The GIST Scholarship 2025-26 is a fully funded opportunity for international students to study in South Korea at one of the top research universities — the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST). This prestigious GIST Scholarship supports Master’s, Ph.D., and Integrated M.S./Ph.D. programs. The scholarship covers full tuition, monthly living expenses, health insurance, housing, and even flight tickets. It’s an excellent chance for students around the world to study in Korea without financial stress.
The GIST Scholarship aims to attract talented students from all countries who have a passion for science, engineering, and technology. The university offers a global learning environment with all courses taught in English. Students who apply to GIST are automatically considered for the GIST Scholarship, so there’s no need to fill out a separate form. If you are looking to study abroad on a fully funded scholarship in South Korea, the GIST Scholarship 2025-26 is one of the best options available.
Details of the GIST Scholarship:
- Host Country: South Korea
- Host Institution: Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)
- Program Level: Master’s, Ph.D., and Integrated M.S./Ph.D. programs
- Scholarship Duration:
- Master’s: 2 years
- Ph.D.: 4 years
- Integrated M.S./Ph.D.: Up to 8 years
Benefits of the GIST Scholarship
This Scholarship offers a wide range of benefits to international students:
- All international students will be getting 100% support in the tuition fee i.e. the tuition fee will be waived. (3,607,000 won per semester)
- MS students will be given a monthly stipend of 140,000 Won.
- PhD students will be given a monthly stipend of 295,000 Won.
- Both MS and PhD students will be given a meal allowance of 100,000 Won. (Note: Students have to complete at least 9 credits in the previous semester to get student and meal allowance).
- An international student allowance of 120,000 Won will be given to both MS and PhD students, however, the student has to maintain a 3 or higher GPA out of 4.5 in the previous semester.
- All MS students participating in research projects will get a research assistantship of 6,400,000 won per year while PhD students participating in research projects will get a research assistantship of 13,740,000 won per year.
- A one-way flight to Korea will be reimbursed.
- 60% of national health insurance will be covered. Health insurance also includes annual medical checkups.
Eligibility Criteria for the GIST Scholarship
To qualify for the GIST Scholarship, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be an international student (non-Korean citizen)
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s) or Master’s degree (for Ph.D.)
- Have good academic records and strong motivation
- Prove English language proficiency with one of the following:
- TOEFL iBT 80
- IELTS 6.5
- TOEIC 750
- NEW TEPS 285
- Applicants from English-speaking countries or with degrees taught in English may be exempt from language test scores
How to Apply for the GIST Scholarship
Applying for this Scholarship is simple:
- Official degrees and transcripts are required. Apostille is preferred or even notarized copies are acceptable.
- Two letters of recommendation must have the signatures and stamps of the recommenders.
- The recommenders do not have to send the letters independently or separately.
- Official English language test report i.e. TOEFL (BT) 80 / TOEFL (PBT) 550 / IELTS 6.5 / TOEIC 750 / NEW TEPS 327 is the requirement. In case you do not get your test result in time. Your home university can give you a professional English language proficiency certificate.
- A copy of the applicant’s passport is required.
Documents Required
Prepare the following documents to apply for the GIST Scholarship:
- Official degrees and transcripts are required. Apostille is preferred or even notarized copies are acceptable.
- Two letters of recommendation must have the signatures and stamps of the recommenders.
- The recommenders do not have to send the letters independently or separately.
- Official English language test report i.e. TOEFL (BT) 80 / TOEFL (PBT) 550 / IELTS 6.5 / TOEIC 750 / NEW TEPS 327 is the requirement. In case you do not get your test result in time. Your home university can give you a professional English language proficiency certificate.
- A copy of the applicant’s passport is required.
GIST was established by Korean Government in 1993 and since then the institute has been home to world-class researchers and sciencetists. Moreover, the top-notch lecturers of Korean institutes come from GIST. GIST has proved itself as the first national university in Korea which has adopted an innovative educational system based on a comprehensive and foundational science curriculum. Moreover, GIST is the first Korean university that has made a thesis quality certification mandatory thing. That is why the institute is ranked 1st in the number of citations of professors in South Korea for 14 consecutive years and also the GIST is ranked 4th in the QS World University Ranking.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the GIST Scholarship 2025-26 for Fall intake is April 14, 2026.
What is the GIST Scholarship?
The GIST Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students offered by the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology in South Korea.
Is this Scholarship fully funded?
Yes, the GIST Scholarship covers tuition, housing, living costs, insurance, and airfare.
Do I need to submit IELTS or TOEFL for this Scholarship?
Yes, unless your previous degree was taught in English or you’re from an English-speaking country.
Is Korean language required for this Scholarship?
No, all courses are taught in English, and Korean is not required.
Is work allowed while studying on this Scholarship?
Limited part-time work may be allowed under visa rules, but the scholarship usually covers all expenses.
