KAIST Scholar, Raad from Bangladesh, Pursues a Double Major in Industrial Systems Engineering and Business Technology Management at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), South Korea

Hi! I am Raad Rafian Ahmed, an international undergraduate student at KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology). I am majoring in Industrial Systems Engineering, double-majoring in Business Technology Management, with a minor in Computer Science. I am originally from Bangladesh.

My academic journey is shaped by my aspiration to build a career at the intersection of operations research, machine learning, and finance. Industrial Engineering gave me a strong foundation in data science, mathematical modeling, and optimization; my Computer Science minor strengthened my technical and algorithmic background; and my Business Technology Management major gave me solid exposure to business, economics, and finance. Together, these programs perfectly aligned with my long-term academic and career goals.

KAIST Scholarship Details

I was selected for the prestigious KAIST Scholarship in Fall 2022. This award covered my full tuition fees, along with a monthly stipend of 350,000 KRW and health insurance coverage. The scholarship is highly competitive and directly integrated with the admissions process, which means that if you are admitted to KAIST, you are also considered for the scholarship automatically.

Other Scholarship Offers

Before committing to KAIST, I also applied to several universities in the United States and Australia. I received merit-based scholarships from Swinburne University of Technology (~75% off tuition fees) and the Australian National University (Partial Scholarship). I had also applied to two Ivy League universities in the U.S., but I did not pursue those further as I had already secured admission and funding from KAIST.

Educational Background

I studied at one of the most prestigious institutions in Bangladesh, Mirzapur Cadet College. Life there was unique as it combined rigorous academics with a structured, military-style discipline. This experience shaped my personal growth, resilience, and leadership skills.

Beyond academics, I actively engaged in extracurricular activities such as inter-house competitions, sports, and stage performances. I was an athlete in track and field events, represented the Blue House, and also served as a dorm leader for Fazlul Huq House.

One of my proudest contributions was founding the MCC Robotics Lab, which encouraged students to pursue robotics in a hands-on environment. Under this initiative, many of my juniors later represented the college in prestigious international robotics competitions and even won global awards.

Preparing for Applications

To apply to institutions, I carefully researched and followed the updates from my shortlisted universities.

Regarding standardized tests, I did not have much time to prepare or sit for the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, or IELTS. However, my side projects, certifications, and awards played a crucial role in strengthening my application and demonstrating my potential.

For the KAIST scholarship specifically, the process was straightforward since it is integrated with the general application. Admission to KAIST itself is highly competitive, and receiving an offer essentially means you have been awarded the scholarship.

Experience at KAIST

Studying at KAIST has been an incredible journey. The campus is innovative, dynamic, and full of opportunities for growth. There are numerous research labs, cutting-edge facilities, and initiatives that help students bring out the best in themselves.

Academically, KAIST is one of the most competitive institutions, and maintaining high grades requires consistent effort. At the same time, the international community and the beauty of the campus make it a truly enriching environment.

International Community at KAIST

At KAIST, there are many international events happening throughout the year that bring students together. For example, KAIST ONE showcases different countries as students represent their cultures through performances, activities, and exhibitions. There are also food festivals where we get to experience diverse cuisines from around the world.

In addition, the KAIST International Student Association (KISA) plays a big role in creating a welcoming environment for students from all backgrounds. I am excited to actively participate in these communities and contribute to making KAIST an even more vibrant, inclusive, and globally connected campus.

Support for International Students

KAIST offers strong support services for international students. There is a dedicated International Scholar & Student Services team and even an on-campus visa and immigration office in Daejeon, which makes handling paperwork and transitions much easier.

Language of Instruction

All classes at KAIST are conducted in English, though students are required to take some Korean language courses as part of graduation requirements. Not knowing Korean will not create any academic problems, but it can pose challenges when searching for internships or jobs in South Korea.

What Made My Application Stand Out

I believe it was my overall profile, strong academic background, extracurricular involvement, leadership experiences, projects, and essays that made my application competitive.

What I Would Have Done Differently

Looking back, I am satisfied with my journey. I believe I applied at the right time and made thoughtful decisions.

Advice for Future Applicants

My advice is to always keep exploring opportunities. Prestigious scholarships like KAIST’s are highly competitive, but there are also many other excellent scholarships around the world. Align your choice of university with your career goals, and demonstrate your authentic interests and potential through your application.

Studying at KAIST as an international scholar has been a rewarding experience for me, and I encourage others to aim high and be open to global opportunities.