25,293 applicants for 3,857 slots, competition rate rises for the third consecutive year

YU records the highest-ever number of applicants for early admission, proving its educational competitiveness

‘College of Medicine’ tops competition rate with 33.75 to 1 under the General Admission track

[September 12, 2025]

Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) announced that as of 6 p.m. on September 12, applications for the 2026 academic year early admission had closed. A total of 25,293 students applied for 3,857 slots (quota admission), marking an average competition rate of 6.56 to 1, up from last year’s 6.2 to 1.

With this result, YU’s early admission competition rate has risen for three consecutive years since the 2024 academic year, reflecting strong preference among test-takers. The total number of applicants also increased by 1,370 from last year, reaching 26,912 applicants (including non-quota applicants), the highest in YU’s history of early admission.

 As in past years, the medical and pharmaceutical fields showed the highest competition rates. The highest rate was recorded in the General Admission track for the College of Medicine, where 270 students applied for 8 slots, resulting in 33.75 to 1.The College of Medicine also showed high rates in other tracks: 23.3 to 1 in the Regional Talent (Medicine/Pharmacy) track, 18 to 1 in the Rural Students track, 17.29 to 1 in the Regional Talent track, 17 to 1 in the Regional Opportunity Balance (Medicine/Pharmacy) track, and 14.63 to 1 in the Medical Creative Talent track. The College of Pharmacy likewise saw strong competition: 27.2 to 1 in the Regional Talent (Medicine/Pharmacy) track, 21.73 to 1 in the General Admission track, and 13.88 to 1 in the Regional Talent track.

 Other departments also reported high competition rates. Under the General Admission track, Philosophy recorded 24.3 to 1, Fiber System Engineering 19.31 to 1, Forest Resources 14.3 to 1, and International Development and Saemaul Studies 10.79 to 1. Under the Regional Talent track, Applied Chinese Interpretation and Translation recorded 15.8 to 1, German Language and Culture 10.57 to 1, English Interpretation and Translation 10.33 to 1, and Future Automotive Engineering 9.7 to 1. In the Potential Excellence track, Psychology recorded 16.25 to 1, Media and Communication 16.18 to 1, Global Business 12.57 to 1, and Police Administration 12.14 to 1. In the Practical Skills track, the Department of Physical Education recorded 12.83 to 1.

By admission track: the General Admission track recruited 1,429 students with 8,857 applicants, yielding 6.2 to 1. The Regional Talent track recruited 903 students with 5,648 applicants, yielding 6.25 to 1. The Potential Excellence track recruited 950 students with 7,384 applicants, yielding 7.77 to 1.

 YU’s rising competition rate and record number of applicants in the 2026 early admission reflect parents’ and students’ confidence in the university’s educational competitiveness.  According to the 2025 University Information Disclosure (2024 academic year results), YU ranked first nationwide in total scholarship amount with KRW 86.5 billion, strengthening student-centered support. For the 2025 academic year, the university also achieved 100% enrollment in quota freshmen, further proving its admissions competitiveness.YU’s comprehensive support system—covering academics, research, international exchange, and career development—has translated into tangible benefits for students, driving strong interest from both parents and applicants. Under the banner of “Eyes on the Future, Challenges to the World,” YU has been devoted to cultivating talent that enhances Korea’s global standing and contributes to solving common challenges facing humanity. This commitment has once again been reflected in the rising competition rate and record-high number of applicants for this year’s early admission.

 Meanwhile, YU’s 2026 early admission practical exams for arts and sports will be held as follows: College of Physical Education on October 21, College of Arts from October 21–23. Interviews for the Medical Creative Talent track (College of Medicine) will take place on October 18, and for the Regional Talent (Medicine/Pharmacy, College of Medicine) track on November 22. Admissions results will be announced on November 11 for Practical and Special Talent tracks, and on December 12 for all other tracks.