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Meta title: KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) | StudyU
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Last reviewed: 2026-07-04

# KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)

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Contents

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## About the university

KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) is South Korea's leading science and technology university, founded in 1971 in Daejeon. KAIST is known as the “Korean MIT”: it's strong in electronics, engineering, IT and materials science, and many programs are taught in English.

It's the country's research flagship, with close ties to the tech industry (Samsung, LG and others) and a strong international setting.

## KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) in rankings

KAIST - the “Korean MIT”:

- #53 in the world - QS World University Rankings
- The leading science and technology university in Korea
- English-taught programs and industry links

## Campus and infrastructure

KAIST's modern Daejeon campus has advanced labs, research centers and residences.

## Faculties and programs

KAIST is strong in technical fields:

- Electronics & Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
- Materials Science
- Computer Science & IT
- Technology Management

Not sure which field to choose?

We'll match a program to your goals and help you apply - in a free consultation.

- [Consultation](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)

## How to apply

Admission is based on your diploma and language. Many programs are in English, which is convenient for international students.

Admission to KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) takes six months or more; here are the key stages:

1. Choose a program (9–12 months ahead). Decide on the field — electronics, engineering and materials Science — and the level: bachelor’s or master’s. Programs differ in requirements, deadlines and fees.
2. Language certificate. Not always: the number of English-taught programs is growing. Korean (TOPIK) can be studied alongside or during a preparatory year.
3. Application. Applications are submitted online; once reviewed, the university sends an offer — with it you can plan finances and housing.
4. Student visa and relocation. After the offer, a student visa or residence permit for South Korea is arranged. We handle this stage end to end.

After 11 years of school. Yes. The school certificate is accepted directly, no foundation year needed. Admission is based on GPA, a language certificate and a motivation letter.

## Documents for admission

- Passport
- School certificate and transcript
- An English certificate (or TOPIK)
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters

Exact requirements depend on the program - we'll help you prepare.

## Tuition and living costs

Costs are moderate; scholarships, including GKS, are available. We calculate the final programme budget during the free consultation.

Country benchmark for South Korea. Costs are moderate, and scholarships significantly reduce them.

Scholarships and grants. The government's Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) and university grants that can cover tuition, accommodation and airfare.

The total budget combines tuition, housing, insurance and one-off visa and relocation costs — we will help you calculate everything before applying.

## Accommodation and student life

Daejeon is Korea's science city; KAIST provides residences.

Upon arrival, the first tasks are registration, a bank account and a transport card — every student gets our step-by-step checklist.

## Career after graduation

After graduation. The right to stay and work after graduation is set by the visa rules of South Korea — they change, so we check the current options individually.

The strong fields of KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) are electronics, engineering and materials Science. As at most universities in South Korea, students have access to a career centre, job fairs and internships — use them from the first semesters: hands-on experience is decisive for the first job.

Another path is a master’s degree: with a bachelor’s from South Korea you can apply to programs and scholarships worldwide.

## Student reviews

Admission went smoothly: StudyU helped me gather the documents and not miss the deadlines. I arrived at KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) already knowing what to expect.

We applied to several universities at once - I got offers and calmly made my choice. KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) has a strong program and a convenient campus.

My parents worried more than I did, but the StudyU team explained everything to them. Now I study at KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) and am getting to know the city of Daejeon.

## FAQ

### Why is KAIST called the Korean MIT?

For its leading programs in science and technology and its research culture.

### Can I study in English?

Yes, many KAIST programs are in English.

### Can I enter KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) after 11 years of school?

Yes. The school certificate is accepted directly, no foundation year needed. Admission is based on GPA, a language certificate and a motivation letter.

### How much does it cost to study at KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)?

Country benchmark for South Korea: Costs are moderate, and scholarships significantly reduce them. StudyU calculates the intake-year university fee, available discount and living budget during the free consultation.

### Are there scholarships?

The government's Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) and university grants that can cover tuition, accommodation and airfare.

Want to study at KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)?

We'll help with admission: from choosing a program to submitting documents and the student visa.

Other universities - studying in South Korea: [Seoul National University (SNU)](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-snu) · [Kyungbok University](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-kyungbok-university). All options are on the page [studying in South Korea](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-korea).

## Get a free consultation

Talk to a real consultant - we'll explain admission in South Korea and match a program to you.

- Program selection and admission preparation
- Help with scholarships and university discounts
- Documents, translations and student visa
- A personal consultant from the first message to enrollment

Write to us

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## Similar universities - studying in South Korea

Compare your options - we'll help you choose and get admitted to any of them.

### Seoul National University (SNU)

### Kyungbok University

- [All universities - South Korea](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-korea)