Overview
Kyung Hee University (KHU) is a prestigious private institution in Seoul, South Korea. Established in 1949 with the principle of "Creating a Civilized World," the university aims to foster global leaders who contribute to developing humanity and peace. With a vision to become a world-class university, Kyung Hee emphasises holistic education, cultural enrichment, and social responsibility. Moreover, the university is recognised worldwide for its research achievements and commitment to global engagement.
Kyung Hee University follows the Kyung Hee University System, which offers comprehensive education to students starting right from kindergarten to graduate school. The university is also home to the prestigious and renowned College of Korean Medicine, which is regarded as the leading school in traditional Korean medicine and other Asian medical practices. KHU is spread across three campuses — two in Seoul and one in Suwon (Global Campus). The Seoul campuses are spread across 245 and 12 acres, whereas the Suwon campus is the largest with 510 acres of area.
KHU holds a uniquely distinctive position among Korean universities — it is simultaneously the home of Korea's most prestigious Korean Medicine program, the top-ranked Hotel and Tourism Management school in Korea (global top 50), a thriving entertainment and arts culture (G-Dragon, Rain, and multiple K-Pop stars attended), and one of Korea's most internationally engaged institutions through its extensive UN partnerships. This extraordinary breadth makes KHU the most culturally and professionally diverse of Korea's major universities.
Kyung Hee University runs many programs in co-operation with United Nations, UNESCO, UNDP, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, and the World Civic Forum in areas of global importance such as sustainability, literacy, human rights, and research programs. Some of these programs are the World Civic Forum, Global Service Corps, Global Studio Network, Global Academy for Future Civilisations, and United Nations Academic Impact.
Kim Dae-Jung (15th President of South Korea), Moon Jae-in (19th President of South Korea), Yun Mi-Jin (Archer and Olympic gold medalist), and Kwak Jae-Yong (Film director) are among Kyung Hee University's notable alumni. G-Dragon (global K-Pop icon), Rain (Jung Ji-hoon — global singer and actor), Gong Yoo (actor), Choi Min-ho (SHINee), and members of EXO and BTS have studied at KHU — arguably the most famous alumni list in the entertainment industry of any Korean university.
| ~40–50% Acceptance Rate | 26,000+ Students | 100+ Countries Represented | #1 Korea — Korean Medicine / #1 Korea — Hotel & Tourism / 2 Korean Presidents Among Alumni |
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Ranking
Kyung Hee University is ranked #331 in QS World University Rankings 2026 and #251 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. Kyung Hee University is ranked 8th in South Korea and 37th in Asia by QS World University Rankings.
KHU ranks 250–350th in the 2026 rankings of the top 500 universities globally, with a consistent standing on the quality of academic programs and internationalisation. Its College of Hotel and Tourism Management is ranked in the global top 50 for Hospitality and Leisure Management (QS).
| Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2026 | #331 Globally / #8 in South Korea |
| Times Higher Education 2026 | #251 Globally |
| QS Asia University Rankings | #37 in Asia |
| QS — Hospitality & Leisure Management | Top 50 Globally / #1 in South Korea |
| THE — Arts and Humanities | Ranked Globally |
| Korean Medicine College | #1 in South Korea / Among Top in Asia |
Intakes
KHU operates on a Korean academic calendar with two primary intakes.
Spring Intake (March) — Primary intake; open to all undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Graduate applications: typically open September–October of the preceding year; admission results by November
- UG applications: September–November of preceding year
Fall Intake (September) — Secondary intake; open to all programs.
- Graduate applications: typically March–April; results by June
Important for Indian Students:
- Application fee: KRW 130,000 (approximately ₹8,060); pay via KHU admissions portal; mail Apostille-attested hard copies to the Office of International Affairs
- Language requirements: English proficiency (IELTS 5.5–6.5+ / TOEFL iBT 71+) for English-track programs; TOPIK Level 3–4 for Korean-taught programs
- KHU places heavy emphasis on the interview; KHU conducts strict Zoom/phone interviews for international students testing language ability and motivation
- Korean Student Visa D-2 required; proof of approximately USD $20,000 in funds
- International students may work part-time after first semester with immigration permission
Note: Polygon Campus primarily assists with graduate-level admissions. Confirm specific intake dates at khu.ac.kr.
Top Courses
Kyung Hee University offers various undergraduate and graduate programs in Humanities, Law, Politics, Economics, Management, Hotel Management, Medicine, Dentistry, Life Sciences, Art and Design, Physical Education, Business, Journalism and Communication, Peace Studies, Pan-Pacific International Studies, and International Legal Affairs.
Seoul Campus — Flagship Programs
College of Hotel and Tourism Management (Global Top 50 — QS Hospitality)
- BA / MA in Hotel Management — #1 in Korea; global top 50; direct internships at Shilla and Lotte Hotels
- BA / MA in Tourism Management
- MSc in International Hospitality Management — partly English-taught
- Graduate School of Hotel and Tourism — flagship master's program
College of Korean Medicine (Korea's Most Prestigious)
- Bachelor of Korean Medicine (6-year integrated; extremely selective; Korean-medium)
- MSc / PhD in Korean Medicine — partly English-taught
- Research programs in Traditional Medicine and Integrative Healthcare
College of Medicine / Dentistry
- MD (Doctor of Medicine — highly selective)
- DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery)
- MSc in Biomedical Sciences
College of International Studies (English-Medium)
- BA in International Studies / Pan-Pacific International Studies — English-taught
- MA in International Management (GSP — Graduate School of Pan-Pacific International Studies) — English-taught; popular for Indian students
- MA in International Relations / Diplomacy
College of Business
- BA / MA in Business Administration
- MSc in Finance / Management
- MBA — English-taught; international focus
College of Engineering and Applied Science (Global Campus, Suwon)
- BSc / MSc / PhD in Computer Science and Engineering — Samsung recruitment pipeline
- MSc / PhD in Artificial Intelligence — growing program
- BSc / MSc in Electronic Engineering
- BSc / MSc in Industrial Management Engineering
College of Arts and Design
- BA in Fine Arts / Design / Music / Post-Modern Music (K-Pop and contemporary arts)
- MA in various arts disciplines
Cost of Studying at Kyung Hee University
Since Kyung Hee University is a private university in Korea, it charges more tuition than a public university. The tuition fee for undergraduate students is approximately USD $7,000/year and for graduate students approximately USD $11,000/year. Seoul Campus (Hoegi): Affordable — Hoegi is a true "university town" with cheap food and housing (approximately ₹50,000–₹60,000/month). Global Campus (Suwon): Even cheaper. KHU dorms cost KRW 210,000–350,000 per month — one of the cheapest in Seoul. Note: 1 KRW ≈ ₹0.062.
| Type of Expense | Annual Cost (KRW) | Annual Cost (INR Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| UG Tuition — Humanities / Arts / International Studies | KRW 7,000,000 – 9,000,000/year | ₹4.34L – ₹5.58L/year |
| UG Tuition — Engineering / Science / Hotel & Tourism | KRW 9,000,000 – 12,000,000/year | ₹5.58L – ₹7.44L/year |
| UG Tuition — Medicine / Dentistry / Korean Medicine | KRW 12,000,000 – 16,000,000/year | ₹7.44L – ₹9.92L/year |
| PG Tuition — Taught Master's (most programs) | KRW 11,000,000 – 16,000,000/year | ₹6.82L – ₹9.92L/year |
| PG Tuition — MBA / Hotel Management Graduate | KRW 15,000,000 – 20,000,000/year | ₹9.3L – ₹12.4L/year |
| Application Fee | KRW 130,000 | ₹8,060 |
| Health Insurance (Korean NHIS) | KRW 600,000 – 1,000,000/year | ₹37,200 – ₹62,000/year |
| On-Campus Dormitory (Seoul — Sewha Hall and others) | KRW 210,000 – 350,000/month → KRW 2,520,000 – 4,200,000/year | ₹13,020 – ₹21,700/month → ₹1.56L – ₹2.60L/year |
| Off-Campus Accommodation (Seoul — Hoegi area) | KRW 400,000 – 700,000/month → KRW 4,800,000 – 8,400,000/year | ₹24,800 – ₹43,400/month → ₹2.98L – ₹5.21L/year |
| Food & Personal Expenses (Seoul university town) | KRW 350,000 – 600,000/month → KRW 4,200,000 – 7,200,000/year | ₹21,700 – ₹37,200/month → ₹2.60L – ₹4.46L/year |
| Transport (Seoul Metro Line 1 — Hoegi Station direct) | KRW 70,000 – 130,000/month → KRW 840,000 – 1,560,000/year | ₹4,340 – ₹8,060/month → ₹52,080 – ₹96,720/year |
| Books & Study Materials | KRW 80,000 – 250,000/month → KRW 960,000 – 3,000,000/year | ₹4,960 – ₹15,500/month → ₹59,520 – ₹1,86,000/year |
| Total Estimated Annual COA (UG/PG — Seoul, on campus) | KRW 18,000,000 – 32,000,000/year | ₹11.16L – ₹19.84L/year |
Note: All INR conversions calculated at 1 KRW = ₹0.062. KHU's Seoul campus at Hoegi is one of the most affordable university neighbourhoods in the capital — significantly cheaper than Sinchon (Yonsei), Anam (Korea University), or Gangnam. The on-campus dormitory at KRW 210,000–350,000/month (approximately ₹13,020–₹21,700/month) is among Seoul's cheapest. Korean D-2 Student Visa requires proof of approximately USD $20,000 in funds. Please refer to KHU's official fees page (khu.ac.kr) for the most current 2025–26 fee schedule.
Scholarships
Key funding opportunities include:
- KHU International Admission Scholarship (Scholarships A, B, C, D, E) — Scholarship A: Full 1st semester tuition reimbursement for students with TOPIK Level 6; Scholarship B: Full 1st semester reimbursement for TOPIK Level 5; Scholarship C: Half 1st semester reimbursement for TOPIK Level 4; Scholarship D: Full 1st semester reimbursement on recommendation of the Dean of International Education; Scholarship E: Awarded to top 50% of applicants who performed well in interview and studied 4+ semesters at KHU Institute of International Education
- KHU International Graduate Scholarship (STEM and Non-STEM) — Benefits: 100%, 70%, or 50% tuition waiver for the first semester; tuition waivers for subsequent semesters if GPA 3.5–4.0+ is maintained; automatically assessed at admission
- Dean's Scholarship — Full or half semester tuition waiver; for top-ranked students in their department; awarded by the Dean's recommendation each semester
- Academic Excellence Scholarship — KRW 50,000 top prize for #1 student in Korean language department; smaller amounts for #1 students in each group — reflects a culture of recognising excellence throughout the program
- Global Korea Scholarship (GKS / KGSP) — University Track at KHU — Fully funded; covers tuition + monthly stipend KRW 900,000–1,000,000/month (approximately ₹55,800–₹62,000/month) + settlement + health insurance + airfare; KHU is a popular GKS destination especially for Arts, Humanities, and Hospitality students
- KHU Global Partnership Scholarship — For students from partner countries and universities; partial tuition support; check current eligibility for India through KHU's International Office
- TOPIK Encouragement Scholarship — Encourages students to improve Korean language skills; awarded to students who progress through TOPIK levels during enrollment; minimum requirement is TOPIK Level 3 or 4; students with GPA 2.0+ who completed 12+ credit points qualify
Note: Indian students should seriously consider studying Korean (targeting TOPIK Level 4–6) before applying to KHU — the TOPIK-linked scholarships (A and B) cover full first-semester tuition and reflect KHU's unique emphasis on language and cultural integration. For Hospitality and International Studies programs, the GKS scholarship is the most impactful route.
Admissions
Kyung Hee University has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades, and the acceptance rate fluctuates between 40 to 50%. Korean Medicine, Medicine, and Dentistry are significantly more selective. KHU places heavy emphasis on the interview — KHU conducts strict Zoom/phone interviews for international students testing language ability and motivation.
For Graduate (Master's / Doctoral) Programs:
- 4-year Bachelor's degree from an accredited university; minimum GPA 3.0/4.0 (approximately 75%)
- English for Tourism and Hospitality Management, Mathematics, Computer Science, English Language and Literature: TEPS 326 or higher (or IELTS/TOEFL equivalent); TOPIK Level 3–4 for Korean-taught programs
- IELTS 5.5–6.5 / TOEFL iBT 71–90 for English-track programs; IELTS 6.5+ for scholarship eligibility
- Statement of Purpose / Study Plan (KHU-format; download from website); Self-Introduction essay
- CV / Résumé; 2 Letters of Recommendation; Portfolio (Arts programs only)
- Official transcripts (Apostille-attested from India); Bank statement (approximately USD $20,000)
- Application fee: KRW 130,000; submit hard copies by mail to OIA
For Undergraduate Programs:
- Higher secondary certificate (Class 12 / CBSE / ISC) with minimum 75%+; stronger performance required for Medicine, Korean Medicine, Dentistry, and Hotel Management
- English proficiency: IELTS 5.5+ for English-track; TOPIK Level 3 for Korean-track
- Interview (Zoom/phone) — significant weight in selection; prepare a clear and passionate self-introduction
Indian students can check KHU's specific admission requirements for their chosen program directly through Polygon Campus.
Placements
The Kyung Hee grads enjoy good industry connections, particularly in terms of hospitality, engineering, and international relations. Career support services give work placement, internship, and skills training advice. Kyung Hee is particularly popular with Indian students in engineering and artificial intelligence, hospitality, management, and the Korean language.
KHU's unique intersection of Hospitality, Korean Medicine, UN-partnership programs, and K-Culture gives graduates access to career pathways unavailable at any other Korean university — from five-star hotel management and traditional medicine clinics to UN agency roles and Korea's entertainment industry.
Jobs After Graduating from Kyung Hee University
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary (KRW) | Annual Salary (INR Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel / Hospitality General Manager | KRW 50,000,000 – 1,20,000,000 | ₹31.0L – ₹74.4L |
| Korean Medicine Doctor (Hanuisa) | KRW 60,000,000 – 1,50,000,000 | ₹37.2L – ₹93.0L |
| International Affairs / Diplomat | KRW 45,000,000 – 90,000,000 | ₹27.9L – ₹55.8L |
| AI / Software Engineer (Global Campus) | KRW 50,000,000 – 1,00,000,000 | ₹31.0L – ₹62.0L |
| Medical Doctor / Specialist | KRW 70,000,000 – 1,80,000,000+ | ₹43.4L – ₹1,11.6L+ |
| Entertainment Industry Professional | KRW 30,000,000 – 1,00,000,000+ | ₹18.6L – ₹62.0L+ |
| Research Scientist / Academic | KRW 40,000,000 – 85,000,000 | ₹24.8L – ₹52.7L |
| UN / NGO / International Organisation | KRW 40,000,000 – 90,000,000 | ₹24.8L – ₹55.8L |
Note: All INR conversions calculated at 1 KRW = ₹0.062. KHU's Hotel Management graduates entering Korea's luxury hotel industry (Shilla, Lotte, Grand Walkerhill) and international hotel chains access some of Asia's most prestigious hospitality careers. Korean Medicine (Hanuisa) graduates command exceptional salaries in Korean traditional medicine clinics, which are covered under Korea's national health insurance. Actual salaries vary by role, employer, location, and experience.
Kyung Hee University's career support ecosystem includes:
- KHU Career Development Centre — Career counselling, employer presentations, internship matching, hotel and hospitality industry job fairs, UN program career guidance, and the KHU CareerNet online portal for all enrolled students
- College of Hotel and Tourism — Industry Connections — The Graduate School of Hotel and Tourism is world-class, offering internships at 5-star hotels like Shilla and Lotte; direct placement relationships with Korea's leading luxury hotel groups and international chains including Marriott, Hyatt, and Four Seasons Korea
- UN Academic Impact Partnership — KHU runs programs in co-operation with United Nations, UNESCO, UNDP, and the World Civic Forum; graduates of the International Studies and Peace Studies programs have direct pathways into UN agency positions, international NGOs, and diplomatic service
- K-Culture and Entertainment Industry Network — KHU's extraordinary alumni list in K-Pop, film, and TV creates a unique entertainment industry career network; the Post-Modern Music and Arts departments are directly connected to Korea's entertainment agencies and production companies
- Korean Medicine Hospital Network — Kyung Hee Medical Centre and Korean Medicine Hospital — on the Seoul campus — provide direct clinical training and employment pathways for Korean Medicine (Hanuisa) graduates entering Korea's rapidly growing integrative medicine sector
- Global Campus (Suwon) Samsung Engineering Network — The engineering programs at KHU's Global Campus maintain recruitment relationships with Samsung and other Suwon-area technology manufacturers
- Post-Study Work Options in Korea — D-10 Job-Seeker Visa; E-7 Skilled Worker Visa; F-5 Permanent Residency pathway for high-skilled graduates; Korean Medicine license holders are in exceptionally high demand across Korea, China, and Southeast Asia
For personalised guidance on Kyung Hee University admissions, connect with the experts at Polygon Campus today.