PhD in Department of Mathematical Sciences

Mathematical sciences cover the study of abstract structures, quantitative relationships, and formal reasoning, spanning subfields such as algebra, analysis, geometry, probability, and applied mathematics. Mathematicians develop theories and proofs, and increasingly apply mathematical methods to problems in other sciences, engineering, finance, and computing. The Department of Mathematical Sciences at KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), located in Yuseong-gu, South Korea, offers a doctoral program in this field with instruction delivered in English. Doctoral candidates typically specialize in a subfield such as differential equations, number theory, mathematical physics, or applied and computational mathematics, working with a faculty advisor to produce original theoretical results that form a dissertation. Mathematical training at the doctoral level builds deep skills in abstract reasoning, proof construction, and, in applied areas, the modeling and analysis of real-world systems. Graduates pursue careers in academia, research positions in industries that rely on advanced mathematical modeling such as finance and technology, and roles in data science or cryptography that draw on rigorous quantitative training. The program takes four years to complete, with intakes beginning in September and March (February for MBA cohorts). As part of a national science and technology institute, the department has close ties to engineering, physics, and computing programs, supporting applied mathematics research that intersects with other technical fields. Since instruction and research supervision are conducted in English, applicants are expected to meet the university's English proficiency requirements in addition to the strong mathematical background required for doctoral admission.