We seek 5 Ph.D. students to join our transportation labs in Fall (Sept) 2026 via Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) University R&D Track. The positions will be fully funded with a tuition waiver and a competitive stipend. For the detailed information about GKS please refer to https://gksscholarship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-GKS-G-Application-Guidelines-English.pdf
Students with backgrounds (not limited to) in transportation engineering, civil engineering, economics, mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, control, automotive engineering, human factors, ergonomics, policy, and related fields are encouraged to apply.
Please see the Transport group(http://kaistmobilitygroup.com/) within Graduate School of Mobility (https://mo.kaist.ac.kr/ )
| Supervisor | Webpage |
| Prof. Kitae Jang | http://tops.kaist.ac.kr/ |
| Prof. Inhi Kim | https://inhi.kim/ |
| Prof. Changju Lee | https://mo.kaist.ac.kr/professor/%EC%9D%B4%EC%B0%BD%EC%A3%BC/ |
| Prof. Tiantian Chen | https://sites.google.com/view/chentiantian/home |
If you are interested in applying, please contact Ms. Heeyun Kang at [email protected] by the End of January 2026, before the online application opens, to verify if you are qualified to apply for the position.
DO NOT CONTACT PROFESSORS DIRECTLY!!!
Kindly put “GKS PhD application” in the subject line and attach your CV along with other supporting materials (e.g., English score, transcript, a short description of your research interests)
Scholarship Benefits
- Advisor Top-up: Supplemental funding added to the GKS package.
- Full Support: 100% Tuition Waiver + Monthly Stipend (Total 1.8M KRW + Bonuses).
- Living Standard: Guarantees a financially comfortable life, considering local living costs.
- Furthermore, the program includes one year of Korean language training. This is an invaluable opportunity for students who wish not only to succeed in their studies but also to settle down in Korea long-term.
Living expenses
- Living costs in Daejeon, Korea, are very low compared to Europe or Australia.
- Quality Dormitory: 94,000 ~ 280,000 KRW (per month)
- KAIST dorm fees are generously low compared to other universities in Korea. Dorm fees will depend on whether you are assigned to a two ~ to three-person room or a single room. All dorm rooms have desks, chairs, closets, and beds.
- Food: 3,000 ~ 7,000 KRW (per meal)
Estimated Timeline (Based on 2025 Guidelines)
- February: NIIED releases the official GKS guidelines.
- Late Feb – Mid March: Application Period. You must send your documents directly to the KAIST Admissions Office.
- Note: KAIST often has a strict deadline that is earlier than the general “end of March” guideline suggested by NIIED.
- April: KAIST conducts document screening and interviews (often via Zoom/Skype).
- Late April: KAIST announces the 1st Round successful candidates and sends the list to NIIED.
- May: NIIED conducts the final review.
- Late June: Final list of successful candidates is announced.
About KAIST
The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) was established in 1971 by the Korean government as the nation’s first research-intensive graduate school for science, engineering, and technology. It has now become one of the world’s best universities, delivering top-notch education and research programs for undergraduate and graduate students. KAIST encourages interdisciplinary and convergent research across a wide spectrum of disciplines, as well as strong collaborations with industry and global institutions. It is ranked #=24 (subject: Engineering and Technology) in QS World University Rankings 2025.
Detailed information for the campus
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1_c-1Xrsmvd9Kj02ssfffgzzDi7p2YKTOksV38a_3i5M/edit?usp=sharing
About the City
Daejeon, the 5th largest city in Korea, is a lively city with professional football and baseball teams taking 1 hour away from Seoul by high-speed train. Located in Daejeon Expo Science Park, Daejeon Shinsegae Art & Science is 10 minutes away from the school and is the largest shopping mall in the province. A beautiful stream called “Gapcheon” flows around the school, and many green spaces welcome you.
It is the best city for studying abroad, where you can enjoy lively downtown activities and a relaxed new life at the same time.
Detailed information for the admission
https://admission.kaist.ac.kr/intl-graduate/Admission/Notice#1766