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Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

Ranked
30, South Korea
82nd in World University Rankings 2025
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About Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

Basic information and contact details for Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

institution

KAIST has connotations of academic excellence, innovation and entrepreneurship, but also the launch of large-scale projects. The university often ranks highly among other universities of a similar age.


KAIST was established in February 1971 as Korea Advanced Institute of Science, with a loan given by United States Agency for International Development. The university aimed not only to educate young researchers in science and engineering, but also to provide a solid basis for the development of future higher education institutions in Korea.

Its structure was created by an international team, which included the American electrical engineer and vice-president of Stanford University Frederick Emmons Terman. Unlike other public institutions in South Korea, KAIST has freedom to decide upon its entry requirements and course structure, which gives the university a special status.

Today, KAIST has a rich academic portfolio in disciplines such as physics, mathematics, engineering, humanities and social sciences, business and management. The courses are delivered by 6 colleges and 2 schools, with over 33 divisions. KAIST’s unique institutes include the National NanoFab Center, which conducts research into nano-devices and their potential applications.

KAIST consists of 2 major campuses situated in Daejeon and South Korea’s capital Seoul. They offer over 25 dormitories, 4 libraries and a medical centre. To ensure students are actively engaged in the campus cultural events, the university organises traditional opera and jazz recitals.

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Rankings

Select the type of rankings below to see stats

World University Rankings 2025
20406080100
Overall 69.5
Teaching 65.2
Research Environment 66.7
Research Quality 78.3
Industry 100
International Outlook 45.7
505560657020162017201820192020202120222023202420255361.360.961.861.362.462.364.269.269.5

Breakdown via year: Overall

Ranking positions 2016 to 2025
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Key Student Statistics

A breakdown of student statistics at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

gender ratio
Student gender ratio
22 F : 78 M (1)
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International student percentage
11% (1)
student per staff
Students per staff
11.2 (1)
student
Student total
10156 (1)

Based on data collected for the (1) World University Rankings 2025

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Subjects Taught at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

See below for a range of subjects taught at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

Physical Sciences=82nd

  • Chemistry
  • Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences
  • Physics and Astronomy
  • Mathematics and Statistics

Computer Science39th

  • Computer Science

Social Sciences301–400th

  • Sociology
  • Politics and International Studies
  • Communication and Media Studies

Life Sciences87th

  • Sport Science
  • Veterinary Science
  • Biological Sciences

Business and Economics176–200th

  • Economics and Econometrics
  • Business and Management
  • Accounting and Finance

Arts and Humanities201–250th

  • Languages, Literature and Linguistics
  • History, Philosophy and Theology
  • Archaeology
  • Art, Performing Art and Design
  • Architecture

Engineering35th

  • General Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering