Study in South Korea

South Korea offers:

• High-quality universities and research facilities
• Strong programmes in technology, engineering and business
• English- and Korean-taught degrees
• Government and university scholarships
• Modern infrastructure and public transportation
• A safe and highly connected student environment
• Access to innovative international companies
• Opportunities to learn Korean and experience Korean culture

International students can study at:

• National and public universities
• Private universities
• Junior and technical colleges
• Graduate schools
• Science and technology institutes
• Arts and specialist universities
• University-affiliated Korean language institutes

Students should check whether an institution is accredited and experienced in supporting international students.

The principal qualifications include:

• Associate degree: generally two or three years
• Bachelor’s degree: normally four years
• Master’s degree: normally two years
• Doctoral degree: generally three or more years
• Integrated master’s and doctoral programmes
• Korean-language courses
• Exchange and short-term programmes

Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary programmes may have longer study periods and additional restrictions.

Yes. Many universities offer courses or complete programmes in English, particularly in:

• Business and management
• International relations
• Engineering
• Computer science
• Artificial intelligence
• Science and technology
• Korean and Asian studies

Students should confirm whether the complete degree is taught in English or only selected modules.

It depends on the programme.

Korean-taught programmes generally require a TOPIK—Test of Proficiency in Korean result. TOPIK Level 3 is a common minimum for admission, but some universities require Level 4 or higher.

English-taught programmes may accept IELTS, TOEFL or another recognised English test. Universities can set separate language requirements for admission and graduation. Review official language guidance.

Learning Korean is strongly recommended for everyday life, internships and employment.

Requirements vary, but applicants normally need:

• Valid passport
• Completed application form
• Graduation certificate or expected-graduation letter
• Academic transcripts
• Personal statement
• Study plan
• Language certificate
• Recommendation letters, where required
• Financial evidence
• Family relationship documentation
• Evidence of the applicant’s and parents’ nationalities
• Portfolio for creative programmes
• Interview or examination, where required

Documents may need apostille certification, consular legalisation or an official translation.

Universities commonly accept applicants under one of these categories:

• The applicant and both parents are non-Korean citizens, or
• The applicant completed the entire primary and secondary education curriculum outside South Korea

Definitions and documentary requirements vary. Applicants with Korean ancestry, former Korean nationality or dual nationality should check the university’s rules carefully.

For a master’s degree, applicants normally need a recognised bachelor’s degree.

For a doctoral programme, applicants generally need a recognised master’s degree. Universities may also consider:

• Academic grades
• Research proposal
• Previous publications
• Supervisor availability
• References
• Language proficiency
• Interview performance

Students applying for research degrees may need to contact a potential supervisor before submitting the formal application.

South Korean universities normally have two main intakes:

• Spring intake: Classes begin in March
• Autumn intake: Classes begin in September

Applications often open approximately four to six months before classes begin. Exact deadlines differ considerably between universities.

Students should ideally start preparations 9–12 months in advance.

The usual process is:

1. 1Select a university and programme.
2. 2Check academic and language requirements.
3. 3Prepare and legalise the required documents.
4. 4Submit an online or direct university application.
5. 5Attend an interview or assessment if required.
6. 6Receive the admission decision.
7. 7Pay the required tuition or enrolment deposit.
8. 8Obtain the standard admission certificate.
9. 9Apply for the appropriate student visa.
10. 10Arrange accommodation and travel.

Some institutions accept applications through the official Study in Korea portal.

Tuition depends on the institution and subject. According to the official Study in Korea portal, average annual tuition at four-year universities is approximately:

• National average: KRW 6.8 million
• National and public universities: KRW 4.3 million
• Private universities: KRW 7.6 million
• Metropolitan institutions: KRW 7.7 million
• Institutions outside metropolitan areas: KRW 6.3 million

Medicine, engineering, arts and laboratory-based programmes may cost more. See official tuition information.

Students should generally budget approximately KRW 900,000–1,500,000 per month, depending on their city, accommodation and lifestyle.

The budget should include:

• Accommodation
• Food
• Local transport
• Health insurance
• Telephone and internet
• Books and materials
• Personal expenses

Seoul is normally more expensive than regional university cities.

Common options include:

• University dormitories
• Private student residences
• Studio apartments
• Shared apartments
• Homestays
• Goshiwon accommodation

Private rentals often require a refundable deposit in addition to monthly rent. Students should inspect accommodation and understand the contract before making a substantial payment. Review official housing guidance.

Yes. Potential scholarship sources include:

• Global Korea Scholarship—GKS
• University entrance scholarships
• Tuition-fee reductions based on TOPIK results
• Academic-performance scholarships
• Research assistantships
• Teaching assistantships
• Corporate and foundation scholarships

Many universities offer international students scholarships covering approximately 30%– 100% of tuition, depending on academic performance. Explore official scholarship information.

The Global Korea Scholarship—GKS is funded by the South Korean Government.

Depending on the scholarship category, support may include:

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

Applications are normally submitted through the Korean embassy or a participating university. Eligibility, participating countries and deadlines change annually.

The principal student visas are:

• D-2: Degree and recognised academic programmes
• D-4: Non-degree training, including many Korean-language programmes

D-2 subcategories cover associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, research and exchange programmes. Students must obtain the visa appropriate to their actual course. Review official student-visa categories.

Requirements vary by embassy, nationality and university, but commonly include:

• Visa application form
• Valid passport and photograph
• University admission certificate
• Educational certificates and transcripts
• Proof of tuition payment
• Evidence of financial ability
• University business-registration document
• Family relationship and nationality documents
• Tuberculosis certificate for designated nationalities
• Visa fee

The responsible Korean embassy may request additional documents or an interview.

There is no single amount applicable to every university and visa application.

Universities or embassies may require a bank balance commonly ranging from approximately KRW 16 million to KRW 20 million, or its foreign-currency equivalent, for degree study. Language programmes may have different requirements.

The required balance, account holder, deposit period and document-issue date must be confirmed with the university and responsible Korean embassy.

Academic and civil-status documents may require:

• Apostille certification, or
• Legalisation by the appropriate authorities and Korean diplomatic mission

Documents not issued in Korean or English may also require a certified translation. Requirements depend on the issuing country and university.

Students staying longer than 90 days generally need to:

1. 1Complete university enrolment.
2. 2Register their residential address.
3. 3Apply for foreigner registration within 90 days.
4. 4Receive a Residence Card.
5. 5Join or confirm health-insurance arrangements.
6. 6Open a Korean bank account.
7. 7Activate a local telephone number.
8. 8Attend the university’s international-student orientation.

An address change must normally be reported within 15 days. See official residence requirements.

Yes. International students are generally enrolled in South Korea’s National Health Insurance system.

D-2 students are normally enrolled from the date of foreigner registration. Many D-4 students are enrolled after six months in Korea. Eligible international students may receive a premium reduction.

Universities may require separate coverage before national insurance begins.

Yes, but students must normally obtain part-time employment permission before starting work.

Eligibility and permitted hours depend on:

• Visa category
• Academic level
• Korean-language proficiency
• Academic performance
• University accreditation
• Type and location of employment

Current general limits can reach 30 hours per week for undergraduate students and 35 hours for graduate students, but lower limits may apply to an individual student. Review official employment guidance.

Permitted work generally includes student-appropriate activities such as:

• Restaurant assistance
• General office support
• Retail or duty-free shop assistance
• Tourism assistance
• Translation or interpretation, where authorised
• University-based academic assistance

Private tutoring and professional activities are more strictly controlled. Construction work and unauthorised employment can lead to serious immigration penalties.

Students should not depend on part-time work to pay their full tuition and living expenses. Employment availability is influenced by Korean-language ability, location, academic schedule and immigration permission. Financial capacity should be established before travelling.

Eligible spouses and unmarried minor children of certain D-2 students may apply for F-3 dependent status.

The student must generally demonstrate:

• Valid student status
• Family relationship
• Sufficient financial resources
• Suitable accommodation

F-3 dependants are not automatically permitted to work. Separate work authorisation or a change of immigration status may be required.

Foreign nationals are generally not subject to compulsory South Korean military service.

However, students who hold Korean nationality—including some dual nationals—or who previously held Korean nationality should obtain specialist advice. Nationality and military obligations can be complex and may be affected by age and previous nationality decisions.

Eligible graduates may apply to change from D-2 student status to the D-10-1 job-seeking visa.

This route supports professional job seeking and qualifying internships. It can generally be extended in six-month periods for up to two years, subject to eligibility and continuing job- search evidence. Unskilled or manual work is not permitted under D-10-1 status.

Once suitable employment is secured, the graduate must change to the appropriate employment status. Review official post-study guidance.

No. Admission, graduation and a D-10 visa do not guarantee employment or permanent residence.

Employment eligibility depends on factors including:

• Qualification level
• Job type
• Employer
• Salary
• Korean-language ability
• Immigration points or visa requirements
• Relationship between the role and academic background

Yes. Edu Consultancy can assist with:

• Academic eligibility assessment
• University and programme selection
• English- and Korean-taught course searches
• University applications
• Document review and legalisation guidance
• Scholarship and GKS guidance
• Student-visa documentation
• Accommodation and pre-departure support
• Guidance for accompanying family members
• Post-arrival support

Call to action: Planning to study in South Korea? Book an initial assessment with our education consultants to identify suitable universities, evaluate your scholarship opportunities and understand the admission and visa requirements.

Information updated in August 2026. University, scholarship and immigration requirements may change. Applicants should verify final conditions with their university, the responsible Korean embassy and the Korea Immigration Service.