KAIST School of Computing Overview
Leading institution in computer science education and research since 1971.

Human-Centric Computing

Location Overview
Home to 1100+ undergrads, 540+ grads, 50+ faculty
Daejeon, South Korea
Situated in Korea's premier science and technology hub
Strategic Location
Just 50 minutes from Seoul via KTX high-speed rail
Modern Campus
Campus Size: 1,163,894㎡, including four School of Computing buildings totaling 24,800㎡
Tech Ecosystem
Surrounded by national institutes (ETRI, KISTI, KRISS) in Daedeok Innopolis

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Community & Facilities
School of Computing Building
11,626㎡ of dedicated space for computing education and research.
Kim B.H. & Kim S.Y. ITC Building
4,889㎡ facility supporting IT convergence innovation.
KRAFTON SoC Building
Newest addition with 7,420㎡ for cutting-edge research initiatives.
Security Research Building
Specialized 898㎡ facility focused on cybersecurity advancement.
Our diverse community has produced 5,410 graduates: 2,255 bachelor's, 2,321 master's, and 834 Ph.D. alumni. International graduates comprise a significant portion across all levels.

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Global Computer Science Departments Comparison
KAIST
stands out for its research excellence in systems, security, HCI, AI, and computer graphics.
Overall
Despite smaller size, KAIST matches global leaders with multiple ACM/IEEE best paper awards and increasing international presence.

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KAIST School of Computing Timeline
From humble beginnings to global recognition, the KAIST School of Computing has evolved through five decades of innovation and excellence.
1970s: Foundation Era
Established in 1971 as part of KAIS. The first CS department was formed in 1978. Pioneered computer science education in Korea.
1980s: Expansion Period
KAIS was renamed to KAIST in 1980. Merged with KIT in 1989. Relocated to the current Daejeon campus.
1990s-2000s: Growth Phase
First BS degrees were awarded in 1990. Merged with ICU in 2009. The SoC Building was expanded through alumni support.
2010s: Institutional Evolution
ITC Building was constructed in 2013. The Department expanded to the School of Computing in 2015.
2020s: Innovation Age
AI programs launched. "Computing Windmill" strategy introduced. International collaboration expanded. New KRAFTON SoC building coming in 2025.

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KAIST School of Computing: Vision and Goals
Knowledge creation and innovative research & education for humanity, centered on human-centric computing
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Educate Creative Leaders
Fostering communication, interaction, and inclusion capabilities among future tech innovators.
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Advance Scientific Research
Promoting interdisciplinary research and educational initiatives across diverse domains.
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Investigate Open Problems
Pursuing innovative, versatile approaches to computing challenges.
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Create New Information Services
Developing technologies that improve human quality of life.
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Integrate Computing Foundations
Combining traditional computing with AI, ML, and Big Data technologies.

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KAIST School of Computing Alumni Careers
Academia & Research
Our graduates hold professorships at prestigious institutions worldwide.
  • Leading research labs across U.S., Europe, and Asia
  • Publishing groundbreaking papers at top conferences
  • Advancing computing theory and applications globally
Industry Leaders
Alumni excel at the world's most influential tech companies.
  • Google, Microsoft, Apple, Meta
  • Amazon, Samsung, and other tech giants
  • Driving innovation in product development
Entrepreneurship
Many graduates have founded globally impactful startups.
  • AI, fintech, and software platforms
  • Securing international investment
  • Supported by KAIST's lab-based startup programs
Public Sector
Alumni shape national technology policies and initiatives.
  • Government advisory roles
  • National R&D strategy development
  • Digital transformation and cybersecurity leadership

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Scientific Research Facilities
High-Performance Computing
Advanced servers for complex calculations
Robotics Lab
Testing platforms for AI integration
VR/AR Suite
Immersive visualization research space
Data Center
Secure storage for research projects

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Research Infrastructure
Empowering cutting-edge research with advanced computing systems, intelligent robots, and immersive interaction environments.
Our high-performance computing clusters support complex simulations and data analysis essential for AI research and scientific discovery.
The robotics laboratories feature state-of-the-art platforms for testing human-robot interaction and autonomous systems development.
Immersive VR/AR environments allow researchers to explore new paradigms of human-computer interaction and spatial computing.

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Computing Research Infrastructure
KCLOUD
Our unified OpenStack-based private cloud infrastructure powers research computing across KAIST.
  • 10,000+ vCPUs and 24TB+ memory
  • Built in 2016-2017, continuously upgraded
  • Dynamic provisioning of compute resources
  • Supports research, courses, and administration
AICLOUD
Specialized high-performance computing environment dedicated to artificial intelligence research.
  • NVIDIA A100 GPU clusters
  • Optimized for deep learning workloads
  • Custom portal for AI researchers
  • Supports cutting-edge ML development
Technical Excellence
Our infrastructure embodies best practices in research computing.
  • Fully open-source virtualization stack
  • Enterprise-grade security protocols
  • Usage-based billing for projects
  • Integrated backup and redundancy

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Research Areas
Computing Theory
Algorithms, geometry, language
System-Networks
Architecture, OS, connectivity
Secure Computing
Security theory, privacy protection
Visual Computing
Graphics, vision, visualization
AI/ML-Information
Machine learning, data mining
Social Computing
Human-society interactions
Software Design
Engineering, development, testing
Interactive Computing
HCI, touch, gesture interfaces

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Computing Theory & Theoretical Foundations
Algorithms & Complexity
Study of efficient problem-solving methods and computational limitations.
Computational Geometry
Algorithms for geometric problems in graphics, robotics, and GIS applications.
Programming Languages
Research on software development from design to deployment.
Cryptology
Mathematical foundations for secure information systems and communications.
Theoretical computing provides the foundational principles that power all computing innovations. Our research optimizes software development while ensuring safety and efficiency across diverse applications.

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Systems-Networks / Experimental Foundations
Systems research forms the experimental backbone of computing innovation at KAIST School of Computing.
Traditional Strengths
Computer architecture, operating systems, networks, and embedded systems expertise provides our foundation.
Emerging Leadership
Building global excellence in AI systems, mobile UX, cyber-physical systems, and cloud computing.
Future Horizons
Expanding into social network analysis, confidential computing, and autonomous robotic systems.

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Software Design & Engineering Excellence
Creativity-Driven Development
Our designs foster computational creativity that impacts all human experiences.
Systematic Approaches
We study software lifecycles with quantitative methodologies and rigorous frameworks.
Emerging Technologies
Research spans web, mobile, cloud, and big data paradigms.
Design Innovation
Specialized tools empower next-generation software systems and services.
The KAIST School of Computing adapts to rapidly evolving software architectures. Our research creates advanced design methodologies that balance technical excellence with human-centered approaches.

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Visual Computing / Advanced Computer Graphics and Vision
Visual computing fuses computational methods with visual information processing across diverse media formats.
Computer Vision
Developing systems that extract meaningful information from visual data for robotics and automation.
Computer Graphics
Creating advanced rendering techniques and geometric computations for immersive visual experiences.
Neural Rendering
Pioneering AI-driven approaches for scene reconstruction and realistic image synthesis.
Medical Imaging
Advancing diagnostic capabilities through computational photography and specialized imaging techniques.

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AI-Information Service
Big Data Management
Advanced systems for processing vast data volumes from personal and social sources.
Intelligent Analysis
Machine learning algorithms extract insights from complex multimedia and spatio-temporal data.
Knowledge Services
Systems that transform raw information into actionable intelligence through AI processing.
Foundational AI
Research in visual understanding, natural language processing, and autonomous planning systems.
Our Information Service research addresses the exponential growth of data across all domains. We develop parallel search engines, web data management systems, and sensor network frameworks that enable intelligent processing at unprecedented scale.

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Social Computing / Pervasive Computing
Biological NLP
Pioneering natural language processing systems that analyze biological datasets and genomic information.
Social Networks
Mapping complex relationship patterns and information flows across digital communities.
Computational Journalism
Developing tools that transform data into meaningful stories through automated analysis.
Information Security
Creating frameworks that protect privacy while enabling collaborative data analysis.
Semantic Web
Building next-generation knowledge systems that understand context and meaning in data.
Our social computing research bridges technological innovation with human experience. We develop foundational tools for computational social sciences that analyze individual and societal digital footprints.

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Interactive Computing / Human-Computer Interaction
Touch Interfaces
Developing intuitive multi-touch systems for smartphones, tablets, and tabletop devices.
Gesture Recognition
Creating spatial interaction models that interpret human movement for device control.
Brain-Computer Interfaces
Pioneering direct neural pathways between brains and computers for revolutionary control mechanisms.
Haptic Feedback
Engineering tactile response systems that create realistic physical sensations in virtual environments.
Our interactive computing research reimagines how humans and computers connect. As devices evolve beyond traditional forms, we're developing natural language interfaces and organic user interfaces that adapt to human behavior.

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Education & Programs
Our educational approach cultivates computing leaders through flexible academic pathways and real-world application. Students develop innovative solutions while receiving individualized guidance from renowned faculty.
Comprehensive Degree Pathways
Bachelor's, Master's, Ph.D., and integrated M.S./Ph.D. tracks
AI & Interdisciplinary Focus
Courses bridging computing with robotics, bioinformatics, finance
Hands-On Learning
Hands-on software development projects in collaboration with industry partners
Faculty Mentorship
Personalized guidance from world-class professors

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Innovation in Education
Smart Learning Platforms
Elice platform enables interactive and AI-assisted teaching methods. This enhances student engagement.
Edu 4.0 Pedagogy
Our initiative fosters flipped learning, peer collaboration, and project-based activities.
Specialized Camps
Camps like SW Development and URP/GURP build real-world problem-solving skills.
Community Outreach
K-MOOC and public programs promote software literacy across broader communities.

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International Recognition of Research Excellence
Top-tier Conference Awards
Best Paper and Distinguished Paper honors at ACM's SOSP, CSCW, ICSE, and CHI
Diverse Field Recognition
Finalist selections in robotics navigation at ICRA; Outstanding Paper at SIGGRAPH and USENIX Security
Long-term Impact
Test of Time Honorable Mentions demonstrating lasting research significance
Specialized Excellence
Distinguished achievements at MobiSys, SPAA, ISSTA, ICSME, and UbiComp in specialized domains
Global Validation
Recognition from ACM, IEEE, USENIX, and ACL underscores our strong research culture and commitment to talent development.

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World-Class Standing in Computer Science
#1 in South Korea
Leading Institution in Asia
Top 20-50 Worldwide
KAIST School of Computing stands as a global leader in computer science education and research excellence. Our department consistently achieves elite status across all major international ranking systems.
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QS Ranking
Computer Science & Information Systems
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CSRankings
Research output in core computing areas
<40
THE Ranking
Times Higher Education global position
<60
US News
Global computer science standing

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Global Academic Leadership
KAIST School of Computing faculty lead prestigious international conferences, advancing computer science globally.
Software & Systems Leadership
Faculty serve as General and Program Chairs at ICSE, FSE, PLDI, and MobiSys, shaping software engineering's future.
AI & Theory Advancement
Leading organizational roles in NeurIPS, ICLR, ICFP, and POPL establish KAIST as a theoretical computing authority.
Interactive & Visual Computing
Chair positions at ACM UbiComp, CHI, SIGGRAPH, and Eurographics demonstrate expertise in human-centered technologies.
Medical & Applied Computing
Leadership in specialized conferences like MICCAI reflects our commitment to computing for human wellbeing.

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International Research Collaboration Network
Government & Public Research
  • Collaborations with the U.S. Office of Naval Research for cutting-edge technology development.
  • ONRG and AOARD facilitate international scientific partnerships.
  • Key European collaborations include CERTH and the Energy Institute of Norway.
Academic Partnerships
  • Partnership with the University of St. Gallen to advance technology management.
  • Collaboration with Mandat International focuses on IoT standardization.
  • Engaging in cross-disciplinary projects with leading global research institutions.
Industry Collaborations
  • Joint research projects with industry leaders like Google, Microsoft, and Adobe.
  • Support from Amazon AWS and Oracle for various cloud computing initiatives.
  • Driving hardware innovation through partnerships with Intel, Boeing, and Huawei.

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Global Academic Partnerships & Opportunities
Worldwide Research Network
Our global collaboration network includes ETH Zurich, UC Berkeley, University of Toronto, and NUS. These partnerships enable knowledge exchange across continents and research domains.
Students gain international exposure through exchanges with TUM, EPFL, Technion, and NTU. These experiences prepare graduates to lead computing innovation on the global stage.
KAIST School of Computing offers prestigious joint M.S. programs with TU Berlin and DTU. These partnerships immerse students in Europe's premier research environments while maintaining KAIST's academic rigor.
Top Ph.D. candidates are awarded competitive fellowships by global tech leaders such as Google, Microsoft Research, and Apple. These industry connections foster innovation and provide crucial financial support.

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KAIST School of Computing Employment Statistics (2019–2023)
Reference Information
  • Reference Date: December 31 (KESS Educational Statistics Standard)
  • Data Source: KESS Educational Statistics Service (Official Government Database)
  • Scope: KAIST School of Computing (Undergraduate, Master's, Doctoral)
  • Years Covered: 2019–2023
Formula Section
Employment Rate (%) = Employed / {Graduates − (Graduate Studies + Military + Unemployable + International Students + Excluded)} × 100
Advanced Study Rate (%) = Graduate Studies / Graduates × 100
Note: All rates below have been verified using the official KESS calculation formula (error margin < 0.05%)
Undergraduate Program (B.Sc.)
Key Insights
  • Steady growth in graduates: 96 → 164 (+71%)
  • Employment rate maintained near 80%
  • About one-third of graduates pursue further study
  • Slight employment rate drop due to increased foreign student ratio

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Graduate Programs Employment Statistics (2019–2023)
Master's Program (M.Sc.)
Key Insights
  • Average employment rate: 94%
  • Average advanced study rate: ~29%
  • Master's graduates primarily join the ICT industry and research labs
Doctoral Program (Ph.D.)
Key Insights
  • Average employment rate: 86%
  • Nearly all Ph.D. graduates move into research institutions or the high-tech industry
  • There are no advanced study cases, indicating full professional placement

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Employment Statistics Summary (2019–2023)
Summary Table
Overall Interpretation
  • Combined employment rate (all degrees): 86.6%
  • Graduate-level employment remains consistently high (>90%)
  • Undergraduate advanced study ratio: ~35–40%, mostly to domestic and overseas graduate schools
  • High retention rates (>94%) show strong job stability and sustainable career outcomes

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Faculty Recruitment Guide
Join the KAIST School of Computing, a global leader in computer science. We seek exceptional faculty who will contribute to our research innovation and educational excellence.
Academic Requirements
  • Ph.D. in Computer Science or related field.
  • Candidates expecting Ph.D. within 9 months of application are eligible (requires advisor's letter).
Preferred Qualifications
  • Outstanding research achievements.
  • Strong teaching capabilities.
  • Prior experience in overseas academia or industry.

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Required Documents
To ensure a comprehensive review of your application, please submit the following:
  • Formal Application: Complete the designated online form.
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed overview of your academic and professional history.
  • Research and Teaching Statements: Clearly articulate your research interests, future plans, and teaching philosophy.
  • Five Representative Publications: Submit five representative and impactful scholarly publications, including either direct URLs or PDF copies.
  • Letters of Recommendation:
  • Assistant/Associate Professor: A minimum of 3 letters required.
  • Full Professor or Tenure Appointment: A minimum of 6 letters required.
  • Recommenders should hold a rank equal to or higher than the position applied for.
  • Transcripts and Diplomas: (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.) – Required only for shortlisted candidates.
  • Consent Form: For Personal Information Collection and Use.

Important Privacy Note
To prevent bias, please ensure that no personal information (e.g., national ID number, family relations) is included in any submitted documents.

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Hiring Procedure
Our comprehensive faculty recruitment process ensures a thorough evaluation of each candidate's potential and fit within the KAIST School of Computing.
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Document Review
Evaluation based on submitted materials: research/teaching plans, academic background, and publications.
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Seminar & Interview
Candidates present an open seminar, followed by an evaluation by the School's Faculty Recruitment Committee.
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School Review
Review and deliberation by the School-Level Faculty Review Committee.
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College Review
Further assessment by the College-Level Faculty Recruitment Committee.
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Leadership Interview
An interview conducted by the President, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dean of Academic Affairs.
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University Personnel Committee
Review applicable for tenure or full professor appointments.
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Final Decision & Notification
Official appointment made in accordance with KAIST personnel policies, with individual notification of results.

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Important Considerations
Year-Round Applications
Applications for faculty positions are accepted continuously throughout the year, providing flexibility for prospective candidates.
Timely Announcements
Recruitment announcements for specific positions are posted as needed, ensuring that opportunities are aligned with current academic demands.
Bilingual Teaching & Research
Candidates are expected to contribute significantly to both research and educational excellence. Proficiency in teaching in English is highly preferred.
Blind Hiring Policy
KAIST applies a strict blind hiring policy to all applications to eliminate potential biases and ensure fair evaluation.
Commitment to Gender Equality
KAIST is deeply committed to fostering gender equality within its faculty and strongly encourages qualified female candidates to apply.

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Application Process
Prospective faculty members are invited to submit their applications exclusively through the official online application portal of the KAIST School of Computing.

Inquiries
For any questions regarding the application process, please reach out to us:
  • Phone: +82-42-350-3502
Official Sources
Find more detailed information and access the application platform via the following resources:

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