Checkout How to Study in Korea from India....
Mar 21, 2025 03:45:36
Explore top universities in South Korea (like Seoul National University, KAIST, Yonsei University, Korea University, etc.).
Check if they offer the desired course (in English or Korean).
Review eligibility criteria, tuition fees, scholarship options, and application deadlines.
Academic transcripts (Class 10, 12, and bachelor's degree if applicable).
Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) or Korean proficiency (TOPIK) — depends on the course.
Statement of Purpose (SOP), recommendation letters, and resume/CV.
Portfolio (for design, arts, and architecture courses).
Most universities have an online application portal.
Fill in the application form and upload required documents.
Pay the application fee.
Apply for scholarships like GKS (Global Korea Scholarship), university scholarships, or private scholarships.
Some scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses.
Some universities may have interviews or additional assessments.
On receiving the admission letter, apply for a D-2 student visa at the Korean Embassy or Consulate in India.
Submit passport, visa application form, university acceptance letter, financial proof, and other required documents.
Once visa is granted, book travel, arrange accommodation, and prepare for cultural adjustment.
Upon arrival in Korea, register with immigration and get an Alien Registration Card (ARC).
Completion of 12th grade (high school) with good academic records (generally a minimum of 60%–70%, but top universities might expect more).
A relevant bachelor’s degree with a good GPA (usually above 3.0/4.0 or equivalent).
A relevant master’s degree with strong academic and research background.
Many universities offer courses in English, so a valid TOEFL or IELTS score may be required.
If the program is in Korean, passing the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) at level 3 or 4 (or higher) is usually required.
Some universities might have their own entrance exams, interviews, or portfolio submissions (especially for arts/design).
Proof of financial ability to support yourself (usually around $10,000–$12,000 USD in your or your sponsor's bank account).
This is required for the student visa (D-2 visa).
After receiving admission, you'll apply for the D-2 visa with:
Admission letter
Valid passport
Proof of financial resources
Health certificate (sometimes required)
Academic documents
Offered by: Korean Government
Covers: Full tuition, monthly stipend (around KRW 900,000–1,000,000), airfare, settlement allowance, medical insurance, Korean language training.
Eligibility:
Good academic record (generally above 80% in previous studies).
Age under 25 for undergrad and under 40 for graduate studies.
Strong recommendation letters and personal statement.
Application: Through the Korean Embassy in India or directly via designated universities.
For: Postgraduate or PhD-level research students.
Covers: Monthly stipend and research costs.
Good for: Students who already have contacts with a Korean professor/researcher.
Seoul National University (SNU): SNU President Fellowship, SNU Global Scholarships.
KAIST: Full scholarships for international students (covers tuition, stipend, and health insurance).
Yonsei University: Underwood International College scholarships.
Korea University: KU Global Leader Scholarship.
Offered by: POSCO TJ Park Foundation.
For: Master’s or doctoral studies in Korea.
Fields: Primarily science, engineering, and related fields.
Covers: Full tuition, monthly living expenses.
For: Graduate students in business/management, science, and engineering fields.
Often leads to: Internships or recruitment at Samsung.
First, you need an official admission letter (Certificate of Admission) from a Korean university.
You’ll also need documents like academic transcripts, degree certificates, and recommendation letters during the university application process.
Visa application form (Form #34) — downloadable from the Korean embassy/consulate website.
Passport — valid for at least 6 months.
Passport-size photos — as per specifications.
Certificate of Admission from the Korean university.
Acceptance letter from the university.
Academic certificates — mark sheets, degree certificates.
Financial proof — bank statements showing funds around USD 10,000–12,000 or equivalent (can be in your or a sponsor’s name).
Visa fee — varies by duration (single entry or multiple entry).
Health certificate — sometimes required (depends on embassy guidelines).
TOPIK or English proficiency certificates (if requested).
Submit your documents to the Korean Embassy in New Delhi or Korean Consulate in Mumbai or Chennai, based on your jurisdiction.
Some universities also assist students in getting a "visa issuance number," which speeds up the process.
It generally takes around 10–15 working days, but can vary.
Once you get your visa, book your tickets and get ready!
Make sure to carry copies of your admission letter, financial proof, and university contact info while traveling.
Within 90 days of arrival in Korea, you need to apply for an Alien Registration Card at the local immigration office. This acts as your Korean ID.
The top-ranked university in Korea.
Great for: Engineering, natural sciences, business, humanities, international studies.
Offers multiple scholarships for international students.
Famous for tech, engineering, and innovation.
Known for: Research opportunities, full scholarships for international students, strong industry links.
Strong in science, engineering, and research.
Offers full scholarships and has a good international community.
One of the top three universities (part of SKY: SNU, Korea Univ., Yonsei).
Has the popular Underwood International College (UIC) which offers English-taught programs.
Very strong business, economics, engineering, international relations programs.
Great for business, law, humanities, computer science, and engineering.
Offers various international student scholarships.
Partnered with Samsung — excellent for engineering, computer science, and business.
Strong industry placement opportunities.
Known for strong engineering and architecture programs.
Good English-taught graduate programs.
One of the largest women’s universities in the world.
Offers strong programs in international studies, arts, design, and business.
Known for hospitality, tourism, international studies, and management.
Has a beautiful campus and active international student life.
Strong emphasis on research, tech, and innovation.
Good scholarships for international students.
Public universities: KRW 4–6 million per year (approx. 2.5–3.8 lakh)
Private universities: KRW 6–9 million per year (approx. 3.8–5.8 lakh)
Engineering, medical, and design courses can be on the higher end.
Public universities: KRW 5–8 million per year (3.2–5.1 lakh)
Private universities: KRW 7–10 million per year (4.5–6.4 lakh)
Many universities offer scholarships that can cover 30% to 100% of tuition for international students.
Dormitory: KRW 200,000–400,000 (13,000–26,000)
Off-campus housing (one-room apartment): KRW 400,000–700,000 (26,000–45,000) + utilities
Food: KRW 300,000–500,000 (20,000–33,000)
Transportation: KRW 60,000–100,000 (4,000–6,500)
Internet & phone: KRW 30,000–50,000 (2,000–3,200)
On average, monthly living expenses come to around KRW 700,000–1,000,000 (45,000–65,000)
Without scholarship:
Around KRW 12–18 million (7.6–11.5 lakh per year)
With partial scholarship:
Can come down to KRW 8–12 million (5–7.6 lakh per year)
Yes!
After 6 months of arrival (with permission from your university), international students can work part-time up to:
20 hours/week during the semester
Unlimited hours during vacations
Typical part-time jobs (cafes, convenience stores, tutoring) pay around KRW 9,000–12,000/hour (600–800/hour)
Visa application: 3,000–5,000
Flight tickets: 35,000–50,000 (one-way)
Alien Registration Card (ARC) fee: Around KRW 30,000 (2,000)
