8 Best Universities In Gwangju For International Students 2025

Gwangju is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in South Korea. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences.

Out of 8 universities in Gwangju, Chonnam National University and Chosun University are the top-performing schools in Gwangju. This list covers both public and private institutions in Gwangju.

In this article, we’ve compiled the best universities in Gwangju, Gyeonggi. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Gwangju, Gyeonggi.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Gwangju?

Applying to the universities in Gwangju involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Gwangju to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Gwangju?

Tuition fees at Gwangju’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 3,674,000 KRW to 21,290,000 KRW , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 4,273,700 KRW to 13,180,000 KRW. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Gwangju!

As we cover the best universities in Gwangju for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Gwangju for International Students

Chonnam National University was established in the period after the Korean War with the support of the local community in Gwangju. The founding ideal of the institute is to nurture the leaders of tomorrow, equipping them with noble character and professional knowledge to help in the development of the country and the world. The university has survived plenty of political strife, always staying on the frontline in the fight for democracy and human rights. With the motto of truth, creativity, and service, Chonnam National University has grown rapidly to become a leading higher education institute offering a wide range of programs.

Chosun University was the first private university in the Honam region, established in 1946. It was established to provide democratic education to individuals and serve society by contributing to the task of nation-building. The university’s founding ideals also included making education more accessible by offering scholarships for talented students. It offers a wide range of programs at its campus in Gwangju.

Gwangju University, commonly known as GU, is a renowned institution of higher education in South Korea. Its inception dates back to its establishment to provide quality education, foster innovation, and contribute to societal progress. GU envisions itself as a hub of intellectual growth and academic excellence, shaping competent individuals with a global outlook and a sense of social responsibility. GU prides itself on its diverse academic programs and commitment to providing students with a conducive learning environment and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Gwangju National University of Education (GNUE) is a public institution of higher learning in Gwangju City dedicated to training aspiring teachers and education administrators. It is among the ten national universities in South Korea designed to raise exceptional teachers. GNUE aims to transform teacher training in the country by developing international partnerships to bolster its educational experience. It has established relationships with institutions like Naruto University in Japan and other select universities in America and South Africa.

Kwangju Women’s University, also known as KWU, is a private women’s university in Gwangju, South Korea. It was founded in 1965 and has since become a prominent institution for women’s education and empowerment. The university strongly emphasizes promoting women’s rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment. It strives to create a supportive and inclusive environment encouraging women to develop their intellectual, social, and personal potential. Moreover, the university’s curriculum is designed to balance theoretical knowledge and hands-on experiences.

Located in Gwangju, Nambu University is among the younger private higher education institutions in South Korea but has developed rapidly within two decades. It is one of the fastest-growing research institutions in the country and boasts various high-tech buildings, including an aquatics center and a well-equipped international campus. Due to the quality of its facility, the university was chosen as one of the host venues for the 2019 World Aquatics Championships.

Students seeking to get a degree and eventually move on to big firms will find Nambu University as a training hub capable of nurturing talented individuals for success.

Seoul Jangsin University (SJU) is one of the few institutions in South Korea that specializes in theology, social welfare, and religious music. The school’s curriculum is specifically designed to align with the Presbyterian Church of Korea and its beliefs. It is perfect for students who aspire to be pastors, church leaders, and ministers.

Kwangshin University is a private university in Gwangju, South Korea, with the mission of cultivating global leaders. Since its establishment in 1954 as a seminary by the Presbyterian Church of Korea, the university has gained a reputation for delivering top-notch theology and liberal arts programs. The university hopes to become a place that nurtures skillful and competent individuals using a combination of Christian values and traditional Korean morals.