Notice

We recommend that students take their first QE within the first four semesters of enrollment.

This announcement applies to all students who are in Integrated M.S./Ph.D. or Ph.D. programs and have completed three or more semesters.

 1. QE Application

• How to Apply:
  Go to [UNIST Portal] → [Academic Affairs] → [Graduation] → [Ph.D. Qualifying Exam] → [Apply]
• Application Deadline:
  By Friday, November 21, 2025 at 18:00 (KST)

 2. Timeline & General Information

• Students must pass the QE within 6 semesters (3 years) after admission.
• Though there is no fixed semester to take the exam, we strongly recommend taking your first QE in your 4th semester.
  Note: Students applying for military service alternative (specialized research personnel) must pass the QE and meet other eligibility requirements.
• For Fall 2025 applicants:
  The QE must be completed by Friday, December 12, 2025 (the week before the semester ends).
• If scheduling with committee members causes delays, you must inform the graduate school office in advance.
• ⚠️ Re-exam Policy:
  • If a student fails the first QE, one retake is allowed in a later semester.
  • If the second attempt is also unsuccessful:
    • Integrated M.S./Ph.D. students must withdraw from the Ph.D. track and graduate with a Master’s degree.
    • Ph.D.-only students must withdraw from the program.

 3. QE Format

• Presentation: 15 minutes
• Q&A Session: 30 minutes

 4. Evaluation & Results

• Pass: Score of 70 or above (out of 100) from all committee members
• Fail: Score below 70 from any committee member

 5. Committee Formation

• Both the first and second QEs must be evaluated by 3 faculty members, including your academic advisor.
• All committee members must be full-time faculty members at UNIST.
• Please consult with your advisor when forming the committee.

 6. Required Documents

• QE Guideline (PDF) – Refer to attached document
• QE Evaluation Form (PDF) – To be completed by each committee member

Submission of Evaluation Forms:
Each committee member must submit the evaluation form by 13:00, Friday, December 19, 2025,
either by email or in person to the graduate school office.

• Submission Contact:
  Graduate School of Carbon Neutrality Administration Office / jhyuk@unist.ac.kr / Bldg. 104, Room 301-10

 7. Result Notification

• Results will be announced in late December 2025 to early January 2026.
• Students will be notified via email.
• You can also check your results via [UNIST Portal] → [Academic Affairs] → [Graduation] → [Ph.D. Qualifying Exam].

 8. Additional Notes (FAQs)

1. On the QE day, print and bring 3 copies of the QE evaluation form (one for each committee member).
2. Also prepare printed handouts of your presentation slides (one for each committee member).
3. Pre-defense is a separate process from the QE. It is a prerequisite for the Final Defense and must be held in a different semester than the Final Defense.
4. Regardless of QE result, all students must submit their Ph.D. Dissertation Proposal within 4 semesters of admission (by the end of the 4th semester’s vacation period).
   • If delayed, students must submit a written explanation and get approval from the Graduate School Committee.
   • For more details, see the portal announcement:
     [G] 2025 Fall Semester Ph.D. Dissertation Proposal Submission Notice (1172)

For further questions or clarifications, please contact the Graduate School of Carbon Neutrality Administrative Office. (jhyuk@unist.ac.kr / Bldg. 104, Room 301-10)