Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
Daejeon, Republic of Korea
University Info | College of Engineering | Exchange Student Info
Introduction
KAIST, a research university established in 1971, has served as the gateway to advanced science, technology, and innovation for Korea. To meet the growing demand for young, competent global leaders, KAIST has developed itself as a global arena for interdisciplinary education and research opportunities.
With 1,112 faculty members working with 11,176 students, KAIST focuses on creating an atmosphere for interdisciplinary communication and collaboration for its academic units in all of its four campuses in Daejeon and Seoul to stimulate the innovative leadership and entrepreneurship needed to develop technology for the advancement of the world and for sustainable economic growth. KAIST also endeavors to strengthen its network to provide its constituents with collaboration opportunities with prominent partners from academia and industry.
In 2015, QS ranked KAIST at 43rd place on its World University Rankings.
In the engineering section, KAIST was ranked 13th by the QS evaluation.
Terms of Exchange
Study Level
- Undergraduate students: Accepted
- Graduate students: Accepted
- Computer Science majors: Accepted
Language of Instruction
English is the medium of instruction. 80% of the courses offered are in English.
English Proficiency Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide satisfactory evidence of their proficiency in English. A minimum score of TOEFL iBT 80 or its equivalent in other English language proficiency tests is required.
Study Period
Fall, Spring, or Academic Year
Academic Calendar | Semester Dates (including exam period)
- Fall: early September to late December
- Spring: early March to late June
Academic Information
Disciplines Available
- Aerospace Engineering
- Bio & Brain Engineering
- Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
- Civil & Environmental Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Industrial & Systems Engineering
- Industrial Design
- Knowledge Service Engineering
- Materials Science & Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Nuclear & Quantum Engineering
- Web Science & Technology
Course Contents
Course Descriptions & Schedules
Workload per Semester
Credit per Regular Semester
One credit is normally earned by attending one hour of lecture per week for the entire semester. Research credits are normally earned by conducting thesis research and attending seminars and lab experiments. One research credit is equivalent to three hours of research work per week for the entire semester. Undergraduate students are eligible to take a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 24 credits; students in a master’s or doctoral programs take a minimum of 9 credits and a maximum of 12 credits. This rule is also applied to exchange students.
Additional Application Materials
Students nominated by IIE to KAIST must also submit the additional materials below.
- Nomination letter by student coordinator
- Statement of Purpose (one page, word document only)
- Current original transcript(s). All transcripts must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.
- English Language Proficiency Record (if applicable)
- Copy of Passport
Acceptance packets will be mailed to students’ home school advisors approximately 8 weeks after receiving a complete application.
Housing
IRT will apply for on-campus accommodation for all exchange students based on their application form. However, a place cannot be guaranteed.
- Eligibility: Exchange students, KAIST summer program participants
- Dormitory rooms (room type: two or three single beds) are furnished with beds, wardrobes, and desks. Students should prepare their own sheets, pillow/pillowcase, and blankets during their stay. Cleaning can be done (by the students themselves) either in one of the on-campus dry cleaners or elsewhere.
- A deposit fee of 100,000 won is required to pay once for maintaining the rooms’ furniture. This fee will be refunded when students move out.
- KAIST will lend you one pillow and one blanket. The rental and cleaning fee is 20,000 (subject to change) won which would be asked to pay after arrival at KAIST.
- Restrooms, showers, coin-operated washing machines, and computer labs are shared in the dormitory.
- Kitchen facilities are not available in the dormitory. Meal services are available at on-campus cafeterias serving three times a day, Monday through Sunday. The average price of a meal is US$5.
- Dormitories are installed with LAN allowing 24-hour access to information networking. Free WiFi is also available on campus after a simple online registration
Estimated Cost of Living
We estimate that a single international student living alone in an on-campus dormitory requires approximately US$ 500 per month for living expenses.
Food/meals
campus cafeteria - 3,500 - 6,000 won per meal
regular restaurant - 6,000 - 15,000 won per meal
Housing (dormitory) – approximately 450 - 900 USD per semester
Local transportation – approximately 12 USD per ride.
Academic expenses (e.g., books, stationery) – expenses vary depending on courses.
Personal expenses – personal expenses vary with individual students.
Other administrative fees – orientation & alien registration fees: approximately 50,000 won
Contact
Office Responsible for International Exchange Students
International Relations Team | irt@kaist.ac.kr
City Info
KAIST is situated in the northwestern part of Daejeon. Daejeon is the fifth largest city in Korea with a population of approximately 1.5 million people living in an area of 540 km2 (the total area of the Korean peninsula is 222,154 km2). Located in the center of Korea, Daejeon serves as a hub of transportation. Major expressways and railways connecting the country from the north to south converge in Daejeon. With this wonderful transportation network, it is possible to travel anywhere in the country within half a day from Daejeon.
