UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (UST), SOUTH KOREA
UST (University of Science and Technology) Scholarships, South Korea
full · masters, phd
- 30+ institutesNational research institutes hosting UST students
- Monthly stipendPaid via an employment contract (~€12,000–€18,000/yr est.)
- Full tuitionTuition covered for funded students
- English-taughtAll programmes delivered in English
- Master's / PhDMaster's, PhD and integrated Master's–PhD
- $30 feeApplication fee payable at submission
At a glance
full
Funding
€18k
Max amount
May 7, 2027
Deadline
Open to international applicants worldwide (foreign nationals only)
Country
University of Science and Technology (UST), South Korea
Provider
The University of Science and Technology (UST) in South Korea offers fully funded scholarships for international students entering Master's, PhD or integrated Master's–PhD programmes in science, engineering and technology. UST is unusual in that it delivers its degrees through more than 30 government-funded national research institutes, including KIST, KRIBB, KAERI, KIER and KIOST, so students conduct research directly alongside Korea's national R&D scientists. All programmes are taught in English. The funding package is built around an employment contract that pays a monthly stipend, plus full tuition coverage, housing support and insurance, with an estimated total value of around €12,000 to €18,000 per year depending on programme and institute (est.). Special tracks include the RCA Degree Programme for 19 Asia-Pacific countries, a KOICA scholarship for Uzbekistan nationals and an Overseas Koreans programme. Applicants must hold foreign nationality (both applicant and parents must be non-Korean), meet academic entry rules, and satisfy an English requirement such as IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 79, with possible exemptions. A US$30 application fee applies. Stipend amounts, tuition coverage and the application window vary each cycle, so confirm the exact 2026 figures and deadline on the official UST page before applying.
What's covered
- Monthly stipend — A monthly stipend paid through an employment contract; the overall package is estimated at ~€12,000–€18,000 per year (est.).
- Tuition fees — Full tuition coverage for funded students.
- Housing support — Free or subsidised housing support during the programme.
- Insurance — Insurance coverage for scholarship students.
- Research training — Hands-on research and mentorship at national R&D institutes, plus the mandatory STAR-TREK orientation; application fee of ~US$30 applies.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through the UST admissions portal, with documents uploaded as PDF or JPG files.
- Register on the portal — Create an account at apply.ust.ac.kr and start an application.
- Choose your programme — Select your preferred programme, school and major, then complete your personal details and research plan.
- Upload documents — Upload all required documents (PDF/JPG, under 5MB each), including degree certificates, transcripts and English test results.
- Pay the fee and submit — Pay the US$30 application fee, finalise submission and print your examination slip.
Eligibility
Master's / integrated entryHold or expect a Bachelor's degree by around August 2026 for Master's and integrated Master's–PhD programmes.
PhD entryHold or expect a Master's degree by around August 2026 for PhD programmes.
LanguageMeet the English requirement, e.g. IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 79 or TEPS 277 (exemptions may apply).
NationalityHold foreign nationality; both applicant and parents must be non-Korean nationals.
Only one application type is allowed (general, international or industry-linked). Academic documents must be Apostille- or Korean-consulate-certified, and admission is cancelled if any document is found to be fraudulent. Documents must be in English or Korean, with certified translations for other languages.
Eligible countries
Open to international applicants worldwide (foreign nationals only), Special RCA track for 19 Asia-Pacific countries, KOICA track for Uzbekistan nationals
Deadlines
Fall 2026 (Master's & PhD)~7 May 2026 (est.)
Selection
Admission follows a multi-stage process: document review of submitted academic and supporting materials, followed by an interview period, with final admission results released after evaluation. Contacting a potential supervisor in advance to align research interests is recommended, and full-time research commitment (Monday to Friday) is required of award holders.
Verified sources
- UST — University of Science and Technology, Koreaust.ac.krofficial
- UST Online Application Portalapply.ust.ac.krofficial
About the provider
The University of Science and Technology (UST) is a national graduate university in Daejeon, South Korea, that educates Master's and PhD students through more than 30 government-funded research institutes under the Korean government, focusing on science, engineering and technology research.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is UST and who funds these scholarships?
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The University of Science and Technology (UST) is a South Korean graduate institution that delivers degrees through more than 30 government-funded research institutes; the scholarships are fully funded by UST and its national R&D partners.
Which degree programmes are offered?
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Master's, PhD and integrated Master's–PhD programmes in science, engineering and technology, plus special tracks such as RCA, KOICA and the Overseas Koreans programme.
What does the funding include?
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A monthly stipend via an employment contract, full tuition coverage, housing support and insurance, with an estimated total of ~€12,000–€18,000 per year (est.).
In what language are programmes taught?
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All UST programmes are delivered in English.
Who is eligible to apply?
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International students of foreign nationality; both the applicant and their parents must be non-Korean nationals.
What academic level do I need?
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A Bachelor's degree (or expected by ~August 2026) for Master's/integrated programmes, or a Master's degree for PhD programmes.
What are the English requirements?
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For example IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 79 or TEPS 277; exemptions may apply, so check the official guidelines.
Is there an application fee?
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Yes, a US$30 application fee is paid when you submit your application.
What research institutes are involved?
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Institutes such as KIST, KRIBB, KAERI, KIER and KIOST, covering fields from AI and robotics to nuclear energy and marine biotechnology.
How do I apply?
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Register at apply.ust.ac.kr, choose your programme and major, upload required documents as PDF/JPG under 5MB, pay the fee and print your examination slip.
What does the selection process involve?
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A document review, then an interview period, followed by final admission results; contacting a potential supervisor beforehand is recommended.
When is the 2026 application window?
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Submission is expected around 16 April to 7 May 2026, with results around 1 July 2026. Always confirm exact dates on the official UST page.