울산과학기술원Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology

About University

UNIST (Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology), a national special-purpose university leading the future of advanced science and technology, is located in Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, at the heart of Ulsan, the industrial capital of Korea. Established in 2007, UNIST has grown with the goal of nurturing world-class leaders in science and technology under the motto of “Creativity, Convergence, Globalization, Selection and Concentration.” Its identity can be summarized as “a hub of industry-academia cooperation and innovative research, and a cradle of global science and technology talent.” Based on the research infrastructure of Ulsan, an industrial city home to major conglomerates such as Hyundai Motor, SK, and Samsung, UNIST boasts practical and innovative education. The greatest strength of UNIST lies in its ability to achieve both top-level research and internationalization in advanced science and engineering fields. From basic sciences to AI, bio, energy, new materials, future automobiles, and IT convergence, a wide range of majors are operated under a small-group, intensive education system, allowing each student to directly participate in laboratories and projects. In fact, even undergraduates can gain hands-on experience at leading domestic and international research institutions during vacations through the “Research Participation Lab” program. Active joint research and exchange programs with world-class institutions such as the Max Planck Institute and MIT are also unique points of pride for UNIST. Industry-academia cooperation is also robust, with joint projects with nearby industrial complexes and active internship and employment connections with global companies like Hyundai Motor. As of 2024, UNIST has 2,194 undergraduate students, 2,358 graduate students, and 408 professors, boasting rapid growth and outstanding research achievements among Korea’s science and technology-focused universities (such as KAIST and POSTECH). Despite its short history, UNIST has made a significant impact in research and industry. Leading faculty and alumni are active in renowned research institutes, companies, public institutions, and global IT firms both in Korea and abroad. For example, Professor Hyuncheol Oh, an alumnus of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, earned his Ph.D. at the Max Planck Institute in Germany and returned to UNIST to continue world-class research. Many alumni researchers and engineers are also working at Hyundai Motor, Meta Reality Lab, and other prominent organizations. With a strong startup support system, UNIST plays a leading role in startup creation and technology commercialization. From its inception, it has fulfilled its mission as “the center of R&D innovation in Ulsan,” contributing to the industrial development of both Ulsan and Korea. For international students, UNIST is a highly attractive choice. As of 2024, a scholarship system is in place that covers 100% of admission and tuition fees for all new students, with additional scholarships awarded to high-achieving students. The dormitory boasts a high occupancy rate of 66.7%, offering modern facilities and various amenities at about 300,000 KRW per month for a double room (meals not included). On campus, there are excellent living environments including an international student lounge, shared kitchens, fitness centers, and lounges. Courses are conducted in both Korean and English, with many departments operating English tracks. Various tailored programs are available for international students, such as mentoring, thesis workshops, cultural experiences, Korean language education, and religious support. In addition, UNIST is certified by the Korean government as an IEQAS (International Education Quality Assurance System) university, providing extra points and various conveniences when applying for visas and scholarships. The campus is located in a pleasant environment surrounded by the mountains and nature of Ulsan, offering ideal conditions for focusing on research and daily life. With easy access to major cities nationwide such as Seoul and Busan via Ulsan’s KTX high-speed rail and expressways, and with nearby industrial sites including Hyundai Motor, shipyards, and advanced industrial complexes, there are abundant opportunities for practical experience and networking. The library holds the second largest collection in Korea, providing an optimized infrastructure for study and research. We encourage you to design your future at UNIST, equipped with creativity, innovation, and global competitiveness.