Checkout the How to Study in South Korea after 12th....
Mar 21, 2025 01:05:52
Types of programs:
Undergraduate degree (usually 4 years)
Language courses (if you want to improve Korean before starting a degree)
Popular universities in South Korea:
Seoul National University (SNU)
Korea University
Yonsei University
KAIST (for science and engineering)
Hanyang University, Sungkyunkwan University, etc.
Check university websites for courses, eligibility, and application timelines.
Must have completed 12th grade (or equivalent).
Good academic scores (universities may have different cut-offs).
Proficiency in English (TOEFL/IELTS) or Korean (TOPIK test) depending on the medium of instruction.
Some universities allow you to apply with just English proficiency; others prefer a TOPIK score.
Typically required documents include:
10th and 12th grade transcripts and certificates (notarized)
Passport copy
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation (usually 2)
Proof of finances (bank statements or sponsor letter)
Language proficiency certificate (IELTS/TOEFL or TOPIK)
Application form (online or printed, depending on the university)
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) — Covers tuition, flight, and living costs.
University scholarships — Most universities offer merit-based scholarships for international students.
Other private and government scholarships.
Go to the official university admission portal.
Create an account and submit the application with all documents.
Pay the application fee (usually around $50–$100 USD).
Some universities may ask for interviews (can be online).
After acceptance, you will receive an admission letter or Certificate of Admission.
Apply for a D-2 student visa through the nearest South Korean embassy/consulate.
Submit your passport, admission letter, financial proof, visa form, visa fee, and medical checkup (if asked).
Book your flight
Arrange accommodation (dormitory or private housing)
Prepare required funds for initial months
South Korea’s top national university
Strong programs in Engineering, Business, Humanities, and Science
Best for engineering, technology, and science fields
Very research-oriented and globally ranked
One of the "SKY" universities (top 3 in Korea)
Known for business, medicine, engineering, and international relations
Another SKY university
Excellent for law, business, liberal arts, and sciences
Strong in pure sciences and engineering
Focus on research and innovation
Known for engineering, architecture, business, and performing arts
Good industry connections and career support
One of the oldest universities, now partnered with Samsung
Great for business, law, IT, and engineering
Top women’s university (but also accepts international male graduate students in some programs)
Known for arts, design, science, and international studies
Great for science, technology, engineering, and energy studies
Strong industry tie-ups
Popular for international studies, hospitality, and medical sciences
Known for a beautiful campus and international programs
Completed 12th grade: You must have completed your 12th grade or equivalent (e.g., senior secondary education).
Minimum grades: Each university has different grade cut-offs. In general, a good academic performance (around 60%-70% or more) in your 12th-grade exams is required. Competitive programs, like Engineering or Business, may require higher scores.
English Language Proficiency:
If you are applying for programs taught in English, you’ll need to prove your English proficiency by submitting scores from standardized tests such as:
IELTS (minimum score 6.0–6.5)
TOEFL (minimum score 80-90)
Some universities may accept other tests like TOEIC or Cambridge English Certificates.
Korean Language Proficiency:
If you plan to study in Korean, you need to demonstrate proficiency in the Korean language via the TOPIK(Test of Proficiency in Korean) exam.
For undergraduate programs, a basic level (TOPIK level 3 or 4) may be required, though some universities might offer Korean language programs to help you improve before starting your degree.
Some universities might require you to take an entrance exam or participate in an interview as part of the admission process, depending on the course you're applying for (especially for competitive programs like medicine or law).
You will need to show proof of sufficient financial resources to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs while studying in South Korea.
This can include bank statements, affidavits of support from family or sponsors, or scholarship documentation.
Once admitted, you will need to apply for a D-2 student visa. To qualify for the visa:
You must have received an offer of admission from a South Korean university.
Submit required documents such as your passport, admission letter, financial proof, and a health check (if necessary).
Some universities require a basic medical check-up or health certificate to ensure you are fit for studying abroad.
Some universities may ask for letters of recommendation from your teachers or academic mentors to support your application.
A well-written Statement of Purpose explaining why you want to study in South Korea, your academic goals, and your future plans can strengthen your application.
Portfolio (for arts/design/architecture-related courses)
Internships or work experience (for certain programs like business, social sciences, etc.)
Spring intake: March (apply by October–November of the previous year)
Fall intake: September (apply by March–May of the same year)
Computer Science & Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Robotics & AI
Aerospace Engineering
Business Administration
International Business
Finance & Accounting
Marketing & Digital Marketing
Entrepreneurship
MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery)
Biotechnology
Pharmacy
Biomedical Sciences
Nursing
Fashion Designing
Animation & Game Design
Film & Media Studies
Journalism & Mass Communication
Graphic Design
International Relations
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Korean Language & Culture
Data Science & AI
Biotechnology
Environmental Science
Physics & Chemistry
Mathematics
Hotel Management
Culinary Arts
Tourism & Travel Management
Seoul National University (SNU) – Best for Engineering, Business, and Sciences
KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology) – Best for Engineering & AI
POSTECH (Pohang University of Science & Technology) – Best for Research & Technology
Yonsei University – Best for Business, International Relations & Humanities
Korea University – Best for Social Sciences & Law
Hanyang University – Best for Engineering & IT
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) – Best for Medicine, Science & Business
Ewha Womans University – Best for Arts, Design & Media
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) – Fully funded scholarship covering tuition, airfare, and living expenses.
University-specific Scholarships – Many Korean universities offer merit-based scholarships.
Korean Government IT Scholarships – For tech-based courses.
Program Type |
Public Universities (KRW) / INR |
Private Universities (KRW) / INR |
|---|---|---|
|
Humanities & Social Sciences |
2.5M - 4M KRW (1.5L - 2.5L) |
3M - 6M KRW (1.8L - 3.5L) |
|
Engineering & Sciences |
3M - 5.5M KRW (1.8L - 3.2L) |
4M - 8M KRW (2.5L - 4.7L) |
|
Medicine & Healthcare |
4.5M - 7M KRW (2.7L - 4.1L) |
8M - 12M KRW (4.7L - 7.1L) |
|
Arts & Design |
3.5M - 6M KRW (2.1L - 3.5L) |
4.5M - 8M KRW (2.7L - 4.7L) |
Public Universities (Cheaper) – Examples: Seoul National University, KAIST
Private Universities (More Expensive) – Examples: Yonsei University, Korea University
Expense |
Cost in KRW |
Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation (Dormitory) |
200K - 800K KRW |
12K - 48K |
|
Food & Groceries |
300K - 600K KRW |
18K - 36K |
|
Transportation |
50K - 100K KRW |
3K - 6K |
|
Health Insurance |
100K KRW |
6K |
|
Miscellaneous |
100K - 200K KRW |
6K - 12K |
|
Total (Approx.) |
700K - 1.8M KRW |
42K - 1.1L per month |
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) – Covers full tuition, airfare, living expenses (~KRW 1M per month), and health insurance.
Korean Government IT Scholarship – For tech-based courses like AI, Data Science, and Engineering.
Seoul National University (SNU) President Fellowship
Yonsei University Underwood International College Scholarship
KAIST International Student Scholarship – Full tuition and a monthly stipend.
Samsung Global Scholarship – For engineering & business students.
POSCO Asia Fellowship – For research and science students.
Valid Passport – At least 6 months validity with blank pages.
Completed Visa Application Form – Available on the South Korean embassy website.
Passport-size Photos – As per South Korea visa specifications.
Visa Fee Payment Receipt – Varies by country.
Admission Letter – From a South Korean university or language institute.
Original & Notarized Educational Certificates – 12th-grade mark sheet and certificate.
Academic Transcripts – Certified copies of past educational records.
Bank Statements (Last 6 Months) – Proof of sufficient funds (at least $10,000+ in most cases).
Sponsor’s Financial Proof (if applicable) – Parent/guardian’s bank statement, income tax returns, employment proof.
Scholarship Certificate (if applicable) – If you received a scholarship.
Certificate of Enrollment (CoE) – Issued by the university.
Health Insurance Proof – Mandatory in South Korea.
TB Test or Medical Certificate – Required for some countries.
Personal Statement or Study Plan – Explaining your purpose of study.
