Quick Summary
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology is a public (national) research university founded in 1993, located in Gwangju, South Korea. Ranked #359 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 2350 students including 12% from outside South Korea. Known for strengths in Materials Science, Engineering and Technology, Chemistry, it maintains an acceptance rate of 15%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
GIST is consistently ranked globally for Citations per Faculty (Top 10) and offers full financial support for graduate researchers.
Subject Strengths
Materials ScienceEngineering and TechnologyChemistryPhysicsBiological Sciences
Founded1993
TypePublic (National) Research University
Total Students2350
Intl Students12%
Faculty Ratio10.5
CampusUrban
Campus Size150 acres
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationMinistry of Education, Republic of Korea
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#359
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#501-600
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#701-800
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Ph.D., Integrated MS/PhD
Programs
Materials Science, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Life Sciences, Physics and Photon Science, Chemistry, Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
Heeger Center for Advanced Materials, International Environmental Research Center, Research Center for Solar and Sustainable Energies
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Ministry of Education, Republic of Korea
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate15%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GREOptional but recommended
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · April 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus heavily on research experience and a strong statement of purpose highlighting technical alignment with GIST research labs.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in South Korean Won
UG Tuition
₩7,000,000/yr
per year · KRW
Living Cost
₩12,000,000/yr
per year · KRW
PG Tuition
₩9,400,000/yr
per year · KRW
Application Fee
$80
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
₩19,100,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · KRW
Scholarships AvailableGIST Scholarship, Korean Government Scholarship (GKS), Global Korea Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$12,000
Financial AidTuition waivers and monthly stipends for all full-time research students
Work-StudyAvailable (Research assistantships and teaching assistantships)
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Ph.D., Integrated MS/PhD programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Materials Science and Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Electrical Engineering and Computer Science | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Mechanical Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering | MBA | 12-24 MO |
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$55,000
Average Salary After Graduation
92%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Samsung, LG, and Hyundai research centers
Industry Connections
Samsung ElectronicsSK HynixLG DisplayKorea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO)
Notable Alumni
Research leaders in Silicon Valley and high-ranking officials in Korean government research agencies
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Gymnasium, Tennis Courts, Soccer Field, Swimming Pool
Student Clubs
GIST International Students Association, Robotics Club, Musical Ensembles
Library Resources
GIST Central Library (Digital archives, specialized STEM collections)
Exchange Programs
Caltech, MIT, Georgia Tech, University of Waterloo
Summer Programs
GIST Global Intern Program (GIP)