QS World Ranking
#65
Acceptance Rate
27%
Annual Tuition (USD)
$8,000
On-Campus Housing
Available
Application Deadline
September 30
via Direct
Student Body
Total Enrollment
10,000
students
International Students
10%
US % data not publicly reported
Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.
Why This School
South Korea's top science and technology university, offering scholarships to all admitted international students.
QS Subject Rankings 2025
Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject
Notes for US Students
Full-tuition scholarships available for international students. Korea's MIT equivalent.
Admission Criteria
Key requirements for US students applying to KAIST
Acceptance Rate
27%
Selective
Application System
Direct
Deadline
September 30
Instruction Language
English
School Type
Public
Annual Tuition
$8,000
Requirements Checklist for US Applicants
- Apply directly via KAIST by November 30
- SAT 1400+ or ACT 31+ (or IB 37+) recommended
- Strong STEM academic record (math and sciences critical)
- TOEFL 83+ or IELTS 6.5+ (most courses in English)
- Two recommendation letters required
- Korean Government Scholarship (GKS) application available separately for full ride
Class Size
Academic Calendar
Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.
Admission Details
- Language of Instruction
- English
- Estimated Annual Tuition
- ~$8,000 / year
- Application Deadline
- September 30
- Application System
- Direct
- School Type
- Public
- Acceptance Rate
- 27%
Programs Offered
Scholarships to Explore
- ✓KAIST Fellowship
- ✓Government of Korea Scholarship
Cost of Living — Daejeon, South Korea
Low CostEstimated monthly total
$850
vs. avg US college student
55% cheaper
US avg ~$1,900/mo
Daejeon is one of the most affordable cities in this directory. Campus dormitories are heavily subsidized. Korea has excellent cheap food culture.
Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.
About Studying at KAIST as a US Student
KAIST is located in Daejeon, South Korea and is ranked #65in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Engineering, Sciences, Computer Science, Business, Artificial Intelligence. Instruction is offered in English. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$8,000 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 27%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of September 30. Scholarships available include the KAIST Fellowship.