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Meta title: Pusan National University: Admission, Tuition, Deadlines 2027
Meta description: Pusan National University guide: $1,520–2,340 per semester, TOPIK 3–5 by department, Spring 2027 dates, Kazakhstan on-site round, D-4 Korean courses.
Last modified: 2026-09-24

# Pusan National University

Pusan National University (PNU) is the national university of Korea's second-largest city, founded in 1946. For international students it is one of the most affordable strong universities in the country: in Spring 2027 an undergraduate semester costs $1,520–2,340 (KRW 2.07–3.2 million). Teaching is almost entirely in Korean, so applicants need TOPIK 3, 4 or 5 depending on the department; only the Department of Global Studies teaches fully in English. Applications for Spring 2027 are open from 12 to 23 October 2026.

The university headquarters and Neongneokhanteo square on the Busan campus of Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea. Photo: Hansol Jeong / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pusan_Natl_Univ_by_Ficell_004.jpg), [Public domain](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Template:PD-self).

| At a glance | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Location | Busan; some colleges in Yangsan and Miryang |
| Founded | 1946 |
| Size | about 26,300 undergraduates, 8,300 graduate students and 2,100 international students (2025) |
| Rankings | QS World University Rankings 2027: =449; THE World University Rankings 2026: 501–600 |
| Undergraduate tuition | $1,520–2,340 per semester (KRW 2.07–3.2 million), 2027 rates |
| Language at application | TOPIK 3–5 or the matching level at PNU's language institute; English for Global Studies |
| Spring 2027 intake | online application 12–23 October 2026, originals by 6 November |
| Fall intake | applications open in mid-April (13 April in 2026) |
| Housing | $1,030–1,760 per semester including meals (Spring 2026) |
| Korean courses (D-4) | $1,100 (KRW 1.5 million) per 10-week term |

## Who PNU suits, and who should look elsewhere {#section-1}

PNU suits students who are ready to study in Korean and want a solid education at a national-university price. Its strengths are engineering and the natural sciences, economics and business. In the THE 2026 subject rankings its best results are business and economics (151–175) and social sciences (251–300). Life in Busan costs less than in Seoul, and the city is on the sea.

| Advantages | Limitations and risks |
| --- | --- |
| Tuition is lower than at private Seoul universities | Almost all programmes are in Korean |
| Conditional admission for students of PNU's language institute | Business and nursing require TOPIK 5 |
| TOPIK scholarship in the first semester and merit awards afterwards | Higher language requirements for citizens of Uzbekistan and several other countries |
| On-site admission round with an exam in Astana and Almaty (held for Fall 2026) | A Russian school certificate needs an additional transcript |
| Residences with meals included | Some programmes are not in Busan but in Yangsan or Miryang |

If you want a university in Seoul, compare PNU with [Kyung Hee University](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-kyung-hee), [Hanyang University](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-hanyang) or [Sogang University](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-sogang). The difference between national and private universities is explained in our overview of [universities in Korea for international students](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-korea-for-international-students).

## Programmes and language of instruction {#section-2}

PNU has 17 colleges and about 120 undergraduate departments. For Spring 2027 international students are admitted to the humanities and languages (including Russian), social sciences, economics and international trade, business, natural sciences, engineering, the College of AI, nursing, human ecology, natural resources and life sciences, and the arts. The Global Open Major Division admits freshmen without a major, who choose one later; it does not take transfers, and the university plans an additional round after the first. If you enter a college, your major within it is assigned at the end of the first or second year under the department's rules.

The university states plainly that most courses are taught in Korean and that only the Department of Global Studies teaches entirely in English. The School of AI Computer Science and Engineering accepts an English certificate, but teaching there is not in English and TOPIK 3 is still required.

### Where classes take place

| Campus | What is there |
| --- | --- |
| Busan (Geumjeong-gu) | most colleges, the international office, residences, the language institute |
| Yangsan | biomedical engineering, nursing, data science, School of Applied Life Convergence |
| Miryang | College of Natural Resources and Life Sciences |
| Ami | university hospital |

The Yangsan and Miryang campuses are specialised campuses, not branches. Before applying, check where your department is taught: housing and costs depend on it.

## Korean and English requirements for a bachelor's degree {#section-3}

| Requirement | Programmes (Spring 2027) |
| --- | --- |
| TOPIK 3 or level 3 at PNU's language institute | Global Open Major, natural sciences, statistics, electrical engineering, architecture, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, child development, food science, music, fine arts, dance and others |
| TOPIK 4 or level 4 | most humanities and social sciences, mechanical, chemical and environmental engineering, materials science, electronics and semiconductors, computer science and AI, industrial engineering, design, naval architecture |
| TOPIK 5 or level 5 | language and information, business, nursing, food and resource economics, School of Transdisciplinary Engineering |
| TOEFL iBT 80 (4.0), IELTS 5.5 or New TEPS 327 | Department of Global Studies (TOPIK not required) |

Citizens of Nepal, Mongolia, Vietnam and Uzbekistan need TOPIK 5, IELTS 7 or TOEFL iBT 85 (5.0) regardless of the department. Other CIS citizens follow the general thresholds. Only certificates from PNU's own language institute count; levels from other language schools are not accepted. Our [TOPIK guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-topik-exam-guide) explains how to prepare.

### Conditional admission through the language institute

If you are studying at PNU's Language Education Institute (LEI) and have not yet passed TOPIK, you can apply with a certificate of enrolment and an attendance record. For Spring 2027 this applies to students of the Winter 2026 term. You must submit the certificate of completing the required level by 29 January 2027, or the admission is cancelled.

## How to apply: a plan for Spring 2027 {#section-4}

1. Before 12 October 2026: choose the department and check the language requirement. You may list only one department, and it cannot be changed after you apply.
2. 12–23 October: online application on jinhakapply.com; the fee is KRW 144,000 ($110).
3. By 6 November, 18:00: originals to the university. Documents must physically reach the international office by the deadline.
4. 30 November: list of applicants invited to interview. Not every department interviews. Applicants abroad are interviewed by phone or Zoom (tentatively on 7 December). Electronics, semiconductors and vocal music require an in-person interview; Global Studies sets an English essay and an English interview.
5. 18 December: final decision. No individual letters are sent; results are published on go.pusan.ac.kr.
6. 29–31 December: tuition payment; from 7 January 2027 the Certificate of Admission for the D-2 visa is issued. See our [student visa guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-visa-korea).
7. By 26 February 2027, applicants who submitted an expected-graduation certificate deliver the apostilled final certificate.

## Deadlines for spring and fall {#section-5}

| Intake | Application | Result |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Spring 2027, general round | 12–23 October 2026, originals by 6 November | 18 December 2026 |
| Fall 2027, general round | in the 2026 cycle applications opened on 13 April; the new guide will appear in spring 2027 | usually June–July |
| Fall, on-site round in Kazakhstan (2026) | 13–19 April 2026 via Study in Korea | EPNU written exam on 8 May in Astana and 10 May in Almaty; Zoom interview 27–29 May; results on 5 June |
| Master's, Fall 2026 | 13–24 April 2026, documents by 14 May | 29 June 2026 |

The Kazakhstan on-site round uses PNU's written exam (EPNU) and an interview, 50 points each. The top scorers receive the EISS scholarship: a full tuition waiver for the whole programme, for 4 or for 2 semesters (subject to maintaining the GPA), plus KRW 2 million for living costs in the first semester. Whether the round will run in 2027 will be clear from the spring announcement.

## Documents and legalisation {#section-6}

- Passports of the applicant and both parents, proof of citizenship and a document on the family relationship. For citizens of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine this is a birth certificate. Notarisation must be no older than one year.
- School certificate and transcripts with an apostille, issued no earlier than 6 months before the application deadline. If a document is not in English or Korean, it needs a certified translation, and the apostille can be placed on the original or on the translation.
- For a Russian school certificate: because Russian schooling lasts 11 years, an additional transcript is required, either for grade 9 or for the first year of university. In an 11-year system the last three years must be completed in one country.
- Language certificate: TOPIK, a PNU language institute certificate, or English for Global Studies.
- Essay and study plan (Form 4), application form (Form 1), consent to data processing (Form 3), financial guarantee (Form 2).
- Bank statement in the name of the applicant or a parent showing at least KRW 16 million ($11,720), issued no more than 30 days before the deadline.
- Portfolio for fine arts, design, music and dance.

Applicants from Nepal, Mongolia, Vietnam and Uzbekistan go through an additional financial check; if the conditions are not met, the admission is cancelled.

## How much it costs to study and live in Busan {#section-7}

### Tuition (2027 rates, per semester)

| College | Amount |
| --- | --- |
| Humanities, Economics and International Trade, Business | KRW 2.07 million ($1,520) |
| Social welfare, psychology, media, library science | KRW 2.2 million ($1,610) |
| Global Open Major Division | KRW 2.5 million ($1,830) |
| Natural Sciences, Human Ecology, Nursing | KRW 2.71 million ($1,980) |
| Engineering, College of AI, School of Transdisciplinary Engineering | KRW 2.93 million ($2,150) |
| Arts | KRW 2.87–3.2 million ($2,100–2,340) |

There is no admission fee for undergraduates. At master's level the first semester of 2026 cost KRW 2.83 million ($2,070) in the humanities, KRW 3.68 million ($2,690) in the sciences and KRW 3.98 million ($2,920) in engineering, including a KRW 181,000 admission fee.

### Residences (Spring 2026, per semester, meals included)

| Residence | For whom | Amount |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Jayoo, Busan | women, double rooms | KRW 1.64–2.19 million ($1,200–1,610) |
| Woongbee, Busan | men, double rooms | KRW 1.84–2.1 million ($1,350–1,540) |
| Jilli, Busan | men, single rooms | KRW 1.85–2.4 million ($1,360–1,760) |
| Garam, Miryang | students of the Miryang campus | KRW 1.41–1.71 million ($1,030–1,250) |

The price depends on the number of meals (2 or 3 a day) and whether weekends are included. All international students must enrol in National Health Insurance (NHIS) and PNU's group insurance: without it you get neither a residence place nor course registration. Our guide to the [cost of studying in Korea](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-korea) shows how to build the full budget. If you pay from Russia, use only a bank that officially transfers money to Korea in the required currency and keep the confirmations for the visa.

## Scholarships: GKS and PNU awards {#section-8}

### Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

For 2027 undergraduate entry PNU accepts GKS scholars only through the Embassy Track: you apply to the Korean embassy in your country and send nothing to the university. PNU is a Type B university, so it can be one of the regional choices that the Embassy Track requires. Online applications through embassies ran from 15 to 30 September 2026. At master's level PNU also takes part in the GKS-G University Track and admitted scholars through it in 2026. Our [GKS guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-gks-scholarship-korea) explains the competition.

### PNU undergraduate scholarships

| When | Condition | Benefit |
| --- | --- | --- |
| First semester | TOPIK 4 | waiver of part of the fees (Tuition I, KRW 378,000–412,000) |
| First semester | TOPIK 5 | waiver of the main part (Tuition II) |
| First semester | TOPIK 6 | full waiver |
| From the second semester | TOPIK 4+ and a high GPA | PNU scholarship, amount depends on grades |
| After admission | a new TOPIK 4+ or an upgrade to 5 or 6 | about KRW 400,000 ($290), up to three times |

To receive a TOPIK scholarship for Spring 2027, a higher certificate had to be sent by 11 December 2026. Scholarships are renewed with a GPA of at least 2.5/4.5 and at least 12 credits. First-semester master's students with TOPIK 4 or an English certificate (TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 5.5) receive 50% of the main part of tuition. The university makes all scholarship decisions.

## PNU Language Education Institute (D-4 visa) {#section-9}

The Language Education Institute (LEI) is on the main campus and accepts high-school graduates.

| Item | Regular Korean course |
| --- | --- |
| Format | 4 terms a year of 10 weeks (200 hours); morning class 9:00–12:50 or afternoon class 13:00–16:50 |
| Levels | 6 levels, placement by an in-person test |
| Fee | KRW 1.5 million ($1,100) per term, application fee KRW 80,000 ($60) |
| Spring 2027 | classes 22 February – 30 April 2027; applications 30 November – 18 December 2026 |
| Summer 2027 | classes 24 May – 30 July 2027; applications 2–19 March 2027 |
| Fall 2027 | classes 23 August – 5 November 2027; applications 31 May – 18 June 2027 |
| D-4 funds | bank statement in the student's or a parent's name showing at least KRW 8 million ($5,860), issued within one month before applying |

LEI students are offered places in the Jayoo (women) and Woongbee (men) residences: about KRW 1.5 million per term for a double room with three meals a day. There are also attendance and performance awards: small prizes for a term without absences and for the best grades in class, and KRW 1.5 million, the cost of one term, for four consecutive terms without absences or with top grades. The award is paid when you register for the next term, and two awards cannot be combined. Besides conditional admission, PNU runs a separate undergraduate round based on the LEI director's recommendation. Our guide to [Korean language programmes](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-korean-language-programs-in-korea) helps compare schools.

## Strengths and weaknesses for applicants from Russia and the CIS {#section-10}

What helps:

- National-university tuition and residences with meals keep the budget lower than in Seoul.
- For Fall 2026 PNU ran a separate on-site round in Kazakhstan with exams in Astana and Almaty; the university will announce any 2027 round in spring.
- The route "PNU language institute → conditional admission" lets you apply before you have TOPIK.
- The university has a Department of Russian Language and Literature, and its TOPIK scholarships are transparent and set out in advance.

What gets in the way:

- Graduates of Russian schools need an additional transcript for grade 9 or the first year of university.
- Citizens of Uzbekistan need TOPIK 5 or IELTS 7 for any programme.
- English-taught study is possible only in Global Studies.
- The KRW 16 million bank statement is valid for only 30 days from issue, so it has to be obtained right before you apply.

## Working while studying {#section-11}

Life in Busan is cheaper than in Seoul, but a part-time job should not be built into your first-year budget. On a D-2 visa you may work only with permission from the immigration service, and the permitted hours depend on your year of study and Korean level. See our guide to [working while studying in Korea](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-working-while-studying-in-korea).

## Common mistakes {#section-12}

- Submitting another language school's certificate. For admission PNU counts only its own language institute or TOPIK.
- Choosing a department without checking the campus. Nursing and biomedical engineering are in Yangsan, agricultural programmes in Miryang.
- Submitting the school certificate without the additional transcript. For an 11-year Russian school it is mandatory.
- Posting originals on the last day. Documents must arrive in Busan by 6 November, not merely be sent by that date.
- Waiting for a personal letter with the result. PNU publishes results only on its website.

## Checklist before you apply {#section-13}

- The department is chosen with its campus (Busan, Yangsan or Miryang) and threshold in mind: TOPIK 3, 4 or 5, or English for Global Studies.
- Your language document is TOPIK or a certificate from PNU's own language institute; other language schools' certificates do not count.
- If you are finishing a Russian school, a grade 9 or first-year university transcript is added to the school certificate.
- The apostilled school certificate and transcripts were issued no earlier than 6 months before 6 November 2026, and the notarisation of family documents is no older than one year.
- The KRW 16 million ($11,720) bank statement was issued no more than 30 days before the deadline.
- Originals are sent so that they reach Busan by 6 November, 18:00 Korean time.

## Rankings {#section-14}

| Ranking | Position |
| --- | --- |
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | =449 (=473 in 2026) |
| QS Asia University Rankings 2026 | 76 |
| THE World University Rankings 2026 | 501–600 |
| THE 2026 by subject: business and economics | 151–175 |
| THE 2026 by subject: social sciences | 251–300 |

## FAQ {#section-15}

### How much does Pusan National University cost?

At 2027 rates an undergraduate semester costs KRW 2.07–3.2 million ($1,520–2,340), with no admission fee. A residence with meals costs about $1,030–1,760 per semester.

### Can I get into PNU without TOPIK?

Without TOPIK you can apply to the Department of Global Studies (with English) or conditionally through PNU's language institute, if you finish the required level by the end of the winter term. An English certificate for the School of AI Computer Science and Engineering does not replace TOPIK 3.

### When do I apply for Spring 2027?

Online from 12 to 23 October 2026; originals must arrive by 6 November. Results are published on 18 December 2026.

### Does PNU accept graduates of 11-year Russian schools?

Yes, but in addition to the school certificate you need an extra transcript for grade 9 or the first year of university. The last three years of school must be completed in one country.

### Is GKS available at PNU?

Yes. For 2027 undergraduate entry only through the Embassy Track, where PNU is a Type B university. At master's level PNU also takes part in the GKS-G University Track.

### How much do Korean courses at PNU cost?

KRW 1.5 million ($1,100) per 10-week term plus a KRW 80,000 application fee. A D-4 visa requires a bank statement of at least KRW 8 million.

### How can StudyU help?

Under a service agreement we help choose a department that matches your language level, prepare the documents including the additional transcript, and support the application and visa stages. PNU decides on admission and scholarships; the Korean consulate decides on the visa.

## Sources {#section-16}

- [2027 Spring Undergraduate Admissions Guide for International Students (international.pusan.ac.kr)](https://international.pusan.ac.kr/bbs/international/2089/1459481/artclView.do)
- [2026 Fall Special On-site Admissions Guide, Kazakhstan](https://international.pusan.ac.kr/bbs/international/2089/1365288/artclView.do)
- [2026 Fall Graduate Admissions Guide for International Students](https://international.pusan.ac.kr/bbs/international/2089/1433654/artclView.do)
- [2026 Fall Undergraduate Admissions Guide (application opening date)](https://international.pusan.ac.kr/bbs/international/2089/1364705/artclView.do)
- [2027 GKS: how to apply to PNU](https://international.pusan.ac.kr/bbs/international/2089/1463489/artclView.do)
- [PNU Language Education Institute: regular course brochure 2026–2027](https://lei.pusan.ac.kr/page?menuCD=000000000000226&mode=DETAIL&seq=1213)
- [PNU Language Education Institute: D-4 visa](https://lei.pusan.ac.kr/page?menuCD=000000000000209)
- [2027 GKS-U Application Guidelines (Study in Korea)](https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/ko/notice/scholarshipsRead.do?nttId=4522&bbsId=BBSMSTR_000000000461)
- [QS World University Rankings: Pusan National University](https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/pusan-national-university)
- [THE World University Rankings: Pusan National University](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/pusan-national-university)

Dollar amounts use ECB reference rates of 23 September 2026 (about KRW 1,365 per $1) and are rounded to $10.

For other universities and study routes, see [studying in South Korea](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-korea); applicants from Kazakhstan will also find our guide to [studying abroad from Kazakhstan](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-study-abroad-from-kazakhstan) useful. If you want to know which PNU department you can realistically apply to, send an [application](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply).

During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.

## Next steps

- [TOPIK Exam Guide 2026–2027: Levels, Scores, Test Dates and Where to Sit It](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-topik-exam-guide)
- [Working While Studying in Korea 2026: D-2 Part-Time Hours, Permits and Pay](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-working-while-studying-in-korea)
- [GKS Scholarship Korea: Quotas, Eligibility and Deadlines for 2027](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-gks-scholarship-korea)
- [Cost of Studying in Korea 2026: Tuition per Semester, Living Costs and a First-Year Budget](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-korea)
- [Studying in South Korea for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-korea)
- [Study Abroad from Kazakhstan: Where and How in 2026](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-study-abroad-from-kazakhstan)

Updated: September 2026