South Korea’s premier science and engineering university, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), is set to establish a stand-alone College of Artificial Intelligence in 2026, a strategic initiative aimed at rapidly expanding the nation’s capacity to train AI specialists amid intensifying global competition for talent.
The decision, approved by the KAIST board on Thursday, marks the first time a Korean university has elevated AI to an independent college-level unit. The university plans to begin student recruitment next year, reflecting the government and academic sector’s growing recognition of AI as a cornerstone of technological and economic advancement.
According to KAIST, the new college will enroll a total of 300 students annually, including 100 undergraduates and 200 graduate students. Among graduate students, 150 will be admitted to master’s programs and 50 to doctoral programs. To accommodate the new intake, KAIST will expand its overall student quotas by the same number, signaling a significant increase in the university’s AI education capacity.
The College of AI is structured into four specialized departments, designed to cover the entire AI value chain—from core computing and hardware to industrial applications and societal impact:
- AI Computing Department: This department will focus on foundational AI theory, algorithms, mathematics, and systems essential for modern AI models. Courses will include cutting-edge topics such as generative AI, multimodal AI integrating text, images, and other data types, and agent-based AI systems capable of autonomous planning and decision-making.
- AI Systems Department: Focused on hardware expertise, this department will train students in AI semiconductors, high-speed communications, and power and thermal management. These skills are critical for efficiently operating large-scale AI models in data centers and edge computing environments.
- AI Transformation (AX) Department: Dedicated to practical deployment, this department will train students to apply AI to sectors including manufacturing, content creation, bio and materials science, and sustainability initiatives, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications.
- AI Futures Department: This department will examine AI ethics, governance, economics, and public policy. Students will study how AI reshapes labor markets, regulatory frameworks, and societal institutions, ensuring graduates understand both technological and societal implications.
Undergraduate programs will commence in the spring semester of 2026. KAIST operates a department-free system for first-year undergraduates, allowing students to explore foundational AI knowledge before selecting one of the four AI majors in their second year. Graduate programs will begin in the fall semester of 2026, with department-specific admissions quotas to be finalized based on research demand and faculty capacity.
The initiative aligns with South Korea’s broader national strategy to secure global leadership in AI technology and talent. The Ministry of Science and ICT confirmed that, beginning in 2027, similar AI-focused colleges will be established at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, and Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology. Each will be tailored to support regional industries and strategic innovation priorities.
KAIST’s move comes as the university’s reputation in AI grows internationally. In ShanghaiRanking Consultancy’s 2025 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, which introduced AI as a standalone field for the first time, KAIST ranked No. 39 globally, highlighting the institution’s strong research output and growing influence in the AI domain.
Officials from KAIST emphasized that the new College of AI is designed not only to develop highly skilled AI professionals but also to foster research that addresses industrial, societal, and ethical challenges. “The College of AI represents a transformative step for South Korea’s AI education and research ecosystem,” said a KAIST spokesperson. “Our goal is to equip students with both technical expertise and the critical understanding required to navigate the complex ethical and social landscape of AI.”
With the launch of this independent AI college, South Korea aims to remain competitive in the global AI race, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent capable of driving innovation across industries such as robotics, healthcare, finance, and sustainable technologies. As AI continues to reshape economies worldwide, KAIST’s initiative positions the country at the forefront of academic excellence and strategic technological development.