Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, KAIST

Unique study opportunities

• Conduct an independent research project under KAIST faculty supervision
• Learn about Asian art and culture with popular humanities course offerings

Language

Language of Instruction: English, Korean
Language Study: Optional

Korean language courses at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels are offered every semester through the School of Digital Humanities and Computational Social Science with no placement test. You can self-select your language level and make adjustments after arrival, if needed.

You may be able to enroll in courses taught in Korean if you have the language ability. No placement test required, but a high level of proficiency in reading, writing, and comprehension of university-level Korean is required to succeed in these courses.

Get an advanced start on your Korean language ability and acquisition using the KAIST Korean Language Guide, which provides a comprehensive introduction to the Korean language. It's recommended even if language study isn't in your academic plan as it will help you navigate your Korean study abroad experience!

Courses and Credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

• Take a full-time course of study: Minimum 18 quarter/12 semester UC units (four courses). 
• You may take up to a maximum of eight courses. 
• If you take 18 UC quarter units, you may take a maximum of one course for pass/no pass credit. If you take 22.5 UC quarter units (5 or more courses), you may select pass/no pass for two courses up to a maximum of 9 UC quarter units.

Current Program Courses

Take courses from KAIST's undergraduate colleges:

• College of Business: business and technology management
• College of Engineering: aerospace engineering, bio and brain engineering, civil and environmental engineering, chemical and biomolecular engineering, computing, electrical engineering, green growth and sustainability, industrial and systems engineering, industrial design, materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, nuclear and quantum engineering, and semiconductor system engineering
• College of Liberal Arts and Convergence Science: digital humanities and computational social sciences
• College of Life Science and Bioengineering: biological sciences, brain and cognitive sciences
• College of Natural Science: chemistry, mathematical sciences, nanoscience and technology, and physics
• School of Transdisciplinary Studies

Course registration typically occurs in July for the fall term and in January for the spring term.

Course Restrictions

• School of Computing courses are impacted and enrollment is competitive.
• Courses offered at the Seoul campus are not open to UC students.
• Graduate courses are not open to undergraduate students. Similarly, graduate students cannot take undergraduate courses.
• UC students may not enroll in courses for English language learners—such as Advanced English Listening, Advanced English Reading, Advanced English Writing, English Presentation and Discussion—offered through the School of Digital Humanities and Computational Social Science.

Catalogs and resources

• KAIST International Office: Get an overview of KAIST’s academic study abroad program.
• KAIST Course Catalog: Courses for the upcoming term are typically updated in the catalog two months prior to the start of the term. Until then, refer to course information from previous semesters.
• KAIST Course Descriptions: Browse course descriptions in English. Search by the year, college, and department, then select the tab titled Course Descriptions.
• KAIST Colleges and Departments: View more information about each of colleges and departments at KAIST.
• UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses UC students have taken on this program.
• Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location. There are currently no listings for this program in the database.

Academic Culture

KAIST faculty follow a student-centered academic model, encouraging open discussion and active learning. For example, calculus and chemistry courses are offered with a combination of online lectures and class discussions.

The university has used English as their primary language of instruction since 2008 and nearly 85% of the courses are taught in English.

Class sizes are typically smaller, with 20-30 students, allowing for a more personalized experience and individual attention. Professors are generally accessible and many students work closely with their professors throughout the term.

Grades

You'll earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework.

Your academic work will be assessed primarily by exams, attendance, research reports, and participation. Assessments may also include essays, group and individual projects, and class presentations.

Grades for the fall program are typically available from late February to early March. Grades for the spring program are typically available from mid-August to early September.