r/KAIST

I’m 18, class of 27 , international student in Saudi Arabia hoping to EA kaist for Mech E,but I’m wondering if I should even bother applying or if it would be a waste of money. Here are my stats:

1540 SAT superscore (780 maths) (760 RW)
4.0 GPA American curriculum
Sadly no APs

ECs:

Interned at an international airport in my city.

Founded various clubs and currently leading the robotics club at my school

Worked as a support team member for a team that sdvanced to regionals at F1 international engineering competition

Multiple martial arts certificates signed by the ministry of sport

Worked on multiple MUN conferences as leading roles and heavy focus on Media and Graphic design based roles

Worked on leading my schools podcast team

Won awards at international Business competitions-

I know my EC list could’ve been a bit better (Math olympiads and such) but I’m just wondering if I should bother applying or drop the idea?

I am a student from Ethiopia planning to apply to KAIST and recently learned that they offer application fee waivers and I was curious if anyone has actually gotten it

Hi everyone! I'm an international student from Bangladesh planning to apply to US universities as a freshman for Fall 2027, primarily for Computer Science.

My profile:

\- Academics: SSC 5.00/5.00, HSC 5.00/5.00 (Bangladeshi national curriculum).

\- SAT: October attempt didn't go as planned; considering a November retake.

\- Awards: Champion at BCSIR National Science & Industrial Fair 2023, Bronze Medalist at Bangladesh Robot Olympiad 2021, and 2nd Runner-Up at JRC Board Hackathon 2023.

\- Recent achievement: Ranked among the top 40 in a national Android development bootcamp organized by bdapps and Robi Axiata, among 100,000+ participants.

\- Research & projects: AI/ML and computer vision research, robotics, and several software projects.

\- Leadership & ECs: Co-founder and Design Lead of a humanitarian nonprofit, campus ambassador, and involvement in tech events and community initiatives.

\- Other: I had a business that served 500+ customers (a service based business), I have founded a gamified learning platform CholoSikhi, that helps student learn using a gamified system like duolingo (Recently I added SAT Practice Suite there, totally free)

My biggest constraint is finances. I need a full ride or financial aid covering essentially all my educational and living expenses, as I cannot afford to pay for college myself. Both of my parents are deceased, and I am unable to pay application fees too!

I'd really appreciate your suggestions on:

1. Which universities should I target, considering my profile and financial situation?

2. Which colleges offer generous need-based aid to international students?

3. Should I prioritize ED, EA, or RD given my need for full funding?

4. What can I realistically improve in my application over the next few months?

I'm open to both reaches and realistic options. Honest feedback and personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hey guys, I am currently applying for kaist,my debit card from Nabil Bank has declined and don't know how to pay. I applied for fee waiver but it has been rejected i don't know why .

Also look at my stats and give a shot.

I have both Nepali and Indian citizenship, but applying from nepal will give me a lot easy route i think. My father is in Indian army so i read both in India and Nepal.

My stats.

1-10 was in India.

10Th.. CBSE 95%

After that my dad retired and I passed 12th from Neb board and got 3.96 gpa in science just missed Nepali cause i don't know much.

My stats and Honors:

In India

All india Crest Math Olympiad : Bronze in 2023

Drafted for : Tata Chess 4 all 2023

Selected for india IMO exposure camp in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

National Scrabble Champion

Selected in Delhi Capitals as Net Bowler.

In Nepal

Won DMO and state one too, called for closed camp in 2025 but withdrawn due to presonal reason.

I haven't won much in Nepal as this was new setting and didn't get much opportunity.

After twelfth, I went back to India and gave SAT and scored 1560 with 800 math. I don't know how I fumbled in Language Sec.I think it will make my profile weak for ivy.

I honestly wanted to try in stanford, but don't have much Ecs , just academic stuffs. Got to know about kaist by a friend filled the form but payment declined and created reddit and joined here to ask help. I mean I also have SBI account in India. Should i do form nep or india?

I am from nepal and is currently applying for kasit undergrad application for civil and environmental engineering.

MY PROFILE

Academics : Recently passed 12th NEB boards in 2026 feb with (3.66/4) CGPA with A+ in maths, chem, computer, english and nepali and A in physics ; more than half a million student compete anually. But got only (2.98/4) in 11th.. And (3.69/4) in grade 10th..

IELTS : Got 7.5 overall band. But haven't done SAT.

Extra curriculars : Founded school quiz club, President school child Club, School Cricket Team, Basketball and Chess PLayer and high school stem club member

Honours : No olympaids or major medals. 2/3 District level quiz championship and 2nd place, District cricket champions , school level chess and basketball champion and Principal Best student Award receipient in school like in grade 10 (2 yrs ago). all these awards were in school not in 11 and 12 level.

Do i have a chance... can you guide me ... what should i do...

Hello
I am interested in doing masters in computer science at KAUST I am currently doing bachelors in CSE ( AI& ML) at SRM university in India I just started my 3rd year
I currently have a gpa of 3.15/4
I’ll apply next fall (2028)
How hard is it to be accepted in KAUST what are the minimal requirements and cutoffs in terms of gpa , resume , experience ( eg : internships / research paper publishing , projects , git etc)
How well do I need to prepare and furnish myself so I can be accepted
All types of suggestions would be appreciated