Top 10 Universities in North Korea and Their Tuition Fees
North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), has a unique education system that is heavily influenced by the government and the ruling party’s ideology. While information about universities in North Korea is often difficult to obtain due to the closed nature of the country, several top institutions are recognized for their academic achievements, particularly in engineering, science, and military studies.
Below is a list of the top 10 universities in North Korea, along with their approximate tuition fees where available. Please note that due to the controlled environment of North Korea, tuition fees are not widely advertised, and much of the information is not publicly accessible.
| Rank | University Name | Location | Approximate Tuition Fee (Annual) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kim Il-sung University | Pyongyang | Varies, generally covered by state funding |
| 2 | Pyongyang University of Science and Technology | Pyongyang | State-sponsored |
| 3 | Kim Jong Il University of Military Science | Pyongyang | Covered by the state |
| 4 | University of International Relations | Pyongyang | State-funded |
| 5 | Pyongyang University of Foreign Studies | Pyongyang | State-funded |
| 6 | The Technical University of Pyongyang | Pyongyang | State-funded |
| 7 | North Korea Academy of Sciences | Pyongyang | State-sponsored |
| 8 | Sinuiju University of Trade | Sinuiju | State-funded |
| 9 | Wonsan University of Fisheries | Wonsan | State-sponsored |
| 10 | Hamhung University of Chemical Industry | Hamhung | State-funded |
1. Kim Il-sung University
Kim Il-sung University, established in 1946, is the premier university in North Korea and the oldest higher education institution in the country. It is named after the nation’s founding leader, Kim Il-sung, and remains a symbol of academic excellence within the DPRK. The university offers a wide range of programs, with a strong focus on the fields of law, politics, engineering, and science. Due to the state-controlled economy, tuition is largely covered by the government, with most students being selected based on their political loyalty and academic merit.
2. Pyongyang University of Science and Technology
This institution was established with international collaboration, but it operates under strict state regulations. It has programs in engineering, computer science, and technology, and it is aimed at advancing North Korea’s technological capabilities. Like many other North Korean universities, tuition fees are mostly covered by the state, especially for students selected for prestigious programs.
3. Kim Jong Il University of Military Science
Named after North Korea’s former leader, Kim Jong Il, this military university is devoted to training military officers and personnel in the fields of defense technology, military tactics, and strategic studies. Education here is state-funded, as it is considered vital for the nation’s defense infrastructure. The university’s curriculum reflects the DPRK’s focus on military strength and ideological training.
4. University of International Relations
This university specializes in training diplomats and future government officials. It focuses on subjects like international law, foreign policy, economics, and relations with other countries. The education provided is highly theoretical, with an emphasis on North Korea’s international political stance. As with other state-run institutions, tuition is typically covered by the government for domestic students.
5. Pyongyang University of Foreign Studies
Another prestigious institution in Pyongyang, this university specializes in foreign languages and international relations. It plays a crucial role in producing diplomats and foreign service officials who represent North Korea globally. The university’s programs include advanced studies in languages such as English, Chinese, and Russian. As with the University of International Relations, tuition is largely subsidized by the state, with some fees applicable for certain foreign students.
6. The Technical University of Pyongyang
Focusing on technical education, this university is known for training students in engineering, computer science, and other technical fields essential for the nation’s industrial and technological development. Graduates of this university often enter roles within North Korea’s military-industrial complex or state-run corporations. Tuition is generally covered by the government for students who are selected based on academic performance and political allegiance.
7. North Korea Academy of Sciences
This is the research hub of North Korea, with a focus on scientific and technological research, particularly in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. The academy supports the nation’s efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in various scientific domains, especially in nuclear and space technologies. Tuition is generally state-sponsored for students and researchers, particularly for those involved in government-sponsored projects.
8. Sinuiju University of Trade
Located in the city of Sinuiju, near the border with China, this university focuses on business, trade, and economics. It plays a crucial role in educating students about North Korea’s economic policies and its interactions with China and other countries. As is common in North Korea, tuition is generally covered by the government for students who meet academic and ideological standards.
9. Wonsan University of Fisheries
Located in Wonsan, a coastal city, this university focuses on fisheries science, marine biology, and agricultural economics. Given North Korea’s emphasis on self-sufficiency in food production, this institution is important for training students in the management of fisheries and marine resources. Tuition fees are subsidized by the state.
10. Hamhung University of Chemical Industry
This university focuses on training students in chemistry, industrial engineering, and related fields. It plays an important role in educating the workforce for North Korea’s chemical industries, which are critical to the country’s economy. Like most other North Korean universities, tuition is generally covered by the state for those who are selected for enrollment.
Conclusion:
Higher education in North Korea is state-controlled and closely tied to the government’s ideological and economic goals. The universities, while offering education in various disciplines such as engineering, military science, foreign studies, and technology, are heavily influenced by the nation’s political environment. Most students at these institutions receive state-sponsored tuition, reflecting the country’s centralized control over education. While the country’s universities offer quality training in specific fields, the lack of academic freedom and international collaboration limits their global recognition.