Kyungpook National University (KNU), located in Daegu, South Korea, is a prestigious institution offering a variety of Ph.D. programs across multiple disciplines. Below is a detailed guide on the admission process, application form, important topics, and average fees for a full-time Ph.D. at KNU.
The admission process for a full-time Ph.D. at KNU typically involves the following steps:
A master’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution.
Proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) or Korean proficiency (TOPIK) depending on the program's language of instruction.
A strong academic record and research potential.
Submission of a research proposal (for some programs).
Spring Intake: Applications usually open in September/October, with deadlines in November.
Fall Intake: Applications typically open in May/June, with deadlines in July.
Exact dates may vary each year, so check the official KNU website for updates.
Completed application form.
Official transcripts and degree certificates.
Statement of purpose (SOP) or research proposal.
Letters of recommendation (usually 2-3).
Proof of language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/TOPIK).
Copy of passport.
Financial proof (for international students).
Other program-specific documents (e.g., portfolio, publications).
Document screening.
Interview (for some programs).
Final admission decision.
The application form is available online on the KNU admissions portal.
Applicants must create an account, fill in personal and academic details, and upload the required documents.
Pay the application fee (approximately KRW 50,000–100,000).
When applying for a Ph.D. at KNU, focus on the following key areas:
Clearly define your research topic, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
Align your research interests with the expertise of potential supervisors at KNU.
For English-taught programs: TOEFL (iBT 80+), IELTS (6.0+).
For Korean-taught programs: TOPIK (Level 3 or higher).
KNU offers scholarships like the KNU Graduate Scholarship and Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP).
Research assistantships and teaching assistantships are also available.
Identify and contact potential supervisors before applying to discuss your research interests.
The tuition fees for a full-time Ph.D. at KNU vary by program and nationality. Below is an approximate breakdown:
Korean Students: KRW 2,000,000–3,500,000 (approx. USD 1,700–3,000).
International Students: KRW 3,000,000–5,000,000 (approx. USD 2,500–4,200).
Application fee: KRW 50,000–100,000 (non-refundable).
Living expenses: KRW 800,000–1,200,000 per month (approx. USD 700–1,000).
Start preparing your application well in advance.
Tailor your research proposal to align with KNU’s research strengths.
Secure strong recommendation letters from academic or professional referees.
Explore scholarship opportunities early to fund your studies.