UNIST Records Highest Number of Early Admission Applicants Ever, Up 13.3% from Last Year

Average Annual Increase of 12.6% Over 5 Years, Total Rise of 61%

Semiconductor Contract Department Sets Record with 61.9:1 Competition Ratio

UNIST recorded the highest number of applicants ever in the 2025 early admission process.

According to the results of the early admission process, which closed at 6 p.m. on the 12th, a total of 6,565 applicants competed for 465 spots?the same number as last year?resulting in a competition rate of 14.1:1. This marks a 13.3% increase compared to last year's 5,793 applicants.

The most notable department was the Semiconductor Contract Department. Operated in cooperation with Samsung Electronics, this department attracted 2,167 applicants for 35 spots, resulting in a high competition rate of 61.9:1. The general admission process allowed for overlapping applications with the Undeclared Major recruitment, broadening the range of choices for students.

Among the four early admission tracks, the Equal Opportunity Track also stood out with its competition rate. For 40 spots, 692 applicants applied, resulting in a rate of 17.3:1?the highest among all early admission tracks. This reflects UNIST's efforts to provide diverse opportunities.

The continuous increase in applicants is noteworthy. In the 2021 academic year, there were 4,077 applicants, but by 2025, this number had risen to 6,565, a 61% increase. This upward trend corresponds to an average annual growth rate of 12.6% over five years.

UNIST's rapid growth and its vision for nurturing talented individuals have played a significant role in the rising competition rates. Based on a strategy to foster creative insight and integrative connectivity, UNIST has actively promoted admissions by visiting high schools nationwide.

Kim Cheolmin, Director of Admissions at UNIST, explained, “This is the result of designing the admissions process so that students can flexibly choose their departments according to their aptitudes and career paths,” adding, “The increase in applicants is also thanks to our focus on nurturing talent needed in the field by strengthening connections with industry.”

Park Jongrae, President of UNIST, stated, “UNIST respects the diversity of each student and has continued educational innovation so that core science and engineering talent can thrive in future industries,” adding, “We will actively support students’ self-realization through a multidisciplinary major system and customized education.”