Overview

Educational objectives of KAIST are to educate talents in science and technology fields and to equip them with leadership and capacity to contribute to the society. The university has been investing in ideas and devoting unparalleled resources to make critical contributions toward solving problems of the twenty-first century.
 

Academics

Almost all courses at KAIST are taught in English. However, not every Korean outside of the university is fluent in English. There are many opportunities for students to study Koreak language while at KAIST. Undergraduate exchange students are eligible to take a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 24 credits. The spring semester runs from the beginning of March to June, and the fall semester runs from the beginning of September to December. A limited number of courses are offered during the summer and winter semesters. For an overview of the academic calendar, click here. For course information, click here.

Student Life

KAIST holds orientation for new international students twice a year: one at the end of February (Spring Semester) and at the end of August (Fall Semester). All new international students are required to attend the orientation. On KAIST campus, there are cafeterias, stores for snacks and drinks, cafes, laundry shops, post office, and a bank. The campus is equipped with a swimming pool, a new sports complex, a baseball field, and a soccer field. When school is in session, cultural events are held in the auditorium every Friday. There are over 72 clubs of various interests for the undergraduate community.
 

Housing

KAIST offers various types of dormitories for its students. All dorms are single-sex. As a new student, you will automatically be assigned a dormitory room with two or three single beds. Students who stay for more than one semester are able to apply for a change in dorm assignment.
 

Location

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 kilometers squared. 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. About 70% of the Korean peninsula is covered with mountains, making Korea one of the most mountainous regions in the world. It is also famous for its picturesque landscapes of scenic hills and valleys. Korea is opulent in culture, particularly history and art, and this cultural richness has been accumulated over a 5000-year period.