DGIST Records 27.85:1 Competition Rate in Undergraduate Early Admission... Highest Among Science and Engineering Universities for Three Consecutive Years

DGIST (President Lee Geonwoo) announced on September 15 that it achieved the highest application competition rate among science and engineering-focused universities for the third consecutive year, recording a rate of 27.85 to 1 in the 2026 undergraduate early admission process.

This year's early admission, which recruited 222 students and attracted 6,182 applicants, significantly surpassed last year's competition rate of 23.3 to 1. The number of applicants also increased by 23.4% compared to the previous year, continuing a steady upward trend.

DGIST Students

By admission type, the Equal Opportunity Track recorded the highest competition rate at 45.9 to 1, while the General Track for the Basic Science Division also attracted many applicants with a rate of 33.8 to 1. The Science Talent Track recorded a rate of 23.7 to 1, and the Basic Science Division under the Principal's Recommendation Track posted a rate of 21.23 to 1. The newly established Principal's Recommendation Track for the Department of Semiconductor Engineering marked a stable debut with a rate of 6.08 to 1.

By region, the Seoul metropolitan area accounted for the largest share at 35.5%, followed by Daegu and Gyeongbuk at 17.4%, Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam at 16.6%, and the central region at 18.2%, indicating a well-balanced nationwide distribution. Honam and Jeju accounted for 9.4%, Gangwon for 2.0%, and there were also 56 overseas applicants (0.9%), showing that interest in DGIST is spreading nationwide. Notably, the proportion of applicants from general high schools rose to 73.2% from the previous year, demonstrating that DGIST is becoming a popular choice across diverse school backgrounds rather than being concentrated in specific school types.

The continued success of DGIST is attributed to proactive institutional improvements and promotional strategies. This year, the university adjusted its recruitment numbers, established the Department of Semiconductor Engineering under the Principal's Recommendation Track, relaxed the requirements for teacher recommendation letters, and revamped the evaluation method for the Science Talent Track to reduce the burden on applicants. These changes, along with strengthened promotional activities, are seen as key factors in attracting outstanding students.

Kim Sohee, Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs at DGIST, stated, "Despite the challenging environment of a preference for medical schools, a declining school-age population, and the concentration of students in the Seoul metropolitan area, students from all over the country have chosen DGIST, proving the competitiveness of our university's education and research." She added, "It is especially meaningful that we are receiving nationwide support despite being located in a non-metropolitan area. We will continue to nurture students' potential through creative talent discovery and interdisciplinary education."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.