Kookmin University
#1001-1200
QS Rank
13%
Intl. students
$8,500
Tuition/yr
15,777
Enrollment
18.5:1
Student:Faculty
About Kookmin University
Kookmin University is a private research university in Seoul founded in 1946, ranked among the top 51–100 globally for Art & Design by QS 2025.
Kookmin University (KMU) is a private research university established in 1946 in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea. It holds the distinction of being the first private university founded after Korea's independence and operates 14 undergraduate colleges with approximately 13,800 students enrolled.
KMU is particularly strong in design and creative disciplines: its College of Design, established as a standalone college in 1980, is one of the oldest dedicated design colleges in Korea and ranked 51st–100th globally in the QS 2025 World University Rankings by Subject for Art & Design. The university also has growing programs in computer science, automobile and mobility engineering, AI, and business administration, with several faculty members recognized among the world's top 2% scientists.
The campus is located in Seongbuk-gu, a northern residential district of Seoul, directly adjacent to Bukhansan National Park. The location provides a quieter living environment compared to central Seoul while remaining accessible by public transit. KMU has 403 international exchange partner institutions and a Korean Language Education Center that supports incoming international students.
World University Rankings
For Nepali students
- KMU's College of Design is ranked 51st–100th globally by QS for Art & Design, making it one of the most accessible top-ranked design schools in Asia for Nepali students who may not qualify for the more competitive Seoul National University or KAIST.
- The university offers merit-based admission scholarships for international undergraduate students covering up to 100% of tuition fees based on TOPIK Korean language proficiency level, significantly reducing the annual cost from the standard KRW 11.9M–16.1M (approximately USD 8,800–12,000).
- South Korea's D-10 Job Seeker visa (updated August 2025) allows graduates to remain in Korea for up to 3 years after graduation to find employment, providing Nepali graduates a meaningful pathway to work experience before returning home or pursuing permanent residency.
- Undergraduate international students can work up to 25 hours per week on weekdays (unlimited on weekends), helping offset living costs in Seoul, which is generally lower than major Western study destinations.
Admission requirements — Nepali equivalents
A rough translation of the published minimums for Nepali applicants:
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