KAIST is one of the most selective universities in South Korea. Many students ask: “What is the KAIST acceptance rate for international students?”
While KAIST does not publish exact percentages but we can understand acceptance difficulty using official admissions data, rankings, and comparisons with similar universities.
This guide explains the KAIST acceptance rate for 2026 applicants covering both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Why KAIST Admissions Are Competitive?
There are several reasons that caused the KAIST Admissions Competitive like:
- Top-ranked in Asia for science and engineering.
- Internationally recognized research in AI, robotics, and nanotechnology.
- Scholarship benefits (full tuition + stipend) make it even more competitive.
- High number of applicants, but limited spaces for international students.
KAIST Undergraduate Acceptance Rate
- KAIST receives thousands of applications each year for undergraduate programs.
- The official portal does not release a fixed acceptance percentage.
- Based on media reports and student surveys the estimated acceptance rate is around 7–10% for international undergraduates.
- Strong competition is especially in STEM fields like Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Bioengineering.
Competitive Profile for Undergraduates:
- Top 10–15% of class ranking.
- GPA around 3.6/4.0 or higher.
- Strong recommendation letters.
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 83+ / IELTS 6.5+.
- Optional SAT/ACT or IB/A-Level helps.
Apply Now For The KAIST 2026 Undergraduate Scholarship.
KAIST Graduate Acceptance Rate
Graduate admissions (Master’s & PhD) are slightly more flexible than undergraduate, but still selective.
- Estimated acceptance rate: around 15–20% for international graduate programs.
- Graduate acceptance depends heavily on:
- Research fit with a lab/advisor.
- Quality of SOP & research plan.
- Academic background (GPA 3.5/4.0+ is competitive).
- In some departments, acceptance can be lower if professors receive many applicants for limited positions.
Competitive Profile for Graduates:
- GPA: 3.5/4.0 or higher.
- Strong research background or publications.
- Relevant lab/field alignment with KAIST faculty.
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 83+ / IELTS 6.5+.
Apply Now For The KAIST 2026 Graduate Scholarship.
KAIST vs Other Korean Universities
| University | Acceptance Rate (International, approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| KAIST | UG: 7–10% / Grad: 15–20% | Strong STEM focus, top scholarships |
| POSTECH | UG: ~8% / Grad: ~18% | Similar STEM focus, smaller intake |
| Seoul National University (SNU) | UG: ~10–15% / Grad: ~20% | Broader majors, very prestigious |
| Yonsei & Korea University | UG: ~15–20% | More humanities & social science options |
FAQs
Q. Why doesn’t KAIST publish exact acceptance rates?
Because admission depends on holistic review and departmental needs, not fixed quotas.
Q. Is KAIST harder to get into than SNU?
Yes, for engineering and technology fields. But SNU is more competitive overall in Korea due to its broader reputation.
Q. Do scholarships affect admission chances?
No. Scholarships are automatic for admitted students. But high competition exists because all international students get funding.
Q. Can a student with GPA below 3.5/4.0 get admitted?
Yes, if other parts (research, SOP, recommendations) are very strong.