GIST Scholarship 2027 in South Korea | Fully Funded Master’s & PhD
The GIST Scholarship 2027 offers international students the opportunity to pursue graduate studies at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) in South Korea.
The scholarship is available for eligible Master’s, PhD, and integrated Master’s-PhD programs and provides substantial financial support, including tuition assistance, monthly allowances, research assistantship opportunities, housing options, health insurance support, and one-way flight reimbursement. Also apply for Hamad Bin Khalifa University Scholarship 2027
For students planning to begin their studies in September 2027, the Fall 2027 application period runs from March 9 to April 8, 2027.
GIST Scholarship 2027 – Quick Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | GIST Scholarship 2027 |
| University | Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology |
| Country | South Korea |
| Study Level | Master’s, PhD & Integrated MS-PhD |
| Eligibility | International students |
| Fall 2027 Opening Date | March 9, 2027 |
| Application Deadline | April 8, 2027 |
| Semester Begins | September 2027 |
| Tuition | Full tuition assistance |
| Monthly Allowances | Available subject to applicable conditions |
| Research Support | Research assistantship opportunities |
| Accommodation | Student housing available |
| Health Insurance | 60% of National Health Insurance supported |
| Airfare | One-way flight reimbursement |
What Is the GIST Scholarship?
GIST is a science and technology-focused university in Gwangju, South Korea, offering graduate education and research across areas such as computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, physics, chemistry, materials science and life sciences.
International graduate students can receive financial support through the GIST scholarship system, significantly reducing the cost of studying in South Korea.
The support package combines tuition assistance with living-related allowances and other benefits. However, students should check the individual conditions for each benefit because some support is dependent on academic performance, research participation or other requirements.
GIST Scholarship 2027 Benefits
Full Tuition Assistance
GIST provides full tuition assistance for eligible international graduate students.
The university currently lists tuition at 3,607,000 KRW per semester.
A one-time 680,000 KRW matriculation fee may apply to newly admitted students. Students experiencing financial difficulties can apply for a waiver.
Monthly Allowances
The current listed student allowances include:
- 140,000 KRW per month for M.S. students
- 295,000 KRW per month for Ph.D. students
- Nearly 100,000 KRW per month meal allowance
- 120,000 KRW per month international student allowance, subject to the applicable academic conditions
For some allowances, students must meet requirements such as completing the required credits or maintaining a specified GPA.
More Opportunities:
Research Assistantship
Students participating in research projects may receive additional research assistantship payments.
GIST lists average research assistantship amounts of approximately:
- 6,400,000 KRW per year for M.S. students
- 13,740,000 KRW per year for Ph.D. students
These figures are based on the university’s published information and may vary depending on the research arrangement.
Housing
GIST provides housing options including graduate dormitories and apartments for married students.
Housing fees, deposits, utilities and other charges may apply.
Health Insurance
GIST supports 60% of National Health Insurance for international students.
An annual medical checkup is also included in the listed international student support.
Flight Reimbursement
Incoming international students can receive reimbursement for a one-way flight to Korea for their first arrival at GIST.
Eligible Fields of Study
GIST focuses primarily on science, technology, engineering and research-oriented disciplines.
Depending on the available graduate programs, areas of study include:
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Semiconductor Engineering
- Physics and Photonics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Mechanical and Robotics Engineering
- Environmental and Energy Engineering
- Life Sciences
- Biomedical Engineering
- Convergence Neuroscience
- Technology and Management
Applicants should check the relevant department’s current program and faculty information before selecting a field.
Also apply for Asia Pacific University ADB Scholarship 2027 in Japan
GIST Scholarship 2027 Eligibility
Academic Requirements
Applicants must hold, or be expected to hold before enrollment, the degree required for their chosen program.
Master’s applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
PhD applicants generally need a relevant master’s degree or equivalent qualification.
Applicants who have not yet graduated may be considered if they can provide an acceptable expected-graduation document and complete their degree before enrollment.
International Applicant Requirement
The international graduate admission route is intended for eligible international applicants. Applicants should review GIST’s nationality requirements before submitting an application.
English Language Requirement
GIST currently lists the following minimum English proficiency scores:
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 80 |
| TOEFL PBT | 550 |
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 |
| TOEIC | 750 |
| New TEPS | 285 |
The English test generally needs to have been taken within two years before the application deadline.
Certain applicants may qualify for an English-language exemption or conditional admission depending on their nationality, previous degree and circumstances.
Can You Apply With an MOI Instead of IELTS?
In certain circumstances, GIST may allow applicants who cannot provide an official English test score to receive conditional admission using an English-medium certificate issued by the president or dean of their previous university.
This means an MOI can potentially be accepted in specific circumstances, but applicants should not assume that an MOI automatically replaces IELTS or TOEFL.
Students admitted conditionally may later be required to submit an acceptable official English test result within the specified period.
Also apply for Qatar Scholarships Without IELTS 2027
Required Documents
Academic Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Degree certificate
- Official academic transcripts
- Expected-graduation certificate, if applicable
- English translations where required
- Apostille or relevant certification where applicable
Recommendation Letters
GIST requires two recommendation letters for international graduate applicants.
Recommendation letters are submitted electronically through the process provided by GIST.
English Proficiency Evidence
Applicants should provide an accepted English test result unless they qualify for an exemption or conditional admission arrangement.
Passport
A copy of the applicant’s passport is required.
Additional Supporting Documents
Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, additional documents may include:
- English-medium instruction certificate
- Supporting documents for a matriculation fee waiver
- University or school profile
- Evidence of awards and honors
- Other documents requested during the admission process
Documents not issued in English or Korean may need to be translated according to GIST’s requirements.
GIST Scholarship 2027 Application Deadline
For the Fall 2027 intake, the application schedule is:
| Application Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | March 9, 2027 at 10:00 KST |
| Application Deadline | April 8, 2027 at 17:00 KST |
| Admission Result | June 4, 2027 |
| Enrollment Deadline | July 5, 2027 |
| Semester Begins | September 2027 |
Applicants should submit early rather than waiting until the final day, particularly if recommendation letters or certified documents are still pending.
How to Apply for the GIST Scholarship 2027
Step 1: Select a Graduate Program
Choose a GIST graduate program that matches your academic background and research interests.
Review the department’s research areas and faculty members before making your choice.
Step 2: Review the Requirements
Check the degree, English-language, nationality and document requirements for your selected program.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Collect your transcripts, degree documents, passport, English proficiency evidence and any required certifications.
If you need an apostille or official certification, begin the process early.
Step 4: Arrange Your Recommendation Letters
Choose two suitable referees and provide their information through the application system.
Contact them well in advance so they have enough time to submit their recommendations.
Step 5: Complete the Online Application
Complete the GIST international graduate admission application when the Fall 2027 application opens.
Upload the required information and supporting documents carefully.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Submit the completed application before April 8, 2027 at 17:00 KST.
Avoid leaving the submission until the final hours.
Step 7: Wait for the Result
GIST currently lists June 4, 2027 for the Fall 2027 admission result.
Successful applicants should then complete the enrollment and subsequent visa procedures according to the university’s instructions.
For more informaion, Please visit GIST Scholarship webpage.
Is the GIST Scholarship Fully Funded?
The GIST Scholarship is commonly described as a fully funded scholarship because it provides full tuition assistance alongside several forms of financial support.
However, “fully funded” does not mean every possible personal expense is automatically covered.
Students may still have expenses such as housing charges, utilities, the matriculation fee and other personal costs. Some allowances also have academic or participation requirements.
Important Tips for Applicants
Start Early
Begin preparing academic documents, English test results and recommendation letters before the application opens.
Check Your Department
Your academic background and research interests should align with your selected department.
Prepare Certified Documents
If apostilles, embassy certifications or official translations are required, arrange them well in advance.
Contact Your Referees Early
Recommendation letters are an important part of the application, and delays from referees can affect your submission.
Check the Latest Admission Guide
Admission schedules, programs and requirements can change. Always review the latest Fall 2027 instructions before submitting your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the GIST Scholarship 2027 application open?
The Fall 2027 application opens on March 9, 2027 at 10:00 KST.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is April 8, 2027 at 17:00 KST.
When does the Fall 2027 semester start?
The Fall 2027 semester begins in September 2027.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The GIST international graduate admission route is available to eligible international applicants who meet the relevant requirements.
Is IELTS required?
Applicants generally need an accepted English proficiency score unless they qualify for an exemption or conditional admission arrangement.
The current minimum IELTS Academic score listed by GIST is 6.5.
How many recommendation letters are required?
Two recommendation letters are required for international graduate applicants.
Does GIST cover tuition?
Yes. Eligible students receive full tuition assistance.
Does GIST provide a stipend?
Yes. GIST provides several monthly allowances, subject to the conditions applicable to each allowance.
Does GIST provide accommodation?
GIST provides student housing options, although housing fees and other charges may apply.
Does GIST cover airfare?
Incoming international students can receive reimbursement for a one-way flight to Korea for their first arrival at GIST.
Related Scholarships
Students interested in studying in South Korea can also explore:
- Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarship 2027
- University of St Andrews Postgraduate Scholarships 2027
- University of Southampton Scholarships 2027 in UK
- Simon Fraser University Scholarships 2027
Final Thoughts
The GIST Scholarship 2027 in South Korea is a strong opportunity for international students interested in science, technology, engineering and research-focused graduate education.
The Fall 2027 intake offers full tuition assistance together with a range of additional financial and student-support benefits. Applicants should prepare their academic documents, English-language evidence and recommendation letters well before the application period.
For students targeting the September 2027 intake, the key application window is:
March 9 – April 8, 2027
Carefully reviewing the latest GIST admission requirements before applying will help ensure that your application is complete and submitted on time.
Good Luck from EhsasKafaalat.com Team!







