4 Best Public Universities in Busan for International Students

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Busan is one of the cities in South Korea you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, studying in Busan can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture. You can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it.

There are 14 universities you can find in Busan, and 4 of them are public universities. Having these many choices makes Busan a great place for international students.

In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in Busan, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!

Rank University Location
1 Pusan National University Busan, South Korea
2 Pukyong National University Busan, South Korea
3 Korea Maritime and Ocean University Busan, South Korea
4 Busan National University of Education Busan, South Korea

Public Universities in Busan

1. Pusan National University

  • Pusan National University Page
  • Pusan National University (PNU), also known as Busan National University, is a prominent educational institution in Busan, South Korea. The university’s mission is to pursue excellence in education and research while promoting regional development and global cooperation. Moreover, PNU aims to cultivate talented individuals who possess a sense of social responsibility and contribute to advancing knowledge. It stands out for its diverse array of academic programs, dedicated emphasis on STEM disciplines, a prominent position as a leading research institution in South Korea, and unwavering dedication to community engagement and making a positive social impact.

    2. Pukyong National University

  • Pukyong National University Page
  • Pukyong National University (PKNU), also known as Pukyong or PKNU, is a prestigious national university in Busan, South Korea. Since its inception, PKNU has been driven by a strong mission to cultivate talented individuals with knowledge, skills, and ethical values to contribute to society. The university excels in marine and maritime studies, boasting state-of-the-art research facilities and collaborations with industry partners. Moreover, it takes pride in its commitment to fostering innovation and global engagement, making it a premier institution for higher education in South Korea.

    3. Korea Maritime and Ocean University

  • Korea Maritime and Ocean University Page
  • Korea Maritime and Ocean University (KMOU), also known as Mokpo National Maritime University, is a leading institution dedicated to maritime and ocean studies in South Korea. With its commitment to maritime education and its significant contributions to the industry, it has gained popularity as an institution that prepares students for successful careers in the maritime field. It aims to foster global leaders in maritime industries through specialized education, research, and training.

    4. Busan National University of Education

  • Busan National University of Education Page
  • Busan National University of Education (BNUE) is a state-owned institution in Busan City, South Korea, responsible for producing some of the country’s most talented teachers and educators. It is among the top ten national universities dedicated to teacher training. BNUE should not be confused with Pusan or Busan National University, another public university in the same city. The two institutions are distinct but share similar names due to their national origins and similar locations.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in Busan?

    Absolutely! International students in public universities in Busan can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.

    As for tuition fees, note that these vary across specific disciplines and program levels, with some charging significantly more than others. Specifically, public universities in Busan charge up to 6,264,000 KRW for bachelor’s and 7,436,000 KRW for master’s studies.


    I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in Busan. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.