Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) International Scholarships 2026 - Study in South Korea
- Omran Aburayya
- Oct 1
- 4 min read
If you are dreaming of pursuing a Master’s or PhD (or an integrated MS-PhD) in a research-intensive environment in Asia, the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) International Scholarships 2026 are now open for application. GIST — a leading research university in Gwangju, South Korea — is offering fully funded scholarships for international students to enroll in its graduate programs in science, engineering, life sciences, and related fields. This is your chance to join a vibrant global academic community and undertake advanced research at minimal financial burden.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: Gwangju, South Korea
Host Institution: Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)
Study Level: Master’s (M.S.), PhD, Integrated M.S.–Ph.D.
Target Group: International students from all nationalities
Fields of Study: Engineering, Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, ICT, Environmental Science, Interdisciplinary STEM fields
Coverage: Full tuition waiver, stipend, research assistantship (for many), housing, health insurance, flight reimbursement, etc.
Duration:
M.S. typical period (with maximum allowed): ~3 years maximum
PhD typical period (maximum allowed): ~7 years
Integrated MS-PhD: up to ~8 years
Application Deadline:
Spring 2026 Intake: September 2, 2025 — October 2, 2025
Fall 2026 Intake: March 10, 2026 — April 10, 2026
Start Date:
Spring 2026 semester begins in March
Fall 2026 semester begins in September
Eligible to: International students worldwide (non-Korean)
🧭 Scholarship Overview
GIST is a research-focused university established in 1993 by the Korean government. It emphasizes interdisciplinary research, hands-on lab experience, and an English-medium instruction environment, which allows international students to integrate more easily.
All admitted graduate students are typically awarded the GIST scholarship automatically — there is no separate funding application. The university offers flexibility in program duration (within maximum limits) to accommodate different research paces.
As a GIST scholar, you will not just attend classes — you will engage in research, collaborate with faculty, publish, and possibly receive research assistantships. The institute maintains modern labs and works closely with industry, providing a stimulating environment for innovation.
🎁 Scholarship Benefits
The GIST Scholarship 2026 is fully funded and covers:
100% Tuition Fee: Full waiver for the entire duration of the program.
Monthly Stipend:
Master’s students: KRW 140,000
PhD students: KRW 295,000
Meal Allowance: KRW 100,000 per month.
International Student Allowance: KRW 120,000 per month.
Research Assistantship: Provided for research participation under projects.
Airfare: One-way flight ticket to South Korea for first-time arrival.
Settlement Allowance: KRW 200,000 upon arrival.
Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage provided to all international students.
⚠️ Note: The exact stipend and benefit amounts may be adjusted in 2026; always refer to the official GIST announcement or admission portal for the confirmed package.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the GIST Scholarship 2026, applicants must satisfy:
Academic Requirement
For M.S.: Hold (or expect to hold) a Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a Korean undergraduate degree by the time of enrollment.
For PhD: Hold (or expect) a Master’s degree or equivalent by enrollment.
English Language Proficiency
Minimum scores accepted (if required): TOEFL iBT 80 / PBT 550; IELTS 6.5; TOEIC 750; NEW TEPS 285
Exemptions or conditional admission may be possible if your degree was completed in an English-medium institution or in one of the English-speaking countries (Australia, Canada, UK, USA, New Zealand, Ireland) with prior approval.
In some cases, conditional admission is granted if English test scores are not yet available — but you must submit them within 6 months of admission.
Academic Excellence / Potential
Strong academic transcripts, good GPA, research potential and alignment with GIST faculty and research areas.
Nationality
Open to all international students (non-Korean).
📝 Application Procedure
Here is a step-by-step outline of the application process and typically required documents:
Online Application Submission: Visit the GIST Graduate (International) Admission Portal and complete the application form within the application window.
Upload Documents: Submit all required documents in English or Korean (if in another language, provide official translation + verification).
Document Review & Interview (if needed): GIST evaluates applications, may request an interview or further clarifications.
Admission Notification
For Spring 2026: Results around December 4, 2025
For Fall 2026: Results around June 4, 2026
Enrollment / Matriculation: Accepted students respond, pay matriculation fee (if not waived), and submit final verified academic credentials (apostilled or embassy-verified) within deadlines.
Visa Application & Arrival: Use Certificate of Admission to apply for a student visa at Korean embassy. Coordinate with GIST’s International Office for arrival and orientation.
🗂️ Documents Required
Completed online application form
Official academic transcripts and degree certificates (Bachelor’s / Master’s) — certified/apostilled or embassy-verified if needed
Two letters of recommendation (from professors or supervisors)
English proficiency test score report (if applicable)
Copy of valid passport
(For some) Matriculation fee waiver request with recommendation letter from your university’s department chair
(Optional / additional) CV, statement of purpose / research proposal (especially for PhD), list of honors/awards, published papers (if any)
ℹ️ Tips & Extra Insights
Check official GIST pages: Always confirm the precise stipend amounts, application links, and eligibility updates from GIST’s official website or admission portal.
Apply early in the window: Don’t wait until the last day to avoid technical issues or last-minute document delays.
Align with faculty interests: For PhD applications especially, reviewing GIST faculty research and aligning your proposal can strengthen your chance.
Prepare English test in advance: Even if conditional admission is allowed, having a valid score improves your application’s competitiveness.
Matriculation fee waiver: If the fee poses difficulty, include a waiver request with a recommendation letter — GIST considers them.
