You apply for the KAIST Scholarship through KAIST’s regular admission application. There is no separate scholarship form. You create an online account, fill in your application, upload your documents, pay the application fee and select “KAIST Scholarship” in the Statement of Financial Resources section. If KAIST admits you your scholarship status is confirmed at the same time as your admission decision.
This guide walks through the full step by step process for 2027.
KAIST Scholarship 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | KAIST Scholarship |
| University | KAIST South Korea |
| Application method | Inside regular admission form |
| Separate scholarship form | No |
| Undergraduate Early deadline | 22 October 2026 6:00 PM KST |
| Undergraduate Regular deadline | 14 January 2027 6:00 PM KST |
| Application fee | USD 80 or KRW 80 000 |
| Recommendation letter | Optional but highly recommended |
Before You Start What You Need to Know
Undergraduate and graduate applicants use different online portals and different application guides. Make sure you are using the correct one for your level.
There is no transfer track for undergraduate applicants. You apply and enroll as a freshman even with prior university coursework elsewhere.
Always use the current cycle’s official application guide. KAIST updates it every year and using an old PDF can lead to wrong deadlines or document lists.
You cannot change your admission track once you submit your application so pick the right one from the start.
Step by Step How to Apply for the KAIST Scholarship
1. Confirm your eligibility
Before you start the application check that you meet the basic requirements on the official KAIST Scholarship eligibility information. This saves you from spending time on an application you cannot complete.
2. Choose your track and admission cycle
KAIST typically runs two undergraduate admission rounds each cycle an Early track and a Regular track. Graduate admission runs on its own separate calendar usually with Fall and Spring intakes. Pick the track and cycle that fits your graduation or degree timeline.
3. Create your online applicant account
Undergraduate applicants apply through KAIST’s undergraduate application portal.
Graduate applicants apply through KAIST’s separate graduate application portal.
You will register with your email then receive a confirmation to set up your login.
4. Fill in your application form
Complete your personal information academic history and contact details. Double check your contact information since KAIST is not responsible for missed communication caused by incorrect details.
5. Select “KAIST Scholarship” in the Statement of Financial Resources section
This is the step that actually puts you in consideration for the scholarship. There is no extra form beyond this selection. Pick this option if you want to be reviewed for the KAIST Scholarship rather than another funding source.
6. Arrange your recommendation letter
KAIST’s system sends an email to your recommender once your application fee is confirmed so do not leave this for the last few days. A letter of recommendation is optional but highly recommended and undergraduate applicants may generally submit up to two.
7. Prepare and upload your required documents
Scan and upload the documents listed below. Files are generally expected as PDFs and should be clear and legible.
8. Pay the application fee
The application fee is USD 80 or KRW 80 000. You can generally pay by credit or debit card, domestic bank transfer or international bank transfer. The fee is non-refundable and cannot be waived except for certain fee waiver cases such as applicants from Least Developed Countries. Any bank charges are your own responsibility.
9. Review and submit
Check every section carefully. Once you submit your application, you generally cannot make further changes so review your documents and answers before the final submission.
10. Wait for your admission and scholarship decision
KAIST reviews your application as a whole. There is no separate scholarship notification track. Your scholarship status is confirmed alongside your admission decision.
11. Confirm your enrollment
If admitted with the scholarship follow KAIST’s instructions for confirming enrollment which generally include visa guidance and dormitory registration information.
Documents Required
Requirements can vary slightly by applicant background but generally include:
- Completed online application form
- Academic transcripts secondary school for undergraduate prior degree transcripts for graduate applicants
- Proof of graduation or expected graduation from the required prior level of education
- A copy of your passport or another national identification document
- At least one accepted English proficiency test score unless you qualify for an exemption
- A letter of recommendation optional but highly recommended
- Statement of Financial Resources including your KAIST Scholarship selection
- Additional program specific materials if your intended department requires them
Graduate applicants generally also prepare a Statement of Purpose and a Study or Research Plan since graduate admission places more weight on research fit with a department or lab.
Always check the current official Application Guidelines for the exact cycle specific list since document requirements can change slightly between cycles.
KAIST Scholarship 2027 Application Timeline
| Track | Application and Document Deadline | Recommendation Letter Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Early | 22 October 2026 6:00 PM KST | 29 October 2026 |
| Undergraduate Regular | 14 January 2027 6:00 PM KST window opens 10 November 2026 | 21 January 2027 |
| Graduate | Varies by Fall or Spring intake | Set separately by intake |
KAIST states that deadlines close at a specific time in Korean Standard Time. If you are applying from outside Korea this can mean the deadline falls a day earlier in your own local time zone so build in a buffer rather than submitting at the last minute.
Deadlines can shift slightly between cycles. Confirm the exact current dates on KAIST’s own Calendar page before you finalize your plans.
Application Fee
- Amount USD 80 or KRW 80 000
- Payment methods credit or debit card, domestic bank transfer or international bank transfer
- The fee is non refundable and cannot be waived in most cases
- Some applicants such as those from Least Developed Countries, may qualify for a fee waiver. Check the current fee waiver policy if this applies to you
- Any additional bank charges are the applicant’s responsibility
Is There an Interview
An interview is not a standard part of KAIST’s undergraduate admission process for most applicants. Only applicants specifically flagged by the review committee are individually contacted for further steps. Some graduate departments may request an interview as part of their own review especially where research fit with a lab matters. Check with your specific program if you are unsure whether an interview applies to your application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using an outdated admission guide instead of the current cycle’s official version
- Missing the recommendation letter deadline which is usually earlier than the main document deadline
- Selecting the wrong option in the financial resources section
- Submitting documents in the wrong format or size
- Leaving the recommendation letter request until the last few days
- Assuming you can change your admission track after submitting
- Relying on a third party site’s deadline instead of checking KAIST’s own notice board
2027 Application Checklist
- Confirmed eligibility for your intended level undergraduate or graduate
- Chosen the correct admission track and cycle
- Created an account on the correct application portal
- Completed the online application form
- Selected “KAIST Scholarship” in the Statement of Financial Resources section
- Requested a recommendation letter early
- Prepared and scanned all required documents
- Confirmed English proficiency test score or exemption
- Paid the application fee
- Reviewed the full application before submitting
- Saved copies of all confirmation emails and receipts
- Checked KAIST’s official Calendar page for the current exact deadlines
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a separate application for the KAIST Scholarship?
No. You select “KAIST Scholarship” inside the standard admission application. There is no extra scholarship only form.
What is the KAIST Scholarship application fee?
USD 80 or KRW 80 000 paid by card or bank transfer. It is generally non refundable.
Can I change my admission track after applying?
No. You generally cannot change your admission track once you submit your application.