413 students enrolled across spring and fall intakes; rate rises for 4th consecutive year

Changwon National University graduate school enrollment rate [Provided by Changwon National University]
Changwon National University graduate school enrollment rate [Provided by Changwon National University]

Changwon National University recorded a graduate school enrollment rate of 92.19 percent for the 2026 academic year, surpassing the 90 percent mark for the first time in the university's history — even as a declining school-age population and the broader crisis facing non-metropolitan universities continue to weigh on institutions outside Greater Seoul.

According to the university Monday, 413 of 448 available spots were filled in the combined spring and fall graduate admissions cycle for the 2026 academic year. The rate has climbed for four consecutive years, up from 81.1 percent in 2023, 83.6 percent in 2024 and 88.1 percent in 2025 — a gain of 11.09 percentage points over four years.

By program, 283 of 308 master's course slots were filled (92.19 percent), while 130 of 140 doctoral slots were filled (92.86 percent). The doctoral program was particularly notable: despite the university adding 10 seats to its doctoral quota this year, enrollment still met 100 percent of the previous year's capacity.

The enrollment figures exclude international students admitted outside the standard quota, reflecting only domestic quota performance. Engineering programs tied to the region's core industries and arts and physical education programs — traditionally strong areas at the university — were the main drivers of the improvement.

An expansion of scholarship benefits aimed at retaining full-time researchers also played a significant role. The university has steadily increased its full-time scholarship budget, and a newly established research support program called "Glocal Cell," launched this year as part of the Glocal University project, is credited with playing a decisive role in attracting applicants.

President Park Min-won said the four consecutive years of enrollment growth amid a shrinking school-age population and increasing concentration in Greater Seoul demonstrated the university's research competitiveness. "We will further strengthen research and education that connects regional and national strategic industries," he said.

Graduate School Dean Lee Yu-han said the 92.19 percent rate reflected the decisions of 413 talented individuals to continue their research at Changwon National University. "We will enhance academic and research support in line with the start of the second semester, carefully analyze the reasons behind unfilled spots, and work toward achieving a 95 percent enrollment rate," he said.


ook967@heraldcorp.com