Visiting Student Researcher (VSR) Program Guidance

The KAIST VSR Program is designed for international students currently enrolled in universities outside South Korea who wish to conduct research in a KAIST laboratory for up to one year.

※ Important Notice: This is a non-degree program and does not provide academic credits. For credit-bearing programs, please refer to the Exchange Programs.

[!TIP] 📖 Comprehensive Program Guide (Detailed Instructions) For the most detailed instructions, including document templates, step-by-step registration guides, and FAQ, please visit our official Notion page: 🔗 [Link to KAIST VSR Program Detailed Guide]

1. Eligibility (참여 자격)

• Enrollment: Must be currently enrolled in (or on a leave of absence from) a university outside South Korea and maintain student status until the end of the VSR period.
• Approval: Must contact a KAIST professor and obtain official permission to join their laboratory prior to application.
• Optional Requirements:

    o At least 1 year of full-time undergraduate study OR 1 semester of full-time graduate study.

    o GPA 3.0/4.3 or higher (or equivalent).

    o English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT 80 or equivalent (Native English speakers may submit a passport copy instead).

2. Operational Timeline (정기 모집 일정)

The VSR program operates on a Quarterly Recruitment Schedule. Applications will NOT be accepted outside these deadlines to ensure research security and systematic management.

3. Application Procedure (신청 절차)

Step 1. Contact KAIST Professor

• Arrange your research topic and period with a KAIST professor and obtain official approval.

Step 2. Prepare Documents

View Application Documents & Templates

    o VSR Administrative Support Application (Ensure all checkboxes are marked and signatures are included)

    o VSR Participation Confirmation Letter (Signed by home university supervisor)

    o Research Student Confirmation Form (Issued by KAIST host lab)

    o Research Allowance Confirmation (if applicable)

    o Enrollment Certificate & Passport Copy

Step 3. Online Registration & Fee Payment

• Submission: Submit your application via the KAIST IO System.
• Approval Process: Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by the coordinator. You can proceed with the fee payment ONLY after your registration has been officially approved.
• Re-submission: If your application is rejected, you must rectify the issues and submit it again for approval. Common reasons for rejection include:
  o Missing checkboxes or signatures in the application forms.
  o Insufficient or unclear information/documents.
• Registration Fee: USD 350 (Non-refundable, Credit Card only).
• Note: Clicking “Temporarily Save” does NOT submit your application. You must click “Submit” to start the review process.

Step 4. Visa & Arrival Prep

• After payment, you will receive documents for your visa application. Apply at the Korean Embassy in your country.

Step 5. Submit Arrival Information

• Before arrival, email your arrival form to: International Relations Team (IRT), ISSS, and your Host Lab.

4. Key Policies & Notices (주요 유의사항)

• ⚠️ Accommodation Policy: KAIST does NOT provide dormitory support for VSR students. All accommodation must be arranged independently by the student or the host laboratory.
• Duration: Minimum 1 month ~ Maximum 1 year. Extensions are allowed only within the total 1-year limit.
• Research Security: Strict compliance with research security and campus regulations is mandatory. Non-compliance may result in liability assigned to the host laboratory.

5. Contact Information (문의처)

• International Relations Team (IRT) / 국제협력팀
  o Email: hyunyoung@kaist.ac.kr
  o VSR Program application, administrative support, and general program inquiries
• International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
  o Email: issst@kaist.ac.kr
  o Visa (Certificate of Admission), Alien Registration Card (ARC), and campus life support