Quick Summary
Situated in Daegu, South Korea, Kyungpook National University is a national public established in 1946. Ranked #516 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 35437 students including 6.8% from outside South Korea. Known for strengths in Agriculture & Forestry, Physics & Astronomy, Chemical Engineering, it maintains an acceptance rate of 18.5%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
KNU is a flagship national university offering high-quality education at a fraction of the cost of private institutions, located in the industrial heart of Korea.
Subject Strengths
Agriculture & ForestryPhysics & AstronomyChemical EngineeringMaterials ScienceBiological Sciences
Founded1946
TypeNational Public
Total Students35437
Intl Students6.8%
Faculty Ratio19.4
CampusUrban
Campus Size1,040,000 m²
Affiliated HospitalsKyungpook National University Hospital,Chilgok Kyungpook National University Hospital,Kyungpook National University Dental Hospital
AccreditationMinistry of Education, Korea,AACSB (Business),ABEEK (Engineering)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#516
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#601-800
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#401-500
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's,Master's,Doctorate
Programs
PhD in Engineering,PhD in Humanities,PhD in Natural Sciences,PhD in Economics and Business Administration,PhD in Medicine
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
Laser Applications Center,Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology,Radiation Science Research Institute
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Ministry of Education, Korea,AACSB (Business),ABEEK (Engineering)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate18.5%
IELTS5.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · May 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November 10
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Strong emphasis is placed on TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) level 3 or higher for most undergraduate programs. Research-oriented graduate applicants should contact a supervisor beforehand.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in South Korean Won
UG Tuition
₩5,600,000/yr
per year · KRW
Living Cost
₩11,500,000/yr
per year · KRW
PG Tuition
₩7,800,000/yr
per year · KRW
Application Fee
$60
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
₩17,180,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · KRW
Scholarships AvailableKNU International Graduate Scholarship (KINGS),Global Korea Scholarship (GKS),KNU Honor Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$3,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's,Master's,Doctorate programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Mobile Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Business Administration | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Agricultural Life Science | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$38,000
Average Salary After Graduation
64.2%
Employment Rate
Internship Placementtrue
Industry Connections
Samsung ElectronicsLG DisplayHyundai MotorsPOSCO
Notable Alumni
Lee Chang-dong (Film Director),Ryu Seung-min (Olympic Gold Medalist),Kwon Oh-hyun (Former Chairman of Samsung Electronics)
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Main Stadium,Swimming Pool,Gymnasium,Tennis Courts
Student Clubs
120
Library Resources
Over 3.5 million volumes including digital archives and specialized scientific journals.
Exchange Programs
ISEP,Direct Exchange with 500+ Partner Universities
Summer Programs
KNU Summer School