The GIST International Graduate Scholarship 2026 offers a life-changing opportunity for talented international students to pursue Master’s, Ph.D., or Integrated M.S.–Ph.D. programs at the prestigious Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) in South Korea. This fully funded scholarship covers tuition fees, stipends, research assistantship, health insurance, and even flight reimbursement, empowering bright minds to conduct world-class research in STEM fields. With strong global rankings and cutting-edge research infrastructure, GIST has become a hub for innovation, attracting top students from around the globe.

About Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology

Founded in 1993, GIST is one of South Korea’s most prominent research-focused universities. It is ranked #264 in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and is highly regarded for its research output, industry collaboration, and innovation-driven curriculum. GIST consistently ranks in the top tier for citations per faculty and international faculty ratio, showcasing its strong global footprint. The institute emphasizes interdisciplinary research and offers cutting-edge laboratories, making it an ideal destination for international graduate students.

GIST International Graduate Scholarship 2026 Overview 

Field	Details
Scholarship Name	GIST International Graduate Scholarship 2026
Host University	Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)
Degree Levels	Master’s, Ph.D., Integrated M.S.–Ph.D.
Eligible Nationalities	All international students
Application Deadlines	Spring: 2 Sept–2 Oct 2025; Fall: 10 Mar–10 Apr 2026
Location	South Korea
Admission Results	Spring: 4 Dec 2025; Fall: 4 June 2026

Offered Degree Programs

• 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
• AI Policy and Strategy

Scholarship Benefits

The GIST International Graduate Scholarship provides one of the most comprehensive funding packages in Asia:

• Full tuition support worth 3,607,000 KRW per semester
• Monthly stipend: 140,000 KRW for M.S. students and 295,000 KRW for Ph.D. students
• Meal allowance: about 100,000 KRW per month
• International student allowance: 120,000 KRW per month (with GPA ≥ 3.0/4.5)
• Research assistantship: approx. 6,400,000 KRW/year for M.S. and 13,740,000 KRW/year for Ph.D.
• Housing: Affordable dormitory or married student apartments
• Health insurance: 60% of national health insurance supported
• Annual medical check-up
• Flight reimbursement: One-way ticket to South Korea (first-time use only)
• Matriculation fee waiver available for students with financial difficulties

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

1. Be an international student applying to GIST for M.S., Ph.D., or Integrated M.S.–Ph.D. programs.
2. Hold a relevant bachelor’s degree (for M.S.) or master’s degree (for Ph.D.) from an accredited institution.
3. Provide valid English proficiency test scores:
   • TOEFL iBT 80 / TOEFL PBT 550 / IELTS 6.5 / TOEIC 750 / NEW TEPS 285
   • Must be taken within two years of the application deadline
   • Exemptions: Native citizens or degree holders from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, or United States
4. Submit all required documents including degree certificates, transcripts, two recommendation letters, passport copy, and English test score report.
5. Meet the minimum GPA and academic requirements set by the department they are applying to.

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for the GIST scholarship:

• Step 1: Complete the online application form and upload all required documents.
• Step 2: Check your email regularly for updates from GIST.
• Step 3: Wait for document review and admission results (Spring results by 4 Dec 2025; Fall results by 4 June 2026).
• Step 4: If selected, submit enrollment documents and pay the 680,000 KRW matriculation fee (or apply for a waiver if eligible).
• Step 5: Submit verified academic certificates and apply for a student visa.
• Step 6: Begin your studies at GIST in March (Spring) or September (Fall).

Comparison with Similar Opportunities

Feature	GIST International Graduate Scholarship	KAIST International Graduate Scholarship	POSTECH Graduate Scholarship
Location	Gwangju, South Korea	Daejeon, South Korea	Pohang, South Korea
Degree Levels	M.S., Ph.D., Integrated	M.S., Ph.D.	M.S., Ph.D.
Tuition Coverage	Full	Full	Full
Monthly Stipend	140k–295k KRW	350k–400k KRW	200k–300k KRW
Health Insurance	60% coverage	Full coverage	Partial
Flight Reimbursement	Yes (one-way)	Yes (one-way)	No
Research Assistantship	Yes	Yes	Yes
QS Ranking (2025)	#264	#197	#313

FAQs About GIST International Graduate Scholarship 2026

1. Q1. What is the application deadline for the GIST South Korea Scholarship 2026?
   The Spring intake is from 2 September to 2 October 2025, and the Fall intake is from 10 March to 10 April 2026.
2. Q2. Can students from any country apply?
   Yes, all international students from any country are eligible to apply.
3. Q3. What English proficiency scores are accepted?
   TOEFL iBT 80, TOEFL PBT 550, IELTS 6.5, TOEIC 750, or NEW TEPS 285.
4. Q4. Is the matriculation fee refundable?
   No, the 680,000 KRW matriculation fee is non-refundable, though a waiver can be requested for financial hardship.
5. Q5. Are students automatically considered for GIST South Korea Scholarship 2026?
   Yes, all admitted international students are automatically considered for the GIST scholarship.
6. Q6. Can students apply for more than one department?
   No, applicants can only apply to one program/department at a time.
7. Q7. Does GIST provide housing for international students?
   Yes, GIST provides dormitories and married student apartments at affordable rates.
8. Q8. Does the scholarship cover health insurance?
   Yes, this scholarship provides 60% of the national health insurance costs for international students.
9. Q9. When are admission results announced?
   Spring admission results are announced by 4 December 2025, and Fall results by 4 June 2026.
10. Q10. Do students need to secure a supervisor before applying?
    No, students do not need a supervisor at the time of application; supervisors are assigned after enrollment.

Important Notes

• The university will only review the complete applications with all required documents.
• Applicants must regularly check their email for admission updates.
• Students already studying at GIST are not eligible to re-apply.
• A strong academic background and research interest are crucial for selection.

If you are passionate about research and innovation, the GIST International Graduate Scholarship could be your gateway to success. Start your journey today and become part of a world-leading research community in South Korea. APPLY NOW. Visit the official website of GIST International Admissions for more details.

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