KAIST Visiting Student Researcher Program

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Completed at least one year of full-time study and currently enrolled at (or on leave from) a university outside Korea, with a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.3 scale or equivalent. You must first get the permission of a KAIST professor whose lab you want to join. TOEFL iBT 80 or equivalent English proof (native English speakers can use a passport copy).

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

KAIST's Visiting Student Researcher programme lets students from other universities carry out research in a KAIST lab for up to a year. It is arranged lab by lab: you contact a professor first, and the International Relations Team then handles the administration.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Completed at least one year of full-time study and currently enrolled at (or on leave from) a university outside Korea, with a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.3 scale or equivalent. You must first get the permission of a KAIST professor whose lab you want to join. TOEFL iBT 80 or equivalent English proof (native English speakers can use a passport copy).
2. Note the deadline. Open all year (apply at least 3 months before the planned research start date) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Passport or national ID copy; Academic transcript; Proof of current enrolment at your home university; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference letter from a lecturer (if requested); English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Tailor your CV to the role: lead with the skills and projects the posting asks for.
2. Write a short, specific motivation statement. Name the team or project you want to join and why.
3. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
4. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
5. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
6. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.

Quick answers

Who can apply for KAIST Visiting Student Researcher Program?

Completed at least one year of full-time study and currently enrolled at (or on leave from) a university outside Korea, with a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.3 scale or equivalent. You must first get the permission of a KAIST professor whose lab you want to join. TOEFL iBT 80 or equivalent English proof (native English speakers can use a passport copy).

What does KAIST Visiting Student Researcher Program cover?

Research in a KAIST lab for less than one year (no academic credit); KAIST charges a USD 350 registration fee and a lab-set instruction fee (up to KRW 1,000,000), some labs offer a research stipend (amounts not stated), and a dormitory costs KRW 100,000 to 310,000 a month

When is the deadline for KAIST Visiting Student Researcher Program?

Open all year (apply at least 3 months before the planned research start date) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with KAIST Visiting Student Researcher Program?

Host countries: South Korea.

What documents do I need for KAIST Visiting Student Researcher Program?

Passport or national ID copy; Academic transcript; Proof of current enrolment at your home university; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference letter from a lecturer (if requested); English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).

How much work is the KAIST Visiting Student Researcher Program application?

High: Professor's approval + offline form via the lab + online application + registration fee + health check form