Program Details
Location
Pohang,
South Korea
Term
Academic Year
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Housing
Apartment
Dormitory
Sponsor
College of Science & Engineering
Program Eligibility
Student Type
UofM Students
Student Year
Juniors
Seniors
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisite
No Language Prerequisite
About
Study at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH), a College of Science & Engineering departmental exchange program that offers you the opportunity to take engineering and science courses taught in English. Gain valuable experience with Korean engineering, research professionals, and organizations through this affordable study abroad option. This exchange program offers complete immersion at an academic institution specifically selected to meet the needs of you and your UofM classmates.
The CSE exchanges programs are coordinated within the College of Science & Engineering. You must apply for the program through CSE. Start your journey by meeting with CSE.
You receive transfer credit for the courses you complete with passing grades. Credits earned in South Korea transfer back to the University of Minnesota at the rate of 0.9. Therefore, a 4-credit POSTECH course with a passing grade results in 3.6 UofM credits. Your grades do not factor into your University of Minnesota GPA. Consult the Learning Abroad Center's Academic Policies website for more information.
Program Model
Application Deadline
This program is open to juniors and seniors with 2.8 GPA. Priority will be given to students earning a degree in CSE.
Application deadline: April 1 for academic year/fall semester; October 1 for spring semester.
If you are seeking a nomination, it must be done one month prior to the application deadline and application through the College of Science & Engineering.
Academics
Study at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH). Gain valuable experience with Korean engineering and research professionals and organizations through this affordable study abroad option for students who desire complete immersion at academic institutions specifically selected to meet the needs of University of Minnesota students. Take advantage of research opportunities for undergraduates in engineering and science fields with faculty who have been trained at institutions in the US and UK.
As an exchange student, you will enroll for the academic semester as well as primarily register for regular courses. Courses offered at the junior and senior year levels are mostly instructed in English. The option to blend academic courses with directed research is available during the semester. Directed research credit is possible in consultation with a POSTECH major faculty adviser in your department prior to departure. Instruction is in English by Korean faculty.
Typical credits: 28 for academic year; 14 for fall or spring semester. 1 POSTECH credit = 0.9 UofM credits.
Note: the POSTECH academic calendar is the inversion of the UofM. The first semester of the school year runs March to June, and the second semester of the year runs September to December.
Summer Research Option
POSTECH offers a research-focused summer session for selected candidates from partner universities. Top candidates will have a research interest in a related lab at POSTECH and the ability to articulate that interest. If you are selected for participation, you will receive access to a lab for summer, opportunities to experience cultural events, and a living stipend. Some candidates also agree to be an English-language mentor, working with POSTECH students, for an additional stipend. This is a non-credit experience.Application is usually required by April for the upcoming summer term (mid-June to mid-July).
More Information
For more information on this program, and to apply visit CSE's Learning Abroad page.
Program Fee
Spring 2025 Cost of Participation
Program fees include international health insurance and tuition in Korea. Housing and meals are paid in Korea. University of Minnesota tuition, airfare, and personal expenses are additional. You will receive updated cost information as soon as it is available.
Spring 2025
CSE Exchange in South Korea: POSTECH, PohangSpring Semester 2025 |
|
|---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
| Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
| Tuition and educational costs | $10,054 |
| International health insurance | $226 |
| Housing and/or meals | $0 |
| Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $0 |
| Total Program Fee | $10,680 |
| Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $0 |
| Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $10,680 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
| Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad. | |
| Transportation to and from program site | $2,000 |
| Passport/photos | $150 |
| Visa/required documents | $50 |
| Travel clinic/immunizations* | $0 |
| Housing deposit | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $2,200 |
| Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | |
| Texts/materials | $150 |
| Housing and/or meals not included in program fee | $2,500 |
| Essential daily living expenses | $1,200 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $3,850 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
| Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $16,730 |
| Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $1,000 |
| Additional Notes & Information | |
| * Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage. | |
Prepare
Complete pre-application advising.
Be aware: All programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.
It is your responsibility to apply directly to the College of Science & Engineering and your host institution. Be sure to work with CSE to give yourself enough time to prepare the required documents. Once you have been accepted by CSE and your host institution, you may proceed with the LAC online application process. Please contact CSE International Programs with questions about applying for this CSE exchange.
To complete the online application for this program, you will need to select or provide the following information on the online application:
Apply
Once CSE has nominated you for the program, you will receive a link to the Learning Abroad Center's application system by email. You must complete this application to enter yourself in the Learning Abroad Center's system. This ensures that you retain your U of M student status while abroad, as well as access to financial aid, international insurance, etc.
Complete
Once you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received and that you are now in the Learning Abroad Center's system. Once you are accepted to your host university, you will be assigned a confirmation checklist, which will include the following items:
- First Step
- Confirmation and Payment Agreement
- Health Information Form
- University of Minnesota Release and Waiver
Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the confirmation checklist assigned to you. You should also continue working with CSE and your host institution for pre-departure considerations.