The University of Science and Technology (UST) in South Korea is offering fully funded scholarships for the 2025–26 academic year. These scholarships are available for Master’s, Ph.D., and integrated Master’s-to-Ph.D. programs across various scientific and technological fields. Students those who want to study in South Korea on Fully Funded UST Scholarships are encouraged to apply.
UST Scholarships encourages student researchers to take charge of their learning by solving real-world problems during hands-on research, rather than just learning theory in a traditional classroom. The university invites ambitious and creative future scientists to apply and follow the timeline and guidelines provided for this unique, research-focused program. The application period is from April 16 to May 7, 2025.
University/Institutions
- Name: University of Science and Technology (UST)
- Location: Main campus in Daejeon, with additional campuses in Seoul, Suwon, Changwon, Ansan, and Seongnam
- Global Ranking: Ranked #1325 in Best Global Universities
- Programs Offered: Graduate programs (Master’s, Ph.D., and integrated Master’s-to-Ph.D.)
- Program Duration:
- Master’s: 2 years
- Ph.D.: 4 years
- Integrated Master ‘s-to-Ph.D.: 5 years
Study Areas
UST Scholarships offers programs in various scientific and technological disciplines, including:
- Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering
- Bio-Analytical Science
- Science of Measurement
- Biotechnology
- Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology
- Bioscience
- Medical Physics
- Industrial Technology
- Food Biotechnology
- Nano Science
- Engineering (All Fields)
- ICT
- Ocean Science.
- For More, Visit
UST Scholarships Benefit
- Full tuition fee coverage
- University Entrance Fee
- Monthly stipend:
- Master’s: KRW 1,200,000
- Ph.D.: KRW 1,600,000
- Health insurance
- Research support
- Korean Language Course Fee.
- Access to UST facilities and resources
Benefits Not Included
- Airfare to and from South Korea
- Personal expenses beyond the stipend
- Visa application fees
Eligibilities for UST Scholarships
Foreign Nationals
- Both parents must hold non-Korean nationality.
- Eligible if you:
- Have or will have a Bachelor’s degree (by August 2025) for Master’s/Integrated programs.
- Have or will have a Master’s degree (by August 2025) for Ph.D. programs.
- Hold equivalent degrees (must provide supporting documents).
- Must meet UST language proficiency requirements.
Specialized Master’s Program
- Both parents must be foreign nationals.
- Must have or expect a Bachelor’s degree by August 2025 (or equivalent).
- Recommendation letter from LPEM required.
- No language requirement for this category.
RCA Degree Programme
- For nationals from RCA countries (e.g., India, Indonesia, Vietnam, etc.).
- Same degree requirements as above for Master’s/Ph.D. programs.
- Must meet language proficiency requirements.
- Additional scholarship and nuclear facility visits may be provided by RCARO.
KOICA Scholarship Program
- Must hold Uzbekistan nationality (both parents also non-Korean).
- Same education requirements for Master’s/Ph.D. programs.
- Recommendation letter from KOICA partner in Uzbekistan required.
- Must meet language requirements.
Overseas Koreans
- Must be a child of Korean nationals living abroad and completed all education (from elementary to university) outside Korea.
- Same degree requirements as other categories.
- Must meet language proficiency criteria, but TOPIK scores are not accepted.
Important Notes
- Only one application type allowed; applying to multiple categories leads to disqualification.
- Expected graduates must submit a certificate or official letter stating their upcoming graduation.
- Documents must be authenticated (Apostille or Korean consulate).
- Passing the initial review doesn’t guarantee final selection.
English Proficiency Requirements:
- Minimum requirement: You must submit at least one valid language test score:
- TOEFL iBT: 79
- New TEPS: 277
- IELTS: 6
- TOPIK: Level 4 (not valid for Overseas Korean applicants)
- How to submit:
- Check the box “Submit within supplementation period” when inputting scores in your application.
- Upload your certified score during the designated document supplementation period.
- Exemptions:
- UST graduates or current graduating students.
- Specialized Master’s program applicants.
- Applicants with a degree (or expected degree) earned after at least one year of study in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or South Africa.
- Important notes:
- Only test scores dated between May 20, 2023 – May 20, 2025 and released by May 20, 2025 are valid.
- Scores from TOEFL MyBest, TOEFL-ITP, TOEIC, TOEIC-IP, and Duolingo are not accepted.
- Hearing-impaired applicants must submit a disability certificate from the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare.
- All scores will be verified. Submitting false documents leads to disqualification and a 5-year application ban.
Required Documents for UST Scholarships
Common Documents (for both Master’s and Ph.D.)
- Proposal for Study
- Complete via UST online system
- Include answers to personal statement questions
- Bachelor’s Degree Certificate or Expected Graduation Certificate
- Enrollment certificate acceptable if expected certificate isn’t available
- Transcript of Bachelor’s Degree
- Include CGPA if available; transfer students must submit all transcripts
- Official English Language Test Score
- Refer to UST guidelines for validity and exemption details
- Optional: Additional Documents Showing Excellence
- Research papers (title + abstract), patents, awards, etc.
Ph.D. Only
- Master’s Degree Certificate or Expected Graduation Certificate
- Transcript of Master’s Degree
- Master’s Thesis (title and abstract only)
Recommendation Letters
- Required for all international applicants
- 1 or 2 letters from academic advisors or supervisors
- Submit via UST online system or recommender sends by mail/email
- Applicants cannot send letters themselves
- Use official UST form (download from UST website)
Special Categories
- Specialized Master / RCA / KOICA / Overseas Koreans
- Additional documents or letters as per specific program requirements
Document Submission Guidelines
- All documents must be in Korean or English (certified translations if needed)
- Fraud, plagiarism, or incomplete submissions will result in disqualification
- Final degree certificate required for visa issuance
Supplementation Process
- UST will notify if supplementation is needed
- Reasons: unclear/missing documents, untranslated files, missing signatures, etc.
- Submit supplementary documents via online system
- Notification Date: May 15, 2025
- Submission Deadline: May 16–20, 2025
UST Scholarships Application Process
- Step 1: Sign Up & Survey
- Go to apply.ust.ac.kr and create an account.
- Complete email verification and register.
- Choose your admission category and complete the initial survey.
- Step 2: Applicant Information
- Select your degree program, school, and major.
- Upload a photo and fill in personal information.
- Enter your full academic background (including transfer schools).
- Disclose any family members currently working at UST.
- Enter your English proficiency score or select “to be submitted later” if applicable.
- Step 3: Academic and Research Plan
- Write your academic and research plan (up to 2,000 characters, including spaces).
- Step 4: Upload Documents
- Submit all required documents in JPEG, JPG, or PDF format (under 5MB).
- Step 5: Medical Self-Assessment
- Complete a personal medical self-check and explain any health conditions.
- Step 6: Pay Application Fee
- Pay USD 30 or KRW 35,000 online via credit card.
- Note: No exemptions or refunds are allowed.
- Step 7: Final Submission
- Review all details and submit your application.
- Print your admission form and examination slip.
Important Notes:
- Do not apply to multiple admission types—doing so will void your applications.
- Ensure all contact info is accurate and update any changes by emailing f_adm@ust.ac.kr.
- Disclose any family ties to UST faculty/staff to avoid disqualification.
- The system logs out automatically after 1 hour of inactivity—save your work.
- Submit your application early to avoid server overload near the deadline.
- Once submitted, you cannot change your selected degree program or major.
- If you have a disability, contact the Admissions Division early for support.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start the application process early to ensure all documents are prepared
- Tailor your research proposal to align with UST’s focus areas
- Obtain strong recommendation letters from academic advisors
- Ensure all documents are translated into English if necessary
- Proofread your application to avoid errors
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students
While the scholarship provides a monthly stipend, students should budget for additional personal expenses. Estimated monthly living costs in South Korea are:
- Housing: KRW 400,000 – 600,000
- Food: KRW 300,000 – 500,000
- Transportation and Miscellaneous: KRW 100,000 – 200,000
Why Choose This Opportunity?
UST offers a unique research-oriented environment, collaborating with 32 government-funded research institutes. Students engage in cutting-edge projects, gaining practical experience in their fields. The fully funded scholarship alleviates financial burdens, allowing students to focus on their studies and research. Additionally, living in South Korea provides exposure to a rich cultural heritage and advanced technological society.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I apply if I haven’t graduated yet?
Yes, if you are expected to graduate before February 2025, you can apply
Q2: Is knowledge of the Korean language required?
No, UST programs are conducted in English.
Q3: Are there age restrictions for applicants?
There are no specific age restrictions mentioned.
Q4: Can I apply for multiple programs?
Applicants should apply for one program that best fits their academic background and research interests.
Q5: What is the selection process like?
After document screening, shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.
Official Link for More Details and Application
For comprehensive information and to apply, visit the UST official admission page.
