Many students want to join KAIST for master’s or PhD programs. Contacting professors before you apply can help your chances. KAIST does not require you to contact professors. However a positive reply from a professor can make your application stronger. Professors often prefer students who show real interest in their research.
This post explains the full process of how to Email KAIST Professors. It includes when to email, how to find professors, what to write, and a ready-to-use email template. All advice follows common practices from successful KAIST applicants.
Should You Email Professors Before Applying?
You do not have to email professors. Many students get admission without any contact. Still many departments look at research fit. A good reply from a professor can help during document review or interview.
Emailing shows you did your homework. It also helps you understand if the professor has space in the lab and if your background matches their work.
Do not email every professor in the department. Choose only 2 to 4 professors whose research matches your interest very well.
When to Send the Email
Send emails 4 to 8 weeks before the application deadline. For Fall 2027 Regular Track the deadline is around March 2027. Start emailing in January or early February.
Best time to send: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM Korea time (KST). Professors check emails in the morning.
If you get no reply wait 2 weeks then send a short polite follow-up. You can follow up one more time after another 2 weeks.
How to Find KAIST Professors
- Go to the KAIST website: admission.kaist.ac.kr or the specific department page.
- Look for Faculty or People section.
- Read each professor’s profile. Check their recent papers research interests and lab website.
- Note their exact email address. It is usually listed on their page.
Choose professors whose recent work matches your background. Read at least one or two of their papers before you write the email.
What to Include in Your Email
Keep the email short and clear. Use simple professional English. Professors receive many emails so make yours easy to read.
A good email has these parts:
- Clear subject line
- Polite greeting
- Short introduction about yourself
- Why you are interested in their research (mention specific paper or project)
- Brief mention of your background and skills
- What you want (example: advice on applying or possibility to join their group)
- Thank you and your contact details
- Attach CV (resume) as PDF
Do not copy-paste the same email to many professors. Change the part about their research for each one.
Ready Email Template
You can copy this template and change the parts in brackets.
Subject: Prospective Graduate Student Interested in Your Research Group – Fall 2027
Dear Professor [Last Name],
I am [Your Full Name] and I will complete my [Bachelor/Master] degree in [Your Major] from [Your University] in [Year]. I am planning to apply for the [Master’s/PhD] program at KAIST for Fall 2027 intake.
I became interested in your research after reading your paper titled “[Paper Title]” published in [Year]. Your work on [specific topic you understood] matches my previous experience in [your related experience or project]. I am particularly interested in [one specific thing from their research].
I have attached my CV for your reference. I would be grateful if you could let me know whether you plan to take new graduate students for Fall 2027 and if my background would be a good fit for your lab.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards, [Your Full Name] [Your Current University and Degree] [Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number with country code]
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not use general sentences that look copied.
- Do not ask for funding or scholarship details in the first email.
- Do not write very long emails.
- Do not forget to attach your CV.
- Do not use informal words like “hi” or “hope you are doing well”.
After You Send the Email
Save all replies. If a professor shows interest mention their name in your application where it asks for preferred faculty.
If you get no reply after two follow-ups move on to other professors. Many professors reply only if they see strong potential.
Extra Tips for Better Results
- Read at least one recent paper from the professor and mention something specific.
- Highlight any research experience publications or relevant skills.
- For Korean-origin applicants or specific countries follow the special rules mentioned in other posts on this site.
- Keep your CV clean and updated before sending.
For any questions about the application process you can also email the official graduate admissions office at advanced.adm@kaist.ac.kr.
Always check the latest admission guide on admission.kaist.ac.kr because rules can change slightly each year.
This guide covers everything you need to email KAIST professors successfully. Follow these steps and write honest emails. Good luck with your KAIST application.
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