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The collaboration supports UNSW’s plans to strengthen ties with South Korea and aligns with the NSW government’s trade and investment strategy.

UNSW Sydney has signed a strategic partnership with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) to deepen emerging research and translation collaboration between the two universities.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to support joint research and development projects with a particular focus on student mobility, biotechnology and climate. It will also help facilitate startup support and exchanges, industry collaboration, shared education programs and joint policy development.

The Governor of South Korea’s Chungnam Province, Kim Tae-heum, visited UNSW's Kensington campus for the occasion, accompanied by a senior delegation from KAIST university.

They were joined by the NSW Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong.

Strengthening UNSW’s engagement with Korea

UNSW has a long-standing relationship with South Korea, with over 360 Korean students currently studying at the University.  

In addition to traditional undergraduate and postgraduate courses, UNSW is also increasing its short course options to support lifelong learning for government and corporate partners in the region. 

UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said UNSW was delighted to partner with the KAIST university in Korea, and proud to align the University’s mission with the NSW government’s Trade and Investment Strategy.

“Through partnerships with leading global institutions such as the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), UNSW is deepening our engagement in Korea and the region and sharing our dedication to progress for all,” he said. 

 “We have a long history of educating students from Korea. We are committed to collaborating with trusted international partners, demonstrating our expertise on the global stage and driving progress in areas such as renewable technologies, green skills, life sciences, health care, and innovation.”

The sentiment was echoed by the KAIST leadership, who emphasised the shared commitment to advancing innovation and delivering global impact through collaboration.

"We believe our partnership with UNSW will serve as a catalyst for turning academic excellence into real-world impact and incubating university-led global startups,” KAIST Senior Vice-President Prof. Kyung-soo Kim said.

“Under this collaboration, we aim to lead innovation in key areas such as mobility, biotechnology and climate technology.”

Supporting NSW’s global trade ambitions

The agreement complements the NSW government’s recently launched 10-year , which aims to grow and diversify NSW exports, attract investment and strengthen industry.

Minister Chanthivong recently travelled to South Korea and Japan for a seven-day trade mission.

He said that strengthening the NSW economy is one of his government’s top priorities.

“Korea and Japan are both longstanding and like-minded trading partners, with two-way trade between NSW totalling $28.4 billion and $15.9 billion respectively,” Minister Chanthivong said.

“I was delighted to visit both countries last week and meet with government leaders, businesses and investors to highlight the objectives of the new NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035, which provides a clear path towards a more productive and resilient NSW economy. 

“I was also very pleased with the outcome of securing not one, but two international MoUs – one signed between the NSW Government and Japan’s Urban Renaissance Agency and the other signed between Korea’s Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and UNSW.”