KAIST - Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology

Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) is a national research university located in Daedeok Innopolis, Daejeon, South Korea. It was founded in 1971 by the Korean government as the nation's first public, research-oriented science and engineering institution. It was initially modeled after the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), with an emphasis on hands-on learning and research.

In its early years, KAIST focused on developing undergraduate programs in science and engineering. In the 1980s, the university began to expand its graduate programs and research activities. In the 1990s, KAIST established new schools in business and the humanities.

Today, KAIST is a leading university in science and engineering and is a major center for entrepreneurship and innovation. It is one of the most prestigious universities in South Korea and is ranked among the top universities in the world.

KAIST has played a significant role in the development of South Korea's science and technology sector. The university has produced many of the country's leading scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs. KAIST has also been instrumental in the development of new technologies, such as semiconductors, telecommunications, and robotics.

KAIST offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in science, engineering, business, and the humanities. The university has five colleges, seven schools, 13 graduate schools, and 27 departments. It has a strong international focus and attracts students and faculty from all over the world. The university offers English-language programs at all levels and has a number of exchange and partnership agreements with universities around the world.

KAIST is a highly selective university, and admission is based on a combination of academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, KAIST - Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology is positioned as the #53 top university in the world, which makes it the #2 top university in South Korea. The university's global rank is improved by 3 points from last year.

Institute Profile

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2025 Ranking	#53 #2
University Name	KAIST - Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology
Name in Local Language	한국과학기술원
Acronym	KAIST
Year Established	1971
Governing Type	Public
Student Body	Co-education
Highest Degree	Doctorate
Campus Type	Sub-urban

Location

The institute is located in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon. Find the address and map of the institute below.

Address	291 Daehak-ro(373-1 Guseong-dong), Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea

Contact

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Phone	+82-42-350-2114
Fax	+82-42-350-2210 (2220)
Website
Email	Click here to send email
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Admission Info

The admission process at KAIST is highly competitive, with different requirements for domestic and international applicants. International students must submit academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (such as TOEFL or IELTS), and may be asked for additional materials such as personal statements or letters of recommendation. Undergraduate applicants are typically required to take the KAIST Entrance Exam, while graduate applicants are assessed based on their academic record, research interests, and relevant experience. The university also looks for students who demonstrate a passion for technology and innovation. Prospective students should consult the specific program's admission criteria for detailed information.

Scholarship and Financial Aids

KAIST offers numerous scholarships to attract top-tier talent from around the world. Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students and are awarded based on academic excellence, financial need, and research potential. For international students, KAIST provides generous scholarships that cover tuition, living expenses, and sometimes even airfare. Additionally, there are various research-based scholarships for graduate students, enabling them to focus on their studies and research without the burden of financial constraints. KAIST's commitment to supporting its students financially ensures that those with the drive and ambition can access world-class education regardless of their financial background.

Programs and Courses

Get a quick overview of programs and courses offered at this institute.

	Bachelor's Degrees	Master's Degrees	Doctorate Degrees	Diplomas
Arts & Humanities	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Business & Social Sciences	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Engineering	n/a		n/a	n/a
Language & Cultural Studies	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Medicine & Health	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Science & Technology	n/a		n/a	n/a

Click on the following button to explore a detailed list of programs and courses of this institute.

View Course List

Global Ranking History

The following chart shows how the global ranking of this institute has changed over the last 5 years.

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