About KIST

1. KIST is a research institute. Can it confer degrees?

   KIST has functioned as a research institute since its establishment in 1966. However, it does confer degrees through the University of Science and Technology (UST) which was established by KIST and a consortium of 22 other government institutes in Korea.

2. What is the difference between KIST and KAIST?

   KIST and KAIST have similar names and there was a time when the two institutes were one institution, so many people are still confused. Basically, KIST is a research oriented institution located in Seoul, the capital of Korea. KAIST is an academic university in another city, Daejeon. However, KIST has educational programs and KAIST performs research as well.

3. What is the "Integrative Program" and how do I apply?

   This is a combined program in which a student goes directly into the Ph.D program after completing his/her Master's degree. Students are able to apply to the integrative program after completing 2 semesters of the Master's course.

Admission FAQs

1. How can I apply to the IRDA program?

   Applicants can visit http://irda.kist.re.kr and see a notice in the pop- up window. Otherwise, just click the short-cut http://irda.kist.re.kr/admissions/default.asp.

2. How can applicants get information about majors which are available in IRDA?

   KIST doesn't have specific majors like other academic universities. KIST has 6 research divisions and students will be attached to one of these divisions. Applicants can get information about our faculty and other academic information through this website and get further information concerning research fields at the KIST website (www.kist.re.kr).

3. I haven't taken the TOEFL test. Can I apply?

   Because all academic instruction in the IRDA program is conducted in English, English is an important criterion for admission and satisfactory performance of research. Moreover, a TOEFL score is required when applying for government scholarships. In consideration of applicants who may have difficulty in sitting for the exam, we also accept IELTS or TOEIC scores (TOEIC 730, IELTS 6.0 or TEPS 680 are also acceptable) The only exemption from the English testing requirement is for applicants who have finished an academic course and have lived more than 2 years in a native English-speaking country (e.g., the U.S.A, England, Australia, etc.).

4. Can applicants apply using an Institutional TOEFL score?

   The international TOEFL administered by ETS is the only type accepted. A score from an Institutional TOEFL exam from a university or other institution will not be accepted.

5. I have not yet received my Degree. Can I still apply before graduating?

   If you finish your course before our semester starts (usually March 1, September 1), you can apply by attaching an official certificate certifying your expected graduation.

6. When is vacation time?

   The Fall semester usually starts in September and the Spring semester in March. Both semesters continue for 16 weeks. After a semester is completed, there are generally 2 months before classes begin again (4 months a year) and vacation can be taken at that time. However, since most of your time will be spent doing research work, which continues year round, most students are not able to take such an extended break. To arrange vacation time, it is recommended that students discuss the matter with their advisors. In usual case, students have 20 days vacation a year under advisors¡¯ permission.

7. Do I have to contact my advisor before applying?

   After an applicant is accepted, the IRDA office will assign an advisor based on the applicant's prior training and expressed interests. Applicants may get the information about the researchers through the IRDA website and contact them, but it is not mandatory.