KAIST – Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology

KAIST, officially known as the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, is one of South Korea’s premier research universities, renowned globally for its excellence in science, engineering, and technology. Established in 1971 in Daejeon, South Korea, KAIST was the country’s first research-oriented science and engineering institution. It was created to train elite scientists and engineers who would drive South Korea’s industrialization and technological development. Today, KAIST stands as a world-class university leading global innovation in artificial intelligence, robotics, energy, quantum science, and more.

History

KAIST was founded with support from the South Korean government and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), under the mentorship of Frederick E. Terman, the "Father of Silicon Valley." The institution quickly earned a reputation for producing top-tier research and high-quality graduates. Over the decades, KAIST has expanded its academic offerings, research infrastructure, and global footprint, becoming a hub of scientific innovation in East Asia.

Academic Structure

KAIST operates under six colleges and various interdisciplinary programs:

• College of Natural Sciences
• College of Life Science and Bioengineering
• College of Engineering
• College of Business
• School of Computing
• School of Transdisciplinary Studies

Programs are offered in both undergraduate and graduate levels, with many courses taught entirely in English to attract international students and foster global collaboration. KAIST is particularly strong in electrical engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, and business technology management.

Research and Innovation

KAIST is widely known for its impactful research and groundbreaking innovations. It is home to several world-class research centers including:

• KAIST AI Institute
• KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology
• KAIST Institute for IT Convergence
• KAIST Institute for Robotics

Its researchers have contributed significantly to cutting-edge fields such as nanotechnology, autonomous vehicles, renewable energy, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. KAIST also fosters collaboration with industry giants like Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and international research networks.

Global Rankings

KAIST is consistently ranked among the top universities globally. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, KAIST ranks within the top 40 worldwide for engineering and technology. It is often recognized as the best university in South Korea for science and engineering disciplines, and it continues to climb international rankings thanks to its strong research output and academic reputation.

Campus Life

KAIST’s main campus is located in Daejeon, a city known as South Korea’s "Silicon Valley." The campus features state-of-the-art laboratories, digital libraries, tech incubators, and eco-friendly buildings. Students benefit from a vibrant and diverse environment, with over 700 international students from more than 80 countries.

The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities including student clubs in music, sports, robotics, entrepreneurship, and global volunteering. The international community is supported through KAIST International Scholar and Student Services (ISSS), which organizes cultural exchange programs and provides integration support.

Notable Alumni

KAIST has produced many influential alumni who have made significant contributions to academia, industry, and government:

• Kim Jeong-hoon – Former President of Bell Labs
• Lee Sang-yup – Director of the KAIST Institute for the BioCentury
• Jae-yong Lee – Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics (studied briefly at KAIST)
• Lee Sang-yoon – Actor and Physics graduate

Many graduates go on to work at leading tech companies and pursue research careers at prestigious institutions around the world.

Future Goals

KAIST is committed to becoming a global leader in convergence education and research. Its strategic goals include:

• Becoming one of the world’s top 10 science and technology universities by 2031 (its 60th anniversary)
• Expanding interdisciplinary programs that merge AI, humanities, and life sciences
• Increasing international partnerships and dual-degree programs
• Accelerating technology commercialization and startup incubation through KAIST’s entrepreneurship centers
• Implementing carbon neutrality initiatives across campus

Admissions and Application Process

KAIST offers highly competitive admissions for both undergraduate and graduate programs. It accepts applications from international students and provides full English-taught programs, particularly in science and engineering fields.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements:

• High school diploma or expected graduation
• Strong academic performance in STEM subjects
• English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 83+ / IELTS 6.5+ or equivalent)
• SAT, ACT, or national exam scores (optional but recommended)

Graduate Admission Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field
• Academic transcripts and letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose and research proposal
• English proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent)

Application Periods:

Contact Information

• Address:

  291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea

• Phone:

  +82-42-350-2114

• Website:

  https://www.kaist.ac.kr

• Email:

  [email protected]