13-year-old Korean prodigy rejected by world’s top-ranked university for computer science

By Phong Ngo January 23, 2026 | 01:04 am PT

South Korean prodigy Baek Kang-hyun, 13, who is widely known for having an IQ of 204, said he was unsuccessful in his application to study computer science at the University of Oxford after applying last September.

Baek revealed on his YouTube channel last week that "Despite receiving much support," he did not receive an offer from Oxford, according to the Chosun Daily.

He said the rejection left him deeply upset. "I was so heartbroken that I sat down and cried because my expectations were high," Baek said, before emphasizing that he would continue pursuing his goals. "It was a meaningful challenge, and I learned a lot. I won’t stop here," he added, thanking supporters for their encouragement.

Baek publicly disclosed his application to Oxford last September. The university has been named the world’s best for computer science in a recent ranking by U.K.-based magazine Times Higher Education.

Baek Kang-hyeon, a 12-year-old South Korean student, as seen in his video on YouTube.

Baek Kang-hyeon, a 13-year-old South Korean student, as seen in his video on YouTube.

As part of the admissions process, Baek took the Mathematics Admissions Test, a key requirement for Oxford applicants, and received an interview invitation, extended to only about 400 of roughly 1,600 candidates.

His application faced structural barriers. The U.K.’s centralized university admissions system, UCAS, restricts registration for applicants under 13, and Baek was 12 at the time. Even if accepted, U.K. student visas are issued only from the age of 16, meaning enrollment would likely have been delayed by several years.

Baek has said his long-term ambition is to become an AI expert. He has outlined plans to develop wearable smart devices that would allow "even an 80-year-old to climb Mount Everest," as well as AI-powered virtual reality games. He also said he plans to release two mobile applications this year and two more next year.

Baek first drew public attention in 2016 when he appeared on television at just 41 months old, displaying exceptional abilities in mathematics and music. He later scored 163 on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale, equivalent to an IQ of 204, placing him in the top 0.0001% globally, the The Korea Times reported.

In March 2023, at the age of 10, Baek enrolled in Seoul Science High School but withdrew after one semester. He said at the time that he wanted to focus on "creative activities," though controversy followed when his father claimed that school violence had influenced the decision.