity to pursue a world-class education in science, engineering, and technology at one of Asia’s most prestigious institutions is a life-changing prospect. The Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), a national research university established in 1971 in Daejeon, South Korea, offers exactly this opportunity. KAIST is renowned globally as a powerhouse of research and innovation, holding international accreditation in business and leading advanced scientific initiatives.
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To attract the best global talent, KAIST provides the exceptional KAIST International Undergraduate Scholarship 2026. This is a fully funded KAIST scholarship designed to eliminate the financial concerns associated with studying abroad, giving students the freedom to excel academically. This comprehensive post provides every necessary detail, from the extraordinary rewards to the meticulous, step-by-step guidance on how to secure your spot and funding. If you aspire to study in Korea undergraduate programs, this is your definitive guide to the 2026 intake.
Scholarship Benefits
The financial package offered by the KAIST International Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 is one of the most generous available to international students across Asia, offering complete security for the duration of the bachelor’s degree.
- Full Tuition Fee Exemption: Successful candidates receive a total KAIST tuition fee waiver for the entire undergraduate course. This crucial benefit covers the substantial cost of academic study at a top research university.
- Generous Monthly Living Stipend: Students receive a KAIST monthly stipend of KRW 350,000 (Korean Won). This allowance is provided to cover living expenses, including food, transportation, and personal necessities while residing in Korea.
- Health and Wellness Coverage: The scholarship also includes coverage for National Health Insurance, ensuring students have access to medical care and support during their tenure at the university.
Eligibility Criteria and Renewal Requirements for the 2026 Intake
While the KAIST International Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 is open to students worldwide, specific requirements must be met to ensure eligibility for both admission and scholarship continuity.
Who Qualifies as an International Applicant?
To be eligible to apply to KAIST international admissions and qualify for the scholarship, an applicant must:
- Hold Foreign Citizenship: The applicant must be an international citizen. Individuals who hold Korean citizenship, including those with dual citizenship, are strictly ineligible to apply to KAIST international tracks.
- Meet Admissions Standards: Applicants must satisfy the minimum academic standards set by KAIST for their chosen program or discipline. KAIST is known for its excellence in science and engineering, requiring a strong academic record, especially in mathematics and science.
Renewal Requirement: Maintaining the Funding
The scholarship is awarded for the full four years, but its renewal is contingent upon the student’s academic performance after enrollment.
- Minimum Academic Performance: To remain eligible for the scholarship after the first year (freshman year), students must maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.7 out of a possible 4.3. Failing to meet this minimum standard could result in the non-renewal or loss of the scholarship funding for subsequent semesters.
Application Process (Step by Step Guide)
One of the most appealing features of the KAIST International Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 is the simplicity of its application process. There is no confusing, separate application to fill out specifically for the funding; the scholarship is intrinsically linked to the admissions decision.
Step 1: Initiating the Application
- Apply for admission to the KAIST undergraduate program via the official online application Link provided below.
- You will need to decide whether to apply to KAIST international admissions for the Spring semester or the Fall semester, based on your high school graduation timeline.
Step 2: Checking the Key Box for Automatic Consideration
- When completing the application, navigate to the section titled “Statement of Financial Resources.”
- To be considered for the fully funded KAIST scholarship, you must simply check the option that indicates “KAIST scholarship.”
- By checking this box, your application is automatically considered for the scholarship during the comprehensive admissions review.
Step 3: Meeting the Deadlines
- The primary deadline for the Fall 2026 Regular Admission Round is January 6, 2026.
- Prospective students must ensure their completed application and all supporting documents are submitted by this date.
- Note that the deadline for the Spring semester application may differ.
Step 4: Review and Notification
- All applicants who correctly submit their admissions application and check the KAIST scholarship box will undergo a thorough, equal review by the admissions committee.
- Upon being successfully admitted to the university, you will be automatically entitled to the KAIST Scholarship, with the financial support commencing at the start of your program.
Essential Application Reminders
The opportunity to attend the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology on a fully funded KAIST scholarship is highly competitive. Success depends on submitting a strong, complete application that highlights your aptitude in science and engineering.
- English Proficiency: While there is no IELTS required KAIST policy for application submission, remember that the medium of instruction for all undergraduate courses is English. Submitting strong proficiency test results or demonstrating exceptional English skills in your application essays is highly recommended.
- Document Preparation: Start gathering required documents—transcripts, recommendation letters, and identification—well in advance of the deadline. Late document submission can disqualify an otherwise excellent candidate.
- The Future of Innovation: KAIST, situated in Daedeok Innopolis in Daejeon, is an institution with a strong legacy of research and innovation, established by the Korean government. Choosing this university is a commitment to a career at the forefront of global technology and science.
Application Deadline: January 6, 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is the KAIST International Undergraduate Scholarship truly fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship is fully funded as it covers the full tuition fee for eight semesters, provides a monthly living stipend of KRW 350,000, and includes coverage for National Health Insurance.
Q2: What is the exact amount of the KAIST monthly stipend?
Recipients of the scholarship receive a KAIST monthly stipend of KRW 350,000 to assist with living expenses such as food and local transport.
Q3: Do I need an IELTS or TOEFL score to apply to KAIST international admissions?
No, the information suggests there is no IELTS required KAIST policy for initial application. However, because all courses are taught in English, providing proof of high English proficiency is highly recommended to strengthen your application.
Q4: How long does the KAIST International Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 last?
The scholarship is awarded for the full duration of the undergraduate program, which is four years (eight semesters), subject to the student meeting the academic renewal requirement.
Q5: What is the main requirement for the KAIST tuition fee waiver to be renewed annually?
To maintain the KAIST tuition fee waiver and the monthly stipend, the student must achieve and maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.7 out of 4.3 after their first year of study.
Q6: What is the deadline to apply to KAIST international students for the Fall 2026 semester?
The primary application deadline for the Regular Admission Round for the Fall 2026 semester is January 6, 2026.
Q7: If I am accepted to KAIST, am I guaranteed the fully funded KAIST scholarship?
Yes. The scholarship is awarded automatically to admitted international students who checked the “KAIST Scholarship” option on their Statement of Financial Resources section during the admission application process.
Q8: What if I have Korean dual citizenship? Can I apply?
No. Applicants holding Korean citizenship, even dual citizenship, are not eligible to apply to KAIST international admissions or receive this scholarship. They must apply through the domestic admissions track.
Q9: What subjects can I study at KAIST with this scholarship?
The scholarship is available for undergraduate studies across the various departments within KAIST, which primarily focus on Science, Engineering, and Technology, reflecting the university’s specialization.
Q10: When does the application period begin for the KAIST International Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 Spring semester?
The application call for the Spring semester typically opens around September 20, 2025.
