Pusan National University recruits most international students via gov’t-run scholarship

Pusan National University / Courtesy of Pusan National University

Pusan National University recruited the largest number of international students among four-year universities in the 2026 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program's undergraduate selection, marking the third consecutive year it has ranked first nationwide, the school said Thursday.

The GKS program, run by the Ministry of Education’s National Institute for International Education, invites outstanding students from around the world to pursue degree studies at Korean universities as part of an effort to cultivate global talent and strengthen international networks.

In this year’s selection, Pusan National University secured 22 scholars through the embassy-recommendation track, the university said.

“Its third straight top ranking reflects international recognition of the university’s strong educational infrastructure and systematic support for international students,” Pusan National University’s Office of International Affairs Director Lee Chang-hwan said.

“The university plans to expand recruitment of global talent and deepen international exchanges.”

Pusan National University also topped the list in 2024 and received an institutional merit award for its performance in the GKS program, according to the school’s press release.

The GKS program covers tuition and living expenses for selected international students seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees in Korea and is one of the government’s flagship scholarship initiatives.