Applications to Korea’s four science institutes hit a record 33,349

Published Oct 5, 2026

Early-admission applications to KAIST, GIST, UNIST and DGIST reached 33,349 for 2027, topping 30,000 for the first time. Expanded AI programs and strong demand for semiconductor majors helped drive the jump.

Applications rose 36.5% in a year and 150.5% in five years

An analysis cited by Newsis shows the four institutes received 8,926 more applications than last year’s 24,423. Compared with 13,315 applicants for the 2022 academic year, the total has more than doubled.

AI and semiconductor programs are shaping demand

The average competition rate across the four institutes was 16.13 applicants per place, with DGIST at 28.6. Expanded AI intake and interest in semiconductor-linked programs were cited as major factors behind the increase.

Sources & context

2026-10-05T09:08:00+09:00

Newsis ↗