KAIST
Daejeon, South Korea • Founded 1971
Overview
Founded in 1971, the KAIST is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Daejeon (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).
Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of Korea, KAIST (KAIST) is a medium-sized coeducational South Korean higher education institution. KAIST (KAIST) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
This 53-year-old South Korean higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. KAIST also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where to find KAIST, plus its phone, email, website, and social media links. Confirm the published channels here are current before sending application materials.
Academic Details
The numbers behind KAIST: student body, academic staff, and the recognising bodies validating its work. A baseline read for assessing institutional capacity and rigour.
Programs Offered
Every programme KAIST offers, searchable by name and grouped by level. Pathway programmes leading from foundation to bachelor entry are sometimes listed separately from full degree programmes.
Bachelor's Degree
24 programmes
KAIST delivers 24 programmes at bachelor's level, the qualifications school-leavers most commonly apply to as their first step into higher education.
School of Computing 전산학부 Information Systems & Technology
Civil and Environmental Engineering 건설및환경공학과 Civil Engineering & Construction
Bio and Brain Engineering 바이오및뇌공학과 General Engineering
Industrial Design 산업디자인학과 Applied Design
Industrial and Systems Engineering 산업및시스템공학과 General Engineering
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 화학및생명공학과 General Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering 신소재공학과 Materials Science
Nuclear and Quantum Engineering 원자력및양자공학과 General Engineering
Department of AI Computing AI컴퓨팅학과 Information Systems & Technology
Department of AI Systems AI시스템학과
Department of AX (AI Transformation) AX학과
Department of AI and Future Studies AI및미래연구과
School of Digital Humanities 디지털인문사회과학부 Humanities & Cultural Studies
School of Management Engineering 경영공학부 General Engineering
School of Business and Technology Management 기술경영학부 Business & Management
School of Transdisciplinary Studies 초학제학부 Liberal Arts
Physics 물리학과 Physics & Astronomy
Mathematical Sciences 수학과 Mathematics
Chemistry 화학과 Chemistry
Biological Sciences 생명과학과 Biotechnology
Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences 뇌및인지과학과 Natural Sciences
Mechanical Engineering 기계공학과 Mechanical Engineering
Aerospace Engineering 항공우주공학과 General Engineering
Electrical Engineering 전기및전자공학과 Robotics & Automation
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
42 programmes
These 42 programmes form KAIST's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.
Electrical Engineering 전기및전자공학과 Robotics & Automation
School of Computing 전산학부 Information Systems & Technology
Civil and Environmental Engineering 건설및환경공학과 Civil Engineering & Construction
Bio and Brain Engineering 바이오및뇌공학과 General Engineering
Industrial Design 산업디자인학과 Applied Design
Industrial and Systems Engineering 산업및시스템공학과 General Engineering
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 화학및생명공학과 General Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering 신소재공학과 Materials Science
Nuclear and Quantum Engineering 원자력및양자공학과 General Engineering
Cho Chun Shik Graduate School of Mobility 조석규모빌리티대학원
Kim Jaechul Graduate School of AI 김재철AI대학원
Semiconductor System Engineering 반도체시스템공학과 Robotics & Automation
Green Growth and Sustainability Program 녹색성장대학원
Graduate School of Semiconductor Technology 반도체기술대학원 Robotics & Automation
Graduate School of AI Semiconductor Engineering AI반도체공학대학원 Robotics & Automation
Graduate School of Metaverse Innovation 메타버스혁신대학원 Liberal Arts
Graduate School of Sustainable Aerospace 지속가능항공우주대학원 General Engineering
Department of AI Computing AI컴퓨팅학과 Information Systems & Technology
Department of AI Systems AI시스템학과
Department of AX (AI Transformation) AX학과
Department of AI and Future Studies AI및미래연구과
School of Digital Humanities 디지털인문사회과학부 Humanities & Cultural Studies
Graduate School of Culture and Technology 문화기술대학원
Moon Soul Graduate School of Future Strategy 미래전략대학원
Graduate School of Science and Technology Policy 과학기술정책대학원 General Engineering
Master's Program in Service Innovation Management 서비스혁신전공 Business & Management
Master's Program in Intellectual Property Law 지식재산법전공 Law
Master's Program in Financial Study 금융학전공 Finance, Banking & Insurance
School of Management Engineering 경영공학부 General Engineering
School of Business and Technology Management 기술경영학부 Business & Management
School of Transdisciplinary Studies 초학제학부 Liberal Arts
Physics 물리학과 Physics & Astronomy
Mathematical Sciences 수학과 Mathematics
Chemistry 화학과 Chemistry
Graduate School of Quantum Science 양자과학기술대학원 Natural Sciences
Biological Sciences 생명과학과 Biotechnology
Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering 의과학기술대학원 Medicine
Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences 뇌및인지과학과 Natural Sciences
Graduate School of Engineering Biology 생명공학대학원 General Engineering
Graduate School of Stem Cell Biology and Technology 줄기세포및재생의학대학원 Medicine
Mechanical Engineering 기계공학과 Mechanical Engineering
Aerospace Engineering 항공우주공학과 General Engineering
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
39 programmes
KAIST's 39 programmes at this tier lead to a doctorate, the credential expected for academic, senior research, and many specialist professional roles.
Electrical Engineering 전기및전자공학과 Robotics & Automation
School of Computing 전산학부 Information Systems & Technology
Civil and Environmental Engineering 건설및환경공학과 Civil Engineering & Construction
Bio and Brain Engineering 바이오및뇌공학과 General Engineering
Industrial Design 산업디자인학과 Applied Design
Industrial and Systems Engineering 산업및시스템공학과 General Engineering
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 화학및생명공학과 General Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering 신소재공학과 Materials Science
Nuclear and Quantum Engineering 원자력및양자공학과 General Engineering
Cho Chun Shik Graduate School of Mobility 조석규모빌리티대학원
Kim Jaechul Graduate School of AI 김재철AI대학원
Semiconductor System Engineering 반도체시스템공학과 Robotics & Automation
Green Growth and Sustainability Program 녹색성장대학원
Graduate School of Semiconductor Technology 반도체기술대학원 Robotics & Automation
Graduate School of AI Semiconductor Engineering AI반도체공학대학원 Robotics & Automation
Graduate School of Metaverse Innovation 메타버스혁신대학원 Liberal Arts
Graduate School of Sustainable Aerospace 지속가능항공우주대학원 General Engineering
Department of AI Computing AI컴퓨팅학과 Information Systems & Technology
Department of AI Systems AI시스템학과
Department of AX (AI Transformation) AX학과
Department of AI and Future Studies AI및미래연구과
School of Digital Humanities 디지털인문사회과학부 Humanities & Cultural Studies
Graduate School of Culture and Technology 문화기술대학원
Moon Soul Graduate School of Future Strategy 미래전략대학원
Graduate School of Science and Technology Policy 과학기술정책대학원 General Engineering
School of Management Engineering 경영공학부 General Engineering
School of Business and Technology Management 기술경영학부 Business & Management
School of Transdisciplinary Studies 초학제학부 Liberal Arts
Physics 물리학과 Physics & Astronomy
Mathematical Sciences 수학과 Mathematics
Chemistry 화학과 Chemistry
Graduate School of Quantum Science 양자과학기술대학원 Natural Sciences
Biological Sciences 생명과학과 Biotechnology
Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering 의과학기술대학원 Medicine
Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences 뇌및인지과학과 Natural Sciences
Graduate School of Engineering Biology 생명공학대학원 General Engineering
Graduate School of Stem Cell Biology and Technology 줄기세포및재생의학대학원 Medicine
Mechanical Engineering 기계공학과 Mechanical Engineering
Aerospace Engineering 항공우주공학과 General Engineering
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to KAIST
A short guide to applying to KAIST — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. KAIST offers 105 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at KAIST has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Assemble your application package
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Submit your application
Apply directly via KAIST's online portal at www.kaist.ac.kr. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +82 (42) 869 2114. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about KAIST
Quick reference for KAIST: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.
In what year was KAIST established?
KAIST was founded in 1971 (approximately 55 years ago).
Where can I find KAIST?
The institution is located in Daejeon, South Korea.
Is KAIST a public or private institution?
KAIST operates as a public institution.
How many students does KAIST have?
The institution has a student body of 7,000-7,999.
Who recognises KAIST?
KAIST is accredited by Ministry of Education of Korea.
Where can I learn more about KAIST?
You can find KAIST online at www.kaist.ac.kr.
Top-Ranked Universities in South Korea
When shortlisting in South Korea, students often start with the top-ranked institutions. Below are the national leaders worth comparing against KAIST, helpful for calibrating where KAIST sits in the broader landscape.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Students considering KAIST often compare it against universities in the same region. Below are nearby institutions with comparable academic departments and student support structures, useful for cross-shortlisting.
Where Else to Study General Engineering
Below: institutions across South Korea that offer General Engineering, providing comparison points for KAIST's programme. Variations in elective range, placement support, and credential portability are worth examining carefully.
Universities Often Compared with KAIST
Students considering KAIST frequently compare it against the universities listed below. The comparison set reflects revealed-preference data from how applicants actually build shortlists.
