Quick Summary
National in Busan, South Korea — Pukyong National University, est. 1924. Ranked #1001-1200 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 25800 students including 6.5% from outside South Korea. Known for strengths in Marine Sciences, Ocean Engineering, Fisheries Science, it maintains an acceptance rate of 35%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is the first national university in South Korea and holds a global reputation for marine and fisheries sciences.
Subject Strengths
Marine SciencesOcean EngineeringFisheries ScienceMaterials ScienceChemical Engineering
Founded1924
TypeNational
Total Students25800
Intl Students6.5%
Faculty Ratio24
CampusUrban (Dual Campus: Daeyeon and Yongdang)
Campus Size160 acres
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationMinistry of Education (South Korea), IEQAS (International Education Quality Assurance System)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#1001-1200
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1201-1500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#901-1000
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Master's, Doctoral, Professional Certificates
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Limited
Online Programs
Institute of Marine Science, Fisheries Science Institute, LED-IT Fusion Technology Research Center
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Ministry of Education (South Korea), IEQAS (International Education Quality Assurance System)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate35%
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
A high TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) level (Level 3 or higher) significantly improves admission chances for non-English tracks.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in South Korean Won
UG Tuition
₩4,200,000/yr
per year · KRW
Living Cost
₩12,000,000/yr
per year · KRW
PG Tuition
₩6,000,000/yr
per year · KRW
Application Fee
$60
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
₩16,280,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · KRW
Scholarships AvailableGlobal Korea Scholarship (GKS), PKNU International Scholarship, Academic Excellence Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$2,500
Financial AidAvailable for low-income local students and high-performing international students
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Master's, Doctoral, Professional Certificates programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Biology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Naval Architecture | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Ocean Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Business Administration | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| AI Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$32,000
Average Salary After Graduation
62.5%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Busan Port Authority and marine technology firms
Industry Connections
Hyundai Heavy IndustriesSamsung Heavy IndustriesKorea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology
Notable Alumni
Heo Sung-moo (Politician), various CEOs in the Korean fisheries and maritime sectors
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Gymnasium, Fitness Center, Tennis Courts, Outdoor Stadium
Student Clubs
Over 80 clubs including K-Pop, Robotics, Diving, and Global Exchange
Library Resources
Jungseok Memorial Library, extensive digital archives for maritime research
Exchange Programs
Partnerships with 250+ universities in 50 countries
Summer Programs
International Summer School (Korean Language and Culture focus)