Jeonbuk National University
전북대학교
The flagship national university of Jeonbuk province, in Jeonju, with low fees and a push to recruit 5,000 international students.
- Students
- 18,726
- International
- 10%
- of students
- Student–faculty
- 20.3:1
- ratio
- Tuition
- ₩4M
- From · 2026-27
- Founded
- 1947
About JBNU
Jeonbuk National University was founded in 1947 and is one of South Korea's ten flagship national universities, the main public university of Jeonbuk State in the southwest of the country. Its main campus is in Jeonju, with further campuses in Iksan, Gochang, Saemangeum (Gunsan) and Jeongeup, and a new Namwon Glocal Campus being developed for international students.
JBNU is a comprehensive university with colleges ranging from engineering, natural sciences and agriculture to business, social sciences, human ecology and the arts, plus medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and nursing. It was selected as a government 'Glocal University' in 2023 and has set itself targets of recruiting 5,000 international students and reaching the global top 100 in five fields. Recent investments include a Physical AI project, a JBNU-Hanwha Aerospace research centre and new departments in defence industry and battery engineering.
For international undergraduates there are two routes: a Korean track, which needs TOPIK level 2 or above, and an English track (IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 71) in two schools where more than half of the credits are taught in English. Tuition is about KRW 4 to 5.6 million a year, which suits applicants who want an affordable Korean degree outside Seoul.
자유 · 정의 · 창조
“Freedom, Justice, Creativity” — university motto
Why students choose JBNU
Tuition for international undergraduates is KRW 2,016,000 to 2,779,000 a semester (Fall 2026 rates), about KRW 4.0 to 5.6 million a year.
The English track needs only IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 71, with more than 50% of graduation credits taught in English.
First-semester scholarships waive 100% of tuition for TOPIK 6 or IELTS 8, and 50% of Tuition Fee II for TOPIK 5 or IELTS 7.5.
Three new departments only for international students (Glocal Commerce, K-Entertainment and Korean Language) accept TOPIK level 2.
Admissions
Spring 2027 entry (semester begins March 2, 2027)
Selectivity
JBNU does not publish an admission rate for international students. Applicants are scored on language proficiency (40%), scholastic ability (40%) and attitude and etiquette (20%) through document screening and a departmental interview, and need at least 60 points out of 100.
Typical entry requirements
| Nationality | Type 1: applicant and both parents hold foreign nationality and the applicant graduated from a regular high school; or Type 2: a foreigner who completed all of primary, middle and high school abroad. Dual nationals cannot apply. |
|---|---|
| High school diploma | Regular high school graduation (no qualifying exams, homeschooling or online schooling), verified by apostille or embassy confirmation; expected graduates must submit the diploma by February 19, 2027 |
| Korean track | TOPIK level 2 or above (TOPIK 2 holders must first complete two semesters at JBNU's Korean language programme), or level 4 at a Korean language institute in Korea; TOPIK 4 is required to graduate |
| Financial proof | Bank statement of at least KRW 16,000,000 (about US$13,000) for admitted students |
| English language | IELTS 5.5 · TOEFL iBT 71 English track only: IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 71 (3.5 on the new TOEFL scale for tests from January 20, 2026), TEPS 600 or New TEPS 330. Applicants from English-speaking countries can use their secondary school diploma instead. Certificates must be less than two years old. |
Deadlines
- Spring 2027, round 1 Non-binding PassedOctober 2, 2026, 17:00 (Korea time)
Online application September 21 to October 2, 2026; documents by October 12; interviews October 29-30; results November 13, 2026.
- Spring 2027, round 2 Non-binding Next deadline · In 45 daysNovember 20, 2026, 17:00 (Korea time)
Online application November 9 to 20, 2026; documents by November 27; interviews December 17-18; results January 6, 2027.
Dates are from JBNU's 2027 Spring Undergraduate Admission Guidelines for International Students (published September 2026). JBNU also runs a fall-semester intake, but the Fall 2027 guidelines had not been published by September 29, 2026. Language certificates for first-semester scholarships must be submitted by December 23, 2026.
How to apply
Apply online through UWAY and pay the KRW 80,000 application fee, then send the signed application form, financial affidavit, high school diploma and transcript with apostille or embassy verification, birth or family relationship certificate with parents' passport copies, and language certificate by post or in person to the Office of International Affairs. Shortlisted applicants are interviewed by the department.
What admissions looks for
- Language proficiency, which counts for 40% of the score: TOPIK for the Korean track or IELTS/TOEFL/TEPS for the English track.
- Scholastic ability (40%), shown by verified high school transcripts and diploma.
- Attitude and etiquette (20%), judged in the departmental interview.
- A complete, authentic application: missing documents or a missed interview means automatic rejection.
Tips for applying to JBNU
- 1 Submit your language certificate by December 23, 2026 if you want a first-semester academic scholarship; late certificates do not count.
- 2 Make sure your phone or video connection works on interview day: if the department cannot reach you after three attempts, you fail the interview.
- 3 Arrange apostille or embassy verification of your diploma early; originals are due by February 19, 2027.
- 4 If you only have TOPIK 2, consider the Namwon Glocal Campus departments, which do not require the two extra semesters of Korean language study.
Costs & financial aid
2026-27 · figures in KRW
New international students can receive first-semester academic scholarships based on language scores: a full tuition waiver for TOPIK 6 or IELTS 8, 50% of Tuition Fee II for TOPIK 5 or IELTS 7.5, and a Tuition Fee I waiver for other scores within the budget. LINK scholarships reward completion of JBNU's Korean language course, and after the first semester, merit scholarships go to students with GPA 2.75+ and 15 credits. Direct descendants of Korean War veterans from the 16 participating countries get a full first-semester waiver. The Korean government's GKS scholarship is also available.
- 100% of Tuition Fee I and II
- First-semester scholarship, TOPIK 6 or IELTS 8
- 50% of Tuition Fee II
- First-semester scholarship, TOPIK 5 or IELTS 7.5
- KRW 80,000
- Application fee
- KRW 16,000,000 (about US$13,000)
- Required funds for visa
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters (academic year starts in March; spring and fall intakes)
International Engineering and Science (English track)
A university-level school where more than half of graduation credits are taught in English, open to international freshmen with IELTS 5.5.
International Studies (English track)
The School of International Studies admits international freshmen and transfer students on the English track.
Korean Traditional Music
Instrumental, vocal, composition and theory tracks with auditions; alumni include pansori singer Yu Tae-pyung-yang.
Smart Farm and Agriculture
A dedicated Smart Farm department plus plant medicine, animal biotechnology and food science, matching Jeonbuk's farming and food-tech industries.
K-Entertainment (Namwon Glocal Campus)
One of three departments created only for international students, admitting applicants with TOPIK level 2.
Research
- In 2025 JBNU opened the JBNU-Hanwha Aerospace HUB Specialized Research Center and launched a Physical AI Convergence Technology Project group.
- It was selected as a government Glocal University in 2023, with plans to reach the global top 100 in five fields.
- The university created departments of Advanced Defense Industry and Secondary Battery Engineering in 2025 and runs a Semiconductor Joint Research Institute project.
Schools & faculties
- College of Humanities
- College of Social Sciences
- College of Business and Economics
- College of Engineering
- College of Natural Sciences
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- College of Environmental and Bioresource Sciences
- College of Human Ecology
- College of Arts
- College of Medicine
- College of Veterinary Medicine
- College of Nursing
Student life
Most international students start in the Jeonju campus dormitories: Chambit Hall has triple rooms with a compulsory meal plan and is the option for women, while Daedong Hall offers cheaper double rooms without meals for men. You can apply for a room when you apply for admission. JBNU runs adjustment, academic and career support programmes for international students, a Korean language institute, an International Lounge and SNS Global Supporters. The Jeonju campus has a hanok-style main gate, and a new library and Student Town opened in 2025.
- Hanok-style main gate, a landmark of the Jeonju campus.
- Han Seung-heon Library and a new Student Town opened in 2025.
- New Student Adjustment Support, Life Support, Academic Support and Career Support programmes for international students.
- JBNU International Centers opened abroad since 2024, in Thailand, Morocco, China, Peru, Cambodia, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
Housing. All international students can live in a residence hall: Chambit Hall costs KRW 1,404,630 a semester with meals, Daedong Hall (men only) KRW 580,000 without meals (2026 second-semester rates).
Location
Jeonju is the capital of Jeonbuk State in southwest Korea. The campus is about 1.5 km from the Jeonju Express Bus Terminal and 3.6 km from Jeonju Station. Seoul is about 2 hours 15 minutes away by high-speed train via Iksan, or about 2 hours 45 minutes by express bus.
Nearest airport: Gunsan Airport (KUV), about an hour by bus; Incheon International Airport (ICN) for most international flights
Notable alumni
- KY Kim Yun-dukMinister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and National Assembly member; bachelor's in accounting (1993), and led student activism while at JBNU
- GY Gou Young KohBiologist and KAIST distinguished professor; PhD from JBNU's graduate school of medicine
- KS Kim Seung-suMayor of Jeonju (2014-2022); bachelor's in political science and diplomacy and master's in political science
- SB Shin Bo-raPolitician and former National Assembly member; studied education at JBNU's College of Education
- YT Yu Tae-pyung-yangPansori singer and performer; studied Korean music
- KH Kang Hwa-gilNovelist; studied Korean language and literature
Frequently asked questions
When is the Jeonbuk National University application deadline for Spring 2027?
Round 1 closes October 2, 2026 and round 2 closes November 20, 2026 (online application via UWAY), with documents due by October 12 and November 27. The semester starts March 2, 2027.
Can I study at JBNU in English?
Yes. The English track in the School of International Engineering and Science and the School of International Studies needs IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 71, and more than half of graduation credits are taught in English.
What TOPIK level does JBNU need?
TOPIK level 2 or above for the Korean track. With TOPIK 2 you must first complete two semesters of JBNU's Korean programme (except at the Namwon Glocal Campus), and you need TOPIK 4 to graduate.
How much is JBNU tuition for international students?
At Fall 2026 rates, KRW 2,016,000 to 2,779,000 per semester depending on the college, or about KRW 4.0 to 5.6 million a year.
Does JBNU have scholarships for international students?
Yes. First-semester scholarships are based on language scores (full tuition for TOPIK 6 or IELTS 8), and later merit scholarships require a GPA of 2.75 and 15 credits. Descendants of Korean War veterans from the 16 participating countries also qualify for a full first-semester waiver.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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