Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
Gwangju, South Korea
- 1993
- Founded
- #359–385
- Global Rank
- 2,400+
- Total Students
- 10.5%
- International Students
- 25
- Programs
About Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) (광주과학기술원, 光州科學技術院) is an elite public research university specializing in science, engineering, and advanced technology, situated in Buk-gu, Gwangju, South Korea. Established by the South Korean government in 1993 under the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology Act, GIST was founded as a graduate research powerhouse to cultivate top-tier scientific talent and anchor high-tech industry in the Honam region. Following an amendment in 2008, GIST admitted its inaugural undergraduate cohort in 2010 to create a seamless pipeline from bachelor’s to doctoral studies. Alongside KAIST, UNIST, and DGIST, GIST stands as one of South Korea's four specialized national institutes of science and technology directly funded and overseen by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT). Despite its relatively small student body, GIST is an international research juggernaut, celebrated globally for consistently ranking among the world's top five universities for citations per faculty in the QS World University Rankings, alongside world-leading strengths in ultra-intense laser physics, photonics, artificial intelligence, and environmental engineering.
Programs
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Admission Requirements
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English Language
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Other Requirements
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Tuition & Costs
Published Tuition Range
₩2,060,000 – ₩6,830,000 KRW/year (100% Fully Waived/Exempted for all admitted students via GIST Fellowship)Fees vary by course and degree level.
Other Costs to Plan For
- Application fee: ₩0 KRW (Free Application for International Graduate Admissions; ₩80,000 KRW for Undergraduate)
- Accommodation and living expenses
- Books, transport and health insurance
Total Estimated Cost
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Campus & Location
Gwangju, South Korea
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology is located in Gwangju, South Korea.
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QS World University Rankings
2026
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What are the admission requirements at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology?
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Does Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology offer scholarships?
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Language-test requirements and waiver policies depend on the program and your educational background. Confirm the current policy with the university admissions team before assuming a test exemption.