Nine four-year universities in Gwangju are recruiting international students… 4,346 international students; tuition ranges from 4.19 million to 7.10 million won

# 9 Four-Year Universities in Gwangju Recruiting International Students… 4,346 International Students, Tuition Ranging from 4.19 Million to 7.10 Million Won

Subheading 63.7% at Honam University, Chonnam National University’s Gwangju Campus, and Gwangju University… Comparing Current Admissions Quotas and Dormitory Capacity

In 2025, 4,346 international students were enrolled at the nine four-year universities in Gwangju that recruit international students, according to official figures. For the 2026 academic year, the average annual undergraduate tuition ranges from 4,193,300 won at Chonnam National University’s Gwangju Campus to 7,103,699 won at Chosun University. The median is 6,538,494 won.

Honam University, Chonnam National University’s Gwangju Campus, and Gwangju University have a combined total of 2,770 international students, accounting for 63.7% of the total at all nine institutions. However, this does not necessarily mean that universities with larger international student populations are the best fit for every applicant. It is important to consider the major, language of instruction, admission requirements, dormitory availability, and the actual support structure provided by the international affairs office.

Comprehensive Comparison of All 9 Institutions

The average tuition is the annual average for the entire university’s undergraduate programs. Actual tuition amounts may vary by college (Humanities and Social Sciences, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Arts and Physical Education). The dormitory occupancy rate is also a university-wide indicator, so admission to dormitories is not guaranteed for international freshmen.

Top Three Institutions Account for 63.7% of International Students

Honam University will have 1,118 international students in 2025, the highest number among the nine institutions. Chonnam National University’s Gwangju Campus follows with 960 students, and Gwangju University with 692. The total number of international students at these three institutions is 2,770.

The Office of International Exchange at Honam University provides separate guides for the 2026 second-semester undergraduate admissions for international students, the Korean Language Institute, tuition and scholarships, and visa information. Applicants must check the relevant admissions guide for their specific semester to confirm whether a track (Korean, Chinese, or English) is available and to identify the actual departments accepting applications.

As of August 22, the Department of International Cooperation at Chonnam National University is managing the 2026 second-semester International Student Buddy Program and employment announcements for international students. While the published tuition is the lowest among the nine universities, applicants must review department-specific tuition rates and the distinction between the Gwangju and Yeosu campuses during the application process. The figures in this article are limited to the Gwangju campus.

Gwangju University has published the application guidelines for the 2026 Special Admissions for New and Transfer International Students in Korean. The Office of International Cooperation also posted notices in August regarding the Regional Specialized Outstanding Talent Visa and employment matching. However, since the undergraduate application period for the 2026 academic year cited in this article has ended, prospective applicants should check the new schedule.

Chosun University, Gwangju Women’s University, and Songwon University Have Different Application Structures

Chosun University conducted two rounds of special admissions for international students for the second semester of the 2026 academic year and provided separate schedules for the CSU-TOPIK and interviews. The official application period has already ended. For the next semester, applicants must review the new admission guidelines to confirm the departments accepting applications, language requirements, and admission schedules.

Gwangju Women’s University released the minutes of a June 2026 roundtable discussion with a delegation of international students to discuss academic, residential, career, and residency support. In 2025, the university had 533 international students, with a dormitory occupancy rate of 33.2%. Applicants should note that the university is a women’s college and should verify the available programs, as well as the current admission requirements for international students.

Songwon University had 400 international students in 2025. While the Department of Korean Language Education’s official website provides information on admission requirements and required documents for international students, applicants must double-check the latest list of eligible departments and application rounds via announcements from the Office of Admissions.

Nambu University Offers Multilingual Guidelines; For Smaller Universities, Check the Latest Application Round First

Nambu University’s Office of International Affairs has posted the 2026 academic year international student admissions guidelines in Korean, English, Chinese, and Vietnamese, and has separately provided information on applications for September enrollment. The university has 231 international students, and its dormitory occupancy rate is 40.6%, the highest among the nine institutions. Since this rate does not represent the international student allocation rate, actual dormitory placement is subject to the dormitory selection announcements.

Kwangshin University has 115 international students, while Honam Theological University has 2. Although we verified the official university and admissions portals for both institutions, we were unable to independently confirm the next international undergraduate recruitment cycle on the publicly available pages as of August 22. It is currently unclear whether recruitment is taking place. Interested applicants should contact the universities directly to inquire about programs, departments accepting international students, visa eligibility, and dormitory assignments.

Check the Departments Offering Admissions Before Considering Tuition

The average tuition range for the nine institutions in 2026 varies by approximately 2.91 million won. However, you cannot determine your personal budget based on the average alone. You must recalculate tuition by major, admission fees, practical training fees, scholarship requirements, dormitory fees, and meal costs on a per-semester basis.

The application process is straightforward. First, verify which departments accept international students and the language of instruction. Next, check the requirements regarding nationality, academic background, Korean language proficiency, and required documents. Then, calculate tuition, scholarships, and dormitory costs. Finally, confirm whether the International Affairs Office’s orientation, buddy program, counseling, and career support services apply to your specific program.

Data and Methodology

The scope of universities includes the nine four-year institutions in Gwangju listed in the official GEA directory of universities recruiting international students. Data on international student enrollment and dormitory occupancy rates are from 2025, while the annual average undergraduate tuition is based on figures published in 2026. The current admissions and application structures were verified on each university’s official website as of August 22, 2026. The 2026 admissions cycle, which has concluded, was not listed as currently open for applications.