A scientist in a lab coat pipetting reagents into test tubes at a research bench.

South Korea Two intakes per year (Spring/March and Fall/September); admission rounds typically close several months ahead

DGIST International PhD Scholarship

DGIST is one of South Korea's four government-funded science and technology institutes (alongside KAIST, GIST, and UNIST), focused on convergence research in robotics, energy, brain science, new materials, and information engineering. Its English-taught PhD programme funds admitted international students with a full tuition waiver plus a monthly research stipend (typically around ₩1.3-1.5 million), with additional pay possible through research assistantships. This is a genuine institutional scholarship rather than a salaried-only post — making it an accessible, fully funded science PhD for Sri Lankan Master's graduates who can't access the more saturated GKS quota. Selection is by the host lab and admissions committee.

Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST)

University-funded

emoji_events Award Overview

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Tuition

Full waiver for admitted PhD students

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Stipend

~₩1.3-1.5M/mth (+ possible RA pay)

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Intakes

Spring (March) & Fall (September)

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Fields

Robotics, energy, brain, materials, IT

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

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Relevant Master's Degree

A Master's (or equivalent) in a science or engineering field aligned with DGIST's research areas. Strong grades and a research thesis make a competitive application.

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Lab / Advisor Fit

Identifying a DGIST lab and advisor whose research matches yours greatly strengthens your case — admission is closely tied to a host professor accepting you.

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English Proficiency

Programmes are taught in English. A TOEFL/IELTS score is normally required unless your previous degree was English-taught — many Sri Lankan English-medium degrees qualify.

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Open to International Applicants

DGIST welcomes international PhD students, including Sri Lankans, and supports the Korean student-visa (D-2) process after admission.

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Application Documents

Transcripts, a research/study plan, CV, recommendation letters, and English proof. A clear, specific research interest aligned to a DGIST group is the differentiator.

account_tree Application Process

Explore DGIST research groups

Review DGIST's departments and labs, shortlist groups matching your interests, and (ideally) contact a potential advisor with your CV and research plan before applying.

Submit the online application

Apply through DGIST's graduate admissions portal for the chosen intake with transcripts, research plan, references, and English proof before the round deadline.

Interview & selection

Shortlisted candidates are interviewed (often online) by the admissions committee and prospective advisor. Decisions consider research fit and academic strength.

Funded enrolment

Admitted students receive the tuition waiver and stipend offer and complete D-2 student-visa processing with DGIST's international office before arrival.

About DGIST

DGIST is a compact, research-intensive national institute in Daegu with a strong convergence-science focus and generous funding per student. As one of Korea's elite government-backed science institutes, it offers world-class labs, English-medium PhD study, and full funding — a strong alternative to the highly competitive central GKS scheme.