POSTECH
A world-leading research university known for academic excellence and innovation. Consistently ranked among the top institutions globally, offering cutting-edge programs across multiple disciplines with strong industry connections.
- Acceptance Rate
- 15.6%
- SAT Range
- 1330–1480
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.85
- Size
- Large (50,935 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:11
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 92.0%
- Retention Rate
- 95.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $6,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $15,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Student life at POSTECH reflects the institution's research-intensive culture while providing the support and community that young scientists need to thrive. The campus residential system houses most students, creating a cohesive community where academic collaboration extends into living spaces and informal settings. Student organizations span academic interests, cultural activities, athletic pursuits, and social causes, providing outlets for development beyond laboratory and classroom work. The university recognizes that scientific creativity requires rest and renewal, supporting recreational facilities and programs that help students maintain physical and mental well-being. The campus's coastal location offers opportunities for outdoor activities, with beaches and mountains accessible for weekend excursions that provide respite from demanding academic schedules. International students find support services that ease their transition to Korean language and culture while maintaining connections with home communities. Academic mentoring programs pair junior students with advanced undergraduates or graduate students who can offer guidance on navigating POSTECH's challenging curriculum. Career preparation begins early, with programs helping students understand the diverse paths that scientific training can enable, from academic research to industry positions to entrepreneurship.
Location & Surroundings
Pohang, a city of approximately 500,000 residents on South Korea's southeastern coast, provides POSTECH with a distinctive setting that combines industrial heritage with natural beauty. The city developed around the POSCO steel complex, and this industrial foundation has fostered a community oriented toward technology, engineering, and manufacturing that complements POSTECH's academic focus. The coastal location offers dramatic scenery where mountains meet the East Sea, creating recreational opportunities and aesthetic inspiration that contrast with the intensity of scientific research. Korea's high-speed rail network connects Pohang to Seoul in approximately two hours, enabling access to the capital's cultural resources, international airport, and additional academic institutions. The regional economy includes technology companies, manufacturing operations, and research institutes that provide internship and employment opportunities for POSTECH students and graduates. Pohang's moderate size offers urban amenities including restaurants, shopping, and entertainment venues without the congestion and expense of Korea's largest cities. The climate features distinct seasons that mark the academic calendar, with warm summers, colorful autumns, cold winters, and spring cherry blossoms. International accessibility via Pohang Airport and nearby larger airports facilitates the global connections essential for modern scientific research.
Costs & Career Outcomes
POSTECH's financial structure reflects its origins as a university founded by a major corporation committed to developing scientific talent for Korea's technological advancement. Tuition rates for Korean students are set with affordability in mind, and substantial financial aid programs ensure that talented students can attend regardless of family financial circumstances. International students may face different fee structures but can access scholarship programs that reduce educational costs significantly. The university's research funding provides stipends and employment for graduate students, who contribute to research projects while completing their advanced degrees. Living costs in Pohang remain lower than in Seoul, and campus housing options provide affordable accommodation that builds community while reducing expenses. Career outcomes for POSTECH graduates are exceptional, with alumni achieving leadership positions in academic research, technology companies, government agencies, and entrepreneurial ventures throughout Korea and internationally. The POSTECH alumni network, though younger than those of longer-established institutions, provides valuable connections for graduates entering the workforce or pursuing advanced studies. Research experience gained at POSTECH prepares graduates for doctoral programs at leading universities worldwide, with many continuing to influential positions in academic science. Industry recruitment is active, with technology companies competing for graduates whose research training prepares them for innovation-oriented roles.
Campus Location
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