KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship 2027 | Application Process

The KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international students who wish to study in South Korea. This fully funded scholarship is available for undergraduate programmes at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. The KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship 2027 covers full tuition fees, a monthly allowance of up to 350,000 KRW, and medical insurance. In this article, we provide a complete guide to the KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship, including scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, required documents, application deadlines, and a detailed step-by-step application process.

KAIST is one of Asia’s leading universities and is often referred to as the “MIT of Asia”. Established in 1971, KAIST was founded as a research-focused institution to cultivate elite talent in science and technology, meeting the nation’s developmental needs. Today, KAIST has become a globally recognised and highly respected member of the international scientific community. The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) offers the KAIST International Student Scholarship for undergraduate international students.

KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship Highlights

Degree ProgrammeUndergraduate
Scholarship ProviderKAIST
Study DestinationSouth Korea
Fields of StudyClick here to find all the available degree programmes
Programme Duration4 years
FundingFully Funded

KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship Benefits

The KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship will provide the recipients with the following benefits:

  • Full tuition fee: tuition exemption for 8 semesters
  • Living expenses: 350,000 KRW per month
  • Medical Health Insurance
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Eligibility Requirements for the KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship 2027

The following are the minimum eligibility requirements for the KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship:

  • English is the required language.
  • Applicants who hold Korean citizenship (dual citizenship) are not eligible to apply as international students.
  • For the spring semester of 2025 (EARLY only), candidates who have graduated or will graduate from high school by February 28, 2025.
  • For the fall semester, 2025, candidates who have graduated or will graduate from their high school by August 31st, 2025.

Step-by-Step Application Process for the KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship 2027

The following simple and easy application process will help you to apply for this scholarship:

Step 1: Go to the official site here and fill out your online application form.

Step 2: Pay the application fee (USD 80 or 80,000 KRW) by credit card or bank transfer.

Step 3: Upload scanned copies of the following additional required documents on the application page. The uploaded copies must be certified by the school principal or the head/director of the organisation and clear & legible.

  • One Recommendation Letter.
  • Secondary/Tertiary School Profile.
  • High school/university transcript.
  • Standardised Official Test Report.
  • English Proficiency Test Report.
  • Passport or National ID.
  • Statement of Financial Resources – KAIST Scholarship.
  • Statement of Financial Resources – Sponsorship.
  • Honours and Awards (Optional).
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Note:

  • Only ONE teacher recommendation letter will be considered.
  • The recommendation letter should be written by an academic advisor, a homeroom teacher, or a math/science teacher.
  • The letter should be written either in Korean or in English.
  • Recommendations must be submitted electronically via the online application platform. Once you pay the application fee, we will send your teacher a link so that your teacher can submit your recommendation letter online by the deadline.
  • It is extremely important to enter your recommender’s email address correctly on your online application form so that they each receive an automated email instructing them how to proceed with their recommendation through the online process.
  • Your application will be completed once your recommender submits the recommendation letter.
  • Recommendation letters CANNOT be submitted in hard copies.
  • If you face a problem uploading your documents, you can mail them to this address:
    Undergraduate Admissions Team, Office of Admissions, KAIST
    #102, Yang Boon Soon Bld. (E16-1)
    291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
    Tel: (+82-42) 350-4803
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Step 4: Submit the application.

Step 5: Check your final admission and scholarship results from here.

For more information about the application process, click here.

KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship Application Deadline

The application deadlines for the KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship 2027 are from 19 September 2025 to 23 October 2025 for the Early Admission Period and from 6 November 2025 to 6 January 2026 for the Regular Admission Period.

For further information about the KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship and the application process, please visit the official website:

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Is KAIST undergraduate admission separate from the scholarship application?
No. There is no separate scholarship application. Students who are admitted to KAIST as undergraduate students are automatically considered for the KAIST undergraduate scholarship.
How competitive is the KAIST undergraduate scholarship for international students?
Admission to KAIST is highly competitive. Successful applicants typically have strong academic records, excellent performance in mathematics and science subjects, and a strong overall profile.
Is it possible to get admitted to KAIST without receiving the scholarship?
Yes. In some cases, students may receive admission without full financial support, depending on the admission outcome and funding decisions.
Do I need Korean language proficiency to study at KAIST?
No. Most undergraduate programmes at KAIST are taught in English. Korean language proficiency is not required for admission, although students are encouraged to learn basic Korean for daily life.
Are SAT, ACT, or IB scores required for KAIST undergraduate admission?
KAIST does not require SAT or ACT scores for all applicants. However, international curricula such as IB, A-levels, or national examination results may be considered as part of the holistic evaluation.
Can students from any country apply for the KAIST undergraduate scholarship?
Yes. KAIST accepts undergraduate applications from international students of all nationalities, provided they meet the academic and admission requirements.
Is work or research experience required for undergraduate applicants?
No. Work or research experience is not required for undergraduate admission, but academic achievements, competitions, Olympiads, or science-related activities can strengthen an application.
What GPA or academic results are considered competitive for KAIST?
KAIST does not publish a minimum GPA. Competitive applicants usually rank at or near the top of their class, especially in mathematics, physics, chemistry, or computer science.
Does KAIST conduct interviews for undergraduate applicants?
Some applicants may be invited for interviews depending on the admission track. Interviews are generally used to assess academic motivation, problem-solving ability, and suitability for KAIST’s rigorous environment.
Can I apply to KAIST if I am currently enrolled in another university?
Applicants who are already enrolled in a university may apply as first-year undergraduate applicants if they meet KAIST’s admission criteria and comply with transfer or re-entry rules.
Is the KAIST undergraduate programme academically very demanding?
Yes. KAIST is known for its rigorous academic environment, particularly in science and engineering fields. Students should be prepared for a fast-paced curriculum and strong emphasis on problem-solving.
Can undergraduate students work part-time while studying at KAIST?
International students in Korea may work part-time under specific conditions and visa regulations, subject to approval and university guidelines.
If my application is unsuccessful, can I apply again next year?
Yes. Applicants who are not admitted may apply again in a future admission cycle if they continue to meet eligibility and academic requirements.