Quick Summary
Yonsei University, in Seoul, South Korea, is a private that has shaped higher education since 1885. Ranked #56 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 38125 students including 18.5% from outside South Korea. Known for strengths in Business & Management, Chemical Engineering, Social Policy & Administration, it maintains an acceptance rate of 8%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Yonsei is a member of the 'SKY' universities, representing the pinnacle of South Korean education. It offers a unique blend of prestigious Korean tradition and the most globalized campus environment in Seoul.
Subject Strengths
Business & ManagementChemical EngineeringSocial Policy & AdministrationTheologyDivinity & Religious StudiesModern LanguagesDevelopment Studies
Founded1885
TypePrivate
Total Students38125
Intl Students18.5%
Faculty Ratio14.2
CampusUrban
Campus Size250 acres
Affiliated HospitalsSeverance Hospital,Gangnam Severance Hospital,Yongin Severance Hospital
AccreditationKorean Council for University Education (KCUE), AACSB, EQUIS
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#56
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#76
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#101-150
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate,Graduate,Underwood International College (UIC),Global Graduate School of Social Welfare,Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS)
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Limited (Yonsei Online, K-MOOC participation)
Online Programs
Yonsei Frontier Lab,Institute for Higher Education,Center for Precision Medicine,Institute of Convergence Science
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Korean Council for University Education (KCUE), AACSB, EQUIS
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate8%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GREOptional (Required for some graduate programs)
GMATOptional (Required for MBA)
SATHighly Recommended (Required for UIC track)
ACTHighly Recommended
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · March / April
SPRINGApplication Deadline · September / October
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on global leadership potential and high academic rigor for the Underwood International College track. Strong proficiency in English or Korean depending on the track is essential.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in South Korean Won
UG Tuition
₩9,500,000/yr
per year · KRW
Living Cost
₩16,000,000/yr
per year · KRW
PG Tuition
₩12,500,000/yr
per year · KRW
Application Fee
$120
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
₩26,500,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · KRW
Scholarships AvailableGlobal Hope Scholarship,UIC Excellence Scholarship,Yonsei Merit-based Scholarship,GKS (Global Korea Scholarship)
Avg Scholarship$4,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate,Graduate,Underwood International College (UIC),Global Graduate School of Social Welfare,Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Business Administration | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Global Studies | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Life Science and Biotechnology | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$48,000
Average Salary After Graduation
70.1%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and international NGOs.
Industry Connections
Extensive partnerships with South Korea's Chaebol groups and global MNCs.
Notable Alumni
Bong Joon-ho (Director),Han Kang (Author and Nobel Laureate),Chung Mong-koo (Hyundai Motor Chairman),Kim Jung-ju (Founder of Nexon)
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
The Blue Knight Stadium, gymnasium, fitness centers, and various specialized sports courts.
Student Clubs
Over 100 registered clubs including Akaraka (cheerleading group) and Yonsei-Korea University Games participants.
Library Resources
Yonsei Central Library, Samsung Library, and various department-specific collections.
Exchange Programs
Partnerships with over 700 institutions in 77 countries.
Summer Programs
Yonsei International Summer School (YISS)