The International Admissions 2027 intake at the Korea Science Academy of KAIST is now officially open, inviting exceptionally talented students from around the world to compete for one of the most elite fully funded secondary-level science education opportunities in Asia. This is a fully funded international admission opportunity for the 2026–2027 academic cohort, designed for students with outstanding ability in mathematics and science who aspire to become future researchers, innovators, and global science leaders.
This article walks you through what this opportunity is, what KSA offers financially and academically, who is eligible to apply, how candidates are selected, and the exact application deadline, so families and students can make informed decisions well ahead of time.
What Makes the Korea Science Academy of KAIST Unique?
Operating under the academic philosophy of KAIST, the Korea Science Academy (KSA) is not a conventional high school. It is a research-driven, science-focused residential academy built to identify and nurture the most promising young minds in science and mathematics from an early stage.
Students at KSA are immersed in an environment that prioritizes advanced scientific inquiry, creativity, independent research, and leadership development. With early exposure to university-level research, mentorship by leading scientists, and access to KAIST research infrastructure, KSA acts as a launchpad for students aiming for top global universities and future scientific careers.
What the Scholarship Covers: Full Financial Support Explained
International students admitted to KSA receive comprehensive financial support, making this one of the most generous secondary-level science programs globally.
Educational Expenses Covered
- Full tuition fees
- Overseas training programs
- Creative research activities, including R&E (Research & Education)
- Leadership and innovation activity programs
- High-school research programs conducted at KAIST
- International academic exchange programs (for selected students)
- International science fair participation fees (for selected students)
Living & Welfare Support
- Fully funded room and board (residential accommodation)
- Monthly exeat programs, including Korean cultural experiences
- Special holiday programs conducted twice per year
- Pre-enrollment academic and orientation programs
- National Health Insurance of Korea and related welfare coverage
Students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance may also receive additional privileges and academic benefits, subject to school regulations.
How Candidates Are Selected: A Competitive Two-Stage Process
Admission to KSA is highly selective and based on academic merit and aptitude.
Stage 1: Online Written Test (Mathematics)
- Conducted fully online
- Applicants must ensure a stable internet connection, computer, monitor, and mobile phone
- A detailed online test system manual is provided in advance
- Only candidates who pass this stage move forward
Stage 2: Interviews & Academic Review
- Mathematics and English interviews
- Comprehensive assessment of student academic records
- Invitations issued only to shortlisted candidates from Stage 1
This process ensures that selected students possess not only strong academic foundations but also the potential for high-level scientific thinking.
Eligibility Checks: Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet citizenship and educational background requirements.
- Applicants must hold foreign citizenship
- Applicants with Korean citizenship or dual citizenship are not eligible
- International applicants must also satisfy one of the following:
- Neither parent holds Korean citizenship, or
- Applicants of Korean origin must have completed all elementary and junior high (middle school) education outside Korea, at a level equivalent to Korean schooling.
These criteria are strictly enforced to ensure compliance with international admissions regulations.
Required Documents for Scholarship Application
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents through the online application system of Korea Science Academy of KAIST Fully Funded Scholarship program:
- Online application form
- Passport or national ID copies (applicant and parents)
- Certificate of facts concerning entry and exit (for applicants of Korean origin)
- Personal statement
- One academic recommendation letter
- Official academic records for the last three years, notarized and translated into English
- Honors and awards from the past three years, preferably in mathematics or science (if applicable).
Application Deadline (Important)
The last date to apply for the Korea Science Academy of KAIST International Admissions 2027 is 02 February 2026.
This deadline applies to international applicants seeking admission for the 2026–2027 academic cohort, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstance.