All CoursesKorean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) is South Korea’s first public, and research-oriented science and engineering university. Located in Daedeok Innopolis, Daejeon, South Korea’s fifth-largest city, KAIST is recognised as one of the best institutions in the Asia-Pacific region. It is ranked 41st in the QS Global World Rankings 2022.
The university was established in 1971. While it is relatively young compared to other leading universities in the world, it has left no stone unturned to innovate itself. Researchers at KAIST recently developed an electric transport system, where vehicles retain power via non-contact magnetic charging. The project was applauded widely; serving as an acknowledgment of KAIST’s contribution to innovation and commitment to tackling global issues.
Faculty & Courses
The faculty at KAIST is 1500+ members strong. Owing to their excellent research output, the accomplished faculty at KAIST Korea have received recognition worldwide. They are also committed to helping students explore academics more creatively.
KAIST is organized into five colleges, seven schools, 13 graduate schools, and 27 departments. It offers programmes in a wide range of disciplines across its multiple departments. Some of its sought-after courses are Aerospace Engineering, Business and Technology Management, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics, among others.
Fees and Financial Aid
Tuition fees and living expenses at KAIST are reasonably low compared to the other schools in South Korea and around the world. Also, the school provides more than 40 scholarships and several grants and fellowships across courses. The indicative fees for some of the programmes are mentioned below.
| Courses | Tuition Fees |
| Master of Science in Computer Science | INR 11 L approx. |
| Techno MBA | INR 30 L approx. |
| Master in Mechanical Engineering | INR 10 L approx. |
| MS in Green Business and Policy | INR 10 L approx. |
Careers and Placements
KAIST Korea is ranked number one in the country for its graduate employability rate. Several of its alumni are employed in major international companies such as Samsung, SK Telecom, LG, and Hyundai, among others. According to the data provided by the university, 10 percent of engineering professionals in Korea are graduates of KAIST. Its alumni have the distinction of establishing over 1800 start-up companies.
Admission Requirements
Below is the checklist of eligibility criteria that one must meet in order to apply to a programme at the university:
- Standardized Test Scores: Applicants must submit their GRE or GMAT test scores for graduate programs. SAT or ACT scores must be provided for admission to Bachelor’s degree programs.
- Certificates of Degree or Diploma: The degree certificate and academic transcripts must be presented along with the application.
- English Score Report: Students must demonstrate high proficiency in English through test scores of any standard examination such as TOEFL or IELTS.
- References: Three references must be provided during the application process. The university receives letters of recommendation (LOR) electronically.
- Curriculum Vitae: A CV is another important application requirement. It provides candidates with an opportunity to highlight their achievements, skills, and qualifications, improving their chances of acceptance.
- Statement of Financial Resources: Applicants who seek admission without any scholarship are required to present a statement of financial resources.
Other optional information that a student can provide along with their application is certificates of awards and honor and employment.
Acceptance to KAIST Korea has become increasingly competitive over the years. As of 2021, students from over 80 countries are studying at the university, making it one of the most diverse universities worldwide. Therefore, students must invest their effort sincerely into their application process in order to stand a chance of acceptance.
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