Yonam University Leads Scholarship Surge For 2026 Admissions

As the 2026 academic year approaches, Yonam University is making headlines across South Korea for its ambitious admissions drive and its commanding position in the national scholarship landscape. According to a Seoul Economic Daily report published on September 3, 2025, the university plans to recruit a total of 4,191 new students, including 334 through special admissions, marking a significant effort to attract a diverse and talented cohort. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to adapt to changing societal needs and to strengthen Yonam's reputation as an institution that not only educates but also supports its students financially.

Breaking down the numbers, Yonam University will admit 2,542 students through regular admissions, 965 through early admissions, 350 via special admissions, 189 through regular transfer, and 145 through early transfer admissions. Notably, the university is introducing a new early admissions track for its prestigious medical program, selecting 10 students through a regional talent initiative. This is the first time the university is implementing such a system for its medical school, reflecting a broader commitment to nurturing local talent and responding to the healthcare needs of the region.

Changes are also afoot in the university's academic policies. The graduation requirements have been adjusted, with the period for reflecting students' academic records now ending at the first semester of the third year, rather than the second. This tweak is designed to streamline the admissions process and ensure that applicants are assessed on a more current academic record.

Yonam University isn't just focusing on numbers; it's also actively reshaping its academic landscape. In 2025, the institution established new departments such as the Department of Chinese Language and Literature and the Department of Smart Mobility. The latter is particularly forward-looking, aiming to train students in cutting-edge fields like autonomous vehicles, electric cars, and intelligent robotics. The Department of Smart Mobility will admit 30 students through an online degree track, with a special focus on graduates from specialized high schools who are already employed. Meanwhile, the Department of Chinese Language and Literature will select 25 students via regular admissions, further diversifying the university's academic offerings.

The university's commitment to flexibility and interdisciplinary education is evident in its expansion of the "free major selection" program. This initiative allows students to explore a variety of disciplines before settling on a major, and the intake for this program has increased from 362 to 409 students this year, according to Seoul Economic Daily. The Global Talent College, with programs in Chinese language and culture, global education, business, and translation, also underscores Yonam's ambition to prepare students for success on the international stage.

In the realm of military studies, Yonam stands out as the only university in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region to admit students through a formal agreement with the Republic of Korea Army. Every student entering the military studies department receives a full four-year tuition scholarship and priority access to on-campus housing, making it an attractive option for those considering a career in national defense.

But Yonam University's efforts extend beyond academics. The institution has launched a social contribution program centered on the development of a school garden, aiming to foster community engagement and environmental stewardship among students. This initiative is part of a broader push to cultivate well-rounded graduates who are equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving society.

Financial support for students is another area where Yonam University excels. According to a comprehensive analysis by Korean University News, Yonam leads the nation in total scholarship funds, distributing an impressive 86.5 billion won in scholarships—more than any other university in South Korea. This figure surpasses those of other large institutions such as Kyunghee University (83.8 billion won), Keimyung University (83.7 billion won), Gachon University (77.8 billion won), Yonsei University (73 billion won), and Korea University (72.2 billion won).

What sets Yonam apart is the structure of its scholarship funding. The university secures 72.5% of its scholarship resources from external sources—government agencies, local governments, private companies, and foundations—ensuring that students enjoy stable and substantial financial support regardless of the university's internal fiscal health. This contrasts with some peer institutions, which rely more heavily on internal funding for scholarships.

On average, each Yonam student receives 4.44 million won in scholarships, a figure that places the university at the top of the national rankings for per capita scholarship support. Keimyung University follows closely at 4.28 million won, with Yonsei, Gachon, and Korea universities also providing substantial support in the 3.6 to 3.8 million won range. For students and their families, these numbers are more than just statistics—they represent a tangible reduction in the financial barriers to higher education.

Experts see scholarships as a key indicator of a university's competitiveness. As Sung Oh-hyun, vice president of Daekyung University, explained to Korean University News, "Universities that focus on internal scholarships are more affected by their financial health, while those that rely on external scholarships are more vulnerable to changes in the broader economy. Both approaches have their pros and cons." The high proportion of external scholarships at Yonam signals strong partnerships with industry and government, which can translate into better opportunities for students both during and after their studies.

However, the landscape is not without its challenges. Some observers warn that growing disparities in scholarship funding between large, well-endowed universities and smaller regional institutions could exacerbate inequalities among students. A representative from a private university in the Chungcheong region noted, "While national scholarships are distributed equally, university-specific scholarships depend entirely on the financial base of each institution. Large private universities can draw on development funds and corporate reserves, but regional universities often can't, revealing clear limitations." This, the representative added, underscores the need for national policies to help level the playing field.

The pressure on universities to offer competitive scholarships is mounting, especially as the number of college-age students continues to decline and tuition has remained frozen for 16 years. Some universities have responded by expanding merit-based scholarships or even offering benefits to all incoming students in an effort to maintain enrollment numbers. But as Sung Oh-hyun cautioned, "If scholarships are used solely as a marketing tool, it can undermine the financial health of the university. The gap in total scholarship funding could further deepen disparities between institutions unless addressed through both university-level innovation and government policy."

Looking ahead, Yonam University appears determined to stay at the forefront of higher education in South Korea, both in terms of academic innovation and student support. With its robust scholarship programs, forward-looking academic offerings, and commitment to social contribution, the university is setting a benchmark for others to follow—even as it navigates the challenges of a changing educational landscape.