University of Science and Technology Korea (UTS)

About

University of Science and Technology (UST) is a national graduate research university in South Korea, headquartered in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon.

Unlike a conventional university, UST uses a research-institute-based education model. Its degree programs are delivered through government-funded research institutes designated as UST Schools. Students therefore undertake their academic education alongside practical research at major Korean national research institutes.

UST's education focuses strongly on research experience, interdisciplinary convergence and practical application of science and technology. Its programs cover areas including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, energy, environment, materials, robotics, semiconductors, digital communications, basic sciences and other strategic technologies.

The Korean government's Study in Korea database reports that approximately 80% of UST courses are taught in English, making the university particularly relevant for international graduate students.

Objectives

Management Goals

Establish a future-oriented model foro graduate school education in the field of science and engineering by expanding the role and duty of university headquaters and affiliated research institutes.

Main Academic Divisions (Faculties)

• Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) School
• Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) School
• Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology (KRIBB) School
• Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) School
• Korea Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT) School
• Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT) School
• Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI)
• Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI)
• Korea Food Research Institute (KFRI)
• Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology (KIOST)

Reasons to Study at University of Science and Technology Korea

1. Research-Focused Education

   UST combines graduate education with Korea’s government-funded research institutes, allowing students to undertake practical research in professional research environments.

2. Wide Range of advanced fields

   UST offers programmes in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Biomedical Science, Energy, Environmental Science, Materials Science, Nuclear Science, Robotics, Transportation, Ocean Science and Information Technology.

3. Access to Advanced Research Facilities

   Students can conduct research using specialized laboratories, scientific equipment, and research infrastructure available through UST’s participating research institutes.

4. Strong Industry and Research Connections

   Its connection with national research institutes provides students with exposure to real-world research and technological development rather than relying only on classroom-based learning.

Fees

Admission

Undergraduate Admission Requirement

UST is for Postgraduates only.

Postgraduate Admission Requirments

Nationality

For the general international admission:

• The applicant and both parents must hold non-Korean citizenship.
• This is the standard requirement for the Foreign Nationals/General International Track.

Educational Background

The degree requirement depends on the programme:

Master's  

Bachelor's degree

Integrated Master's/PhD

Bachelor's degree

PhD

Master's degree

Applicants can also qualify if they:

• Are expected to obtain the required degree
• Hold a qualification officially recognized as equivalent to or higher than the required degree.

If relying on an equivalent qualification, the applicant must provide supplementary documentation proving the equivalency.

Language Proficiency

Applicants must meet the minimum language score required by the particular UST School they are applying to.

The accepted tests listed include:

• TOEFL iBT
• New TEPS
• IELTS
• TOPIK

The exact minimum depends on the School. For most Schools, the requirement is TOEFL iBT 79 / New TEPS 277 / IELTS 6.0 / TOPIK 4, while some Schools, such as KIER, require TOEFL iBT 91 / New TEPS 309 / IELTS 6.5 / TOPIK 5.

Supporting Documents

1. Proposal for Study
2. Bachelor's Degree Certificate
3. Bachelor's Degree Transcript
4. Official Language Test Score
5. Other Documents Proving Excellence — Optional
    

For PhD applicants

In addition to the above, PhD applicants must provide:

     6. Master's Degree Certificate

     7. Master's Degree Transcript

     8. Master's Thesis

    9. Recommendation Letter

How To Apply For Admission

Step 1 

Select your admission track and complete the survey

Step 2

Enter applicant information 

Step 3

Write an academic and research plan 

Step 4 

Upload the required documents 

Step 5

Personal medical check (self-assessment)

Step 6

Final review and pay the application fee 

Step 7

Complete the application

Admission Contacts

Email: [email protected]
Phone : +82-42-865-2426

Gallery

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  Dormitory Inside room

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  Dormitory Entrance

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  Laboratory

Campus Tour

Facilities

• Dormitory: The University of Science and Technology (UST), Korea operates a main student dormitory in Doryong-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, at 162 Daedeok-daero 512beon-gil. It is important to note that this central UST dormitory is separate from dormitories operated independently by some UST Schools or affiliated research institutes.

• Library: UST provides library and study spaces for students. At the UST dormitory, the library is located beside the Sky Garden on the third floor and is available from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Accreditations

UST is a national research institute university established under the Korean government's national research-institute system. Its academic model is based on graduate education conducted in collaboration with government-funded research institutes. The Korean government's Study in Korea portal lists UST as a recognized Korean university and describes its field-research-based education system across government-funded research institutes.

Vice Chancellor

Notable Alumni

• 
  Song Yoo-geun Physics Researcher
• 
  Kojo Eghan Researcher
• 
  Teddy Namirimu Researcher
• 
  Teddy Namirimu Researcher

History

UST officially began its academic operations in March 2004, when it held its first entrance ceremony. The university was designed to provide research-oriented, field-based education by integrating graduate education with the research infrastructure of Korea's government-funded research institutes.

Today, UST operates as a national research institute university, with graduate education closely ... read more