Kyungpook National University

Global leaders forged in tradition, shaping tomorrow.

📍 Daegu, South Korea 🇰🇷

🏆 #9 in South Korea · QS World #519 · THE World #501 · ARWU #401

Quick Facts about Kyungpook National University

  • Type: Public
  • Students: 34,434
  • International: 8%
  • Campus: Multiple Campuses
  • Tuition: $3,800 – $8,500/year
  • Language: Korean, English
  • Intakes: Fall, Spring

About Kyungpook National University

Kyungpook National University (KNU), located in Daegu, South Korea, is a leading national university established in 1946. It is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and fostering global leaders. KNU offers a vibrant and enriching experience for both domestic and international students, blending traditional Korean culture with modern amenities.

Academics

KNU offers a diverse range of academic programs across numerous colleges, including Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Economics and Business Administration, Engineering, IT Engineering, Agriculture and Life Sciences, Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Medicine. The university is particularly renowned for its strengths in engineering, life sciences, medicine, and information technology, with its College of Engineering and Medical School receiving national and international recognition. KNU emphasizes interdisciplinary education and innovative problem-based learning, offering over 100 undergraduate and 160 graduate programs.

International Students

KNU provides various support services for international students, including an orientation program to help new students adapt to life in Korea, and 1:1 counseling. The university offers a variety of programs taught in English, and exchange students can take up to 21 academic credits per semester. KNU also has a Korean Language Center for those looking to improve their Korean language skills. International students make up a significant portion of the student body, with over 2,400 international students enrolled. Scholarships are available for international students, with some covering full tuition fees.

Campus & Location

Kyungpook National University's main campus is situated in Daegu, South Korea's fourth-largest city, which offers a dynamic blend of traditional Korean culture and modern amenities. The campus itself is described as beautiful, with a relatively flat terrain and impressive architecture. Facilities include a large library, various shops, restaurants, and dormitories equipped with gyms, computer labs, and laundry facilities. Daegu is well-connected, with easy access to Daegu International Airport and Dongdaegu Railway Station, both within a short taxi or bus ride from the university.

Career Outcomes

KNU's graduates are highly sought after by employers, and the university has been recognized for its strong graduate employment rates. The Career Development Center at KNU supports students with career search assistance, career guide programs, employment information, and effective job-seeking activities. The university also provides special lectures, internship programs, and employment training programs specifically for international students. KNU maintains industry connections and partnerships, including its Science Park and Technology Business Incubator, which foster research commercialization.

Information for International Students at Kyungpook National University

Kyungpook National University in Daegu, South Korea welcomes international students, with 8% of the student body coming from abroad.

  • 8% of students are international
  • Visa support available
  • No on-campus work
  • Student housing available
  • Work placement / internship opportunities available
  • Teaching languages: Korean, English

Admissions Requirements for Kyungpook National University

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Kyungpook National University:

  • IELTS minimum: 5.5
  • TOEFL minimum: 71
  • GPA minimum: 2.7
  • Application fee: $60000
  • Selectivity: Selective (20-40%)
  • Application deadline: October 31, 2025

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Programs at Kyungpook National University (25 programs)

Kyungpook National University offers 25 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (12)

  • English Language and Literature (BA) — 48 months · English · $3,000,000/yr
    Students explore English linguistics, British and American literature, and develop advanced proficiency in English communication, critical thinking, and cultural understanding.
    Field: Humanities
    Career outcomes: Translator, Interpreter, Teacher, International Relations
  • Nursing (BSN) — 48 months · Korean · $3,500,000/yr
    This program prepares students for a career in nursing, providing comprehensive knowledge of patient care, health promotion, disease prevention, and clinical practice in diverse healthcare settings.
    Field: Health Sciences
    Career outcomes: Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Public Health Nurse
  • Business Administration (BBA) — 48 months · Korean · $3,500,000/yr
    This program covers core business functions such as marketing, finance, accounting, and management, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective decision-making in various organizational settings.
    Field: Business
    Career outcomes: Marketing Manager, Financial Analyst, Accountant, Human Resources Manager
  • Architecture (BArch) — 60 months · Korean · $3,800,000/yr
    Students learn the principles of architectural design, urban planning, and construction technology, developing creative and technical skills to shape built environments.
    Field: Architecture
    Career outcomes: Architect, Urban Planner, Interior Designer
  • Economics (BA) — 48 months · Korean · $3,000,000/yr
    This program explores economic theories, policies, and their applications to real-world issues, developing students' analytical and problem-solving abilities in economic contexts.
    Field: Social Sciences
    Career outcomes: Economist, Financial Analyst, Policy Analyst, Market Researcher
  • Life Sciences (BSc) — 48 months · Korean · $3,800,000/yr · STEM
    Students explore various aspects of biology, including molecular biology, genetics, ecology, and physiology, gaining a deep understanding of living organisms and their environments.
    Field: Natural Sciences
    Career outcomes: Biologist, Researcher, Biotechnologist, Environmental Scientist
  • Veterinary Medicine (DVM) — 72 months · Korean · $5,500,000/yr · STEM
    A comprehensive program for aspiring veterinarians, focusing on animal health, disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, with extensive practical training in clinical settings.
    Field: Veterinary Medicine
    Career outcomes: Veterinarian, Animal Researcher, Public Health Veterinarian
  • Korean Language and Literature (BA) — 48 months · Korean · $3,000,000/yr
    This program provides a comprehensive understanding of the Korean language, its historical development, and the rich literary traditions of Korea, fostering critical analysis and communication skills.
    Field: Humanities
    Career outcomes: Teacher, Journalist, Editor, Cultural Researcher
  • Medicine (MD) — 72 months · Korean · $6,000,000/yr · STEM
    A rigorous program designed to educate future physicians, covering foundational medical sciences, clinical skills, and ethical practices through extensive theoretical and practical training.
    Field: Medicine
    Career outcomes: Physician, Surgeon, Medical Researcher
  • Law (LLB) — 48 months · Korean · $3,200,000/yr
    The law program provides a foundational understanding of legal principles, judicial systems, and various branches of law, fostering analytical and ethical reasoning skills essential for legal professions.
    Field: Law
    Career outcomes: Lawyer, Judge, Prosecutor, Legal Consultant
  • Food Science and Biotechnology (BSc) — 48 months · Korean · $3,800,000/yr · STEM
    This program integrates food science with biotechnology, covering food processing, safety, nutrition, and the application of biotechnological tools to improve food quality and production.
    Field: Agriculture and Life Sciences
    Career outcomes: Food Scientist, Quality Control Manager, Product Developer
  • Fine Arts (BFA) — 48 months · Korean · $4,200,000/yr
    Students explore various artistic disciplines such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, and new media, fostering creativity, technical skills, and critical thinking in visual arts.
    Field: Arts
    Career outcomes: Artist, Art Educator, Curator, Graphic Designer

Master Programs (7)

  • Master of Arts in Korean Language and Literature (MA) — 24 months · Korean · $4,500,000/yr
    An in-depth study of Korean linguistics, classical and modern Korean literature, and critical literary theories, culminating in a thesis or research project.
    Field: Humanities
    Career outcomes: Researcher, Educator, Cultural Specialist, Translator
  • Master of Arts in English Language and Literature (MA) — 24 months · English · $4,500,000/yr
    Advanced study in English linguistics, literary criticism, and various genres of British and American literature, fostering deep analytical and research capabilities.
    Field: Humanities
    Career outcomes: Educator, Researcher, Editor, Writer
  • Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · Korean · $5,000,000/yr · STEM
    Advanced coursework and research in areas such as structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water resources engineering, and transportation engineering, addressing complex infrastructure challenges.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Civil Engineer, Project Manager, Researcher, Consultant
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) (MBA) — 24 months · Korean · $7,000,000/yr
    This program provides advanced business education with a focus on strategic management, leadership, finance, and marketing, preparing professionals for executive roles.
    Field: Business
    Career outcomes: CEO, Manager, Consultant, Entrepreneur
  • Statistics (MSc) — 24 months · Korean · $4,000,000/yr · STEM
    This program provides advanced training in statistical theory and methods, data analysis, and statistical modeling, preparing students for careers in data science, research, and analytics.
    Field: Natural Sciences
    Career outcomes: Statistician, Data Analyst, Quantitative Researcher
  • Electrical Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · Korean · $4,500,000/yr · STEM
    Advanced studies in electrical engineering focus on areas like power systems, control systems, electronics, and telecommunications, preparing graduates for research and development roles.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Electrical Engineer, R&D Engineer, University Researcher
  • Biotechnology (MSc) — 24 months · English · $4,200,000/yr · STEM
    Focuses on advanced concepts and research in biotechnology, including genetic engineering, molecular biology, and bioprocess engineering, with applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry.
    Field: Life Sciences
    Career outcomes: Biotechnologist, Research Scientist, Pharmaceutical Researcher

PhD Programs (6)

  • Public Administration (PhD) — 36 months · Korean · $4,800,000/yr
    This doctoral program delves into advanced theories and research methods in public administration, preparing scholars and practitioners for leadership roles in government and non-profit organizations.
    Field: Social Sciences
    Career outcomes: Policy Advisor, University Professor, Government Official
  • PhD in Economics (PhD) — 36 months · English · $5,500,000/yr
    Rigorous doctoral training in economic theory, econometrics, and specialized fields like international economics, public economics, or labor economics, preparing students for academic or research careers.
    Field: Social Sciences
    Career outcomes: University Professor, Economic Researcher, Policy Advisor, International Organization Specialist
  • PhD in Electrical Engineering (PhD) — 36 months · English · $6,000,000/yr · STEM
    Doctoral research in cutting-edge areas of electrical engineering, such as power electronics, communication systems, integrated circuits, and control theory, contributing to new knowledge.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: University Professor, Research Scientist, R&D Engineer, Innovator
  • PhD in Life Sciences (PhD) — 36 months · English · $5,500,000/yr · STEM
    This doctoral program involves advanced research in various biological fields, including molecular biology, genomics, neuroscience, and environmental biology, leading to significant scientific contributions.
    Field: Natural Sciences
    Career outcomes: Research Scientist, University Professor, Biotech Specialist, Pharmaceutical Researcher
  • Environmental Engineering (PhD) — 36 months · English · $5,000,000/yr · STEM
    Doctoral research in environmental engineering focuses on sustainable solutions for environmental challenges, including water and air pollution control, waste management, and renewable energy.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Environmental Consultant, Research Scientist, University Professor
  • Chemistry (PhD) — 36 months · English · $5,000,000/yr · STEM
    This doctoral program involves in-depth research in various fields of chemistry, including organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry, contributing to new scientific discoveries and advancements.
    Field: Natural Sciences
    Career outcomes: Research Scientist, University Professor, Industrial Chemist

Scholarships & Tuition at Kyungpook National University

Annual tuition for international students: $3,800 – $8,500/year

✅ Kyungpook National University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Kyungpook National University

  • National Ranking: #9 in South Korea
  • QS World University Ranking: #519
  • Times Higher Education (THE): #501
  • Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #401
  • Ranking tier: Top 500
  • Research output: Very High

Campus & Facilities at Kyungpook National University

  • Student housing available
  • Sports facilities available
  • Disability support available
  • Campus type: Multiple Campuses
  • Average class size: 15

Key Highlights

  • Leading national university
  • Strong in engineering, medicine, IT
  • Diverse academic programs
  • Vibrant international student community
  • Located in dynamic Daegu

Accreditation

  • Ministry of Education of Korea
  • Korean Council for University Education (KCUE)
  • AACSB

Fields of Study at Kyungpook National University

  • Engineering
  • Agriculture
  • Medicine
  • Natural Sciences
  • Humanities

Notable Alumni

  • Moon Jae-in
  • Park Chung-hee
  • Uhm Ji-won
  • Lee Chang-dong
  • Kim Jae-gyu

Frequently Asked Questions about Kyungpook National University

What is Kyungpook National University?

Kyungpook National University is a public university located in Daegu, South Korea. It has approximately 34,434 students, with 8% being international students.

How much does it cost to study at Kyungpook National University?

Tuition fees at Kyungpook National University for international students range from $3,800 – $8,500/year. Scholarships are available for international students.

What are the admission requirements for Kyungpook National University?

IELTS minimum: 5.5. TOEFL minimum: 71. GPA minimum: 2.7. Application fee: $60000. Selectivity: Selective (20-40%). Application deadline: October 31, 2025.

What language are courses taught in at Kyungpook National University?

Courses at Kyungpook National University are taught in Korean and English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 5.5.

How many programs does Kyungpook National University offer?

Kyungpook National University offers 25 programs: 12 Bachelor's, 7 Master's, and 6 PhD programs across various fields of study.

What is Kyungpook National University ranked?

#9 in South Korea · QS World #519 · THE World #501 · ARWU #401.

Does Kyungpook National University offer scholarships?

Yes, Kyungpook National University offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.

Does Kyungpook National University provide visa support?

Yes, Kyungpook National University provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.

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