The University of Science and Technology (UST) in South Korea offers one of the most competitive and fully funded graduate scholarships for international students. If you’re aiming to apply for the UST Scholarship for Spring 2026 then this guide will explain the eligibility criteria in clear, simple terms — with no confusion or hidden points.
Who Can Apply?
The UST (University of Science and Technology) Scholarship in South Korea is open to all international students. To qualify for the Spring 2026 intake, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a non-Korean citizen.
- Hold or expect to hold the required degree before February 2026.
- Come from a science, engineering, or technology-related background.
Degree Requirements
UST offers the following degree programs:
Master’s Program
- Must hold a Bachelor’s degree by February 2026.
PhD Program
- Must hold a Master’s degree by February 2026.
Integrated MS-PhD Program
- Must hold a Bachelor’s degree by February 2026.
Academic Background
Applicants should ideally be from fields such as:
- Biotechnology
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Robotics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Environmental Science
Note: There’s no official GPA cutoff, but competitive candidates typically have:
- GPA above 3.0/4.0 or 80%+.
Even if your GPA is average you can stand out with a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) and recommendation letters.
Language Proficiency Requirements
You can meet the English requirement with one of the following:
- IELTS, TOEFL, or TEPS
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) Letter if your degree was taught in English
Check with your chosen UST institute, as some may accept MOI in place of test scores.
Age Limit
There is no strict age limit, but typically:
- Applicants should be under 40 years old.
- Recent graduates are preferred.
Strong academic/research experience may compensate for age if over the guideline.
Other Conditions
- Must be in good physical and mental health.
- Cannot be receiving another scholarship in Korea.
- Must be able to relocate to Korea by February–March 2026.
Quick Eligibility Checklist
| Requirement | You Must Have |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Non-Korean |
| Degree | Bachelor’s or Master’s (by Feb 2026) |
| Field of Study | STEM-related |
| English Proficiency | IELTS/TOEFL or MOI |
| Health | Fit for travel/study |
| Age | Ideally under 40 |
Final Advice
- Double-check department-specific requirements on the official UST portal.
- Start early on your SOP, resume, and letters.
- Focus on applying to a lab that matches your past work or interest.
What’s Next?
Now that you know you’re eligible, the next step is to prepare your application. Here’s the next guide: