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 for the next 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 scholarship 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: Programs are available across departments including Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical and Robotics Engineering, Environment and Energy Engineering, Life Sciences, Physics and Photon Science, Chemistry, Biomedical Science and Engineering, AI Convergence, Semiconductor Engineering, and AI Policy and Strategy.
• Number of Awards: Not specified.
• Duration: Master’s Program (typically 2 years), Doctoral Program (around 4 years), or Integrated MS-PhD Program.
• Eligible countries: Open to all nationalities.

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 usually includes:

1. Tuition fully supported: 3,607,000 won per semester
2. Monthly Stipends (All International Students)
   1. 140,000 won per month for M.S. students
   2. 295,000 won per month for Ph.D. students
   3. Meal allowance of about 100,000 won per month. Students must complete at least 9 credits in the previous semester to qualify.
3. International student allowance: 120,000 won per month for students maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher (out of 4.5).
4. Research Assistantship (students participating in research projects)
   • 6,400,000 won per year for M.S. students
   • 13,740,000 won per year for Ph.D. students
5. Housing opportunities in campus dormitories (availability may require waiting time).
6. Health Insurance (All International Students):
   • About 60% of the National Health Insurance is supported.
   • Annual medical checkup included.
7. Flight Reimbursement: one-way airfare to Korea for incoming international students.
8. A one-time matriculation fee of 680,000 won is required at enrollment. Some students may receive a waiver depending on financial circumstances.

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. Meeting the admission criteria of the chosen department;
2. Master’s applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or expect to receive one before enrollment (for fall admission, before the first week of July 2026);
3. PhD applicants must hold a master’s degree or expect to receive one before enrollment;
4. Applicants must meet the English language requirements. Minimum scores are:
   • 80 (TOEFL iBT)
   • 550 (TOEFL PBT)
   • 6.5 (Academic IELTS)
   • 750 (TOEIC)
   • 285 (NEW TEPS)
5. 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.
6. Korean citizens holding dual citizenship are not eligible for this international application track.

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.
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.
4. 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. Certified Degree/Diploma and Transcripts for all completed undergraduate or graduate studies. Apostille certification or Korean embassy authentication is recommended.
3. Two Letters of Recommendation submitted electronically by referees through the designated system.
4. Scanned copy of passport.
5. Official English test report (TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, or NEW TEPS), taken within two years of the application deadline.
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).

The application period for the Fall 2026 intake runs from March 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM to April 10, 2026 at 17:00 (KST). Late submissions are not accepted, so it’s wise to upload everything well before the clock runs out.