Pukyong National University

Pukyong National University Selected as a Participating University in the Ministry of Justice’s ‘K-STAR Visa Track’

- Plaque Award Ceremony Held on the 5th … Boosting Global Talent Recruitment as a Research-Oriented University

Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) has been designated as a participating institution in the “K-STAR Visa Track” program hosted by the Ministry of Justice.

On December 5, the Ministry of Justice held a certificate award ceremony for the designated universities at the Government Complex in Gwacheon.

The “K-STAR Visa Track” is a system that promotes permanent residency and naturalization for outstanding foreign master’s and doctoral talents in the field of science and technology. Previously limited to five science and technology institutes such as KAIST, the program has now been expanded to include major general universities across the country.

The core of this system lies in granting residency (F-2) status based solely on a recommendation letter from the university president. International students pursuing or expected to earn a master’s or doctoral degree who are recommended by the university president will be granted residency status. After three years of residency, they will be eligible to apply for permanent residency (F-5) or special naturalization.

Since it typically takes at least six years for general international students to obtain F-5 status, this program is considered a groundbreaking benefit for attracting outstanding international students.

The Ministry of Justice has designated 25 universities nationwide, including Pukyong National University, as participants in the newly expanded K-STAR Visa Track program. The selection process involved a comprehensive evaluation across three areas: international student management capability, the current state of international education, and plans for managing and supporting outstanding talent. The designation is valid for three years, starting in 2026.

With its selection as a K-STAR Visa Track university, Pukyong National University is expected to gain momentum in attracting global talent. The university aims to establish a residency-based research ecosystem in which excellent international students can conduct research in a stable environment and eventually settle in Korea, further solidifying its position as a leading research-oriented university in the region. <Pukyong Today>