The KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship is a fully-funded program for international students offered by the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). It aims to attract bright minds worldwide and provide them with the opportunity to pursue undergraduate studies in South Korea. The scholarship is awarded to students who show academic excellence, leadership potential, and a passion for innovation.
2. University/ Institutions: Name, Place, Ranking, Programs, Duration
- University: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
- Location: Daejeon, South Korea
- Global Ranking:
- QS World University Ranking 2024: #41
- Times Higher Education (THE) 2024: #56
- Programs:
- Undergraduate degree programs in science, technology, engineering, and business
- Duration: 4 years (can be extended up to 5 years in certain cases)
2.1. Study Areas
- Natural Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematical Sciences
- Engineering: Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Aerospace, and Computer Science Engineering
- Business: Business and Technology Management
- Bio and Brain Sciences: Biological Sciences, Bioinformatics, Brain Engineering
3. Scholarship Benefit
- Full tuition coverage for 8 semesters (or up to 10 semesters if extended)
- Monthly stipend of KRW 350,000 (~USD 260)
- Health insurance for the duration of the program
- Orientation programs and access to research opportunities
3.1. Benefits Not Included
- Visa processing fees
- Airfare to and from South Korea
- Personal expenses (clothing, personal travel, etc.)
- Textbooks and other course materials
4. Scholarship Eligibilities
- Citizenship: Must be a non-Korean citizen (students with dual citizenship including South Korea are ineligible)
- Educational background: Applicants must have completed or be on track to complete high school education before entering KAIST.
- Academic performance: Strong academic record, especially in mathematics and science.
- English proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent proof of proficiency is required if the applicant’s primary education was not in English.
- Recommendation: One or more letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors.
5. Required Documents
- Application form through KAIST’s online portal
- High school transcripts
- Personal statement and study plan
- One recommendation letter from a teacher or counselor
- English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo)
- Passport copy
- Optional: Awards, certificates, or records of extracurricular achievements
6. Application Process
- Create an account on KAIST’s online application portal.
- Fill out the application form and upload the required documents.
- Pay the application fee (USD 80 or KRW 80,000).
- Submit your application before the deadline.
- Shortlisted candidates will be notified via email.
- If accepted, apply for a student visa (D-2 visa) and prepare for arrival in South Korea.
- Application Deadlines:
- Early Decision: October
- Regular Decision: January
- Spring Admission: April
7. Tips for Successful Application
- Demonstrate your passion for science and technology: Use the personal statement to show how your interests align with KAIST’s programs.
- Highlight extracurricular achievements: Focus on competitions, projects, or volunteer work in STEM fields.
- Secure a strong recommendation letter: Make sure the letter reflects your academic and leadership potential.
- Prepare well in advance: Some documents like transcripts and test scores can take time to process.
- English test preparation: If English is not your native language, ensure you achieve a competitive TOEFL or IELTS score.
8. Monthly Living Expenses for International Students
- Accommodation: KRW 300,000 – 500,000 (~USD 230 – 380)
- Food and groceries: KRW 300,000 – 400,000 (~USD 230 – 310)
- Transportation: KRW 50,000 – 100,000 (~USD 40 – 80)
- Books and supplies: KRW 50,000 – 100,000 (~USD 40 – 80)
- Personal expenses: KRW 200,000 (~USD 150)
Estimated Monthly Total: KRW 1,000,000 (~USD 760)
9. Why Do You Need to Choose This?
- World-class education: KAIST is a leading university in science and technology.
- Scholarship benefits: The program provides full tuition coverage and a monthly stipend, significantly easing the financial burden.
- Research opportunities: Access to cutting-edge research facilities and labs.
- Global environment: KAIST has a multicultural student body, providing global exposure.
- Career prospects: Graduates from KAIST are highly sought after by global companies and research institutes.
10. Official Link for More Details and Application
Visit the official KAIST scholarship page for further details:
https://admission.kaist.ac.kr/