The PhD in Naval Architecture and Ocean Systems Engineering is a research-intensive doctoral program that focuses on the advancement of technologies and engineering solutions related to ships, offshore structures, and ocean systems. The program provides opportunities for original research in areas such as ship design, hydrodynamics, marine structures, offshore engineering, ocean energy systems, computational fluid dynamics, marine transportation, and sustainable maritime technologies. Doctoral candidates conduct advanced research aimed at improving the safety, efficiency, reliability, and environmental performance of marine vessels and ocean engineering systems. Through rigorous experimentation, numerical modeling, and dissertation research, students contribute to the development of innovative solutions for the maritime and offshore industries. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in academia, research institutions, shipbuilding companies, offshore energy sectors, maritime technology organizations, and government agencies involved in marine and ocean engineering.
NOTE: The university may have additional program-specific eligibility requirements. It is recommended to verify these on the official university website.
Extra Notes
1. Basic Qualifications
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
Both parents are non-Korean nationals, and the applicant holds foreign nationality.
A Korean national residing abroad or a foreign national who has completed their entire education abroad, where the education system is equivalent to Korea’s 12-year primary and secondary education and university curriculum.
2. Academic Qualifications
Master’s Program Applicants: Must hold a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification recognized as higher education.
Doctoral Program Applicants: Must hold a master’s degree or an equivalent qualification recognized as higher education.
※ Applicants who are expected to graduate by August 28, 2026, may also apply. Those who have not yet graduated at the time of application must submit a Certificate of Expected Graduation. The official degree certificate (or diploma) and final academic transcript must be submitted no later than August 28, 2026.
3. Language Requirement
(Must meet at least one of the following criteria)
Test
Eligibility Criteria
TOEFL iBT
68
TOEIC
600
NEW TEPS
279
IELTS
5.5
TOPIK
Level 3
Applicants from English-speaking countries (USA, UK, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Ireland) are exempt from this requirement.
Language proficiency test scores must be valid as of the application deadline.
Applicants who receive a recommendation (Language Requirement Exemption) from their prospective supervisor at KMOU may apply without submitting a language proficiency test score.