Applications are now open for the University of Science and Technology (UST) Admission to master’s and Ph.D. programs for fall 2025. UST in South Korea is seeking applications from the most determined and creative prospective scientists to pursue their studies in a program built upon UST’s educational philosophy. Applicants should submit their applications as per the timeline and guidelines.

UST helps researchers with self-directed learning to identify and solve problems on-site while conducting research. Student researchers will learn practical skills rather than passively receive theory-centered education delivered in a traditional mode.

About the UST

Founded in 2003 by the Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning, the University of Science and Technology (UST) is a group of South Korean public universities and research institutions. These institutions’ offices are in Ansan, Suwon, Seoul, Changwon, Seongnam, and Daejeon.

UST is Korea’s only graduate school focusing on and specializing in science, engineering, and research. It runs only a graduate school, and creating a new driving force for growth would play a significant role in leading national development in the new century.

The South Korean government established UST to produce professionals in combined technologies. UST continues to develop into a major research university.

Essential Dates 

• Application Deadline: May 7, 17:00 (KST), 2025
• Supplementary Document Submission: May 16 – May 20, 2025
• Document Review: May 26 – May 28, 2025
• Announcement of Successful Candidates in Document Review: June 3, 17:00 (KST), 2025
• In-depth Interview: June 9 – June 13, 2025
• Final Announcement of Admitted Students: July 1, 17:00 (KST), 2025
• Admission Registration: July 2 – August 10, 2025
• Additional Acceptance of Final Wait-listed Candidates: From July 2, 2025 (individual notifications will be sent)

Brief Details

• Host University: University of Science and Technology (UST)
• Levels of Study: Master’s and Doctoral (Ph.D.)
• Location: South Korea
• Gender: Male/Female
• Eligible Counties: All
• Funding Aid: Available

Benefits of UST Admission

The University of Science and Technology (UST) enrolled students will benefit from financial support to ensure their studies and research environments:

Monthly Financial Support (2025–2028)

• PhD students: KRW 1,900,000/month (minimum, before deductions)
• Master’s students: KRW 1,430,000/month (minimum, before deductions)

UST Awards

• Research Paper Award: For excellent research outcomes by UST students
• Award Includes: Certificate + prize money
• Advisor Recognition: Advisors also receive awards if their student wins
• Eligibility: Current students or graduates of UST

Overseas Exchange Program

Overseas Training: Up to 90 days of research, internship, or joint work abroad

• Support: Flight, living expenses, travel insurance
• Eligibility: PhD students (min. 2 semesters) & integrated program students (passed PhD exam)

International Presentation Support: Attend global conferences or education surveys (up to 15 days)

• Support: Flight, living expenses, travel insurance, conference fees
• Eligibility: Same as above

Eligibility Requirements 

To be eligible for UST Admission, prospective applicants should meet the following requirements: 

• Both applicants and parents should be non-Korean citizens.
• Applicants should hold an appropriate bachelor’s degree from a recognized university for MSc programs.
• For Ph.D. programs, applicants should hold a relevant master’s degree from a reputable university.
• The international scores of TOEFL iBT 79, PBT 59, IELTS 6, and New TEPS 277 for general students who passed the test on May 20, 2023, and May 20, 2025.
• The international scores of TOEFL iBT 20, PBT 20, IELTS 3, and New TEPS 166 for hearing-disabled students who passed the test on May 20, 2023, and May 20, 2025.
• TOEIC, TOEFL-ITP, TOEIC Institutional Program, and Duolingo tests are unacceptable.
• The following applicants do not need to submit English Test scores:

1. UST graduates and prospective graduates.
2. First-year students and those who have received or will receive a degree from a university or graduate school in the U.K., U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or South Africa

Required Documents for UST Admission

Applicants should include the following required documents in their UST Admission application package: 

• Proposal for Study
• Bachelor’s Degree or Certificate of Expected Graduation
• Transcript of Bachelor’s Program
• Master’s Degree or Certificate of Expected Graduation for Ph.D.
• Transcript of Master’s Program for Ph.D.
• Master’s Degree Thesis for Ph.D.
• Official English Test Score
• Certification of Previous Employment
• Other Documents Proving Applicant’s Excellence
• Non-Korean Citizen
• Recommendation letter, minimum of one and a maximum of two pages, downloadable from the UST admissions website (Notice → Forms)

How to Apply for the UST Admission? 

Application procedures for the programs are entirely online. Applicants should read the application requirements and instructions before applying. Please follow these steps to apply:

Step 1: Sign up at the admission portal, verify your email, select a category, and complete the survey.

Step 2: Enter the applicant’s information, including a photo, educational background, and family details (if any at UST).

Step 3: Write your academic & research plan (max 2,000 characters incl. spaces).

Step 4: Upload required documents (PDF/JPG/JPEG, under 5MB).

Step 5: Fill out self-medication assessment; explain any specific conditions.

Step 6: Pay the non-refundable application fee (USD 30 or KRW 35,000) via credit card.

Step 7: Final review and submit; print your application and examination slip.

Important Guidelines

• Multiple or duplicate applications (including international admission) will be revoked.
• Ensure accuracy in contact info; update changes by emailing f_adm@ust.ac.kr.
• Disclose family members working at UST to avoid disqualification.
• Inactivity over 1 hour logs you out—this may disrupt fee payment.
• Submit early to avoid server issues near deadlines.
• No changes are allowed after the final submission; contact the Admissions Division for urgent edits.
• Applicants with disabilities needing support should email f_adm@ust.ac.kr in advance.

Apply Online

Application Evaluation Stages

Generally, there are two stages after application submission at UST: Document Screening and In-depth Interviews.

Document Screening Stage:

• Evaluation Criteria: In this step, applicants will pass the growth potential, research capacity, the relevance of their work experience, research achievements, and foreign language proficiency.
• Method of Evaluation: The evaluation committee will review application documents for each major for each school to determine the degree to which they have the qualities UST desires.

In-Depth Interviews:

• Evaluation Criteria: This step will consider the applicants’ ability to conduct research in the selected major, enthusiasm for their studies and research, successful presentations and experiment completion, major-related knowledge, growth potential, including applicants’ statement of purpose evaluations, research proposal, post-graduation career plan, and personal character and aptitude.
• Method of Evaluation: Applicants will receive individual notifications for their interview method, venue, and other information. Evaluation committees for each school’s major will review and evaluate candidates’ capability as per the UST’s desired applicant qualities and evaluation criteria.

For more information about UST Admission, please visit the university’s website or read the Admission Guides.

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