KAIST International Undergraduate Scholarship in South Korea 2027

KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) is South Korea's top science and technology university, often called the "MIT of Korea". Every international student admitted to its undergraduate programmes can receive the KAIST Scholarship, with no separate application.

Act fast: The Early round closes 22 October 2026 (6:00 PM Korea time). If you miss it, the Regular round for Fall 2027 runs 10 November 2026 to 14 January 2027.

What the scholarship covers

• Full tuition exemption for 8 semesters (your whole 4-year bachelor's degree)
• ₩350,000 monthly allowance (about US$250)
• Medical health insurance

Note: The allowance is helpful but does not cover all living costs in Daejeon. Plan a budget for housing, food and your flight.

How you get it

You do not apply separately. When you fill in the admission application, tick "KAIST Scholarship" in the financial resources section. If you are admitted, you automatically receive it.

To keep it, maintain a GPA above 2.7 out of 4.3 after your first year.

Who can apply

• International students of any nationality, including Nigerians and other Africans
• You must not hold Korean citizenship (including dual citizenship)
• Neither parent may be a Korean citizen, or, if you are of Korean origin, you must have completed elementary, middle and high school outside Korea
• You must apply as a first-year (freshman) student. KAIST does not take international transfer students.
• Graduated, or graduating from high school before the start of your intake

Key dates (2027 entry)

All deadlines are 6:00 PM Korea Standard Time. Once you pay the application fee, you cannot switch rounds.

Documents

• Online application form
• High school transcripts and school profile
• Test scores and English proficiency evidence, where relevant
• One recommendation letter (submitted separately by your teacher or counsellor)
• Proof of your and your parents' citizenship

How to apply

1. Read the requirements on the KAIST international undergraduate admission site.
2. Create an account and apply online at https://apply.kaist.ac.kr/InterApply/
3. Tick KAIST Scholarship in the financial section.
4. Pay the application fee and submit before 6:00 PM Korea time.
5. Make sure your recommender submits the letter by the recommendation deadline.

Official pages:

• Scholarship: https://admission.kaist.ac.kr/intl-undergraduate/support/scholarships/kaist
• Timeline: https://admission.kaist.ac.kr/intl-undergraduate/application/ApplicationGuide/ApplicationTimeline
• Application portal: https://apply.kaist.ac.kr/InterApply/