Study Destination

Study in South Korea

South Korea is an increasingly popular destination for international students, combining respected universities, advanced technology, modern infrastructure and a distinctive cultural experience. Students can pursue Korean- or English-taught programmes at undergraduate, master's and doctoral levels.

The country is particularly attractive to students interested in engineering, technology, business, media and scientific research.

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At a glance

Quick Facts

Tuition fees: KRW 2.48M – 7.63M / year
Living cost: KRW 750K – 1M / month
Teaching language: Korean, English
Intakes: September, March
Working while studying: Up to 30 hours per week, with permission

D-2 and eligible D-4 students must obtain permission before beginning part-time employment. Permission depends on factors including:

Type of visa and programme
Korean-language proficiency
Academic performance
Year of study
University accreditation
Nature of the proposed job

Current guidance provides limits of up to 30 hours per week for undergraduates and 35 hours for graduate students in eligible circumstances. Lower limits may apply, and permitted hours can vary considerably. Students should obtain confirmation from their university's international office and immigration authorities before accepting work.

Why South Korea

Why Study in South Korea?

Internationally recognised universities and qualifications
Strong reputation in technology, engineering and innovation
Modern laboratories and research facilities
English-taught degree programmes at selected universities
Competitive tuition fees compared with several Western destinations
Government and university scholarships
Safe and efficient public transportation
Opportunities to learn Korean
Access to major companies and growing industries
Potential employment routes after graduation

Costs

Tuition & Living Cost

Study Level	Tuition fee / year	Living cost / month
Bachelors	KRW 4.27M – 7.63M	KRW 1M
Masters	KRW 2.48M – 4.43M	KRW 1M
Language / Foundation	KRW 2M – 5M	KRW 1M

What you need

Entry Requirements

Academic

Completed application form
Passport copy
Passport copies or identification documents for parents
Proof of the applicant's and parents' nationality
Family relationship or birth certificate
High-school graduation certificate for bachelor's admission
Relevant bachelor's degree for master's admission
Relevant master's degree for doctoral admission
Complete academic transcripts
Personal statement and study plan
Academic references
Proof of Korean or English proficiency
Financial evidence
Portfolio for art and design programmes
Research proposal for selected postgraduate programmes

Language

Language Requirement

To study in Korean: TOPIK level 3.

To study in English: B2 in English.

Visa route

Student Visa Process

The principal study visas are:

D-2 visa: Degree programmes, including associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral study
D-4 visa: Non-degree training, including many Korean-language programmes

Applicants commonly need:

Certificate of admission
Passport and photograph
Academic certificates
Financial evidence
Tuition payment evidence, where required
Visa application form
Additional documents requested by the university or embassy

A D-2 visa may be issued for up to two years at a time and extended according to the programme and permitted maximum study period. Students staying for more than 90 days must also complete foreigner registration after arrival.

What to study

Popular Courses

Electrical and electronic engineering
Mechanical and automotive engineering
Computer science and artificial intelligence
Robotics and semiconductor technology
Business, finance and international trade
Biotechnology and life sciences
Media, communications and digital content
Korean language and cultural studies
Fashion, design and beauty
Hospitality and tourism
International relations
Renewable energy and environmental studies

Where to study

Popular Universities

Well-known South Korean institutions include:

Seoul National University
Korea University
Yonsei University
KAIST
POSTECH
Sungkyunkwan University
Hanyang University
Kyung Hee University
Ewha Womans University
Sogang University
Chung-Ang University
Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
Pusan National University
Kyungpook National University
UNIST
DGIST

Good to know

Types of institutions and programmes

International students can apply to:

Four-year universities
National and public universities
Private universities
Science and technology institutes
Junior colleges offering associate degrees
Graduate schools
Korean-language institutes
Exchange and short-term programmes

A standard bachelor's degree usually takes four years. Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary programmes are longer and generally have more demanding language and admission requirements.

Good to know

Scholarships

Global Korea Scholarship

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is the principal government scholarship for international students. Depending on the applicable scheme, support may include:

Tuition fees
Korean-language training
Monthly living allowance
Airfare
Settlement allowance
Medical insurance
Research or degree-related support

Applicants generally apply through a Korean embassy or a participating university. Eligibility, participating institutions and deadlines vary by annual programme. In 2026, the government planned to invite 2,000 international students through the GKS graduate programme.

University scholarships

Many universities offer international students tuition reductions based on:

Academic achievement
TOPIK level
English-language results
Entrance assessment
Performance after enrolment

According to Study in Korea, university scholarships may cover approximately 30% – 100% of tuition, but conditions differ significantly.

Good to know

Application Periods

South Korean universities generally have two main intakes:

Spring intake: Classes normally begin in March.
Autumn intake: Classes normally begin in September.

Applications frequently open several months before the semester begins. Deadlines vary by university, programme and applicant category, so students should begin preparing approximately six to nine months in advance.

Good to know