Opportunities Circle is offering international students a valuable chance to study in South Korea through the KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship 2026, which is now accepting applications. This fully funded scholarship allows students from around the world to pursue an undergraduate degree at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, one of South Korea’s most prestigious universities. The scholarship covers all major expenses related to studying abroad, including full tuition fee exemption for up to eight semesters, a monthly living allowance, and medical insurance for the duration of the program, allowing students to focus fully on their academic goals.
Admission to KAIST is highly competitive, as thousands of students apply each year to secure a place at the university. Studying at KAIST is considered a life-changing opportunity, as students are encouraged to innovate, share ideas, and engage in research, entrepreneurship, and global collaboration. One of the unique advantages for undergraduate students is the flexibility to study without declaring a major during the first year, allowing them to choose or change their field of study before completing the second semester.
The KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 is open to international students from all countries. It is offered across almost all academic disciplines taught at the university, providing students with the opportunity to study in a diverse, multicultural environment without financial barriers. KAIST was founded by the government of South Korea and is widely recognized as the country’s leading science and technology institute. It consistently ranks among the top universities globally and hosts thousands of students across multiple schools and graduate programs, including a strong international student community.
The scholarship supports undergraduate studies in fields such as natural sciences, life sciences and bioengineering, engineering, business, and transdisciplinary studies. Eligible applicants must be international students who have completed high school by August 31, 2026, for the fall 2026 intake. Applicants with dual nationality are not eligible to apply as foreign students, while Korean nationals who completed their education outside Korea may apply. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7 out of 4.3 after their first year to retain the scholarship. International students who completed high school education in Korea are also eligible to apply.
The KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including full tuition coverage for all eight semesters, a monthly living allowance of approximately 350,000 Korean won, and medical health insurance. In addition to financial benefits, students gain the opportunity to live in South Korea, experience its culture, and receive high-quality education at a globally recognized institution.
Applicants are required to submit an online application form along with supporting documents such as a recommendation letter, high school transcripts, proof of English language proficiency where applicable, passport or national identity documents, and standardized test scores if available. Applicants from English-speaking countries or those who completed high school education in English may be exempt from submitting English proficiency test scores.
The application process is conducted online and requires applicants to upload scanned copies of all required documents, pay the application fee, and carefully review their application before submission. Recommendation letters must be submitted directly by referees through the designated system. The deadline to apply for the KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 is January 6, 2026, while supporting documents and recommendation letters must be submitted by January 13, 2026. Scholarship results are expected to be announced in March 2026.
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