과학기술연합대학원대학교University of Science and Technology

About University

The University of Science and Technology (UST) in Korea is a graduate university with a unique identity: “training practical science and technology talent in the field at national research institutes.” Established in 2004, UST is headquartered in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, but operates a distributed campus system in connection with over 30 national and affiliated research institutes across the country, including Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi, Chungnam, and Gyeongnam. Unlike traditional universities that are gathered in one location, UST’s structure—where actual research sites serve as campuses—has created an innovative model of “research institute-centered practical education.” UST’s greatest strength is that it is the only “national research institute consortium graduate school” in Korea. Students can earn master’s and doctoral degrees at Korea’s leading specialized research institutes, such as the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, and Korea Aerospace Research Institute. In practice, UST students receive one-on-one guidance from active researchers (with doctoral degrees) instead of university professors, and directly participate in national projects and industrial assignments in laboratories and research facilities. As a result, graduates have a very high employment rate in both industry and academia, and gain top-level research experience in advanced convergence fields such as IT (Information Technology), BT (Biotechnology), NT (Nanotechnology), ET (Energy/Environment), and ST (Space Technology), both domestically and internationally. In particular, as of 2022, more than 1,500 students are enrolled across 31 research institutes, 6 affiliated institutes, and 1 private research institute, demonstrating the vast scale and network of UST. Despite its short history, UST has a significant social impact and unique alumni stories. For example, Jang Myung-seo, a current student and alumnus, has promoted traditional Korean music “Jeongga” to the world by performing overseas with her advisor, and has contributed to the spread of K-culture through various media appearances. Additionally, UST alumni with doctoral degrees have advanced to research institutes at major Korean conglomerates such as Samsung, LG, and Hyundai, government-funded research organizations, prestigious overseas universities, and global companies, leading innovation in Korean science and technology. Since its opening in 2004, UST has established itself as a “cradle of national science and technology talent,” and is recognized for successfully establishing a new graduate school model focused on training practical researchers. For international students, UST offers an attractive array of opportunities. UST is certified by the Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation of Korea under the “International Education Quality Assurance System (IEQAS),” which provides advantages in visa issuance and government scholarship applications (e.g., GKS). Scholarship benefits are among the best in Korea, with most master’s and doctoral students receiving full tuition support and monthly living allowances (research incentives). Courses and thesis supervision in English are actively provided, and some campuses operate dedicated English tracks. In addition, each research institute offers dormitories and foreign student support offices, providing one-stop assistance for arrival, daily life, and research activities. Every year, many international students enroll from around the world, and a variety of programs are offered, including international student mentoring, Korean language and culture education, and career networking. UST’s campus is unique in that “the nation’s research institutes are the campus.” Centered around the Daejeon headquarters, students live and study at research institutes located in key science belt regions such as Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi, Chungnam, and Gyeongnam. Each region boasts advanced research infrastructure, a pleasant environment, and excellent transportation accessibility. Proximity to major transportation networks such as international airports and KTX makes domestic and international travel convenient, and research institutes are well equipped with dormitories and welfare facilities. UST is the best choice for international students dreaming of becoming “global researchers who learn and grow at the heart of Korea’s science and technology.”