Quick Summary
Situated in Seoul and Bucheon, South Korea, The Catholic University of Korea is a private established in 1855. Ranked #501-510 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 14500 students including 6.2% from outside South Korea. Known for strengths in Medicine, Pharmacy, Theology, it maintains an acceptance rate of 18%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Premier medical education, strong ethical foundation, and extensive healthcare network
Subject Strengths
MedicinePharmacyTheologyNursingBiological Sciences
Founded1855
TypePrivate
Total Students14500
Intl Students6.2%
Faculty Ratio14.5
CampusMulti-campus (Songsin, Songeui, Seongsim)
Campus Size150 acres
Affiliated HospitalsSeoul St. Mary's Hospital, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, St. Vincent's Hospital, St. Paul's Hospital
AccreditationMinistry of Education, South Korea; Korean Institute of Medical Education and Evaluation
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#501-510
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1201-1500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#501-600
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Professional Doctorates
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Limited
Online Programs
Catholic Medical Center (CMC), Research Institute of Molecular Genetics, Bioethics Research Institute
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Ministry of Education, South Korea; Korean Institute of Medical Education and Evaluation
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate18%
IELTS6
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · May 31
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Strong focus on interview for medical candidates; proficiency in TOPIK level 3-4 is recommended for most undergraduate programs.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in South Korean Won
UG Tuition
₩8,800,000/yr
per year · KRW
Living Cost
₩13,000,000/yr
per year · KRW
PG Tuition
₩11,000,000/yr
per year · KRW
Application Fee
$120
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
₩21,950,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · KRW
Scholarships AvailableGlobal Korea Scholarship (GKS), CUK International Student Scholarship, Academic Excellence Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$3,500
Financial AidAvailable for low-income and international students
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Professional Doctorates programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Nursing | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Biotechnology | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Social Welfare | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Psychology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Pharmacy | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$38,000
Average Salary After Graduation
72.5%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHigh placement rate within CMC hospital network and domestic biotech firms
Industry Connections
Strong ties with pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers in Korea
Notable Alumni
Stephen Kim Sou-hwan, Andrew Yeom Soo-jung
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Gymnasium, tennis courts, fitness centers
Student Clubs
Over 60 student-led clubs including religious, academic, and arts organizations
Library Resources
Central Library (Seongsim), Medical Library (Songeui), Theology Library (Songsin)
Exchange Programs
Partnerships with 240+ universities globally
Summer Programs
Korean Language and Culture Short-term Program