Pohang University of Science And Technology Logo Pohang University of Science And Technology

Address: 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
Phone: +82 54 279 0111
Email: admission@postech.ac.kr
Website: www.postech.ac.kr


The Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) has specific language requirements depending on the program of study, particularly for international students. Here are the general language requirements:

1. Korean-Taught Programs

Most undergraduate programs at POSTECH are taught in Korean. Therefore, proficiency in the Korean language is essential for students enrolling in these programs.

Accepted Korean Language Tests:

  • TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean): A minimum score of Level 3 is typically required. This ensures that students can understand lectures, participate in discussions, and complete assignments effectively.

Exemptions:

  • Students who have completed their education in a Korean-speaking institution may be exempt from submitting TOPIK scores.

2. English-Taught Programs

POSTECH offers various graduate programs and some undergraduate courses in English. For these programs, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English.

Accepted English Language Tests:

  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 80.
  • IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 6.0 (with no band lower than 5.5).
  • Cambridge English Qualifications: A minimum score of C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE) is often acceptable.

Exemptions:

  • Applicants who have completed their previous education (high school or university) in English-speaking institutions or countries may be exempt from providing English language test scores.
  • Native English speakers are also typically exempt from submitting a language test.

3. Language Preparation Programs

For students who do not meet the required language proficiency, POSTECH may offer language preparation courses. These programs are designed to help students improve their Korean or English language skills before starting their degree.

4. Graduate Programs

Graduate programs at POSTECH are often taught in English, especially for international students. Proficiency in English is essential, and applicants are expected to submit valid language test scores if they do not meet the exemption criteria.

5. Ph.D. Programs

For Ph.D. candidates, the language requirements can be more flexible, depending on the research supervisor and the language of instruction. However, proficiency in English is generally expected, especially for research publications and presentations.

Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), located in Pohang, South Korea, is renowned for its strong emphasis on science and technology education. It offers a wide range of specialized courses across various fields. Here are the key course specializations at POSTECH:

1. Engineering

  • Electrical Engineering: Covers areas such as circuit design, telecommunications, and embedded systems.
  • Mechanical Engineering: Focuses on thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, robotics, and materials science.
  • Civil and Environmental Engineering: Includes structural engineering, geotechnics, and sustainable design practices.
  • Chemical Engineering: Emphasizes chemical processes, materials synthesis, and nanotechnology.

2. Natural Sciences

  • Physics: Offers specializations in condensed matter physics, quantum mechanics, and optical physics.
  • Chemistry: Focuses on organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and materials chemistry.
  • Biological Sciences: Includes molecular biology, biotechnology, and microbiology, with a focus on research and innovation.

3. Computer Science and Engineering

  • Computer Science: Covers algorithms, software engineering, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
  • Computer Engineering: Focuses on hardware design, embedded systems, and network systems.

4. Information and Communication Engineering

  • Specializes in communication systems, signal processing, and network protocols, preparing students for careers in telecommunications and networking.

5. Materials Science and Engineering

  • Offers courses on materials properties, synthesis, characterization, and applications in various industries, including electronics and nanotechnology.

6. Business and Management

  • Business Administration: Includes specializations in operations management, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship, integrating technological innovation with business strategy.

7. Energy Science and Engineering

  • Focuses on renewable energy technologies, energy systems, and environmental sustainability, preparing students for careers in the energy sector.

8. Design and Art

  • Design: Offers programs that combine technology and creativity, focusing on industrial design, user experience, and product design.

9. Interdisciplinary Programs

  • POSTECH encourages interdisciplinary study, allowing students to take courses across different departments, fostering innovation and collaboration in areas like biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, and environmental studies.

10. Graduate Programs

  • POSTECH also offers various master’s and doctoral programs in the above fields, focusing on research and development, with opportunities for collaboration with industry and international research institutes.

Research Opportunities

POSTECH is known for its research excellence and has several research institutes and centers focused on cutting-edge technology, including:

  • Pohang Accelerator Laboratory (PAL): A major research facility for advanced materials research.
  • POSTECH Research Institute of Science and Technology: Focuses on interdisciplinary research and innovation in science and technology.

Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) is home to several distinguished professors who are recognized for their contributions to research, teaching, and their respective fields. Here are some notable faculty members at POSTECH:

1. Prof. Soojin Park

  • Field: Mechanical Engineering
  • Specialization: Robotics and intelligent systems.
  • Accomplishments: Known for her research in the areas of robot perception, learning, and human-robot interaction. She has published extensively in leading journals and is involved in various collaborative projects that enhance robotic technology.

2. Prof. Kwang-Soo Lee

  • Field: Physics
  • Specialization: Condensed matter physics and material science.
  • Accomplishments: He has made significant contributions to the understanding of quantum materials and their applications. His work is widely cited, and he participates in international collaborations that further the field.

3. Prof. Hoon-Soo Kim

  • Field: Chemistry
  • Specialization: Materials chemistry and nanotechnology.
  • Accomplishments: Known for his research in developing novel materials for energy storage and conversion. He has received several awards for his contributions to material synthesis and characterization.

4. Prof. Yang Joon Kim

  • Field: Electrical Engineering
  • Specialization: Semiconductor devices and integrated circuits.
  • Accomplishments: His research focuses on developing advanced semiconductor materials and devices for electronic applications. He has published numerous papers and holds several patents in the field.

5. Prof. Ho-Young Lee

  • Field: Computer Science and Engineering
  • Specialization: Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data mining.
  • Accomplishments: Known for his work on algorithms and applications of machine learning in various domains. He actively collaborates with industry partners and contributes to innovative projects in AI.

6. Prof. Jong-Woo Lee

  • Field: Civil and Environmental Engineering
  • Specialization: Sustainable engineering and environmental management.
  • Accomplishments: His research focuses on water resources management, environmental sustainability, and the impact of climate change. He is actively involved in research projects that address pressing environmental challenges.

7. Prof. Kyung-Soo Kim

  • Field: Biotechnology
  • Specialization: Genetic engineering and microbial biotechnology.
  • Accomplishments: His work has significantly advanced the understanding of microbial systems and their applications in biotechnology, including biofuel production and bioremediation.

8. Prof. Moon-Kyung Lee

  • Field: Business Administration
  • Specialization: Innovation management and entrepreneurship.
  • Accomplishments: Known for his research on technology transfer, innovation strategies, and the role of startups in the economy. He is involved in various initiatives that support entrepreneurship among students.

Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) has made significant contributions to research and innovation, and while it does not have any faculty members or alumni who have received a Nobel Prize, it is associated with various notable achievements in science and technology. Here are some relevant points regarding POSTECH's connections to Nobel-related work:

1. Research Contributions

  • POSTECH is known for its high-quality research output, particularly in fields like materials science, physics, engineering, and biotechnology. The university’s focus on cutting-edge research contributes to advancements in areas that have been recognized with Nobel Prizes.

2. Notable Researchers and Collaborations

  • Some researchers affiliated with POSTECH have worked in fields that overlap with Nobel Prize-winning research. Their contributions to science and technology advance knowledge and understanding in critical areas, even if they haven’t personally received the prize.

3. Impact on Scientific Community

  • POSTECH's faculty and research programs contribute to the broader scientific community. Their work in various disciplines helps in pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation, which can lead to breakthroughs that are recognized by prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize.

4. Focus on Innovation and Technology Transfer

  • The university’s commitment to innovation, technology transfer, and collaboration with industries creates an environment conducive to significant discoveries. Such discoveries often form the foundation for future research that could lead to Nobel recognitions.

5. International Collaboration

  • POSTECH actively engages in international collaborations and partnerships, enhancing its research capabilities. Collaborations with global researchers increase the chances of contributing to Nobel Prize-worthy projects.

6. Emphasis on Interdisciplinary Research

  • The university encourages interdisciplinary research, which often leads to significant breakthroughs. Many Nobel Prizes are awarded for work that spans multiple fields, making POSTECH’s approach to education and research relevant to potential Nobel-worthy contributions.

Pohang University of Science And Technology (POSTECH) is a private South Korean university dedicated to engineering and the sciences. It ranks: 

  • 71st in the QS World University Rankings® 2018 
  • 5th in the QS Top 50 Under 50 2016-2017
  • Among the top 201 universities in the world for employability in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2017
  • 32nd for materials sciences in the QS World University Rankings by Subject

Read about POSTECH’s ranking performance in more detail here.

Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) is renowned for several reasons, contributing to its reputation as one of the top science and technology universities in South Korea and Asia. Here are some key factors that highlight why POSTECH is famous:

1. Strong Academic Reputation

  • POSTECH consistently ranks among the top universities globally for its science and engineering programs. It is known for its rigorous academic standards and commitment to excellence in education.
  • The university's emphasis on research and innovation has garnered it recognition in various academic rankings, including QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education.

2. Research Excellence

  • POSTECH is known for its high research output, particularly in fields such as materials science, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and engineering. It has established itself as a leader in cutting-edge research, contributing significantly to technological advancements.
  • The Pohang Accelerator Laboratory (PAL), one of the most advanced synchrotron radiation facilities in Asia, is located on campus and plays a crucial role in materials research and development.

3. Innovation and Technology Transfer

  • POSTECH has a strong focus on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The university supports technology transfer and commercialization of research findings through its Technology Transfer Center, encouraging students and faculty to develop startups and innovative solutions.
  • The university collaborates with industries, leading to partnerships that promote research with real-world applications, enhancing its relevance and impact.

4. Interdisciplinary Education

  • POSTECH emphasizes interdisciplinary education, allowing students to take courses across different departments and fields of study. This approach fosters collaboration and innovation, preparing graduates for complex challenges in various industries.

5. Strong Industry Connections

  • The university maintains close ties with leading South Korean and international companies, particularly in sectors such as electronics, biotechnology, and materials engineering. These partnerships provide students with internship opportunities, hands-on experience, and exposure to real-world challenges.

6. World-Class Faculty

  • POSTECH attracts distinguished faculty members, many of whom are leaders in their fields and have received numerous accolades for their research and contributions. This includes researchers who are members of prestigious academies and have received national and international awards.

7. State-of-the-Art Facilities

  • The campus is equipped with modern laboratories, research centers, and cutting-edge technology, providing students and researchers with the resources they need to conduct high-level research and experiments.
  • Facilities like the POSTECH Research Institute of Science and Technology support interdisciplinary research initiatives and foster collaboration among different scientific disciplines.

8. Global Perspective and Internationalization

  • POSTECH actively promotes international collaboration and has partnerships with leading universities and research institutions worldwide. This provides students with opportunities for exchange programs, joint research projects, and exposure to global perspectives.
  • The university also offers a variety of programs taught in English, attracting a diverse international student body.

9. Focus on Student Development

  • POSTECH places a strong emphasis on the overall development of its students, providing support for academic advising, career counseling, and extracurricular activities that promote personal growth and leadership skills.
  • The university encourages student involvement in research from an early stage, fostering a culture of inquiry and innovation.

10. Alumni Success

  • POSTECH alumni have gone on to achieve success in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship, contributing to the university’s positive reputation. Many alumni hold leadership positions in major corporations and research institutions globally.