UNIST has received more than 10,000 early admission applications for the first time since its founding, setting a new record for the 2027 undergraduate intake.

A total of 11,211 applications were received for 565 places, resulting in an overall applicant-to-place ratio of 19.84:1. Applications increased 41.6% from 7,919 last year and have more than doubled from 5,359 for the 2022 intake.

The Department of Semiconductor Engineering, operated in partnership with Samsung Electronics, recorded the highest applicant-to-place ratio. The program received 3,940 applications for 35 places, reaching 112.57:1, compared with 70.51:1 last year.

The newly introduced  GRIT Talent Admission Track received 248 applications for 10 places, with an applicant-to-place ratio of 24.8:1. The track is designed to identify students who demonstrate sustained commitment to a particular field, creative insight, and an ability to connect ideas across disciplines.

The general admissions track received 8,975 applications for 380 places, recording a ratio of 23.62:1, up from 19.96:1 last year. The opportunity-based admissions track received 1,099 applications for 40 places, with a ratio of 27.48:1.

“Universities in the AI era must help students develop the ability to formulate their own questions, persevere through failure, and find their own answers,” said UNIST President Chong Rae Park. “We will continue to create an environment where students can develop creative insight and learn to connect ideas across disciplines.”