POSTECH Global Young Leaders Program 2026 In Korea (Fully Funded)
South Korea is known for its advanced technology, strong education system, and welcoming culture. Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), one of the top research universities in Asia, runs the POSTECH Global Young Leaders Program (GYLP) every year. This fully funded exchange program invites outstanding undergraduate students from partner universities worldwide to study, conduct research, and experience Korean life for one full academic year.
The program lasts 10 months, from September 2026 to June 2027. It combines academic courses, Korean language classes, winter research (4 weeks), leadership training, industry visits, and cultural activities. POSTECH and POSCO cover all major expenses, making it a truly accessible opportunity for talented students.
I have guided many students through exchange programs in Asia. One participant from Vietnam joined GYLP and later received a full PhD offer at POSTECH after building strong connections during the winter research. Another student from India missed the chance because their nomination arrived late. Tools like Numbeo show Pohang living costs around ₩1,000,000–1,500,000 per month. The program’s monthly allowance of ₩1,000,000 covers most needs comfortably.
What Is the Global Young Leaders Program?
GYLP is a prestigious student exchange designed to develop future leaders. Participants take courses at POSTECH, learn Korean, complete short-term research in winter, and join cultural and industry activities.
Key facts:
- Duration: 10 months (September 2026 – June 2027)
- Structure: LEAD (Leadership, Engagement, Achievement, Development)
- Courses: Regular POSTECH classes + Korean language
- Research: 4-week winter project
- Cultural: Excursions, industry visits, events
- ~30–50 participants per year (highly selective)
Pohang is a calm, modern city with beaches, steel industry, and close to natural attractions.
Eligibility Criteria
You qualify if:
- You are a 2nd or 3rd-year undergraduate student at a POSTECH partner university.
- Minimum GPA: 3.3/4.3 (or equivalent: B+, 3.3/4.0, 4.5/5.0, 85/100).
- Strong English proficiency (one of the following):
- TOEFL iBT: 100
- IELTS Academic: 7.5
- Duolingo: 135
- Exemption: Native English speakers or students from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, UK, USA (home institution).
- Full commitment for the entire program.
- Nomination by home university required.
Preference for students with leadership potential and interest in research.
Strong opinion: The GPA and English requirements are strict, but the program rewards dedicated students who show clear goals.
Program Benefits
Fully funded by POSTECH and POSCO.
- Round-trip economy flight ticket.
- One-time visa/transportation support: ₩500,000.
- Monthly living allowance: ₩1,000,000.
- Accommodation (on-campus or arranged housing).
- Full access to POSTECH facilities (labs, library, gym, health center).
- Korean language courses.
- Cultural and industry excursions.
- Leadership seminars.
- Certificate of participation.
- Additional scholarship opportunities (merit-based).
Table: Main Coverage
| Item | Covered | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Yes | Full waiver |
| Living Allowance | ₩1,000,000/month | Tax-free |
| Flight | Round-trip economy | International |
| Visa/Transport | ₩500,000 one-time | Support |
| Housing | Yes | On/near campus |
| Activities | Yes | Cultural, research, leadership |
Covers nearly all expenses. Recent stable.
Programs You Can Pick
Open to most undergraduate fields (STEM, business, social sciences, humanities). Participants enroll in regular POSTECH courses + Korean language.
Common areas:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Materials Science
- Life Sciences
- Business/Management
- Physics/Chemistry
Check partner university agreement for eligible fields.
Required Documents
- Certificate of enrollment (from home university).
- Official academic transcript.
- English proficiency score (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo).
- 1–2 recommendation letters.
- Passport copy.
- CV/resume.
- Statement of purpose (clear goals).
- Self-introduction video (short, 2–3 minutes).
- Nomination letter from home university.
How to Apply for POSTECH Global Young Leaders Program?
- Confirm your university is a POSTECH partner.
- Get nomination from your home university’s international office.
- Prepare all documents.
- Apply online through POSTECH IR portal (link opens December 2025).
- Submit by February 28, 2026.
APPLY FOR THE POSTECH GYLP 2026
Results announced around April–May 2026.
Tip: Work closely with your home university’s exchange office. Strong SOP and video are key.
Why Join the POSTECH Global Young Leaders Program?
Top-ranked university (QS top 100). Cutting-edge labs. International environment.
Pohang peaceful, safe, close to nature. Korean culture rich.
Contrarian: 10-month commitment long. But full funding + research + leadership training unmatched. Reviews: “Life-changing, strong global network.”
More Opportunities
Useful Links
- numbeo.com Pohang – Costs ₩1,200,000 single.
- scholarshipportal.com – Korea exchanges.
- studyinkorea.go.kr – Living/visa.
- fastweb.com – General.
- goingmerry.com – Clean.
Application Checklist
- Confirm partner university.
- Get nomination letter.
- Prepare strong SOP.
- Record video intro.
- English score ready.
- Transcript/enrollment proof.
- Passport copy.
- Submit by Feb 28.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
No nomination from home uni (required). Weak SOP (generic). Low English score. Late submission. No research interest shown.
PAA: Duration? 10 months. Funded? Yes, full. Deadline? Feb 28, 2026.
Living Costs in Pohang
Single ₩1,000,000–1,500,000/month (Numbeo Jan 2026). Rent covered. Food ₩300,000. Allowance covers well.
