아주대학교

About University

Ajou University is a private comprehensive university located in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea. Under its educational philosophy of “Practicality, Respect for Humanity, and Global Family,” the university has led advanced research and practical education. As one of the few universities in Korea where all majors—including engineering, humanities, natural sciences, medicine, pharmacy, and law—are concentrated on a single campus, it is recognized as a leading university in Gyeonggi Province. Its spacious and pleasant campus, developed based on the same master plan as Seoul National University, and its unique three-pronged professional training system—medical school, pharmacy school, and law school, which only 17 universities nationwide possess—are sources of pride for Ajou University. Ajou University’s greatest strengths lie in “innovation” and “convergence.” The Blue Semester System (student-led challenge project credit recognition), the establishment of Korea’s first Department of Financial Engineering, advanced faculty and lecture evaluation systems, a one-stop administrative system, and an electronic library are all cited as models of innovation among Korean universities. In particular, the College of Engineering has traditionally been strong, excelling in ICT and convergence fields such as information and communication, software, and industrial engineering. The School of Medicine and Ajou University Hospital are the largest in southern Gyeonggi and rank seventh nationwide, serving as sites of medical innovation with centers such as the Severe Trauma Center. The College of Humanities also offers differentiated education through small-scale departments (e.g., a history department with an annual intake of 30 students and a 1:1 gender ratio), encouragement of double majors, and digital history studies. The College of Pharmacy, Law School (the only one in Gyeonggi Province), and Department of Defense Digital Convergence provide special opportunities for students seeking professional careers. Despite its short history, Ajou University has made a significant social impact. Notable alumni include many business leaders and medical professionals in Korea, such as Professor Lee Guk-jong (Director of the Severe Trauma Center), the real-life model for “Golden Time,” and CEO Yoon Seok-jun (Big Hit Entertainment) in the entertainment industry. Alumni active in various fields demonstrate both practical expertise and social responsibility. The university’s selection for various government university development projects (such as WCU) and the establishment of the nation’s first and only academic departments are evidence of Ajou’s proactive response to changing times. Support for international students is also highly systematic. Ajou University is certified by the Korean government’s IEQAS (International Education Quality Assurance System), making visa, scholarship, and residency management convenient for international students. New students are offered differentiated scholarships based on TOPIK (Korean language proficiency) or English scores, including up to 80% tuition exemption and one semester of dormitory accommodation. While enrolled, high-achieving students receive 100% to 50% tuition reductions and living expense scholarships. Four-person dormitories (Hwajeong Hall) are given priority, and the dedicated International Office handles admissions, visas, insurance, and daily life guidance. A variety of English and Korean courses and international exchange programs are also available. The environment is well-suited for global career planning, with options such as double majors by field, micro-majors, and English tracks (especially in Business Administration). The campus is located in the center of Suwon, close to the Gyeonggi Provincial Government, industrial complexes, metropolitan infrastructure, and has excellent accessibility to Seoul. With a spacious, flat campus, modern dormitories, and an electronic library, living and learning facilities are well-equipped, allowing international students to adapt quickly. Based on “practicality, convergence, and a global mindset,” Ajou University is a leading innovative university in Korea that opens new doors of opportunity for all students preparing for the future.