The main focus of CT (Culture Technology) is "culture" and "culture industry". The GSCT has several perspectives of viewing and analyzing cultures, such as science/engineering, humanities, social studies, and art. However, the GSCT does not classify students by their majors or backgrounds, as we believe that the essence of CT lies in the convergence of different fields of study. Furthermore, lowering barriers between different fields of studies is one of the most important goals of CT. The GSCT has about 10 laboratories and research groups each having its own focus of study. For further details, please refer to the GSCT website.

GSCT follows the general standards and rules of any other graduate school around the world. As personal academic plans and fields of study are mostly rigidly determined prior to application, those who are seeking to apply to the doctoral program of GSCT are strongly recommended to thoroughly study the active research topics in our graduate school. Upon finding a professor whose research interests match yours, adequate communication with the professor regarding possibilities of advice should be done before the application. While admittance without a prospective advisor may be possible, difficulties might arise in choosing and confirming your field of study and advisor if you do not make plans before applying. For more information, please check the department introduction on page 17 of the attachment file below.

2022 Fall (Regular Track) KAIST International Graduate Admission Application Guide

* NOTE: In the case of international students, there is an exception to this rule. The applicants (both M.S. and Ph.D.) must secure an advisor before they will be admitted. And the advisor’s name must be included in the application.
For applicants applying for the GKS program, there is no space to write down the desired advisor on the application form. Therefore, applicants should submit their desired advisor when the department manager investigates later.

Please refer to KAIST’s main website for standard application forms and requirements. As GSCT students have various backgrounds and majors, applicants for GSCT are required to submit additional data. (See the “What do I need to prepare before applying for an M.A. or Ph.D. at the GSCT?” Q&A below.)

CT means blending and interchanging technology, humanities, social studies, culture, and arts. In fact, there is no restriction on undergraduate academic background. The CT Interdisciplinary Program, the predecessor of GSCT, has students not only from Computer Science, Mechanics, and Industry Technology, but also from English Literature, Psychology, Sociology, Industry Design, Fine Arts, and even Fashion Design.

We are well aware that few people have received an M.A./M.S. in CT. The only precondition to applying for a Ph.D. in CT is that applicants (who already have a master's) have to have a passion for CT studies, a clear sense of their goal, and the excellence to carry out research in CT. Successful applicants will also have a clear study plan and concrete ideas about their intended research.

In addition to standard application documents (self-introduction letter, transcripts of academic records, recommendation letters, etc.), we recommend that you make a study plan in advance that details what path of study you may wish to take here. During the interview process, you will likely be asked about your intended study plan, as well as what have accomplished thus far (if you pass the document screening). To get acceptance to KAIST, you need a certain level of English proficiency, regardless of your academic background. You are required to submit a publicly credible English score such as TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, or TEPS.

Basically, a government scholarship awardee in the GSCT will enjoy benefits including partial tuition and TA payments. Additionally, there is an academic activity supporting program, (known as BK21+), partially supported publishing fees, patent registration fees, and domestic/international academic conference fees/boarding/lodging. Students are able to receive additional funds by participating in research projects run by professors or Culture Technology Research Institute (CTRI).

KAIST offers dormitory rooms to almost all the students with “government scholarships and/or KAIST scholarships”. Living in a dormitory is not compulsory. KAIST also has apartments for married students that students can apply for those if desired, or students can choose to find their own (self-funded) housing options.

Applicants can apply twice per year. Students are accepted in the spring and fall semester. For more information about application timeline, please visit the Graduate Admissions Team(https://admission.kaist.ac.kr/intl-graduate/).