POSTECH Undergraduate Admission 2026: Full Scholarships for Indian Students

Introduction

For Indian students dreaming of a career in pure sciences, biotechnology, or advanced engineering, POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) is often called the "Caltech of Asia." With a QS World Ranking of #98 (2025), it is one of the world's most prestigious research universities.

Unlike typical universities, POSTECH is a boutique institution with a massive focus on research, boasting a student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1. The best part? POSTECH offers full tuition waivers to almost all admitted international students.

This blog covers everything an Indian student needs to know about POSTECH Undergraduate Admission 2026, including eligibility, cutoffs, and how to apply from India.

POSTECH Admission 2026 Highlights

Point	Details
University Name	Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
Location	Pohang, South Korea
QS World Rank	#98 (2025)
Primary Intake	Fall 2026 (Starts late August/September)
Application Mode	Online (International Admissions Track)
Tuition Fee	Fully Waived for admitted international students
Course Language	English (Mostly)

What is POSTECH Undergraduate Admission 2026?

The POSTECH Undergraduate Admission 2026 is the intake process for international students wanting to join the university's Bachelor of Science/Engineering programs. For Indian students, this is a golden opportunity because POSTECH selects students based on potential rather than just rote memorization.

Indian students usually apply through the International Admissions Track I. Admitted students enter the "Mueunjae School of Undergraduate Studies," where they study an undecider major curriculum for three semesters before choosing a specific engineering or science major.

Important Dates for 2026 Intake

For the 2026 academic year (specifically the Fall 2026 intake), Indian students need to be ready a year in advance.

• Application Opens: September 2025 (Tentative)

• Application Deadline: November 2025

• Document Review Results: January 2026

• Interviews (Online): January/February 2026 (If required)

• Final Admission Decision: March/April 2026

• Semester Starts: Late August 2026

Note: South Korean academic years typically start in March, but international intakes often align with the Fall semester (August/September) to accommodate global school calendars.

Eligibility for Indian Students

To apply for POSTECH Undergraduate Admission 2026, Indian applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality: Applicant and both parents must be non-Korean citizens (Indian citizenship is valid).

• Education: Must have completed or be expected to complete 12th grade (High School) by August 2026.

  • Accepted Boards: CBSE, ICSE, State Boards, IB, A-Levels.

• Academic Strength: High proficiency in Mathematics and Sciences is mandatory.

• Language: While not always strictly mandatory if your high school was in English, submitting TOEFL (iBT 79+) or IELTS (6.0+) is highly recommended to strengthen your profile.

Admission Process: Step-by-Step

The application process is entirely online and document-based.

1. Online Application: Fill out the form on the POSTECH International Admissions website or UwayApply.

2. Submit Documents: Upload soft copies of transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.

3. Application Fee Payment: Pay the application fee (approx. $80 - $100 USD).

4. Document Review: The admissions committee reviews your academic potential. POSTECH does not typically require a written entrance exam for internationals; they rely on your 10th/11th/12th grades and standardized tests.

5. Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an online interview to assess STEM aptitude and personality.

Documents Required

Indian students must prepare these documents well in advance:

• Transcripts: 10th, 11th, and predicted/final 12th grade marksheets.

• Standardized Tests: SAT, ACT, AP, or JEE Mains/Advanced scores (Optional but highly recommended for Indian students to prove merit).

• Letters of Recommendation (LOR): Two letters from math/science teachers.

• Personal Statement: An essay explaining your research interests and why you want to study at POSTECH.

• Passport Copy: For proof of citizenship.

• Activity Proof: Olympiad certificates, science fair awards, or research projects.

Fees & Scholarships (The Best Part)

This is the biggest attraction for POSTECH Undergraduate Admission 2026.

• Tuition Waiver: POSTECH provides a full tuition waiver to admitted international students who maintain a certain GPA. You do not pay for classes.

• Living Expenses: Students can apply for the POSTECH Settlement Allowance (approx. 500,000 KRW one-time) and other internal scholarships to cover dormitory and food costs.

• Dormitory: Housing is guaranteed for undergraduate students.

Expense Type	Estimated Cost (Per Semester)
Tuition	$0 (Waived)
Dormitory	~ $500 - $700 USD
Meals	~ $1,000 - $1,500 USD

Tips for Indian Applicants

1. Leverage JEE Scores: If you have a good rank in JEE Mains or Advanced, mention it in your application. POSTECH recognizes the difficulty of these exams.

2. Focus on Research: In your personal statement, talk about problems you want to solve (e.g., renewable energy, AI ethics) rather than just saying you like coding.

3. Get Strong LORs: Ensure your teachers write about your curiosity and ability to think outside the box, not just your marks.

FAQs: POSTECH Undergraduate Admission 2026

1. Is JEE mandatory for POSTECH Undergraduate Admission 2026?

No, JEE is not mandatory. However, submitting JEE Mains or Advanced scores acts as excellent proof of your academic proficiency in Math and Physics.

2. Is IELTS required for Indian students?

If your 12th-grade instruction was in English, you might get a waiver. However, submitting an IELTS score (6.0+) is safer and recommended for the POSTECH Undergraduate Admission 2026 cycle.

3. Can I work while studying at POSTECH?

Yes, international students can work part-time (usually up to 20 hours/week) after receiving permission from the immigration office, though the rigorous study load at POSTECH makes it difficult.

4. What is the POSTECH cutoff for Indian students?

There is no fixed cutoff. Admissions are holistic. However, students generally need 90%+ in CBSE/ICSE 12th boards and strong SAT/AP scores to be competitive.

5. Does POSTECH offer Computer Science?

Yes, POSTECH has a top-tier Computer Science and Engineering department. You can choose this major after your third semester.

6. Is the entire course taught in English?

Most major courses for upper-year undergraduates are taught in English. However, some first-year courses might have Korean components, so learning basic Korean is helpful.

Conclusion

POSTECH Undergraduate Admission 2026 is one of the most competitive yet rewarding pathways for Indian STEM aspirants. With world-class labs, a small community, and zero tuition fees, it offers a lifestyle comparable to the best US universities at a fraction of the cost.

If you are a research-minded student, start preparing your portfolio today.