[2026 Matriculation] UNIST Welcomes Class of 2030!

The 2026 UNIST Matriculation Ceremony marked a defining moment for newly admitted undergraduates and returning students, officially welcoming the Class of 2030 and inaugurating the 2026 academic year. Held at the UNIST Gymnasium, the ceremony brought together 491 incoming students—460 in science and engineering and 31 in business administration—alongside approximately 800 parents an family members who gathered to celebrate the beginning of their university journey.

The ceremony featured a formal academic procession, an overview of academic statistics, the Freshmen’s Oath, and the presentation of scholarship certificates. The singing of the UNIST Alma Mater further underscored the sense of tradition and shared purpose of that marks the beginning of academic life at UNIST.

Freshmen EunSeo Cho and DoYun Geum delivered the Oath of Freshmen on behalf of the incoming class, pledging their commitment as new UNISTars and reaffirming their dedication to intellectual growth and integrity.

UNIST President Chong Rae Park delivered the matriculation address, offering words of encouragement and reflection. In his remarks, he spoke to the evolving role of human intelligence in the age of artificial intelligence. “The more AI generates countless answers, the more essential the depth of human questions becomes,” he said. “At UNIST, I hope you will grow not into individuals who merely seek correct answers, but into pioneers who design questions the world has never seen.”

He further encouraged students to embrace uncertainty and challenge as integral part of growth. “Do not avoid failure,” he advised. “Face it willingly, and transform each experience into the foundation for your next leap forward.”

President Chong Rae Park delivered a warm welcoming address, sharing encouraging messages with the incoming students at the 2026 UNIST Matriculation Ceremony.

The ceremony was enriched by a congratulatory video prepared by parents and family members, whose messages of encouragement added warmth and emotion to the occasion. A spirited welcome performance by the UNIST cheerleading club, UNICH, added to the festive atmosphere of the ceremony.

Reflecting UNIST’s community-centered culture, the even extended beyond formal proceedings. Through a pre-registered congratulatory card initiative, parents wrote personal messages that were delivered to students during the ceremony. Welcome banners displayed throughout the gymnasium and across campus conveyed words of encouragement from faculty, staff, and senior students.

Programs designed specifically for parents were also held following the ceremony. A dedicated parent session, attended by Vice President Sung Chul Bae of Academic Affairs and members of the UNIST U&I Student Ambassadors, introduced the university’s academic environment, student life programs, and career development support services, followed by an open Q&A session.

Optional campus tours and student cafeteria experiences were also offered to registered families. Approximately 170 parents participated in the guided campus tour, while around 350 joined the dining experience, gaining firsthand insight into the academic and residential life that will shape their children’s university years.

Director In Cheol Bang of Freshman Affairs, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting students as they begin their academic journey. “We will provide comprehensive support—from academic adjustment to all aspects of campus life—so that our new students can confidently embark on their journeys of exploration and challenges as UNIST Pioneers,” he said.