KAIST

KAIST was selected as the number one 'Best University' by students. According to a recent survey, people in their teens to 50s rated KAIST as the most outstanding university (INUE-Korea Economic Daily University Evaluation). This shows that KAIST's innovative research and creative educational environment are highly regarded by the younger generation. KAIST announced that a total of 6,991 people applied for the 2026 academic year's undergraduate domestic early admission process. This is an increase of 491 people (7.6%) compared to the previous year, with the competition rate rising from 7.98:1 last year to 8.47:1 this year, continuing an upward trend for the fourth consecutive year. Notably, the scale of applications has increased by about 1.9 times compared to the 2023 academic year, showing a significant growth trend. This result aligns with the change in perception revealed in the '2025 INUE-Korea Economic Daily University Evaluation.' In this survey, those in their teens to 50s evaluated KAIST as the top university, but those over 60 years old rated Seoul National University highest, confirming a generational difference in perception. The steady increase in applicants, despite the decrease in the school-age population and the phenomenon of avoiding science and engineering fields, proves that KAIST's educational innovation and global competitiveness are receiving high trust from students. The upward trend in graduate school applicants is also evident. The number has increased by an annual average of 9.5% over the past four years, and foreign applicants have surged by 193%, greatly expanding the interest of outstanding international talents. This shows that KAIST's world-class faculty and cutting-edge research infrastructure are internationally recognized for their competitiveness. The student retention rate has also improved. The number of undergraduate dropouts decreased from 126 in the 2022 academic year to 96 in the 2024 academic year, and voluntary withdrawals to pursue medical or dental fields decreased from 58 to 44 during the same period. This result reverses the expectation that the number of dropouts would increase due to the expansion of medical school quotas. This success is analyzed as the result of KAIST's selection process, which comprehensively evaluates various materials such as the student record, self-introduction letter, and teacher recommendation, rather than just focusing on grades, to reflect not only academic competency but also the 'KAIST DNA' and the motivation for admission. KAIST has also introduced student-centered education systems such as the 'Undecided Major System' and the 'PNR System (Pass or No Record System),' expanding the autonomy of career choice. Through institutional innovation, such as the establishment of the Creative Challenge track and the activation of the Science Gifted Selection System, the university is enabling more outstanding talents to challenge themselves at KAIST. Yong Hyun Kim, KAIST's Dean of Admissions, explained, "As a result of supporting creative talent development and broadening the autonomy of career choice through student-centered systems such as the Undecided Major System and the PNR System which innovates grade notation, the number of applicants continues to increase despite difficult conditions." Kwang Hyung Lee, President of KAIST, stated, "The steady increase in science and engineering talents choosing KAIST is proof that our university's educational and research competitiveness is internationally recognized. The fact that people in their teens to 50s chose KAIST as the 'Best University, No. 1' in a recent survey shows a change in generational values and proves that KAIST is a university that will lead future innovation." He added, "KAIST will continue to nurture the best science and engineering talents that the nation and society need."