Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

Quick Facts about Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

• Type: Public
• Students: 12,348
• International: 8%
• Campus: Multiple Campuses
• Tuition: $14,000 – $18,000/year
• Language: English
• Intakes: Fall, Spring

About Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

Academics

KAIST offers a broad range of STEM courses, with approximately 80% of classes taught in English, making it accessible for international students. The university is structured into 5 colleges, 7 schools, 13 graduate schools, and 27 departments, covering fields such as engineering, natural sciences, life science and bioengineering, and business. KAIST emphasizes a student-centered approach, encouraging open discussion and active learning, and offers unique programs like an "open major system" for undergraduates to explore disciplines before committing. The institution is particularly strong in areas like AI, robotics, and nanotechnology, and offers dual degree programs with international institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University.

International Students

KAIST actively supports its diverse international student body, which includes 929 students from various countries. The International Scholar and Student Services (ISSS) team provides comprehensive support, including pre-arrival information, orientation, visa and residency guidance, health insurance assistance, counseling, and student organization support. English-taught programs are prevalent, with the majority of courses delivered in English, and the KAIST Language Center offers Korean language classes to aid cultural integration. International student organizations, such as the KAIST International Students Association (KISA), also play a key role in fostering community and organizing events.

Campus & Location

KAIST's main campus is situated in Daedeok Science Town in Daejeon, a city approximately 150 kilometers south of Seoul. Daejeon is a metropolitan area with a population ranging from 1 to 5 million, offering a vibrant city life. The campus itself is expansive, covering over 1.1 million square meters, and features numerous facilities including 29 dormitories, a sports complex, and an art museum. The university also has a campus in Seoul, home to its College of Business and Kim Jaechul Graduate School of AI.

Career Outcomes

KAIST graduates are highly sought after, with many finding employment in competitive companies and research centers globally, including major players like Samsung, Microsoft, and Google. The university boasts a strong startup culture, with approximately 1800 KAIST-born startups, including prominent Korean firms like Naver and Nexon. KAIST provides various programs and an "Idea Factory" to support entrepreneurship and help students transform their ideas into viable businesses. While the university provides excellent research opportunities and infrastructure, international students are encouraged to actively seek out job opportunities and consider learning Korean to gain a competitive edge in the local job market.

Information for International Students at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Daejeon, South Korea welcomes international students, with 8% of the student body coming from abroad.

• 8% of students are international
• Visa support available
• On-campus work allowed
• Student housing available (~$94000/month)
• Work placement / internship opportunities available
• Teaching languages: English

Admissions Requirements for Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST):

• IELTS minimum: 6.5
• TOEFL minimum: 83
• GPA minimum: 2.5
• Application fee: $80
• Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%)
• Application deadline: Varies by program and semester (e.g., Undergraduate Early Admission: Oct 23, 2025; Regular Admission: Jan 6, 2026; Graduate Spring 2026: Sep 2, 2025)

Apply to Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) →

Programs at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) (1 programs)

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) offers 1 programs across PhD levels.

PhD Programs (1)

• Nuclear and Quantum Engineering (PhD) — 36 months · English · STEM
  Doctoral research in cutting-edge nuclear and quantum engineering, focusing on advanced reactor concepts, quantum information science, high-energy physics, and nuclear waste management.
  Field: Engineering
  Career outcomes: Professor, Senior Nuclear Scientist, Quantum Research Lead, Policy Advisor (Energy)

Scholarships & Tuition at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

Annual tuition for international students: $14,000 – $18,000/year

✅ Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

• National Ranking: #1 in South Korea
• QS World University Ranking: #53
• Times Higher Education (THE): #70
• Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #201
• Ranking tier: Top 100
• Research output: Very High

Campus & Facilities at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

• Student housing available
• Sports facilities available
• Disability support available
• Campus type: Multiple Campuses
• Average class size: 20
• Housing cost: ~$94000/month

Key Highlights

• South Korea's premier STEM university
• Globally recognized research institution
• High proportion of English-taught courses
• Strong international student support
• Leading in AI, robotics, nanotechnology

Accreditation

• Association of Asia-Pacific Business Schools (AAPBS)

Fields of Study at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Mathematics

Notable Alumni

• Yi So-yeon
• Kim Jung-ju
• Yoon So-hee
• Rim Ji-hoon
• Songyee Yoon

Frequently Asked Questions about Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

Apply to Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) with Abroadly

Use Abroadly's AI-powered platform to manage your application to Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). Get matched to programs, track deadlines, and organize documents — all in one place.

Explore Abroadly Features | For Students | For Agencies

Visit Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Official Website →

Explore More Universities

• All universities in 🇰🇷 South Korea
• Universities in Daejeon
• Browse all universities on Abroadly