Record Number of Applicants... UNIST Sees 17-to-1 Competition Rate for 2026 Early Admission

A Record 7,919 Applicants for Early Admission...
Semiconductor Contract Department Surpasses 70 to 1 Competition Rate
47.8% Increase Over Five Years
Student-Centered, Industry-Tailored Convergent Education Proves Effective

UNIST (President Park Jongrae) achieved its highest-ever competition rate and number of applicants for the 2026 academic year early admission process.

Since its establishment in 2007, this marks the largest number of applicants in the university's history.

According to the results of the early admission process, which closed at 6 p.m. on September 11, a total of 7,919 applicants competed for 465 spots, resulting in a competition rate of 17.03 to 1.

For the 390 spots available within the regular quota, the competition rate reached 18.04 to 1, significantly surpassing last year's 14.1 to 1. The number of applicants also increased by 20.6% compared to last year's 6,565, setting a new record.

The most notable admission track was the Excellence in Inquiry Track, which was newly introduced last year. Even though the number of spots increased from 30 to 50 this year, the competition rate reached 8.62 to 1, exceeding last year's 7.8 to 1. This track reflects UNIST's educational approach to fostering convergent talent, which has attracted increased attention from applicants.

In particular, the Semiconductor Contract Department, operated in collaboration with Samsung Electronics, saw 2,468 applicants for 35 spots, resulting in a fierce competition rate of 70.51 to 1. The fact that students could apply to both the general admission track and the department without a declared major provided them with a broader range of choices.

Among the four early admission tracks, the Equal Opportunity Track recorded the highest competition rate. With 882 applicants for 40 spots, the rate stood at 22.05 to 1.

The number of early admission applicants has been steadily rising over the past five years. The number increased from 5,359 for the 2022 academic year to 7,919 for the 2026 academic year, a 47.8% increase, with an average annual growth rate of 10.3%. This level of growth is rarely seen among universities nationwide.

A member of the undergraduate admissions team explained, "Our efforts to design student-centered admission tracks and proactively improve our systems have led to an increase in applicants," adding, "Industry-tailored departments such as the Semiconductor Contract Department and active promotion to high schools nationwide have had a positive impact."

President Park Jongrae stated, "UNIST is a growth platform that connects academia and practical work, creating social value," and added, "We will cultivate creative talent to lead the future through education that draws out students' potential and a diverse, AI-based convergent education system."

UNIST.