Requirements
Bachelor
Applicants and both parents must hold foreign nationality, and the applicant needs a high school diploma or equivalent, with financial documentation showing at least USD 18,000. Most departments accept TOPIK level 3 or above (higher for Engineering, Design, Nursing, Business Administration and Food and Resource Economics); the Department of Global Studies instead requires an English test (TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 5.5, TEPS 326), waived for native English speakers.
Master's and PhD
PNU's Graduate School and Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) publish their own department-level admission requirements and deadlines separate from undergraduate admission.
Documents
Application form, statement of purpose, nationality certificates for the applicant and both parents, secondary school transcripts and graduation certificate, a language proficiency certificate (TOPIK or an English test as applicable), and financial documentation showing at least USD 18,000; specialised programmes such as art, design or music additionally require a portfolio or recorded performance.
How to apply
- Choose a department and confirm its specific language requirement, since these range from TOPIK level 3 up to level 5, or an English test for the Department of Global Studies.
- Apply online within the published window (Spring: guide released end of August, applications early to end of October; Fall: guide released end of February, applications in April) and pay the application fee.
- Submit required documents, and for specialised programmes, a portfolio or performance material, by the stated deadline.
- Wait for the final decision (Spring: end of December; Fall: end of June).
- If admitted, prepare your financial documentation (at least USD 18,000) and other visa materials, and apply for your D-2 student visa.
English test waiver
Most PNU departments accept TOPIK level 3 (or completion of a level 3 Korean course) instead of an English test, with Engineering, Design and Nursing asking for TOPIK level 4, and Business Administration, Nursing and Food and Resource Economics asking for TOPIK level 5. The Department of Global Studies is taught entirely in English and instead requires TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 5.5, or New TEPS 326 or above, with native English speakers exempt; the School of Computer Science and Engineering accepts either an English test plus TOPIK level 3, or TOPIK level 3 alone for native English speakers.