Quick Summary
Private research university in Pohang, South Korea — Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), est. 1986. Ranked #98 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 3514 students including 5% from outside South Korea. Known for strengths in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, it maintains an acceptance rate of 15%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Extremely low student-to-faculty ratio, world-class research infrastructure, and extensive financial support from POSCO.
Subject Strengths
Materials ScienceChemical EngineeringMechanical EngineeringPhysicsChemistryComputer Science
Founded1986
TypePrivate Research University
Total Students3514
Intl Students5%
Faculty Ratio5.4
CampusSuburban
Campus Size370 acres
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationMinistry of Education, South Korea
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#98
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#149
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#101
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Graduate (Masters, PhD, Integrated PhD)
Programs
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Life Sciences, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial and Management Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science and Engineering, Convergence IT Engineering, Biotechnology, Advanced Nuclear Engineering
PhD Programs
Limited (StarPOSTECH Open Courseware)
Online Programs
Pohang Accelerator Laboratory (PAL), Biotech Center, National Institute for Nanomaterials Technology (NINT)
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Ministry of Education, South Korea
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate15%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL79
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · Early September
SPRINGApplication Deadline · Early May
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Highlight research experience and strong mathematical background. For graduate applications, contacting a potential supervisor beforehand is highly recommended.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in South Korean Won
UG Tuition
₩6,124,000/yr
per year · KRW
Living Cost
₩13,000,000/yr
per year · KRW
PG Tuition
₩9,180,000/yr
per year · KRW
Application Fee
$80
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
₩19,500,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · KRW
Scholarships AvailableGlobal Korea Scholarship (GKS), POSTECH Fellowship, POSCO Asia Fellowship
Avg Scholarship$12,000
Financial AidAvailable for international students based on merit and need
Work-StudyAvailable (Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships)
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Graduate (Masters, PhD, Integrated PhD) programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Semiconductor Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Materials Science | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Chemical Engineering | MBA | 12-24 MO |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$65,000
Average Salary After Graduation
92%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with POSCO, Samsung, LG, and SK Hynix
Industry Connections
Strong collaboration with POSCO (the founding corporation) and major tech firms in Korea
Notable Alumni
Kwon Oh-hyun (Former Samsung CEO), various leading scientists in academia and industry
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes, 100% of students guaranteed on-campus housing
Sports Facilities
POSPLEX (Sports complex with pool, gym, courts)
Student Clubs
70+ clubs including arts, sports, and technical societies
Library Resources
Tae-Joon Park Digital Library (open 24/7, high-tech facilities)
Exchange Programs
Available with MIT, Caltech, ETH Zurich, and 100+ global partners
Summer Programs
POSTECH International Summer Program (PISP)