Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST; ) is a public science and engineering university located on Daegu Technopolis, Daegu, South Korea. DGIST is one of the four public universities in South Korea dedicated to research in science and technology, along with KAIST, GIST, and UNIST. Under the Special Act on Support of Scientists and Engineers for Strengthening National Science and Technology Competitiveness, the Korean government enacted the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology Act (Act No. 6996) and founded DGIST in 2004 as a research institute. In 2008, the act was amended to extend the role of the institute to both research and education, which eventually enabled a transition from research institute to university for DGIST.
In 2004, the Korean Government established DGIST as a research institute to promote national science and technology. It located the institute in Daegu to invigorate the local economy. The government amended DGIST Act in 2008, enabling the institute to offer educational (degree) programs.
Kyu-Suk Chung, the first president of the institute, was appointed in 2004 when it was still a research institute. The second president was In Seon Lee, who appointed in 2007. Dr. Sang Hyuk Son served as the third president starting in 2017. Dr. Young Kuk, was appointed in 2019. The current president is Dr. Kunwoo Lee, who assumed office in December 2023.
The graduate program was established in 2011, followed by the opening of the School of Undergraduate Studies in 2014 under the College of Transdisciplinary Studies.
For the early 2026 undergraduate admissions cycle, DGIST recorded a competition ratio of 27.85 to 1. A total of 6,182 applications were submitted for 222 undergraduate positions, representing a 23.4% increase in applications compared to the previous year. DGIST has recorded the highest competition ratio among science and engineering universities for three consecutive years.
A distinctive feature of DGIST's undergraduate program is its open academic structure. Students are not required to declare a specific major at the time of admission and are encouraged to explore multiple disciplines.
Degree options are available as a single major, a double major, or a combination of one major and one minor. Areas of study include fields in the natural sciencesâÂÂsuch as physics, chemistry, life science, and brain sciencesâÂÂand in engineering, including mechanical engineering, electronics engineering, chemical engineering, computer science and engineering, and materials science and engineering.
Natural Sciences Tracks
Engineering Tracks
Self-Designed Track
DGIST offers students the option to design individualized majors, allowing them to incorporate courses from DGIST as well as online courses or programs from other institutions. This approach enables a flexible and customized educational experience.
The Graduate School has been offering Master's and Doctoral Degree Programs, including integrated MS-PhD programs.
Departments and Key Research Areas
Physics, Chemistry, Nano-Bio Convergence Materials, Creative Materials Theory
Intelligent Computing Systems, Connected Smart Systems, Advanced Semiconductor, Bio-Medical Systems, Cyber-Physical Systems
Robotic Systems, Mechatronics & Control, Soft Robotics, Microrobotics & MEMS, Wearable Devices, Artificial Intelligence, Robot Vision & Imaging
Secondary Batteries & Fuel Cells, Catalysis & Fuel Cells, Semiconductor & Display, Energy Harvesting, Energy Computational Simulation
Neurodegeneration and Metabolism, Sensory Biology and Circadian Rhythm, Synapse Neuroscience, Neural Circuits and Behaviors, Computational Neuroscience, Biophysics and Quantum Biology, High-level Cognitive Neuroscience
Biology of Aging (Plants, Ecology and Food Security, New Biotechnologies New Biomedicines
Interdisciplinary Studies
Intelligence Mobilities, Emerging Materials & Components Advanced Biotechnology
Smart City, Manufacturing and Innovation, Bio-Medical
Mechanism and Therapeutic Research for Treatment of Intractable Human Diseases, Brain Engineering, Intelligent Medical Imaging Systems and Analysis, Medical Robotics and Therapeutic Support Systems
Quantum Computing, Quantum Sensing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Materials
Department of Advanced Technology
In addition to the DGIST Convergence Research Institute, DGIST has infrastructure to support and facilitate research.
DGIST was one of the hosts of the âÂÂWorld Engineering Education Forum and Global Engineering Deans Council (WEEF & GEDC) 2025,â held from September 21 to 25 at Daegu EXCO and DGIST campus. Co-hosted by the Korean Society for Engineering Education (KSEE), around 800 scholars gathered under the theme of âÂÂEngineering Education We Need.â WEEF & GEDC is one of the largest engineering education academic events, bringing together global engineering schools and industry stakeholders annually.
The forum was jointly organized by DGIST, KSEE, IFEES, and GEDC, with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Education, and Daegu Metropolitan City. Over 20 domestic and international companies and organizationsâÂÂincluding Korea Circuit, iM Bank, Dassault Systèmes, LG Chem, Hyosung Heavy Industries, MathWorks, Celltrion, and SiemensâÂÂserved as sponsors, supporting the forum's aim to promote collaboration between academia and industry.
DGIST had 2,895 total members as of March 2024. Those include 2,091 of students enrolled for the 2025 school year (1,096 Undergraduates, 523 Master's program students, 203 Ph.D. program students, 209 Integrated MS-PhD Program students and 60 Combined Undergraduate-Graduate Program). They also include 206 faculty, 256 researchers, and 342 of administrative staff working at DGIST.
DGIST has a total of 2,162 alumni, comprising 956 bachelor's, 844 master's, and 362 doctoral degree recipients (March 2024).