MOT NYU-KAIST

In 2022, NYU and KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) formed a historic partnership, combining the distinctive strengths of both universities to drive advances in research, education, and industrial collaboration. In an exciting expansion of this relationship, students will have the unique chance to study business and technology management at both the KAIST College of Business and NYU Tandon School of Engineering, experience two campuses and cultures, forge an international and multidisciplinary network, and earn dual degrees from two world-class universities.

With the MOT NYU-KAIST dual-degree program, students have unique flexibility to choose how they complete the program. Students may begin their coursework at KAIST over either one or two semesters, and then travel to NYC for three semesters (one Summer semester, plus two academic-year semesters), with the option to complete both degrees by either returning to KAIST or staying at NYU to gain Optional Practical Training (OPT) experience in the U.S. Both pathways offer students the chance to study in diverse academic environments and cultures, broaden their perspectives, and expand their career prospects with global credentials while joining a unique, supportive cohort across both schools.

*Courses with NYU M.S. Management of Technology equivalents should be taken in the first semester(s) at KAIST. NYU Tandon Transfer Policy only permits 9 credits to be transferred during the first term at NYU. Students should consult with KAIST advisors regarding the number of total credits to be taken during KAIST semesters.

Students in the MOT NYU-KAIST program will have access to the courses offered within the M.S. Management of Technology curriculum at NYU Tandon. However, in order to complete this dual degree within the allotted two-year timeframe, special care and attention must be given to course selection at both KAIST and NYU. In order to best facilitate this process, the NYU Tandon Department of Technology Management & Innovation and KAIST College of Business faculty have pre-determined a list of courses that would be eligible for transfer between the two institutions. It is highly recommended that students meet regularly with their academic advisors at KAIST and NYU to ensure they are completing degree requirements.  

All students must:

• initially be admitted and fully matriculated into KAIST,
• be nominated by KAIST faculty and approved by NYU,
• submit a formal application by the NYU Tandon Graduate Admissions deadline,
• commit to living in NYC and enrolling in three semesters at NYU following completion of the initial semester(s) at KAIST, and
• monitor course equivalencies between the two schools, ensuring that all credits transfer.

Students who will require a U.S. visa to Travel to NYC following their semester(s) at KAIST.

Participating students should apply for a U.S. visa at least three to four months before the start of their first semester in New York so that they have their documents in order by the end of their KAIST semester. For any questions regarding your visa, please contact the NYU Brooklyn Office of Global Services.

Will dividing my master’s program between two schools add time or cost to earning my degree?

Completing the program will take two years, as normal. Students will continue to pay tuition and fees to their home institution. Tuition and mandatory fees will be waived by the host institution. Other fees that are the responsibility of the student may include: housing, meal plans, health insurance, visa processing, individual course-related fees, student programming fees, and personal expenses (which include, but are not limited to travel, transportation, accommodation, meals, books, consulate/immigration fees, and medical/dental fees not covered by insurance).

If I participate in the MOT NYU-KAIST program, will I be eligible for OPT in the United States?

Yes, students who require a student visa to study in the United States will be able to apply for OPT if they choose the option to finish their degree at NYU. Two consecutive academic-year semesters in the United States are required on a F-1 visa before one can qualify for off-campus employment.

Will any course I choose to take at one school be counted towards my degree?

Course equivalencies have been considered carefully by both schools. Some courses have not been approved for credit transfer. A list of the approved courses can be found above.

What does the application process entail for this program?

In order to participate, students must be nominated by KAIST faculty and approved by NYU Department of Technology Management and Innovation. Following this approval, students must submit a formal application for admission through the NYU Tandon Graduate Admissions team and by the associated deadlines. Fee waivers will be provided to approved students.

KAIST students should speak with their department faculty/administration to signal interest in participating.

Will U.S. students be offered the opportunity to start their degrees in NYC and complete them at KAIST?

Yes. The details of how that can work to satisfy the dual-degree requirements are being actively discussed, and we expect that will become possible in the near future.