Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST)
Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) overview
KAIST, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, is a national research university in South Korea. As the country's first research-focused science and engineering institution, it is regarded as one of the most prestigious universities in South Korea. It has also been named the most innovative university in the Asia-Pacific region. The university began forming partnerships with international institutions in 2007.
Its partner institutions include the Technical University of Denmark, Carnegie Mellon University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Technical University of Berlin, and Technical University of Munich.
In a research project carried out with faculty and students, the university developed an electric transit system. Vehicles in it receive power wirelessly, through magnetic charging from cables beneath the road. The project shows how KAIST leads the way in developing new technologies. Such technologies can address global challenges such as energy consumption and urban traffic congestion.
On the QS World Rankings' Top 100 Asian Universities list, the university was ranked the top university in the Republic of Korea.
About Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST)
KAIST, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, is a national research university in South Korea. As the country's first research-focused science and engineering institution, it is regarded as one of the most prestigious universities in South Korea. It has also been named the most innovative university in the Asia-Pacific region. The university began forming partnerships with international institutions in 2007.
Its partner institutions include the Technical University of Denmark, Carnegie Mellon University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Technical University of Berlin, and Technical University of Munich.
In a research project carried out with faculty and students, the university developed an electric transit system. Vehicles in it receive power wirelessly, through magnetic charging from cables beneath the road. The project shows how KAIST leads the way in developing new technologies. Such technologies can address global challenges such as energy consumption and urban traffic congestion.
On the QS World Rankings' Top 100 Asian Universities list, the university was ranked the top university in the Republic of Korea.
Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) faculties and programs
Mathematical Sciences
Physics
Chemistry
Biological Sciences
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Industrial Design
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) scholarships and financial aid
The university offers scholarship opportunities to international undergraduate and graduate students it considers successful.
You can read the details on the university's own scholarship page.
Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) Exam Requirements
Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.
How to get into Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST)
If you are applying to an undergraduate program at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, you are expected to meet the following requirements:
- High school diploma with a high GPA
- Transcript documents
- Language proficiency certificates
- Letter of recommendation
- SAT/ACT scores
- Copy of passport and national ID
- Application fee
If you are applying to a graduate program, you are expected to meet the following requirements:
- University diploma with a high GPA (and any other diplomas, if applicable)
- Transcript documents
- Language proficiency certificates
- Letter of recommendation
- Current CV
- Certificates
- Copy of passport and national ID
- Application fee
Submit your completed application and documents by 5:00 PM on the application deadline.
The application fee is 80 USD or 80,000 KRW.
Take a closer look at Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST)
The main campus is in the Daedeok science district of Daejeon, 150 kilometers south of Seoul, the capital of South Korea. A separate campus in Seoul houses the Business School as well as graduate schools. Most classes and research activities take place on the main campus in Daejeon, where most students also live. The main campus has 29 dormitory buildings in total. If you are a married student, off-campus apartments are also available.
KAIST campuses have modern classrooms and workshops, advanced laboratories, a large library, and student dormitories. There are also cafes and restaurants where students can socialize. All undergraduate and graduate students live in 21 on-campus residential complexes. Eight dining halls on campus serve food and drinks to suit different preferences, including vegan, diet, and halal options. At the Lyu Keun-Chul Sports Complex, you can take part in a wide range of athletic activities or organize your own.
The International Academic and Student Services (ISSS) team on campus supports the international community at KAIST. That support includes immigration and settlement services, counseling, language and cultural programs, and events.
You can join the following student clubs:
- Food Club
- Film Club
- Board Games Club
- Fashion Club
- Barista Club
- Travel Club
- Art Club
- Music Club
- Technology Club
- Wildlife Club
- Science Club
Notable alumni of KAIST:
- Cha Meeyoung — research engineer
- Sukbok Chang — organic chemist
- Cheon, Jung Hee — mathematician
- Choi Ki-young — professor at Seoul National University
- Kim So Jung — musician
- Kim Sung-hoon — biologist
- Nam Chang-hee — plasma physicist
- Omran Sharaf — project manager of the Emirates Mars Mission, the UAE's first mission to Mars
Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) Location
Daejeon, South Korea
Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) Contact
How to Get Into Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST)
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Why Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST)?
Other Universities in South Korea
Pohang University of Science And Technology (POSTECH)
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)
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