Quick Summary
Public in Busan, South Korea — Pusan National University, est. 1946. Ranked #631-640 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 28450 students including 7.8% from outside South Korea. Known for strengths in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering, it maintains an acceptance rate of 22%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
PNU is the first national university in Korea and leads the nation in engineering and manufacturing research within the industrial hub of Busan.
Subject Strengths
Mechanical EngineeringChemical EngineeringShipbuilding and Marine EngineeringMaterials SciencePharmacy
Founded1946
TypePublic
Total Students28450
Intl Students7.8%
Faculty Ratio21.4
CampusMulticampus (Busan, Yangsan, Miryang, Ami)
Campus Size4,500,000 square meters
Affiliated HospitalsPusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Pusan National University Children's Hospital
AccreditationMinistry of Education (South Korea), AACSB (Business), ABEEK (Engineering)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#631-640
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1001-1200
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#401-500
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Master's, Doctoral, Global Studies Program
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
IBS Center for Climate Physics (ICCP), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Engineering Research Center (ERC)
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Ministry of Education (South Korea), AACSB (Business), ABEEK (Engineering)
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate22%
IELTS5.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · May 31
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
A TOPIK score of level 3 or higher is strongly recommended for undergraduate programs. Strong performance in math and science is critical for engineering applicants.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in South Korean Won
UG Tuition
₩5,400,000/yr
per year · KRW
Living Cost
₩11,500,000/yr
per year · KRW
PG Tuition
₩7,500,000/yr
per year · KRW
Application Fee
$80
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
₩17,000,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · KRW
Scholarships AvailableGlobal Korea Scholarship (GKS), PNU International Merit Scholarship, PNU TOPIK Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$3,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Master's, Doctoral, Global Studies Program programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Business Administration | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Korean Studies | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Medicine | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$38,000
Average Salary After Graduation
64%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Hyundai Heavy Industries, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Busan Port Authority.
Industry Connections
Hyundai MotorsLG ElectronicsPOSCODSME
Notable Alumni
Moon Jae-in (Former President of South Korea), Cho Kyoung-tae (Politician), Heo Sung-tae (Actor)
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Gymnasium, Tennis Courts, Swimming Pool, Soccer Field, Taekwondo Hall
Student Clubs
Over 120 clubs including PNU International Student Association, K-Pop Dance, and Robotics
Library Resources
PNU Central Library, Law Library, Medical Library, Nano-Bio Library with over 2.3 million volumes
Exchange Programs
Partnerships with 530 universities in 58 countries
Summer Programs
PNU Summer School (Korean Language and Culture)