In Pohang, South Korea, there is a private research university called Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH). As of 2024, it is recognized as one of the leading research universities in Asia and is highly ranked globally.
The steel manufacturer POSCO established POSTECH in 1986 to offer a student-centered education in a close-knit, highly collaborative academic environment. The university has 22 graduate programs, 11 departments, and a 6:1 student-to-professor ratio.
With the most significant scholarship support per student and the most extensive educational investment in Korea, POSTECH gives gifted students from all socioeconomic backgrounds the chance to pursue a POSTECH degree. Integrity, Creativity, and Aspiration serve as the motto of POSTECH, which aspires to rank among the top 20 universities in the world by 2024.
History
Founding
POSTECH was established in 1986 by POSCO, a steel company, to educate specialized engineers who might establish the foundation for upcoming technical advancements. Park Tae-joon, the university’s founding chairman, modeled POSTECH after the California Institute of Technology. The university started with 11 undergraduate departments, four specializing in science and seven specializing in engineering.
Modern Era
Today, POSTECH is a leading research university in South Korea with a strong focus on science and engineering. The university has a graduate program comprising the same 11 departments as the undergraduate program, five divisions, two interdisciplinary programs, two professional graduate schools, and one particular graduate school. The university’s 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows instructors to give each student individualized attention and excellent instruction.
Development
POSTECH has developed rapidly since its founding, with a focus on research and innovation. The university is home to the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory and over 73 research centers, including Korea’s only synchrotron radiation facility. In recent years, the Korean government established four centers of the Institute for Basic Science at the university to promote world-class research. POSTECH is also home to the Max Planck POSTECH/Korea Research Initiative, a collaboration between Pohang University of Science and Technology and the Max Planck Society.
POSTECH has been recognized for its achievements in research and innovation. 2012-2014, In its “100 Under 50 Young Universities” rankings, Times Higher Education gave POSTECH the top spot. The university is now ranked as the 87th best university in the world by QS World University Rankings.
Pohang University of Science and Technology is located in Pohang, a North Gyeongsang, South Korea city. The city is an important seaport in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk area and one of South Korea’s leading industrial cities. The university’s 400-acre campus is fully equipped with the latest facilities, and it is situated across a verdant 1.6 million m2 campus in the city of Pohang.
CAMPUS
Location
Pohang Institution of Science and Technology (Pohang University of Science and Technology) is a private research institution in Pohang, South Korea. The campus spans 400 acres and is situated twenty minutes by car from downtown Pohang, an hour by bus from Busan, and approximately two and a half hours by train (KTX) from Seoul.
Facilities
POSTECH offers its students, faculty, and staff a range of facilities. Some of the notable facilities on campus include:
- Pohang Accelerator Laboratory (PAL) is a national facility that operates as a third-generation synchrotron light source. For US$390 million, the fourth-generation light source X-ray free electron laser (XFEL), known as PAL-XFEL, was completed in 2016. It is the third such device in the world.
- Tae-Joon Park Digital Library: The library was opened in 2003 and is named after the founding chairman of POSTECH.
- Graduate Institute of Ferrous Technology (GIFT): Established in 2005, GIFT is a research institute focused on ferrous technology.
- National Institute for Nanomaterials Technology: Established in 2007, the institute is focused on nanomaterials technology research.
- POSTECH Entrepreneurship Center: The center was opened in 2014 and is supported by the Small & Medium Business Administration.
- The Pohang Center for Creative Economy & Innovation: The center was opened in 2014 and is located on the 5th floor of C5.
Expansion
Pohang University of Science and Technology has expanded to accommodate its growing student population and research needs. In 2021, POSTECH opened the School of Convergence Science and Technology (SCST), which offers a major in social data science. The university also plans to expand its campus and facilities to support its research and academic programs.
Pohang University of Science and Technology Data
Here is a table of data on Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH):
| Category | Number |
| Total number of students | 3,260 |
| Number of international students | 114 |
| Total number of academic staff | 327 |
| Number of international staff | 18 |
| Number of undergraduate degrees awarded | 330 |
| Number of research-only staff | 236 |
| Number of new doctoral students | 350 |
| Number of international students | 114 |
| Number of international staff | 18 |
| Number of doctoral degrees awarded | 217 |
| Number of new undergraduate students | 330 |
Academics
POSTECH, Pohang University of Science and Technology, provides a range of graduate and undergraduate degrees in several subject areas.
Undergraduate Programs
The Department of Electrical Engineering at POSTECH undergraduate program focuses on core electrical engineering courses, concentrating on basic subjects rather than specific areas. The program aims to educate students in the general core topics of electronic and electrical engineering so that they can adapt as quickly to the industry as to graduate programs after graduation.
The Department of Electrical Engineering admits only 45 undergraduate students per year. To graduate, students must complete 135 credit hours: 15 in Humanities and Social Sciences requirements, 14 in Humanities and Social Sciences electives, 30 in General University requirements, 40 in major requirements, 24 insignificant electives, and 12 in free electives.
The primary requirements include courses such as Circuit Theory, Signals and Systems, Introduction to Electromagnetism, Digital System Design, Electronic Circuitry I, Fundamental Electronic Experiments, Microprocessor Structure and Application, Semiconductor Electronics I, and Design Project I and II.
The significant electives include Physics Electronics, Introduction to Automation Control Engineering, Electronic Circuitry II, Information and Communication Engineering, Electromagnetic Fields, and Computer Design. Undergraduate students must take three or more of these six subjects, totaling at least nine credits. Every undergraduate student must complete a design project over two semesters and serve as the graduation project.
Graduate Programs
The Department of Electrical Engineering graduate program at POSTECH emphasizes leadership in research and provides a diverse range of specialized and interdisciplinary research. The program consists of an M.S., Ph.D., and (since 1996) a combined M.S./ Ph.D. degree. The program has unique training programs to develop top-level human resources who meet industry requirements in Semiconductor/Display Technology, Steel Control, and Robotics.
Prospective graduate students must pass an entrance exam, administered as a written test and an interview. Students can apply for the doctoral program after obtaining an adviser’s approval and passing the Ph.D. qualification exam. M.S. students must choose three professors and then meet with each professor to select one as an adviser.
Candidates for all degrees must meet specific credit requirements: for the M.S. degree, a minimum of 24 graduate course credits and four research credits are required; for the Ph.D. degree, a minimum of 18 graduate course credits and 14 research credits beyond the M.S. level are required; for the combined M.S./Ph.D., a minimum of 42 graduate course credits and 18 research credits are required.
The graduate curriculum comprises 26 courses in solid state and quantum electronics, 24 in control and power electronics, 16 in communications and signal processing, 10 in electromagnetics and microwaves, 13 in Computer Engineering, 7 in integrated circuits and SoC design, and seven other courses.
In the Ph.D. program, at least one paper from the dissertation must be published in an internationally recognized journal; after meeting this requirement, students are awarded a Ph.D. degree when their dissertation passes an examination conducted by five Ph.D. committee members.
Research
Pohang University of Science and Technology is a research-oriented university that emphasizes leadership in research. The university has a Graduate Institute of Ferrous Technology (GIFT) focuses on ferrous technology research.
The university also has a research participation program for international students, regardless of their enrollment in partner/non-partner universities. Research students must receive prior official acceptance of their study project from a future supervising professor at Pohang University of Science and Technology before submitting their applications for the program.
The research participation program is a short-term research program for international students. The Department of Electrical Engineering has various research areas, including semiconductor and quantum electronics, information and communication technology, control and power electronics, computer engineering, electromagnetics and microwave engineering, and circuits and system development.
The department also has various research labs, including the Semiconductor and Quantum Electronics Lab, the Information and Communication Technology Lab, the Control and Power Electronics Lab, the Computer Engineering Lab, the Electromagnetics and Microwave Engineering Lab, and the Circuits and System Development Lab.
Pohang University of Science and Technology Subject Rankings
Here is a table of data on Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) subject rankings:
| Subject | QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 |
| Materials Science | 32 |
| Chemistry | 114 |
| Chemical Engineering | 144 |
| Computer Science | 328 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering | 326 |
| Biology and Biochemistry | 205 |
| Condensed Matter Physics | 74 |
| Energy and Fuels | 197 |
According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, POSTECH ranks 32nd in the world for Materials Science, 114th for Chemistry, 144th for Chemical Engineering, 328th for Computer Science, 326th for Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 205th for Biology and Biochemistry, 74th for Condensed Matter Physics, and 197th for Energy and Fuels.
Situated in Pohang, South Korea, Pohang University of Science and Technology is a private research university. It was founded in 1986 by POSCO, one of the world’s leading steel companies, to provide specialized engineering knowledge to prepare future technologists.
The college has 11 undergraduate departments and a graduate program, which consists of the same 11 departments, five divisions, two interdisciplinary programs, two professional graduate schools, and one particular graduate school. POSTECH is home to the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory and over 73 research centers, including Korea’s only synchrotron radiation facility.
The ratio of students to faculty at the university is 5:1. Enabling faculty to focus on individual students and provide high-quality teaching.
Admission
Undergraduate Admission
Pohang University of Science and Technology offers undergraduate programs in 11 departments and 21 graduate programs, with most departments focusing on science and technology. As an exchange student, you can take undergraduate and graduate-level classes if you meet the prerequisites. Around 60% of the courses at POSTECH are taught in English, and there are limited English-taught humanities classes and upper-division STEM classes.
To apply for the exchange program, you must have completed at least one term at your home university by the application deadline. No language requirement exists, but one year of college-level Korean is highly recommended to facilitate daily life in Pohang and navigate the university. The application process is competitive, and it will be decided whether or not to enroll you after the deadline. Sometimes, you have to have an interview.
Graduate Admission
Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) Graduate Program emphasizes leadership in research and provides a diverse range of specialized and interdisciplinary research. The program comprises an M.S., Ph.D., and a combined M.S./ Ph.D. degree. Prospective graduate students must pass an entrance exam, administered as a written test and an interview.
Students can apply for the doctoral program after obtaining an adviser’s approval and passing the Ph.D. qualification exam. M.S. students must choose three professors and then meet with each professor to select one as an adviser.
Candidates for all degrees must meet specific credit requirements: for the M.S. degree, a minimum of 24 graduate course credits and four research credits are required; for the Ph.D. degree, a minimum of 18 graduate course credits and 14 research credits beyond the M.S. level are required; for the combined M.S./Ph.D., a minimum of 42 graduate course credits and 18 research credits are required.
The graduate curriculum comprises 26 courses in solid state and quantum electronics, 24 in control and power electronics, 16 in communications and signal processing, 10 in electromagnetics and microwaves, 13 in computer engineering, 7 in integrated circuits and SoC design, and seven other courses.
In the Ph.D. program, at least one paper from the dissertation must be published in an internationally recognized journal; after meeting this requirement, students are awarded a Ph.D. degree when their dissertation passes an examination conducted by five Ph.D. committee members.
Student Life
Housing
Pohang University of Science and Technology offers on-campus housing for international students. Upon meeting the Lab Mentor, The on-campus housing will be automatically assigned to all international students. The first place they should go to is the Housing Services Office on the Dormitory Bldg’s first floor. No. 13. All international students must visit the Housing Services upon arrival to follow the check-in procedure. If they happen to arrive past office hours, they must see on the next day (or the following Monday if you come on weekends).
Different types of housing are available for international members at POSTECH, including regular dormitories, graduate student apartments, Nakwon apartments, and faculty apartments. Most international students and researchers are housed in regular dormitories.
Graduate Student Apartments are reserved for domestic and international married/unmarried graduate students. International graduate students wishing to live in Graduate Student APT must submit the marriage certificate before their arrival to reserve a room.
Nakwon Apartments are for married researchers and are opposite the East Gate. A newly renovated portion is called Posville. Faculty Apartments are reserved for all faculty members at Pohang University of Science and Technology .
Students also have an option to live off-campus by finding a place of their own. However, living off-campus is more expensive than living on-campus, and most lease agreements have a period of 1~2 years minimum. Also, Korea’s rental agreement system, “Wolse” (월세),” requ” res tenants to pay a security deposit and monthly rent. The amount of the security deposit varies as the landlord sets it. Still, on average, the security deposit is from 2,000,000 to 5,000,000 KRW, which can be pretty burdensome for students to prepare. Therefore, POSTECH strongly recommends living on campus.
Clubs and Organizations of Pohang University of Science and Technology
POSTECH offers a variety of clubs and organizations for students to join and expand their horizons. Educational, multicultural, artistic, preprofessional, political, athletic, religious, service-oriented, and more clubs and organizations are available. The Office of Student Activities supports numerous student organizations that are as diverse as the student population. The office also oversees significant campus events like Homecoming and Welcome Week.
Support Services
The Scholar and International Student Services (ISS) located atPOSTECH is dedicated to serving the university’s national community and enhancing campus globalization. ISSS assists international students and scholars in accomplishing their academic and research goals by providing support in various areas.
ISSS strives to create an environment conducive to a successful educational and personal experience through orientations, counseling, cultural programs, and outreach. ISSS is located on the 2nd floor of Tae-joon Park Digital Library and is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
ISSS provides various services, including publications, orientations, social activities, living information, liaison, and administration. ISSS offers helpful information for international members to Pohang University of Science and Technology, orientations for new international students and scholars, social activities to invigorate international community networks, living information for living in Korea and on campus, liaison services to listen to international members and connect them to relevant departments for further consultation/resolution, and administrative services such as visa arrangements, alien registration, and preparation for arrival/departure on campus.
Rankings and Reputation
(POSTECH) is a highly reputed research university in Pohang, South Korea. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in Korea, Asia, and internationally.
According to the Q.S. World University Rankings 2024, POSTECH is ranked 100th globally. In the QS Asia University Rankings 2023, POSTECH is ranked 22nd. POSTECH is ranked 3rd in the JoongAng Ilbo University Rankings 2023 in Korea.
Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) has a strong reputation for research and innovation, particularly in science and technology. It is home to several world-class research centers and institutes, including the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory (PAL), the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), and the Center for Self-assembly and Complexity (CSC).
POSTECH is also known for its highly selective admissions process and rigorous academic programs. With a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio, faculty members may provide individualized attention and mentorship.
Pohang University of Science and Technology Rankings
Here is a table presenting Pohang University of Science and Technology’s rankings in Korea, Asia, and Internationally according to 2024 data:
| Ranking | Korea | Asia | International |
| QS World University Rankings | – | – | =100 |
| Times Higher Education World University Rankings | – | – | 149 |
| AD Scientific Index | 224 | 9,710 | 17,852 |
According to the QS World University Rankings, Pohang University of Science and Technology is ranked #=100 internationally in 20242. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings placed the university at 149th position internationally in 20244. Additionally, AD Scientific Index ranked Pohang University of Science and Technology 224th in South Korea, 9,710th in Asia, and 17,852nd internationally in 2024
Alums and Notable Figures
POSTECH has produced notable alums and figures in various fields. Here are some of them:
- Hyeonchae Yang – Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI)
- Minji Kwon – Seoul Institute of Technology (SIT)
- Min-Woo Ahn – Samsung Research
- Byoung-Hwa Lee – Samsung Research
- Inho Hong – Chonnam National University
- Hyunuk Kim – Elon University
- Jeongjun Kim – Pohang University of Science and Technology
- Min-Young Lee – Bank of Korea
- Taekho You – Pohang University of Science and Technology
- Jisung Yoon – Northwestern University
- Jungwoo Lee – Samsung Display Research Center
- Jisu Lee – Samsung Display Research Center
- Chanung Park – Samsung Display Research Center
- Janggyoon Jeong – Samsung Display Research Center
Some other notable figures associated with POSTECH include:
- Tae-Joon Park – Founding Chairman of POSTECH
- Hogil Kim – First President of POSTECH
- Sooyoung Chang – Second President of POSTECH
- Sungkee Chang – Third President of POSTECH
- Chanmo Park – Fourth President of POSTECH
Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) is also known for its research contributions in several fields, including physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering. Some of its notable research centers and institutes include the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory (PAL), the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), and the Center for Self-assembly and Complexity (CSC).
International Collaborations
Pohang University of Science and Technology has established international collaborations with universities and research institutions worldwide. The main point of these collaborations is to promote research and innovation, provide opportunities for students to gain global experience and knowledge, and contribute to improving technology and science for the sake of humanity.
One example of Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) international collaborations is the POSCO-POSTECH-RIST convergence research center for flat optics and metaphotonics, which plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between science and technology by promoting academia-industry cooperation. The center has already proposed a massive production process of large-area metalenses at the visible spectrum and has organized various events to encourage collaboration and innovation in photonics research.
In addition to research collaborations, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) offers student exchange programs with partner universities. For example, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) has a student exchange program with POSTECH. It allows HKU students to study at POSTECH for a semester or two and earn credits towards their degree.
Overall, POSTECH’s international collaborations aim to foster a global network of researchers and students, promote interdisciplinary research and innovation, and contribute to advancing science and technology for the betterment of society.
FAQ for Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
Q: What is POSTECH?
A:Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) is a private research university in Pohang, South Korea. It was founded in 1986 and is known for its research and education in science and technology.
Q: What programs does POSTECH offer?
A: POSTECH offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various science, engineering, and humanities fields.
Q: How can I apply for the exchange program at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)?
A: Only students from partner universities can take courses for one to two semesters and earn credits for transfer. Students from non-partner universities may apply for the visiting research program, which does not give any credits for research activities.
Q: Can undergraduate exchange students take graduate courses?
A: Undergraduate exchange students may take graduate courses if they meet the prerequisites.
Q: Can graduate exchange students take undergraduate courses?
A: Graduate exchange students can take undergraduate courses and earn credits and grades.
Q: How can I contact an advising professor-to-be?
A: Students can access each department’s website and refer to lists of faculty members starting from www.postech.ac.kr. They may find their research areas, laboratories, and email addresses and contact them directly to ask about admissions.
Q: Can I apply for a fee-paying program if my home university does not nominate me?
A: Only applicants nominated by the international office of partner universities are eligible to take courses as exchange students.
Q: How do I get my transcripts once I complete the exchange program?
A: Hard copies of transcripts will be sent to the home university once the student exchange program is completed.
Q: What is the housing policy for exchange students at Pohang University of Science and Technology?
A: Exchange students must purchase compulsory health insurance even if they already have similar travel insurance from home. If students wish to come earlier than the check-in dates, they may arrange accommodation before arriving in Pohang. POSCO International Center on campus provides accommodation for POSTECH members for a fee.
Q: Can my lab mentor meet me at the airport?
A: The policy states that the lab mentor may greet the students on campus and guide them to their dormitory upon arrival at Pohang University of Science and Technology.
Q: Can I move into the dormitory earlier than the check-in date?
A: Students can only enter the dormitory after their earliest check-in date.
