한국과학기술원Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)

About University

At the heart of scientific and technological innovation in Korea, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) is a specialized science and engineering university established in 1971 in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, with the goal of nurturing advanced talent to lead the nation’s future. The name ‘KAIST’ alone symbolizes the highest authority and trust in the field of science and technology both domestically and internationally, and the university has established itself as a research-oriented institution that fosters innovation, challenge, and global leadership. From its campuses in Seoul and Daejeon to future expansion plans for new campuses, KAIST is a ‘cradle of science and technology’ leading the global flow of science and technology beyond Korea. KAIST’s greatest differentiator is its world-class specialized education and research system in engineering, natural sciences, life sciences, artificial intelligence, and new industry convergence fields. All programs, from undergraduate to graduate, focus on experimentation, practical skills, and integrative problem-solving abilities. In particular, KAIST operates Korea’s first and largest research institutes and industry-academia collaboration clusters in core areas of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, aerospace, and biohealth. Every year, talented students of various nationalities, including over 500 international students, choose KAIST. The proportion of English-taught courses is very high, with many major subjects and research guidance provided in English. KAIST’s unique startup support system is rated among the best in Asia, and active industry-academia cooperation and recruitment programs are in place with global companies such as Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor Company, LG, and SK. In the 2023 QS World University Rankings, KAIST ranked 1st in Asia and 13th in the world in engineering and technology, demonstrating its unrivaled status in major domestic and international rankings. KAIST has produced numerous influential alumni across entrepreneurship, industry, and academia. Leaders such as Korea’s first astronaut Yi So-yeon (M.S. in Mechanical Engineering), former Samsung Electronics Chairman Kwon Oh-hyun (M.S. in Electrical Engineering), innovative neuroscientist and popular science author Professor Jeong Jae-seung (Ph.D. in Physics), Toss Securities CEO Park Jae-min, Watcha founder Park Tae-hoon, and Cookie Run director Choi Nak-hyun all exemplify KAIST’s innovative DNA. KAIST talent also played a leading role in the development of Korea’s first satellite ‘Wooribyul,’ and the alumni network is driving social change in diverse fields such as science, industry, and content. Additionally, KAIST continues to play a key role in government policies promoting the Fourth Industrial Revolution and in creating an innovative ecosystem among academia, industry, and research institutes. For international students, KAIST is a university that symbolizes the index of internationalization. Having obtained certification from the Ministry of Education’s IEQAS (International Education Quality Assurance System), KAIST offers high reliability and administrative advantages in areas such as visas and scholarships. English-taught courses are widely available at all levels—bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral—and multinational faculty and research teams are actively engaged. Various forms of financial support are provided, including exclusive scholarships for international students (up to KRW 5.51 million per year), the Kim Young-Han Global Leader Scholarship (KRW 4 million per year), and character scholarships. New students receive scholarship benefits without separate academic requirements, and additional scholarships are awarded to those with outstanding academic, leadership, or research achievements. Most dormitories are double rooms, costing around KRW 80,000 per month (as of 2022), boasting a comfortable living environment and newly remodeled facilities. The International Student and Scholar Services (ISS) center systematically provides programs for daily life, visas, language, and cultural adaptation from admission to graduation. The Daejeon main campus offers advanced research facilities and a pleasant natural environment, while the Seoul campus provides both urban accessibility and the advantage of an industrial network. On campus, state-of-the-art gyms, libraries, startup incubating spaces, cafeterias, and convenience facilities are well-equipped, creating an environment where students can focus solely on their studies and research. Transportation is convenient with access to the Daejeon subway, high-speed rail, and intercity buses, making both domestic and international travel easy. University life at KAIST, with the keywords of challenge, convergence, and global network, will be a special experience that expands your dreams onto the world stage.