Historical Background
North Korea is a mysterious country whose judicial system is heavily controlled by the government. It has been ruled by the Kim dynasty since the 1940’s, when it was the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. In the last couple of decades, it has become increasingly closed off and isolated from the rest of the world. With such an effective structure of state control, it was no surprise to many when the news first started to spread about universities in North Korea—or, as it is officially known, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
Though universities in the DPRK have existed since 1978, information about the higher education system in North Korea is not easy to come by due to the government’s highly secretive nature. American colleges and universities of good repute do not generally accept students from North Korean universities due to the North Korean government’s reputation for human rights abuses.
Overview of Education System
The DPRK maintains an elaborate university education system. According to a 2008 report by the Higher Education Reform (HER) initiative of the United Nations (UN) Development Program, there are 15 public universities in the DPRK with a total of 166,000 students. All universities in the DPRK are state-funded and tuition is free.
The education system in North Korea is largely based on a system of rote memorization. Classes are highly structured and begin with a short period of instruction or lectures followed by a one-hour exam. Successful students are drug to special rewards and recognition. The poor academic performance of students has been attributed to lack of access to learning materials and technology.
The university system in North Korea also includes schools of arts, sciences, business, engineering, and medicine. These institutions cater to the needs of the country’s elite and are heavily reliant on foreign assistance. As such, some universities have ties to countries such as China and Russia.
Notable Universities in North Korea
One of the most notable universities in North Korea is Kim Il-Sung University. Established in 1943, this university is named after the founding president of the DPRK and is viewed as the premier university in the country.
The country’s second-oldest university is Pyongyang University of Science and Technology (PUST), which was established in 1995. Formerly known as Pyongyang University of Foreign Studies, this university conducts research in science and technology and has three branches in the capital city.
Another notable university in North Korea is the Pyongyang Medical University. This is an institution of higher learning focused on medical research and technology. It is home to several laboratories that allow scientists to conduct research in the fields of medicine and biotechnology.
Admission & Eligibility
Admission to North Korean universities is highly competitive and seats are strictly limited. To apply, students must pass an entrance examination and meet certain basic qualifications. These qualifications include proficiency in the Korean language, a good academic record, and a solid understanding of North Korean culture and history.
The admission process for international students is the same as for local students. International students can apply to any North Korean university, though acceptance is often dependant on the student’s academic performance and background.
Conclusion
North Korea is a largely isolated nation with a highly controlled government system. This has limited access to the outside world, but it has also meant that universities in North Korea are highly competitive and offer a quality education. Though information is scarce, the education system in North Korea still offers many opportunities for students to learn, and students can even apply to universities abroad if they meet the qualifications. While the politics and culture of the country remain largely closed off to outside scrutiny, it is clear that the universities in North Korea offer an education unlike any other.
