From Qingdao to the "MIT of Korea" - A dream coming true

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news from our senior class—Hubert, a Grade 12 student at the International School of Qingdao, has been accepted to KAIST University, one of the most prestigious institutions in Asia for science and technology. For Hubert, this offer is more than just a letter—it’s the realization of a long-held dream.

> “KAIST is at the top of my dream school list,” Hubert shared. “It’s such a load off my shoulders to receive this offer.”

KAIST—short for Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology—is a world-renowned national research university located in Daejeon, South Korea. Established in 1971, KAIST was Korea’s first public institution focused solely on science and engineering. Often referred to as the “MIT of Korea,” it’s known for producing cutting-edge research in areas like robotics, AI, sustainable energy and space science. Its graduates have helped shape South Korea’s rise as a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Over the past five years, seven students from International School of Qingdao have been accepted to KAIST, with those students spending an average of 9.4 years at our school. We’re proud to see our graduates go on to pursue their passions at such a high level, and Hubert’s acceptance continues this tradition of excellence. It’s a reminder of the academic strength, mentorship and long-term student growth that happens every day in our learning community.

We’re also excited to announce that KAIST is visiting Qingdao this spring, and we are incredibly honored that the International School of Qingdao is the only international school in the city selected to host their visit. As part of a limited two-city tour in China, KAIST will be on our campus on May 22, meeting with students and families interested in learning more about its programs, admissions and campus life. We’re proud to extend this rare opportunity to the broader Qingdao community, and we warmly welcome anyone interested in STEM-focused higher education to join us for this special event. RSVP details will be shared in April, so please mark your calendar.

To Hubert—congratulations on this exciting milestone. And to the many students in our community dreaming big—we hope this is a reminder that your goals are within reach. With hard work, support and vision, doors open… and sometimes, they lead to places like KAIST.