Applications to Korea’s Science Institutes Top 30,000 for First Time
Early-admission applications to four leading Korean science and technology institutes rose 36.5 percent to a record 33,349 for the 2027 academic year, outpacing an increase in available places and pushing the average competition rate higher.
Applications to four of South Korea’s leading science and technology institutes have exceeded 30,000 for the first time, underscoring strong student interest in advanced science and engineering programs despite an expansion in medical school admissions.
A total of 33,349 applications were submitted for early admission to the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, and Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology for the 2027 academic year.
The figure was the highest on record and represented an increase of 8,926, or 36.5 percent, from 24,423 applications a year earlier. Compared with the 13,315 applications recorded for the 2022 academic year, demand has grown to roughly two and a half times its previous level in five years.
DGIST posted the largest year-on-year increase at 48.9 percent. UNIST followed with a 41.6 percent gain, while applications to GIST rose 36.2 percent and those to KAIST climbed 20.1 percent.
The combined number of places available across the four institutes also increased, rising by 340 from 1,727 for the 2026 academic year to 2,067 for 2027. Applications, however, grew at a faster pace than capacity. As a result, the average competition rate advanced to 16.13 applicants per place from 14.14 a year earlier.
Growing interest in semiconductor programs linked to corporate hiring and in artificial intelligence majors is seen as one factor behind the surge. The institutes also occupy a distinctive position in the admissions system because applications to them are not counted toward the general six-application limit for early admission. That exemption allows students to apply to science institutes in addition to their choices at conventional universities.
The sharp rise does not necessarily mean every successful applicant will enroll. Some candidates are also expected to apply to medical schools, whose admission quotas have expanded, and may choose medicine if accepted by both. Their final decisions could therefore affect enrollment patterns and admission thresholds at general university science and engineering departments as well as regional medical schools.
The results nevertheless point to intensifying competition for specialized science education as Korea seeks more talent in strategic fields. They also highlight the challenge facing universities and policymakers: expanding training opportunities while ensuring that fast-growing demand is matched by faculty, research facilities and clear career pathways.