UNIST Graduate Scholarships 2026 | Eligibility and How to Apply

The Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) is one of South Korea’s most research-intensive universities, and it is now accepting applications for its 2026 graduate admissions cycle. The scholarship package on offer is genuinely compelling: full tuition coverage, a monthly living stipend, and access to on-campus dormitory accommodation. For students pursuing master’s or doctoral studies in science, engineering, artificial intelligence, or business, this is among the strongest fully funded opportunities available in Asia right now.

UNIST consistently ranks among South Korea’s top science and technology institutions and operates as a government-funded research university with a strong international research footprint. There are two distinct scholarship tracks available: the Korean Government Scholarship and the UNIST Institutional Scholarship. Both eliminate tuition fees entirely and provide monthly stipends, with the UNIST Institutional track offering a higher monthly amount. The programme is open to international applicants from any country.

In this post, we will walk you through everything you need to know: the two scholarship tracks, the full benefits breakdown, eligibility requirements, required documents, a step-by-step application guide, all three intake windows and their deadlines, and tips to strengthen your application.

Scholarship Overview

Eligibility

To be considered for a UNIST graduate scholarship, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• Citizenship: You must be an international applicant with non-Korean nationality. Korean nationals are not eligible through this scholarship track.
• Academic qualifications: You must hold or be expected to hold a relevant bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution for Master’s and MS-PhD applicants. If you are applying directly to a doctoral programme, you must also hold a Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Academic records: You must submit verified academic transcripts and diploma certificates for all previous degrees earned.
• Language requirements: A valid English proficiency test score is required. Accepted tests include TOEFL, IELTS, or an equivalent test as accepted by UNIST.
• Personal statement and study plan: You must prepare and upload a study plan and personal statement outlining your research interests and academic goals.
• Letter of Disclosure Agreement: A signed Letter of Disclosure Agreement must be included as part of your application package.
• Enrolment readiness: You must be able to enrol by the designated start date for the intake window you apply under.
• Programme-specific requirements: Applicants are advised to confirm any additional programme-specific requirements through the official UNIST admissions portal, as individual departments may have additional criteria.

Eligible Countries

UNIST welcomes international applicants from any country. The scholarship listing confirms that applicants can come from any nationality, provided they are non-Korean.

• Africa: All countries
• Asia: All countries (excluding South Korean nationals)
• Americas: All countries
• Europe: All countries
• Middle East: All countries
• Oceania: All countries

There are no country restrictions listed for this scholarship. If you are a non-Korean national who meets the academic requirements, you are eligible to apply.

Eligible Fields of Study

UNIST offers graduate programmes across a focused but high-impact range of disciplines. The following fields currently have openings for the 2026 intake:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Energy Engineering
• Nuclear Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Science
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Mathematical Sciences
• Management Engineering (under the Business Administration division)

Students working at the intersection of these fields, particularly in energy systems, AI applications, or advanced materials research, will find UNIST’s infrastructure especially well-suited to ambitious doctoral projects.

Note: Management Engineering students and students in Professional or Special graduate schools may not be included in all scholarship benefits. Confirm the exact terms for your programme with the admissions office before applying.

Benefits

There are two scholarship tracks. Here is a full breakdown of each:

Korean Government Scholarship Package

• Tuition fee waiver: Full tuition waiver worth KRW 3,840,000 per semester (approximately USD 2,800 per semester).
• Stipend for Master’s students: KRW 800,000 per month for students in science and engineering fields.
• Stipend for Doctoral students: KRW 1,100,000 per month for students in science and engineering fields.
• On-campus dormitory: Access to on-campus dormitory accommodation is included.

UNIST Institutional Scholarship Package

• Tuition fee waiver: Full tuition waiver worth KRW 3,840,000 per semester. Note: The tuition support is bundled into the monthly stipend for this track.
• Stipend for Master’s students: KRW 1,440,000 per month (tuition support inclusive).
• Stipend for Doctoral students: KRW 1,740,000 per month (tuition support inclusive).
• On-campus dormitory: Access to on-campus dormitory accommodation is included.

The UNIST Institutional Scholarship carries a higher monthly stipend because it bundles additional tuition support into the monthly payment. Scholarship selection results are announced after each admission cycle’s registration period.

Required Documents

The entire application process is conducted online. No postal submissions are required. Prepare the following documents before beginning your application:

1. Valid passport confirming your non-Korean nationality
2. Completed online application form submitted through the UNIST international admissions portal
3. Verified academic transcripts from all previous institutions attended
4. Diploma or degree certificate(s) for all completed degrees
5. English language proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent accepted by UNIST)
6. Study plan and personal statement outlining your research interests and academic goals
7. Signed Letter of Disclosure Agreement
8. Master’s degree certificate and transcripts (required for direct Doctoral applicants only)

All supporting documents must be uploaded to the admissions portal within one day of the application deadline for your chosen intake window. Do not delay document submission.

How to Apply

Step 1: Visit the official UNIST international admissions portal at admg-intl.unist.ac.kr. Review the full admissions guidelines document available on the site to understand all requirements for your specific programme and intake window.

Step 2: Choose which of the three 2026 intake windows you want to apply for: Spring 2026 First Intake, Spring 2026 Second Intake, or a third intake window. 

Step 3: Gather all required documents before the application window opens. This includes your transcripts, degree certificates, language test scores, study plan, and the signed Letter of Disclosure Agreement. Having everything ready in advance prevents last-minute stress.

Step 4: Create your account and complete the online application form during the designated application window for your chosen intake. Fill in every section accurately and completely.

Step 5: Upload all supporting documents to the portal. Note that documents must be submitted within one day of the application deadline. Do not wait until the document deadline to begin uploading.

Step 6: Wait for the first-stage (document screening) results, which are announced on the published date for your intake. Only shortlisted candidates proceed to the interview stage.

Step 7: If shortlisted, prepare thoroughly for your interview. Interviews are conducted over a roughly ten-day window following the first-stage announcement. Be ready to discuss your research interests, your study plan, and your reasons for choosing UNIST.

Step 8: Check the final admission results on the published announcement date for your intake. Successful candidates must confirm their registration online within the registration window to secure their place and activate their scholarship.

Step 9: Complete your online registration before the registration deadline. Failing to register within the stated window will result in losing your scholarship offer.

Step 10: After confirming your registration, follow UNIST’s instructions for arranging dormitory accommodation, student visa applications, and any pre-arrival requirements.

Key Dates and Timeline

UNIST has structured three separate admission windows for 2026. Here are the confirmed dates for the first two intakes:

Spring 2026 First Intake

Spring 2026 Second Intake

Application Deadline

The application deadlines vary by intake:

• Spring 2026 First Intake: Applications close on July 16, 2026. Documents must be submitted by July 17, 2026.
• Spring 2026 Second Intake: Applications close on October 22, 2026. Documents must be submitted by October 23, 2026.

Selection CRITERIA

UNIST selects scholarship recipients based on a structured six-stage process. Here is what the admissions team is looking for:

• Academic qualifications: Your transcripts and degree certificates are reviewed during the document screening stage. A strong academic record from an accredited institution is the baseline expectation.
• Research focus and fit: Your study plan and personal statement are assessed for clarity of research direction, relevance to UNIST’s programmes, and fit with the university’s research priorities. Being specific about what you want to research and why UNIST is the right place for it matters greatly.
• English proficiency: A valid English language test score is required for all applicants. Meeting or exceeding the minimum score requirements signals that you can participate fully in an English-medium research environment.
• Interview performance: Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview. The interview assesses your motivation, research readiness, ability to communicate scientific ideas, and overall suitability for graduate study at UNIST.
• Programme-specific suitability: Different departments and laboratories may have additional criteria related to your research background and skills. Candidates who identify a faculty supervisor early and align their application with specific lab interests tend to fare better.
• Completeness and accuracy of application: All documents must be correctly verified, signed where required, and submitted on time. Incomplete applications will not advance past the document screening stage.

Important Tips

1. Apply for your preferred intake window early. Each intake window is only nine to ten days long for applications. Do not wait until the last day. Technical problems and document formatting issues can cause delays, and late applications will not be accepted.
2. Write a specific and focused study plan. Generic statements about wanting to study in South Korea will not stand out. Name the research area you want to pursue, reference specific UNIST labs or faculty if possible, and explain clearly how this PhD or Master’s fits your career goals.
3. Prepare your language test score well in advance. TOEFL, IELTS, and other accepted tests take time to book, sit, and receive results. If your score is not yet ready, plan your test date with enough lead time before your chosen intake window.
4. Identify a potential faculty supervisor before applying. UNIST is a research university where lab fit matters significantly. Reaching out to a professor whose work aligns with your interests can give you a stronger basis for your personal statement and may improve your chances.
5. Sign the Letter of Disclosure Agreement and have it ready before you begin your application. This is a required document and missing it will prevent your application from being complete.
6. Keep documents for upload in the correct format. The portal requires digital uploads. Ensure all your transcripts, certificates, and forms are scanned clearly and saved in accepted file formats before the application window opens.
7. Use the full ten-day interview window to prepare if shortlisted. Do not wait for the interview invitation to start preparing. Research common academic interview questions, review your study plan, and be ready to discuss your research interests confidently and in depth.
8. Confirm dormitory availability immediately after registration. On-campus housing is available for scholarship students but spaces may be limited. Contact the UNIST housing office as soon as your registration is confirmed to secure your accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Links

UNIST International Admissions Portal: https://admg-intl.unist.ac.kr

Official Admissions Guidelines (2026 Fall): https://admg-intl.unist.ac.kr/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Guidelines-for-2026-Fall-UNIST-Graduate-Admissions-2.pdf

Full Application Timeline: https://admg-intl.unist.ac.kr/admissions/guidelines/

Campus Address: 50 UNIST-gil, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea Admissions Contact: +82 52-217-1190

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