Fully Funded PhD Positions in Transportation, Mobility, and Engineering at KAIST (Fall 2026) Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in South Korea

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) is offering fully funded PhD positions in the field of transportation and mobility for the Fall 2026 semester, supported by the prestigious Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) University R&D Track. The positions are available in the Transportation Group at the Cho Chun Shik Graduate School of Mobility, with research areas spanning transportation engineering, civil engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, economics, human factors, policy, and related fields. The program is ideal for students interested in sustainable transportation, urban planning, traffic safety, smart mobility, and the integration of advanced technologies in transport systems.

Successful candidates will join a vibrant research environment under the supervision of Professors Kitae Jang, Inhi Kim, Changju Lee, and Tiantian Chen, all of whom are leading experts in transportation research and affiliated with KAIST. The research groups include the TOPS Lab (Transportation Operation and Planning for Sustainability), TUPA (Transport and Urban Planning Arena), and the Human-FACTS Lab (Human Factor Centered Transport Safety Lab). These labs focus on innovative solutions for urban and traffic problems, sustainable mobility, big data analytics, machine learning applications, and human-centered transport safety.

The PhD program offers comprehensive financial support, including a 100% tuition waiver, a monthly stipend of approximately 1.8 million KRW plus bonuses, and additional advisor top-up funding. Students will also benefit from a one-year Korean language training program and access to affordable dormitory accommodation in Daejeon, a dynamic city with excellent amenities and a high quality of life. The program is designed to support international students both academically and personally, providing a pathway for long-term settlement in Korea.

Applicants should have a strong academic background in one of the relevant fields and must submit a CV, English proficiency score, academic transcript, and a short research description. Pre-verification of qualifications is required before the online application opens, and candidates must contact the program coordinator rather than the professors directly. The pre-application period ends in January 2026, with further application steps and interviews to follow according to the official GKS and KAIST timelines.

For more information, visit the supervisors' academic pages and the official KAIST admissions website. This is an exceptional opportunity for motivated students to engage in cutting-edge research in transportation, mobility, and urban planning at one of Asia's top universities.