Korea University

Korea University is a private research university in Seoul, South Korea. It was founded in 1905 as Bosung College by Lee Yong-Ik, Treasurer of the Royal Household of the Korean Empire. It was established with the mission of "Education Saves the Country" and was one of the first universities in Korea to be founded by Koreans.

During the Japanese colonial period (1910-1945), Bosung College was a symbol of Korean national pride and resistance. The college was renamed Korea University in 1946, after Korea gained independence from Japan.

In the early years of the Republic of Korea, Korea University played a leading role in the democratization movement. The university was a hotbed of student activism, and many of the leaders of the April 19 Revolution, which overthrew the Syngman Rhee dictatorship in 1960, were Korea University students.

Korea University continued to grow and develop in the post-war era. The university expanded its campus, curriculum, and faculty, and it quickly became one of the leading universities in South Korea. Today, Korea University is one of the most prestigious universities in South Korea and is ranked among the top universities in the world.

The university has a large and diverse student body, with over 37,000 students enrolled. It also has a strong international presence, with students from over 100 countries studying at the university.

Korea University is located in the Anam-dong neighborhood of Seoul. The campus is home to a number of historical and cultural landmarks, including the Korea University Museum and the Korea University Library.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, Korea University is positioned as the #67 top university in the world, which makes it the #4 top university in South Korea. The university's global rank is improved by 12 points from last year.

University Profile

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Ranking	2026 #61 2025 #4
University Name	Korea University
Name in Local Language	고려대학교
Year Established	1905
Motto	자유, 정의, 진리
Motto in English	Liberty, Justice, and Truth
Governing Type	Private (Not for Profit)
Student Body	Co-education
Highest Degree	Doctorate
Campus Type	Urban
Colors	Crimson

Location

The university is located in Seoul. Find the address and map of the university below.

Address	145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Contact

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Phone	+82 (2) 3290 2963
Website
Email	Click here to send email
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Admission Info

The admission process for Korea University is highly competitive and varies depending on the program. Undergraduate and international students apply through the Office of Admissions, with requirements including academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement. Proof of language proficiency in English or Korean (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or TOPIK) is essential. Graduate applicants may need to submit research proposals and additional documents specific to their field of study.

Accepts International Students	Yes

Scholarship and Financial Aids

Korea University provides numerous scholarships to support its students, including international applicants. Merit-based scholarships are available for outstanding academic achievements, while need-based financial aid ensures accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds. International students can benefit from the Global KU Scholarship, which offers tuition discounts or full coverage. Additionally, government-funded scholarships such as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) provide further opportunities for financial support.

Programs and Courses

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	Bachelor's Degrees	Master's Degrees	Doctorate Degrees	Diplomas
Arts & Humanities	n/a			n/a
Business & Social Sciences	n/a			n/a
Engineering	n/a			n/a
Language & Cultural Studies	n/a			n/a
Medicine & Health				n/a
Science & Technology	n/a			n/a

Click on the following button to explore a detailed list of programs and courses of this institute.

View Course List

Global Ranking History

The following chart shows how the global ranking of this university has changed over the last 6 years.

Stay informed with the following articles related to the university or higher education in South Korea.

Embark on a transformative journey through Korean University Admissions, unlocking opportunities at prestigious institutions like Korea University, Yonsei University, and more. Navigate deadlines, explore diverse programs, and uncover the allure of South Korea's higher education. From Spring Admissions to English proficiency, this guide demystifies the intricate process, empowering students to shape their academic destiny. [Read More]

Flexible learning has emerged as an important development in education in South Korea, offering learners more choices, accessibility, and personalized learning options. It has allowed learners to access high-quality resources and expertise from around the world and improve their engagement and motivation in the learning process. However, there are still challenges to be addressed, such as the digital divide and the need to ensure the quality and accessibility of flexible learning programs. [Read More]

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