The UST Scholarship is a prominent fully supported chance for international students to get their Masters or PhD degrees in South Korea.  UST is a one of a kind graduate school where students can do research directly at one of its more than 30 linked national government research institutes around Korea. This is different from regular universities

This model offers an education focused on research that is unlike any other giving students access to cutting edge labs a lot of money and guidance from top scientists in their specialties. The fellowship pays for all of the students major costs so they can focus completely on their academic and research goals

Scholarship Summary

Program Details

UST has a unique campus without walls model. When you apply to UST you are asking to do your research at a certain national research institute such as the Korea Institute of Science and Technology KIST or the Electronics and Telecommunications. Research Institute ETRI The program is quite intense and focused on research

Each institute focuses on a distinct area such as engineering, IT ,biological sciences or physics.  Students should be dedicated to their research projects and lab work and their advisor who is a veteran researcher at the institute should be there to help them

Requirements for Eligibility

Benefits of Scholarships

• Full Tuition Fee Waiver Coverage for the entire duration of the program
• Monthly Stipend Masters students get KRW 1200000 per month which is about 900 USD PhD students get about 1200 USD KRW 1600000 a month
• Round trip economy class flights to and from Korea
• Korean language training fees covered for the required course
• Medical insurance Full health and accident insurance coverage
• Research Support Access to world class research facilities and resources at the host institute
• Awards Bonuses Possibility of further prizes for excellent academic work and research articles

Documents Needed

For their online application applicants usually need to prepare the following papers in scanned original or certified EnglishKorean versions

• Application Form Completed online
• Statement of Purpose Study Plan
• Letters of Recommendation Usually you need two letters from professors or advisors who can judge your research aptitude
• Bachelors and Masters degree certificates
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of English proficiency TOEFLIELTSTOEIC Score Report
• A copy of your passport
• Other supporting documents like your CV published papers prizes
• You may also need to fill out additional forms like the Applicant Pledge and the Personal Information Collection Agreement

Important Note Always look at the official Admission Guide on the UST website for the most accurate and complete list of required documents This is because the requirements sometimes alter a little from year to year

How to Apply Step by Step Guide

The whole procedure of applying is done online

• Look over the Admission Guide Go to the UST admissions website Download the Admission Guide for Spring 2026 International Students and read it carefully This is the most crucial paper
• Pick a Research Institute and a Teacher Check out the UST website and the websites of the research institutes that work with it Find a professor whose research intrigues you Before you apply it is highly recommended that you write the professor to identify yourself and talk about your research plans
• Application Go to the UST Online Application Website make an account and carefully fill out the application form Put all the necessary files in the right formats on the site PDF JPG
• Submit Application Make sure to send in your application by the deadline of October 16 2025
• Application Screening We check applications to make sure they are comprehensive and that the person is qualified Candidates that make the shortlist will be asked to an interview which could be done in person or online This is an important step to see if you are good at research and a good match for the lab
• The UST website presents the final results for admission Successful candidates will get an admission package to help them get their visas

Link to the Official Application

The UST admissions portal is the only legitimate and trustworthy place to apply Click here to go to the official UST Admissions Website

A Helpful Hint If you can get a preliminary agreement from a potential professor before you formally apply your chances of success are much higher If a professor is already interested in being your advisor your application is stronger