Korea University Graduation Requirements 2026: Complete Guide to Credits, GPA, and Language Scores

Graduating from Korea University requires meeting multiple academic benchmarks. The university sets clear standards across credits, grade point average, language proficiency, and major completion. This guide covers everything you need to know about Korea University graduation requirements in 2026.

Credit Requirements for Graduation

Minimum Total Credits

All undergraduate students must complete at least 130 credits to graduate. This is the baseline requirement across most departments at Korea University.

Some colleges require more credits. The College of Education requires 140 credits. Engineering programs need 140 credits, while Architecture demands 165 credits. Medicine requires 172 credits, Pharmacy 160 credits, and Cyber Defense 150 credits.Korean University Transcript and Graduation Certificate Processing

Credit Distribution Across Categories

Credits must be distributed across specific areas. General education courses require a minimum number of credits set by each department. Major coursework typically requires 42 credits for the first major, with advanced major courses adding another 18 credits.

Students must also complete a second major, intensive major, or interdisciplinary major. This requirement ensures breadth of knowledge beyond the primary field of study.

Semester Enrollment

Standard graduation requires completion of eight semesters of enrollment. Early graduation is possible for exceptional students who meet higher standards.

GPA Requirements for Graduation

Minimum Overall GPA

The minimum overall GPA for graduation is 1.75 out of 4.0. This applies to the entire period of study. Students must maintain this average across all completed courses.

The sociology department confirms this standard: “You must acquire a total of 130 or more credits and amass a GPA of 1.75 or above”. The biotechnology division lists the same requirement.

Graduate School GPA Standards

Graduate programs have higher GPA expectations. Master’s degree students need a GPA of 3.0 or higher to qualify for comprehensive exams. Doctoral students face the same 3.0 minimum.

Early Graduation GPA Requirements

Early graduation demands significantly higher academic performance. Students must achieve a GPA of 4.0 or higher. This applies to both undergraduate and graduate students seeking to complete their degrees ahead of schedule.

Language Proficiency Requirements

Korean Language (TOPIK)

International students must demonstrate Korean proficiency. The standard requirement is TOPIK Level 4 or above. Alternatively, students can complete the Korean language course at Level 4 or higher through Korea University’s Institute of Foreign Language Studies.

The Japanese Language and Literature department specifies: “For international students… Achievement of level 4 or above in the TOPIK is also acceptable”. The sociology department confirms TOPIK Level 4 as the minimum.

English Proficiency

All students must acquire an official English proficiency score. Accepted tests include TOEIC, TOEFL (PBT, CBT, IBT), TEPS, TOSEL (A), and IELTS.

Required minimum scores vary by department:

• Department of Education: TOEIC 650, TOEFL PBT 530, IELTS 5.5

• English Language Education: TOEIC 930, TOEFL IBT 100, IELTS 7.0

• Most other departments: TOEIC 650-670, TOEFL PBT 530, IELTS 5.5

English-Medium Courses

Students must complete courses taught in English. Regular students need three or more foreign language-mediated courses. Transfer students need two or more. Courses taken at foreign universities through exchange programs count toward this requirement.

Chinese Character (Hanja) Comprehension

Many departments require Chinese character proficiency. Students must pass the Korea University Chinese character comprehension test or submit certificates from recognized institutions. This requirement applies to departments including Education, Korean Language Education, Geography Education, and History Education.

Second Major and Course Requirements

Mandatory Second Major

Korea University requires completion of a second major for graduation. This is a common requirement across most departments. Transfer students are typically exempted.

Students can choose from:

• Intensive major (심화전공)

• Double major (이중전공)

• Interdisciplinary major (융합전공)

• Student-designed major

Major Coursework Requirements

First major requirements typically include 42 credits of core major courses. Students pursuing a single advanced major must complete at least 60 credits in major coursework. Specific credit requirements vary by department and admission year.

Human Rights and Gender Equality Education

All students must complete Human Rights and Gender Equality Education. This requirement applies to students enrolled from 2017 onward. Undergraduate students must complete this training once each academic year, totaling four courses before graduation.

Graduate students must also complete this mandatory course. The training is available through the university’s learning management system.

Graduation Thesis and Capstone Projects

Thesis Requirements

Many departments require a graduation thesis or capstone project. The specific format varies by program. Some departments accept a traditional academic thesis.

The business school offers an alternative: students can fulfill graduation requirements through a company-collaborative capstone project instead of a traditional thesis.

Department-Specific Requirements

Individual departments set additional requirements. These may include:

• Comprehensive examinations

• Research ethics training

• Publication requirements in academic journals

• Field practice or internship credits

Students should consult their department’s administration office for specific requirements.

Graduation Honors and Early Completion

Graduation Honors Standards

Korea University awards graduation honors based on overall GPA. Effective for graduates from February 2025:

• Honors: Overall GPA of at least 3.75

• Great Honors: Overall GPA of at least 4.00

• Highest Honors: Excellent overall GPA with college recommendation

Students must have no F grades to qualify for honors. Honors are transcribed on academic records and diplomas.

Early Graduation

Early graduation allows students to complete their degree in fewer than eight semesters. Requirements include:

• Minimum GPA of 4.0

• Completion of 108 credits by the fifth or sixth semester

• Departmental approval

Applications are submitted through the KU Portal (KUPID). Early graduation applicants must also provide a recommendation letter for pursuing a master’s program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the minimum GPA to graduate from Korea University?

The minimum overall GPA requirement is 1.75 out of 4.0 for undergraduate students. Graduate students need a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Q2: How many credits do I need to graduate from Korea University?

Most undergraduate programs require 130 credits. Some colleges require more: Education needs 140 credits, Engineering 140 credits, Architecture 165 credits, Medicine 172 credits, Pharmacy 160 credits, and Cyber Defense 150 credits.

Q3: Do international students need TOPIK to graduate?

Yes, international students generally need TOPIK Level 4 or above. Alternatively, students can complete the Korean language course at Level 4 or higher through Korea University.

Q4: What English test scores does Korea University require for graduation?

Students must submit official English proficiency scores from TOEIC, TOEFL, TEPS, TOSEL (A), or IELTS. Minimum scores vary by department, typically TOEIC 650 or TOEFL PBT 530.

Q5: Do I need a second major to graduate from Korea University?

Yes, mandatory completion of a second major is required for most undergraduate students. Transfer students are typically exempted.

Q6: Can I graduate early from Korea University?

Yes, early graduation is possible with a GPA of 4.0 or higher. Students must complete 108 credits by the fifth or sixth semester and receive departmental approval.

Q7: What are the graduation honors at Korea University?

Honors are awarded based on GPA: Honors (3.75+), Great Honors (4.00+), and Highest Honors (excellent GPA with college recommendation). Students must have no F grades to qualify.

Q8: Do I need to take English-medium courses to graduate?

Yes, regular students must complete three or more foreign language-mediated courses. Transfer students need two or more. Courses taken at foreign universities through exchange programs are accepted.

Ready to Start Your Journey at Korea University?

Meeting Korea University’s graduation requirements takes planning and dedication. Start by understanding your department’s specific requirements, track your credits carefully each semester, and maintain your GPA above the minimum standards. Check the KU Portal (KUPID) regularly for graduation-related announcements and deadlines.

For personalized guidance, contact your department’s administration office or the Educational Affairs Team. Begin planning your academic path today to ensure a smooth graduation experience.