The Catholic University of Korea (CUK)

About

The Catholic University of Korea is a private university with a history dating back to 1855, when it began as Korea's first modern higher-education institution. Its educational philosophy is founded on respect for human dignity and the Catholic spirit of Truth, Love, and Service. The university combines education, research, and social responsibility, with particular emphasis on life-oriented education, interdisciplinary learning, internationalization, and research that addresses challenges facing humanity.

The university currently operates across three campuses: Songsim Campus in Bucheon, Songsin Campus in Seoul, and Songeui Campus in Seoul, which is associated with its medical programs.

Acronym	CUK
Motto / Slogan	Ad Vitam et Veritatem: Toward Life and Truth
Colour	Blue and Grey
Mascot	Dove
Founded	1855
Location	Bucheon, Gyeonggi, South Korea
Address	Songsim Global Campus 43 Jibong-ro, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, (14662), Republic of Korea

Objectives

The university identifies three major educational objectives:

1. Cultivate professionals who respect human dignity — pursuing truth, respecting human life, and encouraging interdisciplinary learning.
2. Develop balanced members of society — fostering the ability to integrate reason, faith, and reality while promoting responsibility toward the common good and preparing students to shape the future.
3. Nurture global citizens — developing individuals who can contribute to human development, world peace, justice, and environmental sustainability.

Reasons to Study at The Catholic University of Korea

1. The University Leads in Future-Focused Fields Aligned

   The university leads in future-focused fields aligned with industrial innovation, offering specialized programs in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Biomedical-Chemical Engineering, and digital convergence

2. Support for International Students

   International students can benefit from dedicated support programs, including assistance with adapting to university life and opportunities to interact with Korean and international students. Previous international students have highlighted the university's foreign-student support and Buddy Program.

    

3. Wide Range of Academic Programs

   Students can study areas including Business Administration, Economics, International Studies, Global Business, Data Science, Media Technology, Korean Studies, and more. The university also encourages interdisciplinary approaches to learning.

4. International Learning Environment

   CUK has developed international partnerships and exchange opportunities, with a global network spanning 40 countries and 170 institutions (as reported for 2023). Students can participate in exchange, visiting-student and short-term international programs.

    

Fees

Admission

Undergraduate Admission Requirement

International Students:

Nationality: Both the applicant and their parents must hold non-Korean nationalities, or the student must have completed their entire education (elementary through high school/undergraduate) outside of South Korea.

Academic Background:

High school graduation (or expected graduation)

 

Language Proficiency:

• Korean-track programs: Typically require TOPIK Level 3 or higher. (Note: Students without TOPIK 3 may be admitted conditionally by taking required liberal arts and intensive Korean language courses during their first year).
• English-track or Graduate programs: Accept valid English test scores such as TOEFL (IBT 80+), IELTS (5.5+), or TEPS

Postgraduate Admission Requirments

• Hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university, or
• Be expected to obtain your Bachelor's degree by the specified deadline before enrollment.

 

Applicant for Ph.D. 1) Master’s degree holder or expected graduate to be conferred with a Master’s degree by Feb, 2026 2) Applicant with academic qualifications equivalent to a Master’s degree.

Language Proficiency:

• Korean-track programs: Typically require TOPIK Level 3 or higher. (Note: Students without TOPIK 3 may be admitted conditionally by taking required liberal arts and intensive Korean language courses during their first year).
• English-track or Graduate programs: Accept valid English test scores such as TOEFL (IBT 83+), IELTS (6.0+), or TEPS 317

Supporting Documents

• Bachelor's degree certificate/graduation certificate
• University transcript
• Proof of academic-background authentication, such as apostille or Korean consular authentication
• If applicable, translated and notarised documents
• Passport/identification and proof of nationality/family relationship as required

How To Apply For Admission

Step 1 — Choose your programme

Step 2 — Check international eligibility

Step 3 — Check the language requirement

Step 4 — Prepare your documents

Step 5 — Submit the online application

Step 6 — Submit the supporting documents

Step 7 — Admission evaluation

Step 8 — Admission and enrollment

Admission Contacts

Email: [email protected],[email protected]
Phone : 02-2164-4955

Apply For Admission

Gallery

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  Dormitory

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  Cafeteria

Campus Tour

Facilities

• Dormitory: The dormitories at The Catholic University of Korea's Songsim Campus provide essential facilities for students from distant locations and international students, offering them the opportunity to experience diverse cultures in the global era. Through communal living, these dormitories aim to foster mutual respect and a spirit of autonomy and cultivate "true intellectuals."

 

• Health Care Center: The Health Care Center supports the health maintenance and improvement of students and staff, enhancing the effectiveness of school education and ensuring a healthy school life. 

 

• Affiliated Hospitals: The Catholic Medical Center was founded in the spirit of Jesus Christ's love, exemplifying holistic healing for those suffering from illness. In partnership with the Catholic University of Korea's College of Medicine and College of Nursing, along with Seoul St. Mary's Hospital and seven other affiliated hospitals, it forms Korea's largest medical network, with approximately 6,400 beds.

 

• Library: Since its founding, The Catholic University of Korea Central Library has grown into the heart of our university, operating under the motto "A Haven for Research and Learning, a User-Centric Library." The library supports academic research and educational activities by collecting, organizing, and providing domestic and international academic materials and information. The Catholic University of Korea Central Library began in 1964 as a small library at the Chuncheon Campus, housing approximately 25,000 books. It later moved to the Virtus Building in 1979 and was newly opened in 1993 as a five-story stone building with an area of approximately 10,600 square meters. In response to the evolving information environment, the library offers a wide range of resources, including domestic and international books, serial publications, audiovisual materials, electronic journals, academic databases, e-books, and E-learning resources. Alongside modernizing the library's management and operational systems, including check-out and return services, the library aims to serve as a hub for knowledge creation by fostering user participation, communication, information sharing, and the development of creative and interdisciplinary talent.
   

Vice Chancellor