On August 28, The Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning (Ministry) announced the first recruiting scheme for Science and Technology Specialists (Specialists). Its purpose is to train and secure officers interested in defense-related research. The Ministry is recruiting around twenty Specialists, regardless of gender.
The applicant must be enrolled in one of the five designated universities (including KAIST) and must fulfill the following requirements:
- As of September 2014, belongs to the designated department (major), or plans to advance in March 2015.
- As of September 2014, is in his or her fourth or fifth semester, or is planning to return to school and start the fifth or sixth semester.
- Is able to complete four semesters of required courses and earn a BachelorÕs Degree by February 2017
Applicants must be over 20 and less than 27 years old on the day of their commission (June 1, 2017), though the age restriction depends on whether the applicant has been exempt from, has not completed, or has completed mandatory military service. The requirements also state that an applicant should possess a sound mind, a healthy physique, show good conduct, and be able to enroll in financial assurance insurance.
Those without Korean citizenship or those with dual citizenship (including the Korean citizenship) are restricted from applying.
The first round of registration began on September 1 and will end on September 26, with the announcement of the successful candidates to be released on October 7. The applicants have to submit additional application forms on October 13, and after physical and mental evaluations as well as interviews and job skills evaluations, the finalists will be announced in December.
The selected Specialists will be commissioned as second lieutenants after completing military training. They will intern at the Agency for Defense Development and acquire research experience a week every year during breaks.
Specialists will be given scholarships (2.5 million Korean Won per semester) to pay for tuition and develop research-related capabilities. After being discharged, those wishing to advance to the University of Science & Technology may choose to do so and earn a Ph. D. Discharged Specialists will be aided in finding jobs in defense industries, in laboratories as well as in government funded research institutes.
For more information, visit our school Portal System or contact the Academic Planning Team.