Hello! This website is specially created to help students like you find good opportunities.. For 4 years I see many questions about UST Scholarship. So I write this full guide. UST Scholarship means the full funding you get when admitted to University of Science and Technology (UST) in South Korea. Official name is financial support or tuition & aid, but everyone calls it UST Scholarship because it covers everything – tuition free + monthly stipend + more.
This is the complete page for UST Scholarship. I explain benefits, how to apply, deadlines, tips for Pakistani students, everything. Use simple words so easy to understand.
Last updated: February, 2026 Always check official ust.ac.kr or admission.ust.ac.kr for latest. Rules and dates can change.
What is UST Scholarship?
UST Scholarship is for graduate students at University of Science and Technology (UST). UST is government research university in South Korea. It has 32 big labs/institutes like KIST, KRIBB, ETRI. You do real research there, not just study books.
Programs under UST Scholarship:
- Master’s (2 years)
- PhD (3–4 years)
- Integrated Master’s-PhD (up to 5 years)
All in English. No Korean needed at first. They give free Korean classes too.
Majors: 40+ fields.
Examples: AI, biotechnology, renewable energy, robotics, materials science, nanotechnology, environmental engineering, space technology. Many Pakistani students pick AI, energy, biotech – good future jobs.
Student info: About 1,200 total. 30–40% international from many countries. Pakistan has students every year.
UST Scholarship Benefits – What You Really Get
When UST accepts you, UST Scholarship starts automatic. No extra apply. It is full funding for most international students.
Here is the list (from recent UST info, effective March 2025 to February 2028 – minimum amounts before any deductions):
| Benefit | Master’s Level | PhD / Integrated Level | Approx Value (USD per year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Entrance Fee | 100% free | 100% free | $3,000–$4,000 |
| Monthly Stipend | ~1,430,000 KRW | ~1,900,000 KRW | $12,700–$16,900 |
| Health Insurance | National + accident cover | Same | $150–$200 |
| One-way Airfare | Sometimes for arrival | Same | Up to $1,100 |
| Settlement Allowance | One-time when arrive | Same | ~$150 |
| Dormitory | Priority + cheap rent | Same | $200–$400/month |
| Research Support | Lab tools, conferences | More (overseas trips for PhD) | Varies |
| Korean Language Course | Free | Free | – |
Living in Korea (Daejeon or Seoul): 800,000–1,200,000 KRW/month for food, transport, room. UST Scholarship stipend covers it. You can save some money too.
Other good points:
- Work on real projects, publish papers.
- After finish, many get jobs in Korea or go home with strong CV.
- Post-study visa (D-10) possible for job search.
Who Can Apply for UST Scholarship? Eligibility
UST Scholarship open for international students. No Korean citizens (dual careful).
Basic rules:
- Good health (self-declare).
- Not hold previous UST degree (some exceptions).
Academic:
- Master’s: Bachelor’s degree done by start date.
- PhD: Master’s degree done.
- Integrated: Bachelor’s for direct PhD path.
GPA: No strict minimum. But most have 3.0/4.0 or 75–80%+. Low GPA? Strong research or professor interest can help.
English for UST Scholarship:
- TOEFL iBT 79+
- IELTS 6.0+
- TEPS 327+
- Or MOI certificate (if degree in English).
For Pakistanis: Many unis give MOI letter (NUST, LUMS, etc.). No test! Big save.
Other:
- Must match professor/lab (very key – see below).
- Pakistan: Later HEC + MOFA attestation for visa.
How to Apply for UST Scholarship (Step by Step)
Follow this carefully for UST Scholarship success.
- Find Lab and Contact Professor (start early!) Go ust.ac.kr > Majors/Institutes. Read professor work. Email 3–5: Short intro, why their research, attach CV + research idea. Ask if they take student for next intake. This step decides a lot – 70% success from good contact.
- Online Application for UST Scholarship Site: apply.ust.ac.kr Make account. Choose program, intake, major. Fill info, write study plan (why UST Scholarship, your goal).
- Upload Documents See checklist below.
- Submit (fee small or free – check).
- Interview With professor (online mostly). Questions on research, motivation.
- Results Track portal. Final list out.
Application for UST Scholarship free/low cost. No need agent.
UST Scholarship Deadlines & Timeline 2026-2027
Spring 2026 mostly closed (apps 2025, start March 2026). Now target Fall 2026 or Spring 2027.
Expected dates (past pattern – confirm official):
| Step | Fall 2026 (Sep start) Expected | Spring 2027 (Mar start) Expected |
|---|---|---|
| Guidelines out | March–April 2026 | August–September 2026 |
| Online apply open | April–June 2026 | September–October 2026 |
| Deadline | May–June 2026 | October 2026 |
| Interviews | June–July 2026 | October–November 2026 |
| Final results | July–August 2026 | December 2026 |
| Arrival in Korea | August 2026 | February 2027 |
Tip: Check admission.ust.ac.kr weekly. Sign up our email for alerts.
Required Documents for UST Scholarship
Prepare these early. All English or translated.
Must:
- Passport copy
- Online application form
- Degree certificates
- Transcripts
- 2 recommendation letters
- Study plan / research proposal
- English proof (or MOI)
- CV
Pakistan extra: HEC attestation (degrees/transcripts). MOFA later for visa.
Optional help: Publications, awards.
We plan printable PDF checklist.
How to Contact Professors for UST Scholarship
This is key for UST Scholarship.
Steps:
- Search ust.ac.kr for professors in your field.
- Read their papers (Google Scholar).
- Email: Polite, short. Subject: Application for UST Scholarship Fall 2026 – [Your Field]Sample:
Dear Professor [Name],I am [Your Name] from Pakistan. MS in [Field]. I like your research on [topic]. Attached CV and idea. Can you supervise me for UST Scholarship?Thank you. - Send to 3–5. Follow up after 10 days.
Many Pakistanis succeed this way.
Tips for Pakistani Students Applying to UST Scholarship
From real talks:
- Contact professors now – summer best.
- Use MOI to skip English test.
- Attest HEC early (Islamabad office).
- Study plan: Show benefit for Pakistan (e.g., AI for jobs, energy for power).
- Join groups: Facebook “Study in Korea Pakistan” or WhatsApp channels.
- Visa D-2 easy after accept.
- Halal food available in Daejeon/Seoul.
- Alumni back home get good positions.
Rejection? Often no professor contact. Try next time.
UST Scholarship vs Others – Comparison
| Scholarship | Funding | Apply Way | Professor Needed? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UST Scholarship | Automatic full | Direct UST | Yes, very | Deep research |
| GKS | Government | Embassy/Uni | No (helps) | Any field, quotas |
| KAIST Scholarship | University | Direct KAIST | Sometimes | High competition |
UST Scholarship strong for lab work.
Common Mistakes in UST Scholarship Application
- No professor email → big no.
- Copy study plan → professors know.
- Late submit.
- Wrong field fit.
- Not check official site.
After Getting UST Scholarship
- Admission letter.
- Apply D-2 visa (Islamabad Embassy).
- Fly, join dorm.
- Do research, publish.
After graduate: Jobs in Korea or Pakistan.
Frequently Asked Questions about UST Scholarship
Is UST Scholarship fully funded?
Yes, tuition free + stipend.
Need Korean for UST Scholarship?
No, English programs.
Low GPA for UST Scholarship?
Possible with good professor/research.
Family join on UST Scholarship?
Later maybe dependent visa.
How many Pakistanis get UST Scholarship?
Some every intake. Possible!