II. Introduction to Pusan National University
1. Highlights of Pusan National University
Pusan National University (PNU), established in 1946, is one of South Korea’s leading national universities, belonging to the country’s national university system. Located in the port city of Busan — the nation’s second-largest economic, cultural, and educational hub — PNU stands as a symbol of academic excellence and innovation.
- Prestigious National University: Ranked among Korea’s top 10 universities, alongside Seoul National University and Hanyang University.
- International Learning Environment: Over 1,000 international students from 80 countries study at PNU, with a variety of multilingual programs available.
- Wide Range of Majors: The university has 16 undergraduate colleges and 13 graduate programs, excelling in engineering, medicine, economics, and natural sciences.
- Modern Facilities: The spacious Geumjeong-gu campus in Busan features an advanced digital library system, comfortable dormitories, and cutting-edge research centers.
- Global Partnerships: PNU maintains academic and research collaborations with over 400 universities worldwide, including leading institutions in the U.S., Japan, and Europe.
2. Notable Achievements of Pusan National University
Pusan National University is not only the pride of southern Korea but also a national hub for scientific research and innovation. Some of its notable achievements include:
- Ranked among the Top 10 universities in Korea (according to QS World University Rankings).
- Placed among the Top 400 universities globally, recognized for excellence in Science and Engineering.
- Designated as a National Center of Research Excellence, with outstanding contributions in biomedical science, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.
- High employment rate for graduates, especially in engineering, IT, and medical fields.
- Comprehensive scholarship programs for international students, including the PNU Global Scholarship, Korean Government Scholarship (GKS), and various housing support options.
3. Distinguished Alumni of Pusan National University
Over its 70-year history, Pusan National University has produced numerous leaders, scientists, and influential figures who have made significant contributions both in Korea and internationally. Some of its distinguished alumni include:
- Moon Jae-in (문재인) – Former President of South Korea (2017–2022), graduated from the School of Law.
- Kim Ki-hoon – A leading scientist in mechanical engineering, recipient of the National Research Award.
- Lee Eun-jung – Renowned medical researcher and professor at Harvard University (USA).
- Park Min-soo – Tech entrepreneur and founder of a well-known AI startup based in Seoul.
The PNU alumni community is not only strong within Korea but also has a global network that provides students with opportunities for internships, scholarships, and international career development.
III. KOREAN LANGUAGE PROGRAM AT PUSAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
1. Admission Requirements
Pusan National University (PNU) welcomes international students who wish to study Korean language to improve their proficiency and prepare for undergraduate or graduate programs in Korea.
Basic admission requirements:
- High school graduate or above.
- Good physical and mental health, free from infectious diseases.
- Non-Korean citizenship.
- Sufficient financial ability to cover tuition and living expenses during the study period.
- No TOPIK certificate required for the basic Korean language program.
Note: Students with prior Korean knowledge will be placed in appropriate levels after a placement test.
2. Korean Language Program Tuition Fees
The Korean Language Program at Pusan National University is operated by the Korean Language Education Center under the university.
Tuition information:
- Application fee: 60,000 KRW (non-refundable)
- Tuition: Approximately 1,600,000 KRW per term (10 weeks)
- Textbooks: Around 50,000 KRW per term
There are four terms per year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter), each lasting about 10 weeks, totaling 200 hours (20 hours per week).
3. Korean Language Curriculum at Pusan National University
The program is designed to help students develop comprehensive Korean language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while gaining a deeper understanding of Korean culture, customs, and society.
Program structure:
- Levels 1–2: Focus on basic communication, grammar structures, and common vocabulary.
- Levels 3–4: Develop speaking, essay writing, discussion, and deeper cultural understanding.
- Levels 5–6: Enhance academic Korean skills, prepare for the TOPIK exam and university-level studies.
In addition, the university regularly organizes Korean cultural experience activities such as:
- Visiting Busan Tower, Gamcheon Culture Village, and Haeundae Beach;
- Experiencing hanbok, making kimchi, and practicing calligraphy;
- Interacting with Korean students to practice language in real-life settings.
4. Scholarships for International Students
Pusan National University actively encourages international students with outstanding academic performance through various attractive scholarship programs:
Major scholarship types:
- Merit-based Scholarship: Awarded to students with excellent GPA each term.
- Continuation Scholarship: Students who complete the Korean language program and enroll in PNU’s degree programs receive a 30–50% tuition reduction for their first semester.
- Dormitory Support: Some international students with financial difficulties may receive partial or full dormitory fee exemptions.
IV. UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS AT PUSAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
1. Admission Requirements at Pusan National University
Pusan National University (PNU) is one of the top national universities in Korea, renowned for its academic excellence and modern learning environment.
Admission requirements for the undergraduate program for international students include:
- Applicants must have completed (or be expected to complete before admission) high school or its equivalent.
- Both parents and the applicant must hold non-Korean citizenship.
- Language proficiency in Korean or English is required:
- TOPIK Level 3 or higher (or completion of a Korean language program at PNU).
- Alternatively, IELTS 5.5 or higher / TOEFL iBT 71 or higher (for English-taught programs).
- Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial ability to cover tuition and living expenses during their studies in Korea.
Note: Some departments may require interviews or additional documents depending on the major.
2. Majors and Tuition Fees at Pusan National University
Pusan National University offers a wide range of academic programs across various fields, providing international students with diverse options that match their career goals and academic interests.
Representative Fields of Study:
- Science & Engineering: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Marine Engineering.
- Economics & Business: Business Administration, International Economics, Finance and Accounting, International Trade.
- Social Sciences & Humanities: Korean Language, English Language, International Relations, Sociology, Psychology.
- Medicine & Life Sciences: Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Biological Sciences.
- Arts & Architecture: Design, Fine Arts, Architecture, Music.
Estimated Tuition Fees:
- Social Sciences & Humanities: approximately 2,000,000 – 2,400,000 KRW per semester.
- Engineering & Natural Sciences: approximately 2,600,000 – 3,000,000 KRW per semester.
- Medicine & Arts: approximately 3,500,000 – 4,000,000 KRW per semester.
There are two admission periods each year (March and September). Students can apply for the semester that best fits their academic plans.
3. Scholarships for International Students at Pusan National University
Pusan National University actively supports outstanding international students through a variety of scholarship programs.
Main Scholarship Types:
- Admission Scholarship: Awarded to students with excellent academic performance or strong language proficiency. → Covers 30% – 100% of the first semester tuition fee.
- Continuing Scholarship: Students who maintain a GPA of 3.5/4.5 or higher may receive a 30% – 70% tuition reduction for subsequent semesters.
- Dormitory Support Scholarship: Offered to students with financial difficulties or those actively involved in clubs and cultural exchange programs.
With diverse scholarship opportunities and affordable tuition fees, Pusan National University is an ideal destination for Vietnamese students seeking a high-quality education in Korea at a reasonable cost.
V. Pusan National University Dormitory
1. Dormitory Facilities at Pusan National University
The dormitories of Pusan National University (PNU) are designed with modern architecture, ensuring a comfortable, safe, and convenient living environment for international students.
The university has several dormitory buildings located within the main campus in Busan city, allowing students easy access to classrooms, libraries, cafeterias, and sports facilities.
Each dormitory room is fully furnished with basic amenities such as beds, study desks, wardrobes, air conditioning, heating systems, high-speed internet, and either private or shared bathrooms depending on the room type.
Additionally, the dormitory area includes:
- Self-service laundry rooms, common lounges, and reading rooms.
- Convenience stores, cafés, and fitness centers (gyms).
- 24/7 security system with strict access control using student ID cards.
Highlight: PNU’s dormitory is recognized as one of the cleanest, most modern, and safest student housing complexes in Korea, especially welcoming to international students.
2. Dormitory Fees at Pusan National University
The dormitory fees at PNU are affordable for international students and vary based on room type. Fees include basic utilities such as water, electricity, and internet.
Estimated fees:
- Double room (2 persons/room): approximately 600,000 – 800,000 KRW per semester (4 months)
- Single room (1 person/room): approximately 1,000,000 – 1,200,000 KRW per semester
- Quad room (4 persons/room): approximately 450,000 – 600,000 KRW per semester
In addition, students can choose a meal plan at the dormitory cafeteria for about 1,000,000 KRW per semester, including 2–3 meals per day, ensuring nutrition and convenience.
💡 Note: Fees may vary depending on room type, dormitory location, and registration period (Spring and Fall semesters usually fill up quickly).
3. Student Life and Amenities in Pusan National University Dormitories
PNU dormitories are not only living spaces but also vibrant international communities for cultural exchange and student engagement.
The university regularly organizes various activities for dormitory residents such as:
- Korean–International cultural exchange events.
- Food festivals, student music nights, and sports competitions.
- Orientation and training programs on living and studying in Korea.
International students have opportunities to make friends with Korean peers and students from other countries, helping them broaden their networks and adapt quickly to life in Korea.
Moreover, the university’s location is close to shopping areas, restaurants, and famous beaches such as Haeundae and Gwangalli, allowing students to fully enjoy life in the vibrant port city of Busan.