Students pose for a group photo at the launch ceremony for the 2026 summer UST research internship program. [UST]
Students pose for a group photo at the launch ceremony for the 2026 summer UST research internship program. [UST]

The University of Science and Technology (UST) announced it will run its 2026 summer research internship program for STEM undergraduates starting Sunday, placing students at government-funded science and technology research institutes for five weeks.

A total of 1,642 students from 158 universities nationwide applied for the program, and 153 were selected — a competition ratio of roughly 10.7 to 1.

Twenty-four schools are participating, including the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) School, the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) School and the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) School. Programs span a range of disciplines, including AI, advanced biotech and chemistry.

Participants will receive one-on-one research guidance from UST faculty advisers at their assigned institutes, along with career counseling and hands-on exposure to active research environments. Master's and doctoral-level researchers will also serve as mentors, advising and supporting students throughout the program to help them adapt quickly to the research setting.

Every participant will receive an activity stipend of 1.2 million won ($772), and the program provides laboratory safety training and research accident insurance so students can take part with peace of mind.

UST President Kang Dae-im said the students who earned their spots through fierce competition would be taking their first steps toward becoming future leaders in science and technology by experiencing cutting-edge research firsthand at national laboratories — the heart of Korea's scientific enterprise. "I hope you will build genuine research capabilities and give concrete shape to your vision as future scientists and engineers, guided by one-on-one mentorship from the country's finest active researchers and backed by the steady support of master's and doctoral mentors," he said.


nbgkoo@heraldcorp.com