KAIST University Scholarships for international students

Scholarship Overview

The KAIST University Scholarships are fully funded opportunities provided by the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). Designed for international students, this program supports studies at the undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels, covering tuition, living expenses, and health insurance. KAIST is recognized globally for its excellence in science, technology, and engineering, making it a highly competitive destination for researchers and scholars.

Can Pakistani Students Apply?

Yes, Pakistani students are eligible to apply. The scholarship is open to international students who do not hold Korean citizenship, which includes students from Pakistan. As long as you meet the academic requirements of your chosen degree program, you are eligible for automatic scholarship consideration.

Funding and Benefits

This is a fully funded program that includes several financial components to support your stay in South Korea:

• Full tuition fee coverage for the duration of the program.
• Monthly living allowance: KRW 350,000 for Undergraduate and Master’s students, and KRW 400,000 for PhD students.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Medical check-up support.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the KAIST University Scholarships, you must satisfy the following requirements:

• Must be an international student and not a Korean citizen (dual nationality holders are also ineligible).
• Must successfully gain admission into an undergraduate, master’s, or PhD program at KAIST.
• Must demonstrate strong academic merit and research potential.
• Must provide proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) where applicable.

Required Documents

When applying, ensure you have the following documents ready for your application portal submission:

• Academic transcripts and certificates.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) or study plan.
• Letters of recommendation (particularly for graduate applicants).
• Proof of English language proficiency.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume.
• Passport copy.
• Any additional department-specific documentation.

Application Timeline

Deadlines are not fixed on a single date and depend on the specific intake and program level:

• Undergraduate Admissions: Typically between September and November.
• Graduate Admissions: Typically between August and September. Always verify the exact deadline on the official university portal.

Selection Process

Selection is merit-based. Because there is no separate scholarship application, the admission committee reviews your application for both academic program entry and scholarship eligibility simultaneously. Decisions are communicated via email or the application portal.

How to Apply

1. Explore the KAIST course catalog to find your desired program.
2. Submit an official application for admission.
3. Note that scholarship consideration is automatic for all successful international applicants.

Pakistan-Specific Application Advice

Students applying from Pakistan should ensure their academic documents are attested and that they have their passport valid for travel. Since English proficiency is required, prepare for your IELTS or TOEFL exams well in advance of the application window.

Important Terms and Limitations

Note that the monthly stipend covers only a portion of living costs in South Korea; you should budget for personal expenses. For more, visit our guide on scholarship applications.