Closing Date: 1 September 2026
Call for Applications: Fully funded 2027 KAIST Global Transport and Trade Expert Program (GT-TEP)
Investing in people and skills is essential to advancing Africa’s single market.
The AfCFTA Secretariat, in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, is pleased to announce the fully funded 2027 Spring Global Transport and Trade Expert Program (GT-TEP).
The two-year, non-thesis master’s degree programme will strengthen institutional and technical capacities within AfCFTA State Parties and the AfCFTA Secretariat by advancing expertise in transport, logistics and international trade.
The programme is open to eligible government officials from AfCFTA State Parties and staff of the AfCFTA Secretariat.
Overview
Master’s Degree (Non-Thesis) – Fully Funded Scholarship
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), is pleased to announce the 2027 Spring Global Transport and Trade Expert Program (GT-TEP).
This program aims to strengthen institutional and technical capacities within AfCFTA Member States and the AfCFTA Secretariat by enhancing the expertise of senior government professionals in transport, logistics, and international trade, thereby supporting the effective implementation of AfCFTA objectives.
Program Objective
GT-TEP contributes to:
- Trade facilitation and regional integration under AfCFTA
- Sustainable transport systems and policies
- Green and smart mobility development
- Institutional capacity building for AfCFTA Member States
Program Overview
Degree: Master’s Degree (Non-Thesis)
Host Institution: KAIST – Cho Chun Shik Graduate School of Mobility
Program Duration: 2 years (Starting March 1, 2027)
Fields of Study:
- Intelligent and Smart Mobility
- Electric and Autonomous Mobility
- Sustainable and Green Mobility
- Logistics and International Trade
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be currently employed by the government of an AfCFTA Member State or the AfCFTA Secretariat
- Hold or be expected to hold a Bachelor’s degree (equivalent to a 4-year Korean degree) by February 2027
- Not hold Korean citizenship
- Meet KAIST English language requirements or qualify for an English proficiency waiver (see below)
Priority will be given to officials working in ministries responsible for trade, transport, infrastructure, logistics, customs, or sustainable development.
English Language Requirement
Minimum accepted scores (tests taken on or after September 1, 2024):
- TOEFL iBT: 83
- IELTS Academic: 6.5
- TOEIC (Listening & Reading): 720
- TEPS: 326
English Proficiency Waiver
Applicants may request a waiver if:
- They hold citizenship from a recognized English-speaking country; OR
- They hold citizenship from an eligible country and have completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher in English as the medium of instruction.
Most AfCFTA Member States fall within the countries eligible for the English waiver, provided that applicants submit a certificate providing the medium of instruction issued by their university. Please refer to the guide for detailed information.
Scholarship Benefits
Selected scholars will receive:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipends covering living expenses, National Health Insurance fee, and dormitory fees
- Round-trip airfare
- Financial support for academic activities and conferences
Application Procedure
Application Period: August 18, 2026 (10:00 KST) – September 1, 2026 (17:00 KST)
Online Application Portal:
https://gradapply.kaist.ac.kr
Applicants must:
- Complete the online application
- Select “GT-TEP” under Program and Financial Resources
- Upload required documents
- Register two recommenders (online submission required)
- Pay application fee (USD 80)
Recommendation Deadline: September 8, 2026
Selection Timeline
- Document Screening: August 18 – October 2, 2026
- Department Evaluation & Interview (if required): October 12 – November 9, 2026
- Final Results Announcement: December 18, 2026 (17:00 KST)
- Program Commencement: March 1, 2027
Results will be announced via the KAIST online application system.
Contact Information
KAIST Cho Chun Shik Graduate School of Mobility
Website: https://mo.kaist.ac.kr
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Tel: +82-42-350-1252
For additional inquiries, applicants may contact KAIST Cho Chun Shik Graduate School of Mobility
