The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) in South Korea is offering scholarships for international students for the year 2024. The scholarship enables students to pursue Master’s and PhD programs in several subjects at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology.

About Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)

GIST welcomes you, trailblazers of cutting-edge research and technology! The Korean government established the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology in 1993 as a research-focused institute. It offers full financial support to students through the Ministry of Science and Technology to develop scientific technologists with advanced leadership abilities. Throughout its 26-year history, GIST’s research and education have been advancing towards achieving world-class standards.

Key Areas of Study

GIST has strategically chosen key areas of science and technology to improve our competitiveness. These include:

• Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering
• Life Science
• Physics and Photon Science
• Chemistry
• Biomedical Science and Engineering
• Nanobio Materials and Electronics
• Integrated Technology
• Artificial Intelligence

Scholarship Benefits

Furthermore, students accepted to GIST receive a full scholarship, complimentary accommodation (such as a dormitory or apartment), and additional research grants, among other benefits.

• Tuition Assistance: Tuition costs fully covered: 3,415,000 won per semester.
• Monthly Stipend: Student grant: 140,000 won monthly for Master’s students and 295,000 won monthly for Ph.D. students.
• Meal Subsidy: Around 100,000 won each. Students need to have finished at least 9 credits in the previous semester to be eligible for the above benefit.
• International Student Support: 120,000 won monthly. A GPA of 3.0 or above (out of 4.5) from the previous semester is necessary.

Research Support

• Annual Fee for M.S. Program: 4,820,000 won.
• Annual Stipend for Ph.D. Students: 11,480,000 won, including health coverage for all international students.
• 60% Reimbursement of the Korean National Health Insurance Cost.
• Yearly Health Examination Reimbursement for Flights (Available to All New International Students).

Eligibility Criteria

• This grant is available to both domestic and international students of any nationality.
• Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree to be eligible for enrollment in a Master’s Program.
• Applicants need to have a Master’s Degree to be eligible for the Doctoral Program.

Procedure for Applying

1. Submit Application Online: Begin your application process by filling out the online application form and submitting the necessary documentation.
2. Verification by International Admissions Coordinator: Upon receiving your application and necessary documents, the International Admissions Coordinator will contact you.
3. Admission Notification: Expect to get the admissions results notification by email around June 15 for Fall admission and November 30 for Spring admission.
4. Completing Enrollment and Paying the Matriculation Fee: Will you accept the admission offer? Enroll at GIST by the specified deadline.
5. Apply for a Student Visa: Individuals in need of a student visa should acquire the required application form from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in their home country.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

English Proficiency Standards and Contingent Acceptance

Show your English language skills by providing official test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS). The minimum scores required are 80 for TOEFL iBT, 550 for TOEFL PBT, 6.5 for Academic IELTS, 750 for TOEIC, and 285 for NEW TEPS. GIST may offer provisional admission when official English test scores are not accessible. Conditional admission requires the submission of English competency documentation within 6 months after admission.

Application for Waiver of Matriculation Fee

Applicants experiencing financial challenges are eligible to petition for a waiver of the Matriculation Fee. Fill out the waiver application on the online form and attach a letter of recommendation from your department head at your current or most recent university.

Admission Schedule

• Admission Semester: Spring semester commencing in March, Autumn term (commencing in September)
• Deadlines for Submitting Applications: October 14 (Spring Semester), March 25 to April 15 (Korean Standard Time) for the Fall Semester
• Document Analysis: Each semester lasts approximately 15 days.
• Document Review: Each semester lasts around 30 days.
• Admission Results Notification Dates: December 9th (Spring Semester) and June 16th (Fall Semester).
• Enrollment of Accepted Students: Early January (for the Spring Semester), End of June (for the Fall Semester)

Meeting these deadlines is essential for your application to be completed efficiently. If you have any questions or need clarification on the admission schedule, please contact the admissions office without hesitation.

Conclusion

The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology offers an exceptional opportunity for international students to pursue Master’s and Ph.D. programs with full scholarships and comprehensive support. With its focus on cutting-edge research and technology, GIST provides a conducive environment for academic and personal growth.

FAQs

1. Is there an application fee for applying to GIST scholarships?
   • No, there is no application fee for applying to GIST scholarships.
2. What are the minimum eligibility criteria for the scholarships?
   • Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree for Master’s programs and a Master’s Degree for Ph.D. programs.
3. Are there any specific English proficiency requirements?
   • Yes, applicants need to demonstrate English proficiency through standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS.
4. Is accommodation provided for scholarship recipients?
   • Yes, complimentary accommodation is provided, including dormitory or apartment options.
5. How can I apply for a waiver of the matriculation fee?
   • Applicants experiencing financial challenges can apply for a waiver by filling out the online form and attaching a recommendation letter from their department head.