The GIST Scholarship 2027 offers international students an excellent opportunity to pursue a fully funded graduate degree in South Korea. The scholarship is available for Master’s, PhD, and integrated Master’s–PhD programs at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology.
GIST is one of South Korea’s leading research universities, with strong programs in science, engineering, artificial intelligence, technology, energy, and biomedical research. Selected international students receive full tuition support, monthly allowances, research funding, health insurance support, and reimbursement for a one-way flight to South Korea.
Applications for Spring 2027 admission will open on September 7, 2026, and close on October 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM Korean Standard Time.
Students interested in other Korean funding opportunities can also explore the Global Korea Scholarship 2027.
GIST Scholarship 2027 Overview
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Host country | South Korea |
| Host institution | Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology |
| Scholarship name | GIST Scholarship 2027 |
| Degree levels | Master’s, PhD and integrated Master’s–PhD |
| Scholarship coverage | Fully funded |
| Eligible applicants | International students |
| Study mode | Full-time |
| Applications open | September 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM KST |
| Application deadline | October 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM KST |
| Result announcement | December 4, 2026 |
| Enrollment deadline | January 4, 2027 |
| Admission semester | Spring 2027 |
| Application method | Online |
About the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, commonly known as GIST, is a public research university in Gwangju, South Korea. It was established to support advanced education, scientific research, and technological development.
The university provides modern research laboratories, experienced professors, international partnerships, and opportunities to participate in advanced research projects. Its graduate programs cover fields such as computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, environmental science, life sciences, physics, chemistry, and biomedical science.
GIST offers Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy, and integrated Master’s–PhD programs. A Master’s degree normally takes two years, while a PhD program generally takes four years.
Students can also compare this opportunity with the KAIST University Scholarship 2027, another competitive graduate scholarship in South Korea.
Financial Benefits
The GIST Scholarship 2027 provides comprehensive financial assistance to international graduate students. The funding package can significantly reduce the cost of studying and living in South Korea.
The scholarship benefits include:
- Full tuition support of KRW 3,607,000 per semester
- Monthly student allowance of KRW 140,000 for Master’s students
- Monthly student allowance of KRW 295,000 for PhD students
- Meal allowance of approximately KRW 100,000 per month
- International student allowance of KRW 120,000 per month
- Research assistantship opportunities
- Average research assistantship of approximately KRW 6,400,000 per year for Master’s students
- Average research assistantship of approximately KRW 13,740,000 per year for PhD students
- Support for 60% of National Health Insurance costs
- Annual medical examination
- Reimbursement for a one-way flight to South Korea
- Access to affordable university accommodation
Some allowances depend on academic performance, completed credits, or participation in approved research projects. For example, the international student allowance generally requires a previous-semester GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.5.
New students are normally required to pay a one-time matriculation fee of KRW 680,000. However, applicants experiencing financial difficulty may request a fee waiver by submitting the required recommendation letter from the department chair of their current or previous university.
Available Degree Programs
The GIST Scholarship 2027 supports the following graduate degree levels:
- Master of Science
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Integrated Master’s and PhD
Applicants can choose from various departments and academic fields, 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
- Artificial Intelligence Convergence
- Semiconductor Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence Policy and Strategy
- Integrated Neuroscience and Physiology
- Mathematical Sciences for Master’s applicants
Applicants should select a department that matches their previous education, academic interests, research experience, and future career plans.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the university’s general admission requirements to apply for the GIST Scholarship 2027.
Applicants must:
- Be eligible to apply as international students.
- Hold the appropriate previous degree for their selected program.
- Complete their previous degree before enrolling at GIST.
- Obtain the required final degree by the first week of January 2027 for Spring admission.
- Apply for an eligible Master’s, PhD, or integrated Master’s–PhD program.
- Meet the academic requirements of the selected department.
- Submit all required documents before the application deadline.
- Meet the English-language requirement or qualify for conditional admission.
- Not hold Korean citizenship, including dual Korean citizenship.
Applicants for a Master’s program normally need a recognized bachelor’s degree. PhD applicants generally need a relevant Master’s degree. Students expecting to graduate may apply with an official expected-graduation certificate.
English-Language Requirements
Applicants can meet the English-language requirement by submitting one of the following minimum scores:
- TOEFL iBT: 80
- TOEFL PBT: 550
- Academic IELTS: 6.5
- TOEIC: 750
- New TEPS: 285
The English-language test must have been taken within two years before the application deadline.
Native-born citizens of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States may qualify for an exemption. Applicants who earned a bachelor’s or advanced degree from a university physically located in one of these countries may also request an exemption, subject to prior approval from GIST.
Applicants who cannot submit an official test score because of unavoidable circumstances may be considered for conditional admission. In this case, they must submit a certificate issued by the president or dean of their previous university confirming that their education was taught in English.
Conditionally admitted students must provide an acceptable official English test result within six months of admission. Failure to meet this condition may result in removal from the university.
Required Documents
Applicants for the GIST Scholarship 2027 should prepare the following documents:
- Completed online application form
- Official bachelor’s degree certificate
- Official Master’s degree certificate for PhD applicants
- Official academic transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official English-language test report
- Certificate of English-medium instruction, if applicable
- Copy of the applicant’s passport
- Expected-graduation certificate, if applicable
- Explanation of the university’s grading system, if it is not included in the transcript
- Certified English or Korean translations of documents issued in another language
Applicants may also submit supporting evidence of academic honors, awards, publications, research experience, or other achievements.
Academic certificates with an apostille or authentication from a Korean embassy are preferred. Successful applicants must submit properly verified academic documents according to the university’s enrollment instructions.
Important Dates
The confirmed application schedule is:
- Applications open: September 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM KST
- Application deadline: October 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM KST
- Admission results: December 4, 2026
- Enrollment deadline: January 4, 2027
- Semester begins: March 2027
Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants should check the time difference between South Korea and their home country and avoid waiting until the final day.
Students searching for another funded research opportunity in Asia can consider the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship 2027/28.
How to Apply for GIST Scholarship 2027
The application for the GIST Scholarship 2027 must be completed online.
Follow these steps:
- Review the available graduate departments and select a suitable program.
- Open the GIST online application portal after it becomes active on September 7, 2026.
- Create an account and complete the online application form.
- Enter accurate academic and personal information.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Provide the contact details of two referees.
- Pay the application fee.
- Send the electronic recommendation request to both referees.
- Confirm that the referees submit their letters before the deadline.
- Review the complete application carefully and submit it before October 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM KST.
- Check your email regularly for admission updates or interview requests.
Recommendation links can only be sent after payment of the application fee. Applicants are advised to contact their referees early and allow them sufficient time to complete the recommendation process.
The university recommends using a computer with a Windows operating system when accessing the online application portal.
Here are some other great opportunities you can also apply for
Marshall Scholarship 2027 in the UK
Khalifa University Graduate Scholarship 2027 in UAE | Fully Funded
Final Thoughts
The GIST Scholarship 2027 is an excellent opportunity for international students who want to pursue a fully funded Master’s, PhD, or integrated graduate degree in South Korea. The scholarship provides full tuition support, monthly allowances, research assistantships, health insurance assistance, accommodation options, and flight reimbursement.
Interested students should start preparing their academic certificates, transcripts, English-language evidence, passport copy, and recommendation letters before the application portal opens. Select a department that matches your academic background and submit the complete application well before the deadline.
