KAIST
A world-leading research university known for academic excellence and innovation. Consistently ranked among the top institutions globally, offering cutting-edge programs across multiple disciplines with strong industry connections.
- Acceptance Rate
- 20.7%
- SAT Range
- N/A
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.9
- Size
- Large (49,572 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:12
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 89.0%
- Retention Rate
- 92.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $6,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $15,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Life at KAIST's Daejeon campus unfolds within a carefully designed environment that balances intense academic work with opportunities for recreation and personal growth. The campus sits in the Daedeok Science Town, a research corridor that houses over 1,000 science and technology organizations. Students can walk from their dormitory to world-class research facilities in minutes, and the concentration of technical talent in the surrounding area means networking opportunities extend well beyond the university gates. The campus itself features modern architecture, extensive green spaces, and research buildings equipped with some of the most advanced laboratory equipment available in Asia. Student dormitories house the majority of undergraduates and many graduate students, creating a residential community where late-night study sessions often turn into collaborative problem-solving marathons. The dining halls serve Korean cuisine alongside international options, recognizing the university's growing population of international students. Campus recreation centers offer everything from swimming pools to basketball courts, and many students participate in intramural sports as a way to decompress from demanding coursework. The social scene at KAIST centers around student clubs and research groups rather than traditional Greek life or party culture. Students form bonds through shared projects and academic challenges, and many lifelong professional relationships begin in university labs. Cultural events, technology showcases, and startup pitch competitions provide regular entertainment, while the city of Daejeon offers restaurants, shopping, and nightlife just a short subway ride from campus.
Location & Surroundings
Daejeon occupies a central position in South Korea, connected to Seoul by high-speed rail that covers the distance in under an hour. This location places KAIST students within easy reach of the capital's cultural attractions, business centers, and international airport, while offering a quieter environment better suited to concentrated study and research. The city of 1.5 million people provides urban amenities without the intensity of Seoul, including restaurants, entertainment venues, and shopping districts easily accessible from campus. The Daedeok Science Town surrounding KAIST represents one of Asia's largest concentrations of research activity. Government research institutes, corporate R&D centers, and technology startups cluster within walking distance of the university, creating an ecosystem where ideas flow freely between academia and industry. Students regularly attend seminars at neighboring institutions, and collaborative projects across organizations provide exposure to different research cultures and approaches. Climate in Daejeon follows the Korean pattern of hot, humid summers and cold winters with occasional snow. The campus transforms through seasons, with cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn providing visual breaks from laboratory work. Outdoor recreation opportunities include hiking in nearby mountains and cycling along dedicated paths that connect different parts of the science town. The city's central location also makes weekend trips to Korea's beaches, historic sites, and national parks entirely feasible.
Costs & Career Outcomes
KAIST's financial aid model differs fundamentally from universities that rely on tuition revenue. The Korean government provides substantial funding that allows KAIST to offer full tuition waivers to all admitted domestic undergraduate students who maintain satisfactory academic progress. Monthly living allowances supplement this support, covering basic expenses and allowing students to concentrate on studies rather than part-time jobs. This approach reflects the Korean government's strategic investment in developing technical talent. International students receive similarly generous support, with most admitted students receiving scholarships that cover tuition and provide living stipends. Research assistantships become available as students advance in their programs, providing additional income while contributing to meaningful research projects. Graduate students typically receive full funding throughout their programs, including health insurance coverage and conference travel support for presenting research. Career outcomes for KAIST graduates are exceptional by any measure. Major technology companies actively recruit on campus, and the university's career center facilitates connections with employers across Korea and internationally. Many graduates join Samsung, LG, Hyundai, or other Korean conglomerates, while others pursue positions with global technology companies or continue to graduate programs at leading universities worldwide. The entrepreneurial ecosystem around KAIST has produced numerous successful startups, and the university provides incubation support for students interested in launching their own ventures.
Campus Location
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