Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
광주과학기술원
A small, government-funded science institute in Gwangju that waives tuition for every international undergraduate.
- Tuition
- Free
- 2027-28
- Founded
- 1993
- QS World Ranking
- #379
- 2027 edition
- Campus
- Suburban
About GIST
The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology was established by the Korean government in 1993 to train science and technology experts, carry out research with international partners and support regional development. Its undergraduate program, GIST College, is small and research-focused: for Fall 2027 GIST expects to admit about 15 international students.
All first-year students enter without a major, spending the year in the Challenge and Exploration Program (mathematics, natural sciences, humanities and social sciences). After two semesters or 30 credits they declare a major in the College of AI (Artificial Intelligence, AX, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science), Natural Sciences (Physics and Photon Science, Chemistry, Mathematical Sciences), Engineering (Materials, Mechanical and Robotics, Environment and Energy) or Life Sciences and Medical Engineering. All basic science and major courses are taught in English, with some required Korean courses.
GIST is research-intensive, with close links between undergraduate study and graduate labs through programs such as G-SURF. It suits strong math and science students who want a small, intense, English-taught STEM program with full funding, and who are happy to live on a self-contained campus in Korea's southwest rather than in Seoul.
A Proud Creator of Future Science and Technology
University motto
Why students choose GIST
Every international undergraduate gets full tuition waived for eight semesters plus monthly student, meal and international allowances, a settlement subsidy and a one-way flight, with no separate scholarship application.
All basic science and major courses are taught in English, so you can start without Korean (TOPIK scores only exempt you from introductory Korean courses).
There is no application fee, and applicants choose their major only after the first year.
Exchange programs with UC Berkeley, the University of Cambridge, Boston University and Technion, plus research opportunities linked to GIST's graduate programs.
Admissions
Fall 2027 international undergraduate admission (entry late August or early September 2027)
Selectivity
GIST does not publish an international admission rate; about 15 international students will be selected for Fall 2027, with no nationality quotas. For comparison, GIST's 2027 early (susi) admission for Korean applicants drew 4,536 applications for 315 places (14.4 to 1).
Typical entry requirements
| High school graduation | Graduated by 31 July 2027, with an apostilled or consular-verified diploma submitted by the registration deadline |
|---|---|
| Standardized test or qualification | At least one of SAT, ACT, A-Levels, IB, AP, ATAR or an International Olympiad certificate is strongly recommended; predicted IB and A-Level grades are accepted |
| Nationality | Foreign citizenship, with neither parent a Korean citizen (or, for applicants of Korean origin, all schooling completed outside Korea); dual Korean citizens are not eligible |
| English language | An official English score (TOEFL, IELTS, TEPS, TOEIC, Cambridge CAE/CPE, PTE Academic or Duolingo), taken within two years of the deadline, is required from non-native speakers. No minimum score is published. |
Deadlines
- Fall 2027 international undergraduate application Non-binding Next deadline · In ~4 months29 January 2027
Online application and document upload open 1 December 2026. Evaluation and interviews 1 February to 31 March 2027; results expected 30 April 2027; registration 4 May to 25 June 2027.
Dates are from GIST's 2027 Fall Undergraduate Admission Guideline for international applicants (Korea Standard Time). Applicants whose graduation date is after early July cannot apply, because the apostilled diploma is due by the registration deadline.
How to apply
Apply online at service.gist.ac.kr/admission/uniforeigner (no application fee). Upload the application form, transcripts, diploma or expected-graduation certificate, English test report, standardized test report, and passport copies for you and both parents; optionally add up to five honours and awards, a high school profile and a TOPIK report. One recommendation letter must be submitted by your recommender through GIST's system. Applicants who pass document screening are interviewed on math and one science subject.
What admissions looks for
- GIST's 3C1P competencies: creativity, cooperation, communication and problem solving.
- Strong academic records across all high school years, supported by standardized tests such as SAT, AP, IB or A-Levels.
- Solid mathematics and science: shortlisted applicants are interviewed on math and one of physics, chemistry or biology.
- A recommendation, ideally from an academic advisor, homeroom teacher or math or science teacher.
Tips for applying to GIST
- 1 Prepare for a math and science interview: you choose physics, chemistry or biology when you apply.
- 2 Give your recommender the exact email address you entered in the system and your application number, or they cannot upload the letter and you cannot submit.
- 3 Send an official high school profile and grading-scale information: GIST strongly recommends it so reviewers can read your transcript in context.
- 4 If you submit a national exam instead of SAT, IB or A-Levels, include information on the exam procedure, competition rate and results.
- 5 Only your most recently uploaded application is reviewed, so do not submit duplicates.
Costs & financial aid
2027-28 · figures in KRW
Every international undergraduate receives the GIST Scholarship: tuition fully waived for eight semesters, a student allowance of ₩130,000 a month and a meal allowance of ₩270,000 a month (for students passing at least 11 credits without probation), an international allowance of ₩130,000 a month for a GPA of 3.0/4.5 or higher, a ₩200,000 settlement subsidy and a one-way flight. GIST also reimburses 100% of Korean National Health Insurance contributions. Dormitory fees are not covered.
- Fully waived for all international undergraduates (8 semesters)
- Tuition
- Up to ₩530,000 (student ₩130,000 + meal ₩270,000 + international ₩130,000)
- Monthly allowances
- None
- Application fee
- 100% of National Health Insurance contributions reimbursed
- Health insurance
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters (academic year begins in late August or early September)
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Part of GIST's new College of AI alongside Artificial Intelligence and AX, taught in English.
Physics and Photon Science
A natural sciences major linked to GIST's Advanced Photonics Research Institute.
Mechanical and Robotics Engineering
An English-taught engineering major in a college that also offers materials and environment and energy engineering.
Chemistry
A natural sciences major with access to GIST's Research Institute for Solar and Sustainable Energies.
Biomedical Science and Engineering
Offered in the College of Life Sciences and Medical Engineering, next to the Integrated Institute of Biomedical Research.
Research
- Research institutes include the Advanced Photonics Research Institute (APRI), the Research Institute for Solar and Sustainable Energies (RISE) and the GIST Institute for Artificial Intelligence.
- Technology commercialisation and start-up support are among GIST's stated founding purposes and performance objectives.
Schools & faculties
- College of Artificial Intelligence
- College of Natural Sciences
- College of Engineering
- College of Life Sciences and Medical Engineering
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Student life
GIST is a compact, residential campus: all undergraduates are offered rooms in Dormitory A or B, furnished doubles or triples with air conditioning, a shared bathroom per room and free utilities. There is a common kitchen in Dormitory A and the Hara Kitchen Hall international cooking hall near the graduate dormitory, and cafeteria meals cost about ₩4,000 to ₩7,000. Because the undergraduate intake is small and everyone starts in the same no-major first year, students know each other well, and the 3C1P program, G-SURF research program and campus clubs fill out life outside class.
- Everyone starts in the Challenge and Exploration Program before choosing a major
- G-SURF undergraduate research and the 3C1P talent-growth program
- Hara Kitchen Hall international cooking hall
- Free annual medical checkup for international students
Housing. All students are provided on-campus rooms in Dormitory A or B (2024 rates: ₩106,100 a month for a double, ₩72,100 for a triple, plus a ₩140,000 deposit), with utilities included.
Location
GIST's campus is at 123 Cheomdan-gwagiro in Buk-gu, on the northern side of Gwangju, a major city in southwestern Korea. It is a self-contained campus with dormitories, cafeterias, sports facilities and a library, in a quieter setting than Seoul, and students rely on it for most daily needs.
Nearest airport: Gwangju Airport (KWJ) for domestic flights; Muan International Airport (MWX)
Notable alumni
- JR Jong-Soo RhyeePhysicist and materials scientist, professor at Kyung Hee University; PhD in magnetic materials at GIST (2000–2005)
Frequently asked questions
Is GIST free for international students?
Tuition is fully waived for all international undergraduates for eight semesters, and students also receive monthly allowances of up to ₩530,000, a settlement subsidy and a one-way flight. Dormitory fees (about ₩106,100 a month for a double in 2024) are not covered.
Are classes at GIST taught in English?
Yes. All basic science and major courses in the undergraduate program are taught in English; international students must also take some Korean courses to graduate.
When is the GIST application deadline for Fall 2027?
The online application runs from 1 December 2026 to 29 January 2027 (KST), with results expected on 30 April 2027.
Does GIST require an interview?
Yes. Applicants who pass the document review are interviewed on mathematics and one science subject (physics, chemistry or biology) chosen at application.
How many international students does GIST admit?
About 15 international undergraduates are expected to be selected for Fall 2027, and GIST does not set quotas by nationality.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
- GIST: 2027 Fall Undergraduate Admission Guideline for International Applicants (PDF)
- GIST International Undergraduate Admissions: 2027 guideline notice
- GIST International Undergraduate Admissions: Eligibility
- GIST International Undergraduate Admissions: Scholarship
- GIST International Undergraduate Admissions: Health Insurance
- GIST International Undergraduate Admissions: Housing
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