Cheap and Affordable Universities in South Korea

List of Cheap and Affordable Universities in South Korea for International Students

University	Tuition Fees	World Ranking	Offered Courses	Intake Months
Seoul National University	$6,000 - $8,000/year	60 (QS 2022)	Fashion Design, Business Administration, etc.	Mar, Sep
Korea National Univ. Arts	$8,000 - $12,000/year	-	Fine Arts, Music, Dance, Film, etc.	Mar, Sep
Yonsei University	$7,000 - $10,000/year	107 (QS 2022)	Fashion and Textile Design, Business, etc.	Mar, Sep
Ewha Womans University	$5,000 - $8,000/year	257 (QS 2022)	Fashion Design, International Studies, etc.	Mar, Sep
Hanyang University	$6,000 - $9,000/year	152 (QS 2022)	Fashion Design, Engineering, Business, etc.	Mar, Sep

Universities in South Korea 

All Courses In South Korea

Cheap and Affordable Bachelor Programs in South Korea

1. Public Universities

• Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University (SKY Universities): While not the cheapest, these top-tier universities offer relatively affordable tuition compared to Western institutions.

• Other National and Public Universities: Look into regional national universities outside Seoul, as they often have lower tuition fees.

2. Scholarships and Financial Aid

• Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP): Offers a chance to study for free or at a reduced cost.

• University-specific Scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships for international students based on academic merit or financial need.

3. Community Colleges and Lesser-known Universities

• Institutions outside Seoul or in smaller cities often have more affordable tuition fees.

4. Study Korean Language First

• Some programs are cheaper for students fluent in Korean. Plus, language proficiency can open more scholarship opportunities.

5. Online and Distance Learning Programs

• Though less common in South Korea, some universities may offer online bachelor's programs at reduced costs.

6. Exchange Programs

• If you're already enrolled in a university, check if there are exchange programs with South Korean universities, which can be more affordable.

7. Cost of Living Considerations

• Living in smaller cities or suburbs can significantly reduce living expenses compared to Seoul.

8. Part-time Work

• International students in South Korea are allowed to work part-time, which can help offset living costs.

Scholarship to Study in South Korea

Best Courses in South Korea for International Students

Cheap and Affordable Master Programs in South Korea

1. Public and National Universities

• Top-tier Universities: Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University offer competitive tuition fees, especially compared to Western institutions.

• Regional Universities: Consider national and public universities outside of Seoul, as they often have lower tuition fees.

2. Scholarships and Financial Aid

• Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP): Provides full or partial funding for international students.

• University-specific Scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships for international graduate students, which can cover tuition and living expenses.

3. Lesser-known Universities

• Universities in smaller cities or rural areas can be more affordable and may offer unique specializations.

4. Field-Specific Programs

• Some fields, like engineering, IT, or science, might have more funding opportunities due to government or industry partnerships.

5. Research Assistantships and Teaching Positions

• Many graduate programs offer positions that can provide tuition waivers or stipends.

6. Part-time Work

• International students in South Korea are allowed to work part-time, which can help manage living expenses.

7. Cost of Living Considerations

• Opting to live in smaller cities or suburbs can significantly reduce living expenses.

Examples of Affordable Programs:

1. Seoul National University: Offers a wide range of programs with various scholarship opportunities.

2. Pusan National University: Known for more affordable tuition and living costs compared to Seoul.

3. Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST): Offers scholarships covering full tuition and a monthly allowance for many of its Master's programs.

Benefits of Studying in South Korea

Cost of Studying in South Korea for Indian Students

South Korea Study Visa for Indian Students

Cheap and Affordable PhD Programs in South Korea

1. Public and National Universities

• Top Universities: Seoul National University, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) are renowned for research but offer competitive tuition fees.

• Regional Universities: Universities outside major cities like Seoul and Busan may offer lower tuition fees and living costs.

2. Scholarships and Financial Aid

• Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP): Offers full tuition coverage, a monthly allowance, and other benefits.

• University-specific Scholarships: Many universities provide scholarships that can cover tuition and living expenses for PhD students.

3. Research Assistantships and Fellowships

• Most PhD programs offer opportunities to work as research assistants or fellows, providing stipends and tuition waivers.

4. Industry Partnerships

• Some programs have partnerships with industries, offering additional funding and research opportunities.

5. Part-time Work

• PhD students in South Korea can often work part-time, either within the university or externally, to support their studies.

6. Cost of Living Considerations

• Choosing to live in smaller cities or suburbs can reduce living expenses significantly.

Examples of Affordable Programs:

1. Seoul National University: Known for its research output and offers various scholarships for international students.

2. KAIST: Often provides full tuition waivers and a monthly allowance to PhD students.

3. POSTECH: Recognized for its research facilities and also offers comprehensive support for international students.