Dongguk University Los Angeles, often shortened to DULA, is a small graduate school of East Asian medicine linked to Dongguk University in Seoul. Students train as acupuncturists and herbalists, with classroom study followed by long clinical hours in the school's teaching clinic. Programmes run in English, and some are also taught in Korean or Chinese. Graduates prepare for California's acupuncture licensing exam.
Los Angeles, California, United States
Official website: dula.edu
Dongguk University, Seoul
Graduate school of East Asian medicine
On-site teaching clinic
Los Angeles
$16,000 – $22,000
All students, full-time graduate study
$22,000 – $30,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on dula.edu before you apply.
Master of Science in Oriental Medicine (English)
Masters DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Jan, Apr, Sep
Exam Score
TOEFL: 61
Master of Science in Oriental Medicine (Korean)
Masters DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Jan, Apr, Sep
Exam Score
Korean-language track
Master of Science in Oriental Medicine (Chinese)
Masters DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Jan, Apr, Sep
Exam Score
Chinese-language track
Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
DoctorateDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
TOEFL: 61
Training in acupuncture and herbal medicine with a Seoul university connection.
Teaching tracks in English, Korean and Chinese.
Long supervised hours in an on-site clinic.
Graduates sit the California Acupuncture Licensing Examination to practise.
Licensed acupuncturists open private practices or join integrative clinics.
Some go on to doctoral study in acupuncture and East Asian medicine.
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Rolling
DULA is near Koreatown, one of LA's densest neighbourhoods, full of Korean restaurants, markets and late-night cafés. The Metro Purple Line runs along Wilshire Boulevard.
Los Angeles is huge and spread out, and rent is high. Many students share apartments close to school to avoid long commutes.
Form I-20 issued by Dongguk University Los Angeles
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
DULA admits students on a rolling basis for each quarter. International applicants should apply four to six months ahead to leave time for the I-20 and visa.
The school runs on quarters, so students can start in fall, winter or spring.
International students come in on an F-1 visa. The I-20 comes from Dongguk University Los Angeles after you confirm your place and show you can cover a year of costs; you then pay the SEVIS fee, fill in the DS-160 and book your consulate interview.
The master's in Oriental medicine is the main programme, in English, Korean or Chinese. Entry needs at least two years of college study, and a bachelor's is typical. English-track students need TOEFL or equivalent.
Scholarships are limited. Ask DULA's admissions office about any tuition awards open to international students.
