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SOUTH KOREA · DAEGU

Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology

public · Founded 2004 · Languages: Korean, English

In short

DGIST is an elite, government-funded science and technology institute in South Korea offering interdisciplinary education and advanced research. It provides significant scholarship support, with many international students receiving full funding for tuition and living expenses.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 2004
Students: 1,600
International students: 150
Acceptance rate: 10%
Tuition (intl): €4–7k/yr
Languages: KOREAN, ENGLISH
Location: Daegu, South Korea

The Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) is a public, government-funded science and engineering university in Daegu, South Korea, established in 2004. It is one of Korea's elite science and technology institutes, focusing on interdisciplinary undergraduate education and advanced research in fields such as robotics, brain sciences, energy and new materials. DGIST is highly selective, research-intensive and offers strong scholarship support to domestic and international students.

Why study here

Join one of South Korea's elite government-funded science and technology institutes.
Benefit from an interdisciplinary undergraduate curriculum without rigid departmental boundaries.
Access advanced research in robotics, brain sciences, energy, new materials and ICT.
Receive generous scholarships and stipends, with many students fully funded.
Study on a modern, well-equipped campus within the Daegu Technopolis research cluster.

Student life

DGIST offers a close-knit campus community centred on research and collaboration, with on-campus dormitories, student clubs and modern recreational facilities. The small student body fosters strong relationships between students and faculty, and the Daegu Technopolis setting provides links to industry and research partners. Students enjoy access to South Korea's vibrant culture while studying in a focused academic environment.

Fees

InternationalAs a government-funded institute, DGIST charges modest tuition and offers extensive scholarships; international tuition typically falls in the range of KRW 6,000,000-10,000,000 per year before scholarships, with many students receiving full coverage and stipends.

HomeKorean students benefit from heavily subsidised national-institute tuition, and most undergraduates receive full scholarships.

LivingLiving costs in Daegu are moderate for South Korea, with on-campus dormitories and student budgets typically around KRW 700,000-1,000,000 per month.

DGIST is known for generous financial support, including full-tuition scholarships and research stipends for graduate students, particularly in science and engineering fields.

Admissions

Undergraduate admissionHighly selective, strong science and mathematics record

Graduate admissionResearch-focused, STEM background required

TOEFL iBTTypically 80+ for graduate admission (programme dependent)

IELTSTypically 6.0+ for graduate admission (programme dependent)

Rankings

QS World University Rankings370

UniFinder editorial noteLeading Korean science and technology institute

University scholarships

DGIST Undergraduate ScholarshipFull or substantial tuition coverage for admitted students

Graduate Research StipendTuition support plus monthly living stipend for research students

Korean Government Scholarship Program (GKS)Full tuition, airfare and living allowance for eligible international students

Accreditation

DGIST is a national research institute established under South Korean law and funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT. It is authorised to award bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in science and engineering.

Scholarships

for South Korea

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)

KOICA Scholarship Program (CIAT)

Open to citizens of KOICA partner (developing) countries who are officially nominated by their government, preferably under 40, in good health and proficient in English. Master's applicants need a bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of work experience; PhD applicants need a master's degree and at least 3 years of work experience.

Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI)

KOPRI Fellowship Program (Korea Polar Research Institute)

Open to international researchers of all nationalities who are enrolled in a Master's, PhD or postdoctoral research programme and have a background in polar science, environmental studies, climate change, marine biology or a related field. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic and research potential and submit a research proposal aligned with KOPRI's ongoing polar and climate research projects.

Seoul National University

SNU Global Scholarship

For international students admitted to Seoul National University (SNU), Korea's leading national university, at undergraduate or graduate level. The SNU Global Scholarship provides tuition and a living stipend at varying levels; most applicants are considered through their admission application.

University of Science and Technology (UST), South Korea

UST (University of Science and Technology) Scholarships, South Korea

International students with foreign nationality (applicant and parents must be non-Korean) who hold or expect a Bachelor's degree for Master's/integrated programmes or a Master's degree for PhD programmes, and meet the English-language requirement (e.g. IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 79), pursuing science, engineering or technology fields.

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)

GIST International Scholarship

Open to international students of all nationalities applying for an MS, PhD, or integrated MS and PhD programme at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) in Gwangju, South Korea, for the 2026/2027 academic year. Master's applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent, and PhD applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent. Required documents include the application form (Form 1), official transcripts and certificates, two letters of recommendation, an English proficiency test result, and a copy of the applicant's passport. Applications are completed online and supporting documents must be attached as specified.

National Institute for International Education (NIIED)

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) – Undergraduate

For non-Korean citizens (with non-Korean parents) generally under ~25 years old who have completed or will complete secondary school, with a strong GPA, applying for undergraduate study in Korea. Apply through either the Korean embassy track or the university track.

Frequently asked questions

What are the tuition fees for international students at DGIST?

As a government-funded institute, DGIST charges modest tuition fees, typically ranging from KRW 6,000,000 to 10,000,000 per year before scholarships. Many international students receive full tuition coverage and stipends.

Does DGIST offer scholarships to international students?

Yes, DGIST is known for generous financial support, including full or substantial tuition coverage through the DGIST Undergraduate Scholarship and Graduate Research Stipends. The Korean Government Scholarship Program (GKS) is also available for eligible students.

What are the living costs for students in Daegu?

Living costs in Daegu are moderate for South Korea. On-campus dormitories and student budgets typically range from KRW 700,000 to 1,000,000 per month.

What academic programs are offered at DGIST?

DGIST focuses on interdisciplinary undergraduate education and advanced research in fields such as robotics, brain sciences, energy, new materials, and ICT. Graduate instruction and research are commonly conducted in English.

What are the English proficiency requirements for international graduate students?

For graduate admission, international students typically need a TOEFL iBT score of 80+ or an IELTS score of 6.0+, depending on the specific program.

Last updated 3 July 2026