Quick Summary
Dongguk University is a private founded in 1906, located in Seoul, South Korea. Ranked #501-510 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 28500 students including 12% from outside South Korea. Known for strengths in Buddhist Studies, Police Administration, Theater & Film, it maintains an acceptance rate of 18%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Premier institution for arts and humanities in Seoul, uniquely blending modern technology with traditional Buddhist values and a top-tier alumni network in entertainment.
Subject Strengths
Buddhist StudiesPolice AdministrationTheater & FilmComputer ScienceHumanities
Founded1906
TypePrivate
Total Students28500
Intl Students12%
Faculty Ratio22.5
CampusUrban
Campus Size330,000 sqm
Affiliated HospitalsDongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Dongguk University Gyeongju Hospital
AccreditationMinistry of Education (Korea), Korean Council for University Education, IEQAS
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#501-510
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#801–1000
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#701-800
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD, Korean Language Program
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Limited/Hybrid
Online Programs
Academy of Buddhist Studies, Institute of Bio-Materials, Contents Promotion Center
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Ministry of Education (Korea), Korean Council for University Education, IEQAS
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 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on TOPIK (Level 3+) for better chances. For Arts, a strong portfolio or audition history is essential. Highlight interest in Buddhist philosophy or global cultural exchange.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in South Korean Won
UG Tuition
₩10,500,000/yr
per year · KRW
Living Cost
₩14,800,000/yr
per year · KRW
PG Tuition
₩12,400,000/yr
per year · KRW
Application Fee
$130
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
₩25,475,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · KRW
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$3,800
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD, Korean Language Program programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Theater and Film | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Police Administration | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Business Administration | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Computer Science | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Buddhist Studies | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$39,500
Average Salary After Graduation
67.5%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with CJ ENM, Samsung, and Korean National Police Agency.
Industry Connections
CJ GroupNaverLGKorean Film Council
Notable Alumni
Lee Seung-gi, Park Min-young, YoonA, Seohyun, Han Hyo-joo
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Fitness Center, Namsan Hiking Trails Access, Main Gymnasium
Student Clubs
Over 120 clubs including K-Pop, Meditation, Robotics, and Buddhist Youth Association
Library Resources
Dongguk Central Library, Buddhist Library, Academic Information Center
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available