한국방송통신대학교Korea National Open University

About University

“Transcending the Limits of Time and Space”—Korea National Open University (KNOU) is a national open university located in Jongno-gu, at the heart of Seoul, South Korea, providing a place of learning open to all. Since its establishment in 1972, KNOU has led an innovative distance education system, distinct from traditional universities, based on the educational philosophy of “anytime, anywhere, for anyone.” KNOU takes pride in its historical status as the world’s second national distance university after the UK’s Open University, and has established itself as the only large-scale, state-run distance higher education institution in Korea. KNOU’s greatest distinguishing features are academic freedom and flexibility, as well as the ability to receive the same education anywhere in the country. In addition to its headquarters in Seoul, KNOU operates 13 regional campuses in major cities nationwide, supporting students to continue their studies regardless of age, occupation, or residence through the latest online learning systems and broadcast lectures. In particular, its diverse departments and practical curricula—including Media and Video, Sports and Leisure, Information Statistics, Nursing, and Law—provide opportunities for a second challenge and growth to a wide range of students, such as working professionals, homemakers, and military personnel. KNOU’s unique Prime College and graduate programs also present a new model for lifelong learning and higher education. In this way, KNOU, where you can “study anytime, anywhere,” is also at the forefront of realizing public values such as bridging the digital divide, achieving educational equality, and supporting the socially disadvantaged. Korea National Open University has produced talented individuals from all walks of life. Notably, world-renowned musician Lena Park (Park Jung-hyun) is a graduate, and alumni are active in various fields such as media, arts, politics, and economics. Kim Kyo-ho (Media and Video, Sports and Leisure), a KNOU graduate, has excelled in popular culture and sports, and participated in the production of major TV dramas such as “The Tyrant’s Chef.” Especially, the stories of alumni who have consistently pursued their studies over a long period as symbols of “lifelong learning” have provided positive inspiration to Korean society, establishing themselves as icons of challenge that transcend academic background, age, and occupation. KNOU’s social impact goes beyond academic education, leading the era’s demand for genuine lifelong education and expanded educational opportunities. Support for international students is also a key strength of KNOU. As a university certified by the Korean government’s IEQAS (International Education Quality Assurance System), it provides a highly reliable environment for visa issuance and scholarship applications. Tuition fees are very reasonable by national university standards, and various scholarship programs are available for international and low-income students (e.g., 50% tuition reduction for academic excellence, up to 95% reduction for basic livelihood recipients, etc.). Current students can receive tailored scholarship benefits according to their academic performance and financial situation. Although there is no traditional dormitory system, the blended online-offline class structure allows students to continue their studies regardless of where they live. Some majors offer English lectures, use English textbooks, and are linked with global online content, providing a global learning environment, and counseling and administrative services are available to help international students adapt. KNOU’s campus, with its convenient accessibility in downtown Seoul and a network of 13 regional campuses nationwide, supports students in designing their studies freely according to their own schedules and lifestyles. Each regional campus offers various opportunities for interaction, such as study groups, offline special lectures, practical training, and club activities, providing a sense of belonging and networking that goes beyond the limits of online lectures. With a conveniently located campus, affordable tuition, broad educational opportunities, and a commitment to the value of lifelong learning, KNOU is the optimal choice for international students in Korea who dream of self-development and new challenges.