The information online about KAIST undergraduate scholarship is mostly outdated, which is why we took a deep dive into the subject to explain everything in detail.
KAIST Scholarship is a university-based scholarship (by KAIST university in KOREA).
The rules, Eligibility criteria & Benefits of undergraduate KAIST applicants are almost the same as graduates.
There are a few changes in the deadlines, documentation, courses & Application method, which are discussed in the most simplistic detailed way in this KAIST undergraduate scholarship guide.
Everything is divided into steps for students’ convenience. I hope, they will have no queries left after reading this blog.
If you want to know KAIST Graduate Scholarship, here is the complete guide, you don’t want to miss.
KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship
1. Benefits of KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship
2. Eligibility Criteria for KAIST Undergraduate scholarship
3. Documents required for KAIST scholarship for undergraduate students
4. How to apply for KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship
5. How to find Courses for KAIST Undergraduate Applicants
6. Deadlines of KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship
7. KAIST Contact for undergraduate applicants
1. Benefits of KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship
1. The tuition fee will be fully covered for 4 years. (Which could be thousands of USD for self-sponsored students).
2. Monthly stipends of KRW 350,000 (267 USD) will be given to undergraduate students.
3. Health insurance premiums & other operational costs (Telecommunications, Transportation, etc ) are also covered by KAIST Undergraduate scholarship.
2. Eligibility Criteria for KAIST Undergraduate scholarship
The eligibility criteria for KAIST undergraduate applicants is very simple,
- Citizens of every country are eligible for Kaist scholarship, except Korean citizens. they have to make a Certificate of the Facts. Click here for more details.
- Applicants for Spring 2023 must have finished their high school by Feb 28-2023, and applicants for fall 2023 must have completed their high school by August 31-2023.
- There is a requirement for an EPT (English proficiency test), that could be fulfilled by providing IELTS (6.5) or TOFEL (83 ).
However, if you are English speaking national or your course medium was English in high school, then EPT can be ignored. Applicants can then provide an English proficiency certificate. Click here for more details.
But it is still highly recommended, it certainly helps a lot in KAIST evaluation.
3. Documents required for KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship
1. Filled & signed Application for KAIST scholarship
3. Hope certificate (Optional)
6. EPT (IELTS or TOFEL) [If applicable]
7. Passport [& Birth certificates]
8. Certificate of family registration
9. The Certificate of the Facts (Only for Korean Ethnic students)
10. Statement of financial resources
12. Standardized Official Test Score Report (Optional)
14. Statement of purpose for KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship
3.1. Filled & signed application for KAIST undergraduate scholarship
- Undergraduate & graduate students can find their Kaist application form here.
- Pay the fee of the KAIST scholarship application KRW 80000 (80 USD).
- Print it out, sign it, and Be careful while filling out the application, because it can’t be edited once the fee is paid.
3.2. Academic documents
This includes all your certificates & academic record like
A: Metric & FSC transcripts (10-12th Grade) (O-A level) (DMCs and certificates.
[High school transcripts & certificates]
B: Course summary (to explain your courses & how your previous courses & studies resemble your future studies to which you are applying)
The documents must be translated into English if the original language is not in English.
Applicants for Spring 2023 must have finished their high school by Feb 28-2023, and applicants for fall 2023 must have completed their high school by August 31-2023.
NOTE:
All the above documents & their photocopies should be attested by respective boards, issuing authorities, or respective institutions.
Remember photocopies that are not verified will not be accepted by KAIST.
In case of Pakistan, The above-mentioned documents could be attested by IBCC, and MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
IBCC authority is only responsible for the attestation of metric and inter documents.
Dear offices are present in Peshawar, Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and also in other cities of Pakistan.
Other countries need to attest their documents from the respective local ministries & authorities.
3.3 HOPE CERTIFICATE (If applicable)
Hope certificate which is also known as an “Expected graduation letter” could be submitted in that case if the applicant doesn’t have their final degrees (certificates) at the time of submitting their KAIST application.
What is Hope certificate?
In simple words, It is a certificate based on the previous semester’s performance, that indicates that the candidate will pass the final exams with excellent results.
Hope certificate must mention all the applicant details & expected Date of graduation.
Sometimes, Korean universities’ admission process takes time due to the huge number of applicants from around the world. Students can get their final degrees by then.
3.4. Letter of Recommendation for KAIST undergraduate scholarship
The undergraduate applicants for KAIST can’t submit directly their recommendation letter.
Instead, they will provide the detail of their referee & university will contact them on Applicant’s behalf.
When students pay the application fee KRW 80000 (80 USD), The referee will get an automated email after that.
Remember the recommendation letter will not be disclosed to the applicant.
NOTE:
It is advised to provide the details of your Principal or Acedamic advisor, Math or Science teacher.
The letter must include an official letterhead, signature, and official stamp and must be of the current date.
Ask your Referees to write about your academic achievements & discuss their confidence in you that you are fully compatible with the project or course you wish to pursue through KAIST scholarship.
One Recommendation letter is enough.
3.5. CV
Europass CV can be easily made here.
The Cv must contain all the latest & relevant information about your occupation, Academics & interests.
A perfect CV must be hand signed.
3.6. EPT [IELTS or TOFEL] (If applicable)
Technically, Most international students will need EPT (English proficiency test) scores.
It could be in the form of IELTS or TOEFL.
IELTS minimum score (In academic mode) for the KAIST scholarship is 6.5 band,
while For TOFEL 83 (560*/220) is the minimum eligible score.
Other English testing certificates are also accepted like TOEIC, and TEPS but the “Institutional Testing Program” (ITP) is not accepted.
English Speaking Nationals & students whose medium of taught courses were English. (Means their high school education was conducted in English) are excluded to show EPT scores.
However, they still need to provide an English proficiency certificate.
It is still advised to these students to do the IELTS or TOFEL, it will certainly increase their chances to get The KAIST scholarship.
3.7. Passport (& Birth certificates)
Passport & Birth certificate (identity documents) of the applicant & both of their parents are necessary to find out their nationality which is very important for the eligibility of the KAIST scholarship.
Those students who are Korean or one of their parents is Korean or have dual Korean citizenships are NOT eligible for the KAIST scholarship.
3.8. Certificate of Family Registration
It could be shown in the form of providing Birth certificates or FRC (Family registration certificates).
This document specifically contains the names & information of your siblings & parents. (or spouse in some cases).
International Students should consult their local authorities/ministries to get their family registration certificate.
If you are a student from Pakistan, then a Family registration certificate (FRC) is issued by NADRA offices in Pakistan. The applicant can also apply for it online.
3.9. The Certificate of the Facts: (Only for Korean Ethnic students)
Those Korean Ethnic students who completed their entire education (School & High school ) outside Korea, or
both of their parents who renounce Korean citizenship are eligible for the KAIST scholarship but must provide the Certificate of the Facts Concerning the Entry & Exit (“출입국사실증명서”) issued by the Korean Immigration Office and official certificates.
Letters of Primary & secondary school completion are also necessary.
3.10. Statement of financial resources
A: International students who are applying for KAIST scholarship, select “Kaist scholarship” in financial resources.
Please upload documents you deem necessary in reflecting your financial status.
B: If students get any other scholarship (Government, organizational), select that.
C: If Applicant is self-financed or sponsored by parents then mention the resources, that how they will be able to afford it.
They need to show a balance of 18,000 USD.
3.11. University application
It sounds obvious. To get the benefits of KAIST scholarship, the applicant must choose specific courses at KAIST university.
3.12. Standardized Official Test Score Report (Optional)
It is advised to submit official Test Score Reports such as SAT, AP, IB, GCE A-Level, ACT, high school leaving exam, and university entrance exam results and Certificate of International Olympiad to be submitted.
A: Institution Code of KAIST for SAT, and AP score report: 4433
B: The Institution Code of KAIST for ACT score report: 7778
C: And Code of KAIST for IB score report: 000559
Note: SAT, AP, and ACT Official test results MUST be reported to us officially from the testing agency.
3.13. High School Profile
It is highly recommended to show the high school profile, which must contain grades, academic scores & position throughout the class & school.
It can also mention extracurricular & recreational activities.
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3.14. Statement of purpose for KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship:
SOP is compulsory for the KAIST scholarship. Students are required to write (max 200 words) to present their case in the most authentic detailed way possible.
In SOP, you have to write about your personal and professional reasons why are you applying for the course & the scholarship.
In KAIST SOP specifically, focus on what you learned from and felt during curricular and/or extracurricular activities (up to three) to which you attached meaning and devoted yourself in high school.
How to write a perfect statement of Purpose for KAIST?
If you are interested in writing your SOP concisely, then follow this exact method.
SOP consists of three parts.
3.14.1. Introduction (one paragraph)
3.14.3 Conclusion (1 paragraph)
Let’s explain these three things one by one.
3.14.1. Introduction:
The introduction is the gateway to the rest of the SOP. Try to capture their interest in the first few sentences. Be original & creative.
Make it personal & full of enthusiasm.
TIP: Try to initiate a story about yourself relevant to the scholarship you are applying for & then expand it to the first paragraph of the body.
3.14.2. Body:
In the first paragraph of the body, try to tell about your relevant academic & experienced background to the course.
And your professional goals attached to the Korea & KAIST Scholarship. Share your expectations of the scholarship.
In the 2nd paragraph be more precise & focus on the specific achievement related to the scholarship & course.
In the 3rd paragraph expand on what you are currently doing & the interesting things you look forward to.
3.14.3. Conclusion:
Tell them why you are the best candidate for KAIST scholarship. Don’t sound needy or use pompous language instead focus on why you deserve it.
Tell them how this scholarship will help you or the future of your community.
Tips for Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Don’t repeat what you have already written in your CV introduction or Cover letter. Try to capture their interest in the first paragraph.
- Try to stick to one theme, don’t jump around ideas. Be specific.
- Technically, It shouldn’t cross 200 words for Kaist undergraduate applicants. I will advise you to write it very concisely. Share ideas shortly, you will later have time to expand on them in an interview.(If contacted)
- Apply an appropriate style of writing. It could be a little informal but factual. Somewhere in between academic & informal, but avoid flattery, verbose & bombast language & phrases.
- Do not campaign for your beliefs.
- Proofread the text and delete all dispensable and redundant parts. In the end, your statement of purpose should comprise not more than two thousand words.
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4. How to apply for KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship
Here are the five simple steps to apply for the KAIST undergraduate scholarship.
4.1. Make an Account at KAIST
Undergraduate & graduate students can find their Kaist application form here.
4.2. Prepare the documents
Prepare the set of 14 documents we discussed above in detail. Click here to find out.
4.3. Prepare your SOP And Six questions for Kaist Undergraduate
A: Prepare your SOP (statement of purpose), as we discussed above.
B: prepare to answer the following five questions
- Please describe your dream and the efforts you have made so far to achieve it and your future plan for it?
- Cite any cases in which you thought and/or made attempts in ways different from those of others and describe how such ideas and/or attempts affected you and people around you?
- Any cases in which you practiced consideration, sharing, cooperation, and/or conflict management and describe what you learned from and felt during the process(es)?
- Please cite any cases in which you practiced consideration, sharing, cooperation, and/or conflict management and describe what you learned from and felt during the process(es)?
- write if there is any other information you would like to tell us regarding your family/social background or difficulties you had to overcome in the past.
4.4. Fill in the financial details
A: International students who are applying for KAIST scholarship, select “Kaist scholarship” in financial resources.
B: If students get any other scholarship (Government, organizational), select that.
C: If Applicant is self-financed or sponsored by parents then mention the resources. That is how they will be able to afford it.
They need to show a balance of 18,000 USD.
4.5. Submit the Application
After filing your Academic & personal details perfectly, Pay the fee of the KAIST scholarship application KRW 80000 (80 USD).
Print it out, sign it, and Be careful while filling out the application, because it can’t be edited once the fee is paid.
Check your email & portal regularly for future instruction. Check if you need to post your Kaist application to KAIST office. Find Kaist’s contact here for undergraduates.
KAIST Bank Transfer Information
– Bank Name: Woori Bank
– Branch Name: KAIST Branch
– Bank Address: 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea (34141) – Account Number: 270-003359-41185 (USD Only)
– Beneficiary: KAIST
– Swift Code: HVBKKRSExxx
– Message: Applicant’s full name
In case of any queries ask from KAIST undergraduate Contact.
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5. Courses for KAIST Undergraduate Applicants
All the department & colleges for undergraduates KAIST applicants with their official links are given in the table.
|
Departments/College |
Official links |
|
Physics, Mathematical Sciences, Chemistry |
|
|
Biological Sciences, Brain and Cognitive Sciences |
|
|
Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Electrical Engineering Computer Science, |
|
|
Business and Technology Management |
|
|
School of Transdisciplinary Studies |
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6. Deadline for KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship
Application Timeline for Undergraduates KAIST
|
KAIST application |
Early admissions |
Regular admissions |
Late admissions |
|
Period |
Sep. 5 – Oct. 21 2022 |
Nov. 8 – Jan. 13 2023 |
Mar. 1 – May. 27 2023 |
|
Deadline |
Oct. 21 2022 5pm, KST |
Jan. 13 2023 5pm, KST |
May. 27 2023 5pm, KST |
Applicants for Spring 2023 must have finished their high school by Feb 28-2023, and applicants for fall 2023 must have completed their high school by August 31-2023.
7. KAIST contact for Undergraduate Applicants
Postal Address:
Undergraduate Admissions Team, Office of Admissions, KAIST,
#102, Yang Boon Soon Bldg. (E16-1), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon
Zip Code: 34141 Republic of Korea
Office: +82-42-350-4803
FAX: +82-42-350-2420
E-mail: creative.adm@kaist.ac.kr
8. FAQS about KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship
Q: Can I submit the photocopies of my degree & transcript for KAIST undergraduate application?
Only those documents & their photocopies are accepted by KAIST, which are attested by respective boards, issuing authorities, or universities.
Remember photocopies that are not verified will not be accepted by KAIST.
Q: IS IELTS or TOEFL required for KAIST Undergraduate scholarship?
Technically YES. However, citizens of a few countries can be exempted from this requirement. & can produce English proficiency certificate if the medium of teaching in their universities was English.
Having IELTS & TOEFL scores can definitely give benefits in Kaist Evaluation.
Q: What is the method of selection for the KAIST undergraduate Scholarship?
The benefits & coverage provided by KAIST scholarships mostly depend on two factors.
1. Applicant’s Academic record
2. Applicant’s future potential [Which can be explained through SOP (Statement of purpose)] & essay questions in the application form.
The financial benefits of the KAIST scholarship will be prolonged if the student carries on an extraordinary performance in academics & research.
Q: What is the success rate of KAIST scholarship?
According to KAIST university official statistics, Almost 94% of international students get the KASIT scholarship.
Q: How many degree programs you can apply for KAIST undergraduate scholarship?
You can apply to only one-degree program at each application term.
Q: Is an interview compulsory for KAIST undergraduate Scholarship?
NO, It’s optional. The applicant will be notified through email, if kaist selection committee is interested in an interview.
Hi my full name is Samandar Uktamov. I am from Uzbekistan and i have 6.5 IELTS score. I want to study in your university but i do not know through which website i can fill an application form
HI, please check point number 4 (How to apply part). All the important authentic links are given there & the process is explained.