Quick Summary
Korea University is a private founded in 1905, located in Seoul, South Korea. Ranked #67 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 37243 students including 14.5% from outside South Korea. Known for strengths in Social Policy and Administration, Modern Languages, Business and Management Studies, it maintains an acceptance rate of 15%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Korea University is a member of the 'SKY' universities, the trio of most prestigious institutions in South Korea. It offers a perfect blend of tradition, rigorous academics, and a vibrant campus culture famous for its rivalry with Yonsei University.
Subject Strengths
Social Policy and AdministrationModern LanguagesBusiness and Management StudiesChemical EngineeringAccounting and FinanceDevelopment Studies
Founded1905
TypePrivate
Total Students37243
Intl Students14.5%
Faculty Ratio16.2
CampusUrban
Campus Size182 acres
Affiliated HospitalsKorea University Anam Hospital,Korea University Guro Hospital,Korea University Ansan Hospital
AccreditationAACSB, EQUIS, Korean University Accreditation Board (KUAB)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#67
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#201–250
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#201–300
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate,Graduate,PhD,Professional Schools
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
Asiatic Research Institute,Institute of Life Science and Natural Resources,Green School (Graduate School of Energy and Environment),Cyber Law Center
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
AACSB, EQUIS, Korean University Accreditation Board (KUAB)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate15%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GREOptional / Program specific
GMATRequired for MBA programs
SATOptional but recommended
ACTOptional but recommended
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · March
SPRINGApplication Deadline · August
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
A strong personal statement highlighting leadership and extracurricular activities is crucial. For non-English tracks, a TOPIK level 4 or higher is significantly beneficial for admission and scholarships.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in South Korean Won
UG Tuition
₩12,500,000/yr
per year · KRW
Living Cost
₩18,500,000/yr
per year · KRW
PG Tuition
₩16,000,000/yr
per year · KRW
Application Fee
$120
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
₩31,000,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · KRW
Scholarships AvailableGlobal Korea Scholarship (GKS),Global Leader Scholarship,KU Academic Excellence Scholarship,Need-based International Grant
Avg Scholarship$4,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate,Graduate,PhD,Professional Schools programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Economics | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| International Studies | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Law | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Media and Communication | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Life Sciences | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$52,000
Average Salary After Graduation
72.5%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and SK Group through the KU Career Development Center.
Industry Connections
Samsung ElectronicsHyundai Motor GroupSK HynixLG Chem
Notable Alumni
Lee Myung-bak (Former President of South Korea),Kim Yuna (Olympic Figure Skating Gold Medalist),Oh Se-hoon (Mayor of Seoul),Chey Tae-won (Chairman of SK Group)
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Tiger Dome,Ice Rink,Main Stadium,Fitness Centers
Student Clubs
Over 100 student organizations including the Korea University Cheerleaders and various academic societies.
Library Resources
Korea University Central Library,Samsung Library,Graduate School Library,Hana Science Library
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
International Summer Campus (ISC)