GIST Scholarships for Graduate Students to study in South Korea

Applications are now open for admission to graduate programs at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) for the 2027 intake. Korean and international students admitted to graduate programs may receive GIST Graduate Scholarships as part of the institute’s financial support system. In other words, the GIST Scholarships for Graduate Students isn’t a separate contest you apply for. Get admitted to a program, and you’re automatically considered.

The support package is fully funded for most academic costs and applies to programs in science, engineering, and technology. Students can pursue a Master, a PhD, or an integrated MS-PhD degree. Graduate school in South Korea, with funding attached. Not a bad deal if research is your thing.

Founded in 1993 by the Korean government, the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) operates as a research-driven university focused on applied science and engineering. The campus sits in Gwangju, South Korea, and over the years it has built a reputation as one of the country’s serious research institutions.

Program Details

• Host institution: The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), South Korea.
• Field of Studies: Available programs include the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, School of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Mechanical and Robotics Engineering, School of Environment and Energy Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Department of Physics and Photon Science, Department of Chemistry, Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, School of Integrated Technology, and the AI Graduate School.
• Number of Awards: Not specified.
• Duration: Master’s Program (typically 2 years), Doctoral Program (around 4 years), or Integrated MS-PhD Program (typically 5 years). Maximum completion periods are three years for M.S., seven years for PhD, and eight years for the integrated program.
• Eligible countries: Open to all nationalities. Korean citizens with dual citizenship are not eligible for the international admission track.

GIST Scholarships for Graduate Students Benefits

Students admitted to graduate programs at GIST may receive financial support covering tuition and additional academic expenses. The support package includes:

1. Tuition fully supported: KRW 3,607,000 per semester (all students).
2. Monthly Stipends (All International Students):
   • Student allowance: KRW 140,000 per month for M.S. students; KRW 295,000 per month for PhD students. Students must complete at least 9 credits in the previous semester to qualify.
   • Meal allowance: approximately KRW 100,000 per month.
   • International student allowance: KRW 120,000 per month for students maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher (out of 4.5).
   • Including the above, a minimum monthly stipend of KRW 800,000 for M.S. students and KRW 1,100,000 for PhD students is guaranteed.
3. Research Assistantship (students participating in research projects): Average of KRW 6,400,000 per year for M.S. students; KRW 13,740,000 per year for PhD students (2022 figures).
4. Housing: Dormitories for single students and apartments for married couples (first-come, first-served). Monthly fees range from KRW 90,100 to KRW 208,400 depending on room type. A deposit of KRW 150,000 to KRW 600,000 applies.
5. Health Insurance (All International Students): 60% of the National Health Insurance fee is supported. The annual medical checkup fee is covered.
6. Flight Reimbursement: One-way airfare to Korea for incoming international students (one time only).
7. A one-time matriculation fee of KRW 680,000 is required at enrollment. Some students may receive a waiver upon approval by the admission committee.

GIST Scholarships for Graduate Students Eligibility

To benefit from this university scholarship, applicants must first be admitted to a graduate program at GIST. Basic requirements include:

1. Applicants must hold citizenship outside South Korea. Korean citizens with dual citizenship are not eligible.
2. Applicants must hold or expect to hold a final degree before enrollment at GIST (for Spring admission, by the first week of January 2027; for Fall admission, by the first week of July 2027).
3. Master’s applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or expect to receive one before enrollment.
4. PhD applicants must hold a master’s degree or expect to receive one before enrollment.
5. Applicants must meet the English language requirements. Minimum scores are:
   • 80 (TOEFL iBT)
   • 550 (TOEFL PBT)
   • 6.5 (IELTS Academic)
   • 750 (TOEIC)
   • 285 (NEW TEPS)

   The English test must have been taken within two years prior to the application deadline. GIST does not accept TOEFL ITP or Duolingo scores.

6. Applicants without official English test results may receive conditional admission if they submit proof from their previous institution confirming that the language of instruction was English. Students admitted conditionally must submit official English test results within 6 months of admission.
7. Korean citizens holding dual citizenship are not eligible for this international application track.

Admission Schedule for 2027

Note: The dates above are subject to change without prior notice. Late submissions are not allowed.

How to Apply for the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology Scholarship

Admission to a graduate program at GIST automatically places applicants into consideration for financial support. The process is fairly straightforward, though it does require careful attention to documents and deadlines.

1. Complete the online application through the official portal. The system is optimized for Windows-based operating systems.
2. Select your field of study and fill in all sections of the application form.
3. Upload the required documents and pay the application fee. Your application will only be processed once the fee is paid.
4. Send the Google Forms link to your referees for recommendation letters after the application fee has been paid.
5. Check your email regularly for updates or possible interview requests from the admissions team.

Required Documents:

1. Online Application Form: submitted through the official system.
2. Official degree certificates and transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate degree programs. A scanned copy bearing an apostille or authentication from the Korean Embassy is preferred. If you are expected to graduate, you can replace your degree with a certificate of expected graduation or an official letter confirming your expected graduation, including your name, degree to be conferred, and date of degree conferment.
3. Two letters of recommendation submitted electronically by referees through Google Forms. Referees must be faculty members or work supervisors who have worked closely with you. The Google Forms link can be sent only after the application fee has been paid.
4. Official English proficiency test score report (TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, or NEW TEPS), taken within two years of the application deadline.
5. Scanned copy of passport.
6. A Letter of Recommendation for Matriculation Fee Waiver (optional) issued by the department chair of the applicant’s current or previous university.
7. Certificate confirming English as the language of instruction (if applying for conditional admission).
8. Applicants who graduated from universities in China must submit a verification report issued by CSSD (学信网, http://www.chsi.com.cn).

Important Notes

• Multiple applications from a single applicant within a single application term are strictly prohibited. Submitting applications for more than one department or degree program will result in disqualification.
• Successful applicants must submit their original degree certificate and transcript, apostilled or authenticated by a Korean embassy, via post within 10 days after enrollment. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of admission.
• Students who are exempted from the matriculation fee also need to submit the enrollment documents by the enrollment deadline.
• If any information entered in the online application form or the submitted material is found to be false or counterfeit, GIST reserves the right to withdraw an offer of admission or revoke admission even after graduation.

GIST Scholarships for Graduate Students FAQ

Please find below some frequently asked questions about this program.

The application period for the Spring 2027 intake runs from September 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM to October 7, 2026 at 17:00 (KST). The Fall 2027 intake runs from March 9, 2027 to April 8, 2027 at 17:00 (KST). Late submissions are not accepted, so it’s wise to upload everything well before the clock runs out. For more details, visit the GIST Graduate Admissions website.