POSTECH Summer Program 2026
The POSTECH Summer Program 2026 at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH), South Korea offers STEM students a research-intensive experience with individual research projects under POSTECH advisors. All admitted students receive a ROUND-TRIP FLIGHT TICKET from their home country to Korea.
1. Program Overview
- Duration: July 6 – August 14, 2026 (6 weeks)
- Location: POSTECH, Pohang, South Korea (scenic coastal city)
- Program Type: Research Intensive (minimum 20 hours per week under POSTECH advisor)
- Credits: 1 POSTECH credit + Certificate of Participation
- Language of Instruction: English
2. About POSTECH
Pohang University of Science & Technology is a top-ranked research university globally recognized for excellence in education and cutting-edge research across science and engineering fields. Located in Pohang, a scenic coastal city surrounded by the sea and mountains, it offers a peaceful yet inspiring environment for learning.
3. Financial Support (All Admitted Students)
- ✈️ ROUND-TRIP FLIGHT TICKET provided to ALL accepted students regardless of track (Exchange or Concurrent)
- Flight ticket covers travel from home country to Korea and return
4. Program Tracks & Fees
| Exchange Track | Concurrent Track | |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Officially nominated from POSTECH Partner Institutions (IIT Madras is a partner) | Unable to be nominated by Partner Institution or from non-partner institutions |
| Application Fee | WAIVED | 100,000 KRW (approx. ₹6,600) |
| Program Fee | WAIVED | 1,500,000 KRW (approx. ₹1,00,000) |
Important for IIT Madras Students: IIT Madras has a university-level bilateral Student Exchange Agreement (SEA) with POSTECH, so students can apply under the Exchange Track with NO fees + FREE round-trip flight.
5. Eligibility Criteria
- Level: Currently enrolled Undergraduate OR Master's students
- Major: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields
- Institution: Must be enrolled in overseas institutions
- Research Commitment: Able to dedicate minimum 20 hours per week to research
6. Program Structure
- Research Intensive: Minimum 20 hours per week under assigned POSTECH advisor
- Social & Cultural Program: Once a week (excursions, networking events)
- Korean Language Course: Optional (approximately 150 USD)
- Outcome: Official transcript with 1 POSTECH credit + Certificate of Participation
7. Available Departments & Research Areas
Students can conduct research in any department at POSTECH, including:
- Physics
- Life Science
- Chemistry
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Convergence IT Engineering
- Industrial Management & Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Materials Science & Engineering
- And all other departments at POSTECH
Browse Advisors: POSTECH Open Advisor List
8. Application Process & Deadlines
Application Period: December 25, 2025 – February 15, 2026
Step-by-Step Application (For IIT Madras Students - Exchange Track):
- Browse & Select Advisor
- Visit POSTECH Advisor List
- Identify potential research advisors in your field of interest
- Review their research areas and publications
- Submit Online Application
- Apply through: POSTECH Online Application Portal
- Select "Exchange Track"
- Register on IR Portal (Student-Mobility)
- After submitting online application, register on POSTECH IR Portal
- Upload all required documents (see section below)
- Get IIT Madras OGE Confirmation
- After document submission, students must get confirmation from IIT Madras OGE coordinator through POSTECH IR Portal system
- Note: There is NO separate nomination process, but OGE confirmation is required
Important Notes:
- No limit on number of applicants per institution
- Admission is competitive - selection based on thorough review of all applications worldwide
9. Required Documents
- Certificate of Enrollment
- Official Academic Transcript
- Recommendation Letter
- Copy of Passport
- CV / Resume
- Cover Letter
10. Selection Timeline
- Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
- Review Period: February - March 2026
- Results Announcement: Late March/Early April 2026 (estimated)
- Program Start: July 6, 2026
11. Program Benefits
- ✈️ Round-trip international flight ticket (home country to Korea and return)
- 🔬 Hands-on STEM research experience (min 20 hours/week)
- 🎓 1 POSTECH credit on official transcript
- 📜 Certificate of Participation
- 🌏 Social & cultural activities (weekly excursions, networking)
- 🇰🇷 Optional Korean language course
- 🏔️ Scenic campus surrounded by sea and mountains
- 🤝 International networking with students worldwide
12. Contact Information
For IIT Madras Coordination:
Office of Global Engagement
Arvindhan R B K
Project Associate
Email: arvindhan@ge.iitm.ac.in