Medical Expansion Without Major Cuts in 2026 Early Admissions

Overview of the 2026 Early Admission Process

The application period for early admissions in the 2026 academic year has officially begun. A total of 196 universities across the country will select 275,848 students (79.9%) through early admissions out of a total enrollment quota of 345,179. This represents the highest proportion of early admissions in the past five years. Compared to the previous year, the number of students admitted through early admissions has increased by over 4,000, and the selection rate has risen by 0.3 percentage points.

The early admissions application period runs for at least three days per university, from the 8th to the 12th. Evaluations will be conducted between September 13 and December 11, with successful candidates announced by December 12. The 2026 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, with results notified on December 5. Successful early admissions applicants will enroll from December 15 to 17.

Selection Criteria and University Trends

Universities typically prioritize school records for early admissions and CSAT scores for regular admissions. The 2026 early admissions process continues to focus on evaluations based on school records. Among the selection criteria, the school record academic achievement track, which focuses on internal grades, has the largest quota at 155,495 students (56.4%). This is followed by the comprehensive school record track (29.5%), practical skills (7.9%), essay evaluations (4.6%), and other tracks such as overseas Koreans (1.7%).

This year, many universities have introduced new recruitment units, particularly in advanced fields such as AI, semiconductors, and biotechnology. Notable examples include Yonsei University’s College of Truth and Freedom, Sogang University’s Department of Semiconductor Engineering, and Sungkyunkwan University’s Battery Science Department. These new departments reflect growing industry demand and provide more options for natural science and engineering applicants.

Changes in Major-Free Programs

In line with the Ministry of Education’s policy to expand major-free (self-directed major selection) programs, several universities have established liberal arts colleges or expanded broad-based recruitment. The major-free selection models are divided into two types: Type 1 allows students to freely choose any major within the university after enrollment, while Type 2 requires students to first enroll in a specific department before selecting a major. This change could influence application strategies, especially for high-achieving students who may not meet their desired department’s requirements.

Medical School Recruitment Adjustments

Fluctuations in medical school recruitment quotas are another key factor in the 2026 early admissions. The medical field (medicine, dentistry, Korean medicine, and veterinary medicine) will enroll 2,115 students, a decrease of approximately 930 from last year. This adjustment follows the return of total medical school quotas to the 2024 level of 3,058 students. Regional universities, which had lower competition rates due to increased quotas last year, are expected to face higher competition this year as the number of applicants grows while quotas shrink.

Consideration of School Violence Records

Starting from the 2026 academic year, all universities must consider school violence records in both early and regular admissions. This measure aligns with the Ministry of Education’s 2023 Comprehensive School Violence Eradication Plan. Some universities, such as Yonsei University and Ewha Womans University, may disqualify applicants with school violence records depending on the selection type. Applicants must carefully review the guidelines to ensure they meet eligibility requirements.

Changes in CSAT Minimum Eligibility Criteria

Significant changes have also been made to the CSAT minimum eligibility criteria. Major universities like Korea University and Ewha Womans University have either introduced or relaxed minimum score requirements for certain selection criteria. Others, such as Yonsei University and Seoul Women’s University, have abolished them entirely for specific tracks. Applicants should verify whether they meet each university’s requirements.

Expansion of Social Integration Tracks

Social integration tracks, including equitable opportunity and regional balance quotas, have also expanded. A total of 38,200 students will be admitted through these programs, an increase of 776 from last year. Despite declining school-age populations, opportunities for socially disadvantaged groups have grown.

Application Strategies and Trends

Prospective students are expected to prefer upward or appropriate-level applications over downward ones in this year’s early admissions. According to a survey, 44.5% of respondents stated they would not apply to any institution below their target level among the six available early admission opportunities. This trend reflects heightened emphasis on university prestige due to a sluggish job market. Experts advise applicants to carefully consider factors such as major-free tracks, new departments, CSAT criteria, and school violence considerations when developing their application strategies.

Applicants can find university-specific recruitment guidelines on the college admissions information portal (www.adiga.kr) and individual university websites. Additional information is also available through provincial education office websites or college fair briefings.