Who is eligible to apply for the KAIST 2026 Regular Track scholarship?

Eligibility generally requires applicants to be non-Korean international students (exceptions and additional documentation apply for Korean-origin applicants). Applicants must have completed or be expected to complete high school by August 31, 2026, and should have a strong academic record.

What is the application deadline for the Regular Track (Undergraduate) for 2026?

The Regular Track application deadline for KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 is January 6, 2026. Applications submitted after this date are normally not accepted.

What documents are required to apply?

Commonly required documents include: completed online application, high school transcript, graduation certificate or expected graduation proof, at least one recommendation letter (teacher/counselor), passport copy, Statement of Purpose (SOP), and a financial resources statement (select 'KAIST Scholarship'). English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS) are recommended but may not be mandatory.

Do I need TOEFL or IELTS to apply?

TOEFL or IELTS scores are recommended to strengthen your application, especially if your prior education was not in English. However, KAIST may accept applications without official English test scores if you can provide proof of English medium instruction.

How much financial support does the scholarship provide?

The KAIST Regular Track scholarship typically covers full tuition for 8 semesters and provides a monthly living stipend of KRW 350,000. It also includes national health insurance; additional research or project funding may be available for outstanding students.

Is a separate scholarship application required?

No separate scholarship application is usually required. Applicants should select the 'KAIST Scholarship' option in the financial resources section of the main admission form to be considered for funding.

How can I increase my chances of selection?

Submit a strong Statement of Purpose demonstrating your academic interests and goals, obtain a powerful recommendation letter, maintain high grades (especially in STEM subjects), and provide any English proficiency proof or extracurricular achievements like competitions, research, or projects.

KAIST University Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 (Regular Track) – Fully Funded | Apply Now

South Korea has become one of the most popular destinations for international students, especially those who dream of building a career in science, technology, innovation, and engineering. Among all Korean universities, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) is undoubtedly the most prestigious and globally recognized. KAIST consistently ranks among the world’s top institutions, known for producing innovators, founders, scientists, and tech leaders.

For students seeking fully funded scholarships for undergraduate studies, the KAIST University Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 (Regular Track) is one of the best opportunities. This scholarship provides everything—full tuition fee waiver, monthly stipend, and health insurance, making it the perfect chance for students from developing countries to achieve their dreams without any financial burden.

If you are already exploring top global scholarships—just like the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship 2026, the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Scholarship 2026, the Erasmus Mundus Eminent Scholarship, or the HUST Wuhan CSC Scholarship 2026—then KAIST should absolutely be on your target list.

This blog will guide you through the scholarship benefits, eligibility, required documents, deadlines, application process, and expert tips to maximize your success.

Let’s explore this fully funded opportunity.

About KAIST – Korea’s No.1 Science and Technology University

Q: What is the KAIST University Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 (Regular Track)?

The KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 (Regular Track) is a fully funded scholarship for international undergraduate students that typically includes a full tuition waiver, a monthly stipend (KRW 350,000), and national health insurance for the duration of the standard 8-semester program.

KAIST was established in 1971 as South Korea’s first research-focused science and engineering institution. Over the decades, it has transformed into an innovation powerhouse, collaborating with global companies like Samsung, Hyundai, LG, SK, and more. Many of KAIST’s undergraduate students become researchers, tech entrepreneurs, engineers, and global leaders.

Why is KAIST so prestigious?

Ranked among the Top 50 universities worldwide
A hub for AI, Robotics, Engineering, Science, Biotechnology, and ICT
80% of lecturers are PhD holders from MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Cambridge
Campus located in Daejeon—South Korea’s "Silicon Valley"
Research-friendly environment with cutting-edge labs and global facilities

For students from developing nations—especially from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East—KAIST offers life-changing opportunities for global exposure and future career prospects.

Benefits of KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 (Regular Track)

This is a fully funded scholarship, meaning students will have no financial burden after admission.

Here’s everything covered:

1. Full Tuition Fee Waiver

KAIST covers 100% of tuition fees for 8 semesters (4 years). This alone saves students around 20,000 USD – 25,000 USD per year.

2. Monthly Living Stipend

Every selected student receives:

KRW 350,000 per month
This helps cover food, transport, books, and daily expenses in South Korea.

3. Health Insurance Coverage

International students get:

National health insurance
Medical support
Access to campus health centers

4. Research & Project Funding

Outstanding students may participate in paid research projects and lab assistantships.

5. Advanced Career Opportunities

Many KAIST graduates work at:

Samsung
LG
Hyundai
SK Telecom
Global companies in the USA, Japan, Europe

With this scholarship, students receive world-class exposure without paying a single dollar.

KAIST University Undergraduate Scholarship 2026

Eligibility Criteria for KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship 2026

Applicants must meet these criteria to qualify:

1. International Students

Only students who are not Korean citizens can apply.

If you have Korean origin but live abroad, additional documents will be required.

2. High School Graduation by August 31, 2026

Students must have completed high school or be expecting graduation before August 31, 2026.

3. Academic Excellence

Although KAIST does not mention a fixed GPA, most selected students have:

Strong grades
Science and math background
Participation in competitions (optional but helpful)

4. English Proficiency

English test scores like:

TOEFL
IELTS
Duolingo

are recommended but not always mandatory.

Many students apply using an English Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate.

Required Documents for KAIST Scholarship Application

Prepare these documents in PDF format before applying:

Online Application Form
High School Transcript
Graduation Certificate / Expected Graduation Letter
1 Recommendation Letter (Teacher/Counselor)
Passport or National ID
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Financial Resource Statement (select KAIST Scholarship)
English Language Proficiency (Optional but recommended)

Make sure all documents are accurate, clear, and professionally presented.

Deadline for KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship 2026

Last Date to Apply: 6 January 2026
KAIST is strict about deadlines — late applications are not accepted.

KAIST University Undergraduate Scholarship 2026

How to Apply for KAIST University Undergraduate Scholarship 2026

Follow the step-by-step process carefully:

Step 1 – Visit the Official Online Application Portal

https://admission.kaist.ac.kr

Step 2 – Create an Account

Enter your personal details and choose Undergraduate (International) – Regular Track.

Step 3 – Fill the Online Form

Provide accurate academic and personal information.

Step 4 – Upload Required Documents

Make sure your documents are in PDF format.

Step 5 – Select “KAIST Scholarship”

This ensures your application is considered for funding.

Step 6 – Pay the Application Fee

Payment is required to complete submission.

Step 7 – Submit and Wait for Results

Results are normally announced a few months after submission.

Comparison with Other Global Scholarships

Many students compare KAIST with other competitive programs such as:

KAIST stands out because:

It offers fully funded support for 4 years
It is easier to apply (only 1 recommendation required)
No interview in many cases
No mandatory IELTS/TOEFL

This makes it one of the most accessible global scholarships for STEM students.

KAIST University Undergraduate Scholarship 2026

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Selection

1. Write a Strong Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Mention:

Your passion for science/engineering
Why you want KAIST
How you will contribute to the campus
Your future goals

2. Get a Powerful Recommendation

Your recommender should highlight:

Critical thinking
Leadership
Academic excellence
Research potential

3. Maintain High Grades

Strong performance in Science & Math subjects increases your chance.

4. Show Extracurricular Activities

Participation in:

Olympiads
Science fairs
Coding clubs
Research clubs

helps strengthen your application.

Life at KAIST – What to Expect?

KAIST offers an international-friendly environment:

Modern dormitories
Cultural festivals
Student clubs
Robotics labs
AI innovation center
English-taught classes

Students form friendships with learners from 80+ countries, building a truly global experience.

The KAIST University Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 (Regular Track) is one of the world’s most competitive and rewarding scholarships for students interested in science, engineering, technology, and innovation. From full tuition waiver to monthly stipend and medical support, KAIST provides everything needed to study comfortably in South Korea.

If you are genuinely passionate about technology and want a future in research or global industries, then this scholarship can change your life. Many students who dream of studying abroad—just like those researching Amazon Future Engineer, Erasmus Mundus, HUST CSC, or Shanghai Jiao Tong University—consider KAIST as their top choice because of its unmatched reputation.

Start preparing your documents early, craft a strong SOP, and apply before the deadline.