Gachon University sets a record for the highest number of applicants in its early admissions for the 2026 academic year.

The Medical School, Pharmacy School, and Physical Education major achieved the highest competition rates in the country.

Gachon University announced on September 12 that 83,903 students applied for 3,269 available seats (an average competition rate of 25.7 to 1), making it the top university in the nation for the number of early admission applicants for the second year in a row.

▲ College of Medicine Comprehensive Screening (Gachon Medical-Pharmaceutical Screening) and Essay Screening Ranked 1st Nationwide, Pharmacy Comprehensive Screening Ranked 2nd Nationwide

In particular, for the College of Medicine’s pre-med essay screening, 3,463 students applied for just 6 spots, reaching a competition rate of 577.2 to 1. This was the highest in both applicant numbers and competition rate among universities nationwide offering essay-based pre-med admissions. In the Gachon Medical-Pharmaceutical Screening, 629 students applied for 16 pre-med seats (39.3 to 1), while 63 applied for 4 seats through the student record screening (15.8 to 1). Competition was also intense in the rural quota track (24 to 1 for academic-based, 15 to 1 for comprehensive), and the equal opportunity track (56 to 1). For the College of Korean Medicine pre-med program, 175 students applied for 5 seats (35 to 1) in the Gachon Medical-Pharmaceutical Screening, and 136 applied for 7 seats (19.4 to 1) in the student excellence track. In the College of Pharmacy, 578 students applied for 12 seats (48.2 to 1) in the Gachon Medical-Pharmaceutical Screening, ranking 2nd nationwide in comprehensive admissions for pharmacy.

▲ Physical Education Major Practical Excellence Screening Ranked 1st Nationwide

For the physical education major, 2,364 students applied for 40 spots in the practical excellence screening, recording a competition rate of 59.1 to 1. This was the highest among all physical education programs nationwide, significantly outpacing Dongguk University (30.1 to 1), which ranked 2nd.

Major competition rates by admission track were:

Essay screening: 41.6 to 1 (1,009 seats, 41,942 applicants)

Student excellence screening: 13.7 to 1 (441 seats, 6,032 applicants)

Regional balance screening: 17.2 to 1 (357 seats, 6,127 applicants)

Gachon Windmill Screening: 30.7 to 1 (459 seats, 14,083 applicants)

In the Media & Communication Department, the Gachon Windmill Screening had 688 applicants for 6 seats, hitting an exceptionally high rate of 114.7 to 1.

The university analyzed that its success came from multiple factors: its specialized strategy focused on advanced industries such as AI, semiconductors, batteries, and biotechnology; its strong employment competitiveness; its prime location in the Seoul metropolitan area with cutting-edge infrastructure; and the strengthening of the university’s brand value. These factors combined to produce outstanding competition rates across medicine, pharmacy, physical education, and other fields.

Gachon University President Lee Gilya stated, “Ranking 1st in early admission applicants nationwide for two consecutive years reflects the trust we’ve earned from students and parents through our advanced industry specialization strategy, student-tailored education, and efforts to strengthen job competitiveness. We will continue to foster creative, convergence-driven talent who will excel on the global stage and live up to those expectations.”