Overview of KAIST
The Best Science and Technology University - moving the World from the Core
- KAIST within Korea
- KAIST was established in 1971 as a research-focused university to foster elite human resources in science and technology.
- KAIST within the World
- KAIST has successfully become a well-respected member of the global science community.
- The World within KAIST
- KAIST now strives to become a globally renowned institute by offering the best science and technology education to its students.
Founding Background
- In the 1970s, the Korean government put a strong focus on national industrialization. Its Economic Development Plan included the founding of an institute for science and technology education.
- The 1970s marked a rising need for elite human resources in science and technology. In particular, a graduate school for science and engineering was in demand to prevent the brain drain of talented Korean scientists and engineers.
- The nation’s aspirations for an advanced institute of science and technology was realized with the establishment of Korea’s first research-oriented graduate school in 1971. This graduate school would later be known as one of the best institutes for science and technology education across the globe: KAIST.
Founding Purpose
- Educate and foster elite scientists for the future who are equipped with basic theories and the capabilities for practical application of such knowledge.
- Carry out both long and short term basic and applied research that will enable the nation's strategic technological advancement.
- Promote research collaborations between research institutions and the industries.
QS World University Rankings
The QS World University Rankings are published annually by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a British company specializing in science and technology education. In 2009, QS launched the QS Asian University Rankings (QS University Rankings: Asia) in partnership with the Chosun Ilbo (Korean newspaper company).
KAIST on QS World University Rankings
| Year | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WUR | 90 | 63 | 60 | 51 | 43 | 41 |
| Engineering & Technology | 27 | 24 | 36 | 17 | 13 | 14 |
| Natural Sciences | 57 | 48 | 47 | 54 | 28 | 13 |
THE World University Rankings
The Times Higher Education (THE) publishes the Times Higher Education World University Rankings with data supplied by Thomson Reuters.
KAIST on THE World University Rankings
| Year | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WUR | 79 | 94 | 68 | 56 | 52 | 148 | 89 |
| Engineering & Technology | - | 40 | 44 | 25 | 26 | 81 | 30 |
| Natural Sciences | - | - | - | 87 | 78 | 99 | 89 |