All Levels
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
Full tuition + living allowance + airfare
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
Gwangju, South Korea
"A research-focused science and technology university in Gwangju"
At a Glance
Accept Rate
—
Avg Salary/Yr
—
Ranking
#379 (QS)
PSW VISA
Up to 2 years (D-10 visa)
About Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
GIST was founded by the Korean government on 5 August 1993 under the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology Act. It is a research-focused public university of science and technology in Gwangju, with strengths in photonics, materials, chemistry and engineering. Between 2013 and 2018 it ranked in the global top 10 for QS citations per faculty. Its campus is at 123 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju.
Rankings & Recognition
#379
Ranked #=379 in the QS World University Rankings 2027 (#=385 in QS 2026).
Accreditations & Memberships
QS 2026 Performance Breakdown
Score out of 100 across each QS evaluation pillar, with Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology's global standing for that metric.
Academic Reputation
#
Employer Reputation
#
Faculty Student Ratio
#
Citations per Faculty
#
#
Key Facts
1993
Founded
1,800
Total Students
168
International Students
294
Faculty
9%
International Staff
Popular Programs
Physics and Photonics
Materials Science and Engineering
Chemistry
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Science and AI
Environmental Engineering
Application Details
Application Route
Online via GIST admissions
Grad Spring 2027 Opens
7 Sep 2026
Grad Spring 2027 Deadline
7 Oct 2026
Grad Results
4 Dec 2026
Standardized Test Requirements
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
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IELTS
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TOEFL iBT
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PTE Academic
|
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Duolingo English Test
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Study Abroad & Visa Details
Visa Approval Rate
—
I-20 Processing
D-2 student visa
Post-Study Work
Up to 2 years (D-10 visa)
Green Card Pathway
F-2 residency (points-based)
Financials
Application Fee
—
Avg Scholarship
GKS full scholarship
Career Outcomes
2%
Placement Ratio
Up to 2 years (D-10 visa)
Post-Study Work
Where Graduates Land
Faculty & Alumni
Academic Staff — 294
International Staff — 9%
—
Notable Alumni
Campus & Location
GIST's campus is at 123 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju.
Campus Details
1
campus in Gwangju
294
faculty
Campus Forecast
Four seasons. Hot
humid summers
mild winters. Jan avg about 1C
Aug avg about 27C (approx.).
Student Life & Housing
Housing
On-campus dorms for students
Dining
Campus cafeterias and nearby restaurants
Health & Wellness
National Health Insurance covers students; campus health centre
Activities & Clubs
Student clubs
Sports teams
Cultural festivals
Diversity & Demographics
Total Students
1,800
International Students
168
Undergraduate
41%
Postgraduate
59%
Cost Deep-Dive
Matriculation Fee (approx.)
approx. KRW 680,000
Intakes & Deadlines
GIST admits international students in spring and fall. For Spring 2027, graduate applications run from 7 Sep (10:00 KST) to 7 Oct 2026 (17:00 KST), results come on 4 Dec 2026 and the enrolment deadline is 4 Jan 2027. An application fee applies; confirm the amount in the online system.
Scholarships at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
2 scholarships available
All Levels
GIST Graduate Scholarship
Graduate Full tuition + monthly support
These are general eligibility guidelines. Always confirm exact requirements with the university's admissions office or your Sukhada counsellor.
Academic Requirements
Undergraduate
High-school diploma or equivalent; language proof per programme.
Postgraduate
Bachelor's for Master's; master's for PhD.
English Proficiency
IELTS
TOEFL iBT
PTE Academic
Required Documents
Passport copy
Application form
Highest degree certificate
Academic transcripts
Study plan / personal statement
Recommendation letters
Language certificate (TOPIK / IELTS / TOEFL)
Bank balance certificate
Photo
Application Process
1
Choose programme
Check the programme list and entry rules on the GIST international admissions site.
2
Apply online
Register on the GIST international admissions site and fill in the application form.
3
Upload & pay
Upload your documents and pay the application fee if one applies.
4
Review
The university reviews your file; some programmes hold an interview.
5
Admission letter
Receive the admission letter and Certificate of Admission (COA).
6
Visa & arrive
Apply for a D-2 student visa, then register with the university and the immigration office within 90 days of arrival.
Campus & Location
GIST's campus is at 123 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju.
Bachelor's
1
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
📍 Gwangju
Bachelor's
GIST College (Undergraduate)
Master's
6
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
📍 Gwangju
Master's
Physics and Photonics
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
📍 Gwangju
Master's
Materials Science and Engineering
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
📍 Gwangju
Master's
Chemistry
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
📍 Gwangju
Master's
Mechanical Engineering
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
📍 Gwangju
Master's
Computer Science and AI
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
📍 Gwangju
Master's
Environmental Engineering
Enquire Now
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