KAIST IO

Visiting Student Researcher Program

The VSR Program is for students from universities outside South Korea who want to do research in a KAIST laboratory for up to 1 year. This program does not give academic credit. If you want credits, check the Exchange Programs.

Who Can Apply

You must (Require):

Be currently enrolled in (or on a leave from) a university outside South Korea and maintain your student status until the end of VSR period
Contact a KAIST professor and get official permission to join their lab

Some labs may also request (Optional):

At least 1 year of full-time undergraduate study OR 1 semester of full-time graduate study
GPA 3.0 or higher (on a 4.3 scale) or equivalent
English test score TOEFL iBT 80 or equivalent

(If you are from a native English-speaking country, you can send a passport copy instead.)

When to Apply

You can start your research in April, July, or November each year.

Application deadlines are: January, April, and July respectively
In the application form, choose your preferred start date
Applications will not be accepted outside these deadlines, because of visa and dormitory arrangements

How to Apply

1. Arrange research topic and period with KAIST professor

2. Submit your online application on the IO website and pay the VSR registration fee

3. After payment, you will receive documents for visa application; apply for visa at Korean Embassy in your country

4. Complete and submit the Health Check-up Form* for dormitory application

5. Arrive in Korea and start your research

Guideline Browse KAIST Labs Health Check-up

Health Check-up

A health check-up is required for all students entering KAIST to protect the campus from contagious diseases. Complete the Health Check-up Form (see below) at a hospital approved by the Korean embassy/consulate. This form is also required when applying for a D-2-5 visa.

Fees

Registration Fee: USD 350 (non-refundable)
Dormitory Fee: KRW 100,000 – 310,000 per month

Notes

Registration fees are non-refundable, even if your visa is denied or you cancel the VSR program for any reason
Dormitory rooms are assigned based on availability and may not be guaranteed. Dormitory stays do not extend automatically if you extend your VSR period
Applications to the VSR program are only accepted for official start dates; if you wish to conduct research at other times, please arrange this directly with the host lab outside the VSR program
KAIST is not responsible if you fail to submit documents on time, resulting in visa denial or no dormitory assignment