The KAIST Scholarship 2026 lets students from other countries study for free at one of Asia’s best science universities in South Korea. The program pays for everything – your classes, money for living, and health care. You can apply for undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs in science, engineering, and technology.
Quick Details About KAIST Scholarship 2026
| Scholarship Name | KAIST International Scholarship 2026 |
| Host Country | South Korea |
| University | KAIST (Daejeon) |
| Level | Undergraduate / Master’s / PhD |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Language | English |
| Deadline | January 2026 (estimated) |
| Website | https://www.kaist.ac.kr |
About KAIST
KAIST means Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. It is a big science university in Daejeon city in South Korea. Many people say it is like MIT but in Asia.
KAIST is very good at science and technology. Most classes are in English. So you can study there even if you don’t know Korean language. Right now, students from more than 100 countries study at KAIST.
What the Scholarship Covers
The KAIST Scholarship pays for everything. Here is what you get:
- Free classes for your whole degree
- Money every month between ₩350,000 to ₩500,000 (around $260 to $380)
- Free health care in Korea
- Money for research if you do master’s or PhD
- Extra money if you know Korean language or have very good grades
You don’t have to worry about paying for school or room rent.
Who Can Apply?
You can apply if you:
- Are not from Korea (international student)
- Have good grades in school or college
- Want to study science, technology, or engineering
- Are healthy and can live in South Korea
- Can speak and write English (IELTS or TOEFL helps but not always needed)
Age: No strict age rule. Most students are under 30 for undergraduate and under 35 for master’s or PhD.
Study Fields at KAIST
KAIST has many departments. Most classes are in English.
You can study:
- Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil)
- Computer Science and AI
- Science (Physics, Chemistry, Math)
- Business
- Biology and Brain Science
- Design
Pick a subject that matches what you studied before.
Application Timeline (2026 Intake)
| Applications Open | November 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | January 2026 |
| Interview Time | February 2026 |
| Results Come Out | April 2026 |
| Classes Begin | September 2026 |
Important: Always check the KAIST website for the exact dates before you apply.
How to Apply
Here are simple steps:
- Go to KAIST website and make an account
- Pick your program (undergraduate, master’s, or PhD)
- Fill the form carefully
- Upload your papers (see list below)
- Pay the fee if they ask (some students don’t have to pay)
- Click submit
- Wait for email from KAIST
If you get selected, they will send you a letter.
Documents You Need
Everyone needs:
- Online form (filled completely)
- Your school or college mark sheets
- Your degree or passing certificate
- One recommendation letter from your teacher
- Why you want to study at KAIST (write in your own words)
- English test score (if you have it)
- Copy of your passport and one photo
For master’s and PhD students:
- What you want to research (write it clearly)
- Your CV (list of what you did before)
Tips to Make Your Application Better
- Be clear: Tell them why you want to study at KAIST. Tell them what you will do after you finish. Use easy words. Be honest.
- Show your interest: If you did any science projects or activities, write about them.
- Write yourself: Don’t copy from internet. Write your own story in your own words.
- Apply early: Send your form 2-3 days before the last date. Sometimes websites have problems on the last day.
- Contact teachers only if needed: For undergraduate, you don’t need to email professors. For master’s or PhD, only email if your department says you should.
Why Choose KAIST?
When you study at KAIST, you get many good things:
- Work on real projects with big Korean companies like Samsung, LG, and Hyundai
- Learn from very smart teachers
- Meet students from many countries
- See Korean culture and new technology
- Get good jobs anywhere in the world
Many students who finish KAIST get jobs in big companies and research labs.
Where Will You Live?
Room: KAIST gives a room to all international students. You will get a room on campus or near the campus.
Can you work? Yes. If you have a student visa (D-2), you can work part-time. But you need permission first. You can work only some hours every week.
Language: You don’t need to know Korean to study. But if you learn some basic Korean, life will be easier in Korea.
FAQs
Do I need to know Korean language?
No. Classes are in English. Korean language helps only in daily life outside campus.
Can I apply without IELTS?
Yes. Some students give a paper from their college that says they studied in English.
Should I email professors before applying?
For undergraduate – No. For master’s or PhD – only if your department wants you to.
Will I get a room?
Yes. Every international student gets a room.
Can I do part-time job?
Yes. After you get permission, you can work part-time.
Official Website
To apply and learn more, go to the official KAIST website:
https://www.kaist.ac.kr
You can see full guide about KAIST Scholarship 2026 Visit here.
Related Articles
- Fully Funded Scholarships in Korea 2026
- Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026
- UST Scholarship 2026
- How to Apply for Korean Scholarships 2026
Final Words
The KAIST Scholarship 2026 is a very good chance for students who want to study science and technology in South Korea without paying money. They give you money for living and health care too.
If you have good grades and you really like science, engineering, or computers, start preparing now. Write your application honestly. Follow all the dates carefully.
Good luck!