Quick Summary
Chonnam National University, in Gwangju, South Korea, is a national that has shaped higher education since 1952. Ranked #721-730 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 31500 students including 6.5% from outside South Korea. Known for strengths in Agriculture & Forestry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, it maintains an acceptance rate of 25%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Affordable tuition as a national university, high research focus, and strong regional industry ties in the energy and AI sectors.
Subject Strengths
Agriculture & ForestryChemical EngineeringMaterials ScienceMedicinePharmacy
Founded1952
TypeNational
Total Students31500
Intl Students6.5%
Faculty Ratio19.2
CampusUrban
Campus Size1,000,000+ sqm
Affiliated HospitalsChonnam National University Hospital, Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Dental Hospital
AccreditationMinistry of Education (South Korea), AACSB (Business), ABEEK (Engineering)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#721-730
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1001-1200
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#501-600
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Master's, Doctoral, Professional Graduate Schools
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Limited
Online Programs
Robot Research Initiative, Bio-IT Fusion Technology Research Center, Institute of Humanities
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Ministry of Education (South Korea), AACSB (Business), ABEEK (Engineering)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate25%
IELTS5.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · May 30
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Strong emphasis on Korean language proficiency (TOPIK Level 3 or higher) for undergraduate entry, though English-track programs exist for graduate studies.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in South Korean Won
UG Tuition
₩5,100,000/yr
per year · KRW
Living Cost
₩12,000,000/yr
per year · KRW
PG Tuition
₩7,000,000/yr
per year · KRW
Application Fee
$80
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
₩17,200,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · KRW
Scholarships AvailableGlobal Korea Scholarship (GKS), CNU Global Scholarship, TOPIK Merit Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$2,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Master's, Doctoral, Professional Graduate Schools programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Electrical Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Business Administration | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Agriculture | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Biotechnology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$35,000
Average Salary After Graduation
68%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Gwangju-Kia Champions Field and local tech hubs
Industry Connections
Samsung ElectronicsHyundai Motor GroupLG DisplayKEPCO
Notable Alumni
Lee Hae-chan, Park Joo-sun, Kim Hwang-sik
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Gymnasium, swimming pool, stadium, tennis courts
Student Clubs
Over 100 student organizations including K-Pop, robotics, and traditional arts
Library Resources
Central Library, Digital Library, Medical Library (Total 2.3 million volumes)
Exchange Programs
Partnerships with 500+ universities in 60 countries
Summer Programs
CNU International Summer Session