Dongguk University

Dongguk University (동국대학교), often abbreviated as “DGU”, is a leading private university in Seoul, South Korea, known for its unique Buddhist heritage and strong academic reputation across humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and the arts. Founded in 1906, the university has evolved into a institution that blends tradition with modern academic innovation. With distinguished programs in fields such as film and digital media, life sciences, business, and international studies, Dongguk University emphasizes global engagement, research excellence, and character-centered education.

main photo of Dongguk University - University in Seoul

SPRING 2026 APPLICATION DEADLINE - DECEMBER 24, 2025

*NOTE: The deadlines represent the time that all application documents must be completed with the tuition paid in full.

dongguk University

Features

Top-Ranked Film & Digital Media Programs

Dongguk University, home to one of Korea’s top film schools, excels in film, theater, and digital media education, producing award-winning filmmakers, acclaimed actors, and leading media professionals in the Korean entertainment industry."

Industry & Global Partnerships

Strong collaborations with entertainment companies, tech sectors, research institutes, and international universities enhance internship, exchange, and career opportunities for students.

Research Strengths in Biosciences & Engineering

Renowned for its advanced graduate programs, Dongguk University also excels in research fields such as biomedical science, engineering, media studies, and the humanities, actively contributing to Korea’s academic and technological innovation.

Central Seoul Campus

Located next to Namsan in the heart of Seoul, the campus provides easy urban access, scenic surroundings, modern facilities, and a strong cultural environment rooted in its Buddhist heritage.

Rankings

See how this university ranks nationally and internationally.

Discover how each school stands among the best in the world. Our ranking section highlights key metrics including QS World Rank, QS Asia Rank, and National Rank (Korea) — helping you compare schools at a glance.

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25

National Rank (Korea)

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121

2026 QS Asia Rank

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618

2026 QS World Rank

Programs at Dongguk University

Bachelor’s degrees at Dongguk University

Dongguk University offers undergraduate programs in Humanities, Social Sciences, Business, Engineering, Arts, and Media, with a focus on ethical values, practical education, and global perspectives.

Popular Majors

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Film and Imaging Arts

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Police Administration and Criminal Justice

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Engineering

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Majors taught in Korean

• Advertising and Public Relations

• Architectural Engineering

• Biomedical Engineering

• Buddhist Art

• Buddhist Studies

• Business School

• Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

• Chemistry

• Chinese Language and Literature

• Civil and Environmental Engineering

• Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence

• Converging Environmental Sciences

• Cultural Heritage

• Economics

• Electronics and Electrical Engineering

• Energy and Materials Engineering

• English Language and Literature

• Film and Digital Media

• Food Industrial Management

• Food-Bioscience Integrative Technology

• History

• Industrial and Systems Engineering

• Information Communication Engineering

• Intelligent Network Convergence

• International Trade

• Japanese Studies

• Korean Language, Literature, and Creative Writing

• Korean Music

• Korean Painting

• Law

• Life Science

• Mathematics

• Mechanical, Robotics and Energy Engineering

• Media Communication

• Medical AI Engineering

• North Korean Studies

• Painting

• Philosophy

• Physics

• Police Administration

• Political Science and Diplomacy

• Public Administration

• Sculpture

• Social Welfare

• Sociology

• Statistics

• System Semiconductor

• Theatre

Course length

With a D-2 student visa: 4 to 5 years

Application Periods

Spring Intake: Dec 12~ Dec 24, 2025

    Admission Eligibility

    1. A non-Korean national whose parents are BOTH non-Korean nationals.
    2. Applicant who has completed, or is expected to complete all regular educational courses equivalent to Korean elementary, middle, and high school.
    3. A non-Korean national who satisfies the language proficiency requirements.

    Student Visas

    Students enrolled in degree programs at Korean universities may be eligible for a D-2 student visa. Visa eligibility and requirements are determined solely by Korean immigration and the university.

    Scholarship Information

    1. Dongguk Institute of Korean Language graduates scholarship.
    2. Scholarship in excellence in Korean.
    3. Global Scholarship for Buddhism students.
    4. Global Diversification Scholarship.

    Please note that scholarship availability, eligibility, and application procedures differ by institution.

    Tuition and Fees

    Pricing

    Application Fee

    KRW 130,000 ~ 200,000

    The application fee is not refundable.

    Bachelors Degree

    KRW 4,746,000 ~ 5,842,000 per semester

    The prices provided above are for reference purposes only. Prices shown are estimates and vary by major/term.

    Keep in mind that one semester typically consists of 16 to 20 weeks.  

    Campuses & Location

    Dongguk Univ. Station

    Dongguk University’s Seoul Campus is located in Jung-gu, at the foot of Namsan Mountain, offering a unique blend of urban convenience and green surroundings. The campus is close to cultural and historical landmarks such as Myeongdong, Namsangol Hanok Village, and Dongdaemun, while maintaining a calm and contemplative atmosphere influenced by the university’s Buddhist heritage.

    Dongguk University Station named after the university, and served by Line 3, is directly connected to the campus, providing easy access to major districts across Seoul.

    The central location allows students to enjoy both a tranquil academic environment and the full range of cultural, commercial, and social opportunities in the city.

    Biomedical Campus

    WISE Campus

    Situated in Gyeongju, a historic city known for its cultural heritage, the campus offers a calm and traditional academic environment.

    tradition culture dancing ceremony performance at n seoul tower in seoul city of south korea.

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    Frequently asked questions

    Applicants with a GED, homeschooling, or alternative degrees are not eligible for admission. Please contact us for further details.

    No, Dongguk University does not offer programs taught entirely in English.

    Yes. Applicants must have a TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) or IBT TOPIK Level 3 or higher.

    Dongguk University has a single application round, which takes approximately two months to finalize. 

    Tuition is paid on a per-semester basis.

    Unless otherwise stated as “copy,” all documents must be original. If a document cannot be reissued or the original is unavailable, a notarized copy may be accepted.
    Please note that if any submitted materials contain false information, admission will be revoked immediately, and readmission will not be permitted.

    Yes. Dormitory applications are accepted on a 4-month or 6-month basis.
    Prices vary by room type, starting from KRW 1,562,500 for the Seoul campuses and KRW 1,154,400 for the Goyang campus. Please contact us for more details!

    Dongguk University offers four scholarships to new applicants:
    • Scholarship for Dongguk Institute of Korean Language graduates
    • Scholarship for excellence in Korean: Based on TOPIK level.
    • Global Scholarship for Buddhism students
    • Global Diversification Scholarship: Awarded to a select number of countries.

    Please contact us for more details!

    Generally, interviews are not part of the application process; however, they may be required by individual colleges or departments.

    Dongguk University’s Seoul campus offers sports facilities, including a gymnasium, basketball courts, and a football field, as well as cafeterias, and nearby shops for students’ convenience. Its Gyeongju campus provides similar facilities on a smaller scale, including sports courts, a gymnasium, and cultural spaces such as lecture halls and performance halls.

    Yes. Dongguk University is the alma mater of many well-known Korean talents, including actors Lee Jung-jae (Squid Game) and Park Min-young (Marry My Husband), singer Im Yoon-ah (Girls’ Generation), and many others.

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