Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST)
Kwang-hy?ng Yi
Summary
KAIST, or the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, is a public research university located in Daejeon, South Korea. It was founded in 1971 as the Korea Advanced Institute of Science, and in 1989, it merged with the Korea Institute of Technology to become KAIST. The university's mission is to advance science and technology through education, research, and innovation.
KAIST is considered one of the top universities in South Korea and Asia and is globally recognized for its research and academic excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various fields such as natural sciences, life sciences, engineering, liberal arts, and business.
KAIST has a diverse student body, with over 9,900 students enrolled from various countries, including China, Japan, and the United States. The university's faculty consists of over 900 members who are experts in their respective fields.
In addition to its academic programs, KAIST is also home to many research centres and institutes, including the KAIST Institute, which is dedicated to interdisciplinary research in fields such as nanotechnology, information technology, robotics, and health science and technology.
KAIST has established partnerships with many universities and research institutions worldwide and is committed to international collaboration and exchange programs. The university also offers various scholarship programs to support its students financially.
KAIST graduates are highly sought after by employers, and the university has a high job integration rate, with many alumni going on to successful careers in various industries and fields.
History
The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) is a public research university located in Daejeon, South Korea. It was established in 1971 as the Korea Advanced Institute of Science (KAIS) with the mission of promoting scientific and technological excellence in Korea.
KAIS was initially established as a graduate school, with the first masters and doctoral degree programs offered in 1973. In 1980, the institution expanded to include undergraduate programs and was renamed the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).
From the outset, KAIST has been committed to fostering interdisciplinary research and education. The university has five colleges: the College of Natural Sciences, the College of Life Science and Bioengineering, the College of Engineering, the College of Liberal Arts and Convergence Science, and the Graduate School of Business.
Over the years, KAIST has made significant contributions to the development of science and technology in Korea and beyond. Notable accomplishments include the development of the world's first rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the creation of Korea's first satellite, and the production of the first cloned dog.
KAIST has also built a reputation for excellence in research, consistently ranking among the top universities in Asia and the world. The university's research efforts are focused on a range of areas, including artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, robotics, and biotechnology.
Today, KAIST is home to more than 9,900 students, including 865 international students, and over 900 faculty members. The university's academic calendar is semester-based, with instruction primarily in English.
KAIST has a number of research facilities, including the KAIST Institute, which comprises five research institutes and two centres. The university is also home to the National NanoFab Center, which provides researchers with access to state-of-the-art nanofabrication and characterization tools.
KAIST has a strong commitment to internationalization, with partnerships and collaborations with universities and research institutions around the world. The university also offers a range of study abroad programs, allowing students to gain global experience and perspective.
Overall, KAIST has established itself as a leading institution for science and technology education and research in Korea and beyond, with a proud history of innovation and interdisciplinary excellence.
Courses
The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) offers a wide range of courses in various fields. The university has colleges of natural sciences, life science and bioengineering, engineering, liberal arts and convergence science, and business.
The College of Natural Sciences at KAIST provides undergraduate and graduate programs in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. The college also has a number of interdisciplinary research centres, such as the Center for Theoretical Physics and the Center for Nanostructured Materials.
The College of Life Science and Bioengineering at KAIST offers undergraduate and graduate programs in biology, biochemistry, and biotechnology. The college also has research centres such as the Institute for BioMedicinal Sciences, which focuses on drug discovery and development, and the Center for Systems and Synthetic Biotechnology, which conducts research in synthetic biology and systems biology.
The College of Engineering at KAIST offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various engineering disciplines such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and chemical engineering. The college also has research centres such as the Center for Energy Materials and Technology, which focuses on developing new energy technologies, and the Center for Bio-Microsystems, which conducts research in micro and nano-electromechanical systems.
The College of Liberal Arts and Convergence Science at KAIST provides undergraduate and graduate programs in humanities and social sciences, as well as interdisciplinary programs such as the Science, Technology and Policy program. The college also has research centres such as the Center for Science and Technology Policy and the Center for Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
The College of Business at KAIST offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business administration, finance, and accounting. The college also has research centres such as the Center for Business Research and the Center for Financial Studies.
In addition to the traditional courses offered by each college, KAIST also offers a number of interdisciplinary programs such as the KAIST International Summer School, which provides courses in various fields for international students, and the Global Singularity Forum, which focuses on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics.
Overall, KAIST provides a diverse range of courses and programs for students interested in science, engineering, humanities, and business.
Global MBA rankings
The KAIST College of Business offers a Global MBA program, which has been consistently ranked among the top MBA programs in Asia and the world.
In the 2022 QS Global MBA Rankings, KAIST Global MBA was ranked #38 in Asia, and #97 in the world. The program was also ranked #5 in Korea.
In the Financial Times' 2021 Global MBA Rankings, KAIST Global MBA was ranked #60 in the world, and #11 in Asia. The program was also ranked #1 in Korea in terms of the career progress of its graduates, with alumni reporting an average salary increase of 159% three years after graduation.
The program is also accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), and the Association of MBAs (AMBA), which are widely recognized as the three most prestigious international accreditations for business schools.
The KAIST Global MBA program offers a rigorous and innovative curriculum that emphasizes leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The program is taught entirely in English, and features a diverse and international student body, with participants from more than 20 different countries.
The program offers a range of specializations, including finance, marketing, operations, and technology management, and also includes a mandatory international exchange program, which allows students to study for a semester at one of the program's partner universities in Asia, Europe, or North America.
Job integration rate
KAIST has a strong track record of job integration for its graduates. According to the university's statistics, around 93% of KAIST graduates find employment within six months of graduation. The university has a dedicated Career Development Center that provides a range of services to help students prepare for their future careers. These services include career counselling, resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, job search strategies, and networking opportunities.
KAIST's reputation as a leading science and technology institution, as well as its strong network of industry partners, make it an attractive destination for recruiters seeking talented graduates in these fields. Many KAIST graduates go on to work for top companies in industries such as technology, engineering, and research.
In addition to its focus on job integration, KAIST also offers programs to support entrepreneurship and innovation. The university has a dedicated centre for startups, which provides resources and support to students and alumni looking to launch their own companies. KAIST also hosts a range of entrepreneurship and innovation events throughout the year, including pitch competitions and hackathons. These programs and events help to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among KAIST students and graduates.
General information
Kwang-hy?ng Yi