SOUTH KOREA
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
public · Founded 1993 · Languages: ko, en
In short
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) is a research-focused university in South Korea offering advanced science and engineering programs. It provides an elite research environment with significant government subsidies, making it an accessible and unique choice for international students.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1993
- Students
- 2,200
- International students
- 250
- Acceptance rate
- 15%
- Tuition (intl)
- €3–5k/yr
- Languages
- KO, EN
- Location
- South Korea
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) is a leading research-oriented university located in Gwangju, South Korea. Established to foster advanced scientific and technological talent, GIST is renowned for its intensive research environment and contributions to various fields of science and engineering. The institute focuses on cutting-edge research and innovation, aiming to solve global challenges through scientific discovery and technological development. GIST emphasizes a student-centered approach, providing a dynamic academic atmosphere for both undergraduate and graduate students. The university is recognized for its significant research output, evidenced by numerous publications in top international journals and the development of innovative technologies. It offers a unique educational experience, preparing students to become leaders in their respective scientific and technological domains.
Why study here
- Elite research environment with state-of-the-art laboratories and strong government funding for cutting-edge projects.
- Exceptionally low faculty-to-student ratio ensures personal mentorship and direct research involvement from year one.
- Significant instruction in English makes GIST accessible to international graduate and undergraduate students.
- Tuition is heavily subsidised by the Korean government, making it far more affordable than comparable institutions globally.
- Strong alumni network in Samsung, LG, major research institutes, and KAIST spin-off companies.
Student life
GIST's compact campus near Mudeungsan Mountain fosters a close academic community where students collaborate across disciplines. Dormitory housing is available for most students, and the campus features sports facilities, a cultural centre, and regular international student events. Gwangju city offers a rich cultural scene, vibrant food culture, and easy access to the rest of South Korea via KTX high-speed rail.
Fees
InternationalApproximately KRW 4,000,000–6,000,000 per year (EUR 3,000–5,000); heavily subsidised for funded graduate researchers
HomeApproximately KRW 3,500,000–5,000,000 per year for domestic students
LivingApproximately KRW 6,000,000–9,000,000 per year including on-campus dormitory
Most PhD students receive a stipend and full tuition waiver through research assistantships. Undergraduate tuition is subsidised by the Korean Ministry of Science and ICT.
Admissions
UndergraduateHigh school diploma with strong performance in science and mathematics; competitive entrance exam
Graduate (Master's/PhD)Bachelor's degree in relevant STEM field; research proposal and faculty acceptance required
GPAMinimum 3.0/4.5 (or equivalent) typically expected
TOEFL iBT80 or above for most programmes
IELTS Academic6.5 overall
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2024385
THE Asia University RankingsTop 50 in Asia
University scholarships
GIST Government Scholarship (GKS)Full tuition + monthly stipend (approx. KRW 900,000/month)
GIST Research AssistantshipFull tuition waiver + living allowance for PhD students
Accreditation
GIST is a national university established under South Korean law (GIST Act) and operates under the Ministry of Science and ICT. It is accredited by the Korean Institute of Engineering Education and Research (IEET) for its engineering programmes.
Programs
a selectionGwangju Institute of Science and Technology · South Korea
Bachelor of Law & Jurisprudence
The Bachelor of Law & Jurisprudence program offers a comprehensive study of legal principles and their application. This full-time, on-campus program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in legal theory and practice within the South Korean context. The curriculum aims to equip graduates with the knowledge and analytical skills necessary for a variety of roles within the legal field and related sectors. The program's duration is three years, making it an intensive and focused course of study.
Bachelor's
Level
€4k
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology · South Korea
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering offers graduate programs focused on developing experts in software and conducting research on cutting-edge technologies. The curriculum combines intensive theoretical study with research opportunities, often involving collaborative work with advisors. The department's faculty are recognized for their world-class research achievements and active participation in international conferences and industry projects. Students benefit from diverse educational experiences, including practical training, research, and international engagement. The department covers a broad spectrum of computer engineering fields such as software engineering, internet computing, artificial intelligence, operating systems, computer graphics, security, and computational theory. Specializations include majors in Software, Computing Education, Computer Security, and Artificial Intelligence Applications, each designed to foster leaders and pioneers in the evolving digital landscape. Graduates are prepared to make significant contributions in academia, industry, and research institutions globally.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology · South Korea
Department of Environment and Energy Engineering
The Department of Environment and Energy Engineering addresses the complex challenges arising from the interactions between living organisms and their environments, as well as natural environmental variations. This program focuses on critical areas such as water supply, water and wastewater treatment, air pollution control, solid and hazardous waste management, land and geological protection, and environmental hydrology. It also delves into environmental fluid mechanics and the Earth's environmental systems. Graduates of this program are prepared to contribute to resource development, allocation, and management, ensuring environmental quality for various uses. Environmental researchers investigate the dynamics between humans and their surroundings to mitigate harmful impacts. The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows students with diverse backgrounds in engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, and related fields to apply and specialize in areas aligned with their interests. The core objectives are to cultivate highly skilled environmental engineers and scientists and advance research in pollution abatement technologies.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology · South Korea
GIST Technology Management Academy (GTMBA)
The GIST Technology Management Academy (GTMBA) program is designed for individuals looking to advance their careers in the field of technology management. It aims to cultivate global leaders by fostering expertise in technology strategy, innovation, and management. The program provides a dynamic learning environment that combines academic rigor with practical application, preparing graduates to navigate the complexities of the global technology landscape.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology · South Korea
Graduate Programs
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) offers Master of Science (M.S.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), and integrated M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs for international students. The M.S. program typically takes two years to complete, while the Ph.D. program usually requires four years. There are maximum time limits for completion: three years for M.S., seven years for Ph.D., and eight years for the integrated program. Students are required to maintain full-time status and continuous registration until all program requirements are met.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology · South Korea
IBS School: Graduate Programs
The IBS School offers PhD programs in various scientific disciplines, fostering a research-intensive environment for aspiring scientists. Students engage in cutting-edge research projects within IBS's world-class research centers. The program aims to cultivate independent researchers capable of leading future scientific endeavors. The curriculum is designed to provide a strong theoretical foundation and hands-on research experience, preparing graduates for academic and industrial research careers.
PhD
Level
Free
Tuition
60 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for South Korea
full fundingKorea 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.
full
Funding
€30k
Max
-1d left
Deadline
full fundingKorea 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.
full
Funding
€24k
Max
Jun 30, 2027
Deadline
full fundingSeoul 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.
full
Funding
€20k
Max
Oct 31, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity 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.
full
Funding
€18k
Max
May 7, 2027
Deadline
full fundingGwangju 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.
full
Funding
€16k
Max
Oct 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingNational 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.
full
Funding
€15k
Max
Sep 30, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at GIST?
+
International students can expect tuition fees to be approximately KRW 4,000,000–6,000,000 per year. However, these fees are heavily subsidised, and most PhD researchers receive a stipend and full tuition waiver.
What are the English language requirements for admission?
+
For admission to most programs, international students need to provide proof of English proficiency with a TOEFL iBT score of 80 or above, or an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall.
What are the academic requirements for graduate programs?
+
Graduate applicants typically need a Bachelor's degree in a relevant STEM field. A research proposal and acceptance from a faculty member are also generally required.
Does GIST offer scholarships for international students?
+
Yes, GIST offers scholarships such as the GIST Government Scholarship (GKS), which covers full tuition and provides a monthly stipend, and Research Assistantships for PhD students that include a full tuition waiver and living allowance.
What is the faculty-to-student ratio like at GIST?
+
GIST boasts an exceptionally low faculty-to-student ratio, which allows for personal mentorship and direct research involvement for students from their first year.
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