How to Study in South Korea

How can international students apply to universities in South Korea?

1. Choose Your University and Program

• Research universities (like Seoul National University, Yonsei, Korea University, KAIST, etc.).

• Check if the program is offered in English or Korean.

• Look at the specific admission guidelines for international students on the university’s official website.

2. Check Eligibility and Requirements

Most universities require:

• High school diploma (or bachelor’s degree for graduate studies)

• Proof of language proficiency:

  • Korean: TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean), often level 3 or 4+

  • English: TOEFL/IELTS if applying to English-taught programs

• Recommendation letters (usually 1–2)

• Statement of purpose or personal statement

• Portfolio (for arts/design fields)

• Passport copy

• Bank statement (to prove financial ability to support studies)

3. Prepare Required Documents

• All documents often need to be translated into Korean or English and notarized.

• Some universities require an apostille or consular confirmation.

4. Apply Online

• Most universities have their own online application portals.

• Pay the application fee (ranges from $60–$150 USD).

• Upload documents and submit.

5. Interviews (if required)

• Some universities may conduct interviews, either online or in person.

6. Wait for Admission Decision

• Decisions are usually released 1–2 months after application deadlines.

7. Apply for a Student Visa (D-2)

• Once accepted, use your acceptance letter and other required documents to apply for a student visa at the nearest Korean embassy/consulate.

8. Prepare for Arrival

• Find housing (dormitory or off-campus)

• Make sure you have insurance, a financial plan, and other essentials.

Timeline:

• Most universities have two intakes: Spring (March) and Fall (September).

• Application periods:

  • Spring intake: around September–November

  • Fall intake: around March–May
     

Universities in South Korea

What are the top scholarships for studying in South Korea.

1. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) (Previously KGSP)

• Who can apply? Undergraduate, Master’s, and Ph.D. students

• What it covers? Full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, settlement allowance, medical insurance, and language training

• Selection process: Through Korean embassies or universities (Embassy Track & University Track)

• Language requirement: Korean language training included for non-TOPIK holders

2. Korean University Scholarships

• Seoul National University (SNU) President Fellowship – For Ph.D. students from developing countries

• Korea University Global KU Scholarship – For outstanding international students

• Yonsei University Underwood International College (UIC) Scholarships – Based on academic merit

• KAIST International Student Scholarship – Full tuition, monthly stipend, and health insurance

• POSTECH Graduate Scholarships – Full tuition and living stipend for graduate students

3. Samsung Global Hope Scholarship

• Who can apply? Graduate students from developing countries

• What it covers? Tuition, living expenses, and research costs

4. POSCO TJ Park Scholarship

• Who can apply? Graduate students from Asian countries

• What it covers? Tuition and monthly stipend

5. Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies (KFAS) Scholarship

• Who can apply? Ph.D. students in humanities and social sciences

• What it covers? Full tuition and living expenses

6. UST (University of Science & Technology) Scholarships

• Who can apply? Master’s and Ph.D. students in STEM fields

• What it covers? Full tuition, monthly stipend, and research funding

7. Ewha Global Partnership Program (EGPP) (For Female Students)

• Who can apply? Outstanding female students applying to Ewha Womans University

• What it covers? Full tuition, dormitory fees, and stipend
   

Media & Mass Communication in South Korea

What are the visa requirements for international students in South Korea?

1. Visa Type

 D-2 Visa — For students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, or research programs in Korea

2. Required Documents

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)

• Completed visa application form

• Passport-sized photos (usually 3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background)

• Certificate of Admission (Acceptance letter) from the Korean university

• Proof of financial ability

  • Bank statement showing sufficient funds (usually USD 10,000+ or equivalent)

  • Or scholarship confirmation letter

• Proof of highest degree completed (graduation certificate or diploma, apostilled or consular confirmed)

• Transcript of academic records

• Certificate of family relationship (if applying through sponsorship) — optional

• Visa application fee (depends on nationality and visa length, usually USD 50–80)

• TOPIK or language certificate (not always mandatory, but helpful)

• Health certificate (in some cases, particularly if coming from countries with certain health concerns)

3. Application Process

1. Gather documents

2. Submit to the Korean Embassy or Consulate in your home country

3. Pay the application fee

4. Wait for processing (usually 2–4 weeks)

4. After arrival in Korea

 Alien Registration Card (ARC)

• Apply within 90 days of arrival at the local immigration office

• Needed for health insurance, phone plans, banking, etc.

5. Financial Proof Details

• Typically, proof of at least USD 10,000–USD 20,000 in the student’s or sponsor’s account (depends on the university and duration)

• OR full scholarship confirmation from the university or government
   

BJ in South Korea

How much does it cost to study and live in South Korea as a foreign student?

1. Tuition Fees

• Undergraduate programs:

  • Humanities & Social Sciences: $1,500 – $3,500 per semester

  • Science & Engineering: $1,800 – $4,500 per semester

  • Medicine & Arts: $3,000 – $5,500 per semester

• Postgraduate programs:

  • Generally $2,000 – $6,500 per semester depending on the program and university

• Public universities tend to be slightly cheaper than private ones.

2. Living Expenses

• Accommodation:

  • University dormitory: $200 – $600 per month

  • Off-campus housing (one-room studio): $400 – $900 per month

• Food:

  • $200 – $400 per month (if cooking and eating reasonably)

• Transportation:

  • Public transport pass: $40 – $60 per month

• Health insurance:

  • Around $50 – $70 per month (mandatory for all foreign students)

• Miscellaneous (internet, phone, leisure, study materials, etc.):

  • $100 – $200 per month

3. Total Estimated Monthly Cost

• Low budget (dormitory + public transport + cooking): $600 – $900 per month

• Mid-range budget (shared apartment + occasional dining out): $900 – $1,300 per month

4. Scholarships

• Many universities offer scholarships that cover 30% – 100% of tuition fees.

• The Korean Government Scholarship (GKS) covers full tuition, living allowance (approx. $900/month), airfare, and medical insurance.
   

Masters in Finance in Australia

What are the best universities in South Korea for international students?

1. Seoul National University (SNU)

• South Korea’s most prestigious university

• Strong programs in Engineering, Science, Medicine, Business, and Arts

• Extensive international student support and global exchange programs

2. Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

• Top-ranked for STEM fields (Engineering, Technology, and Natural Sciences)

• Offers many programs in English

• Known for innovation and research

3. Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)

• Specialized in Science and Engineering

• Strong research opportunities and international collaborations

• Generous scholarships and support for international students

4. Yonsei University

• One of the oldest and most prestigious private universities

• International campus (Underwood International College) offers programs fully in English

• Great for Business, Economics, Humanities, and Sciences

5. Korea University

• High-ranking private university

• Known for Law, Business, International Studies, and Engineering

• Strong exchange and scholarship programs for international students

6. Hanyang University

• Renowned for Engineering, Architecture, and Business

• Has a global campus and good industry ties for internships

• Offers affordable tuition compared to other top universities

7. Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)

• Strong ties with Samsung Group

• Excellent programs in Engineering, Business, and Medicine

• Ranked high for research and innovation

8. Ewha Womans University

• Largest women’s university in the world (also accepts male graduate students)

• Known for Arts, Fashion, International Studies, and Medicine

• Excellent facilities and international programs

9. Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)

• A leading research university focusing on science and engineering

• Fully funded graduate programs for international students

10. Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)

• Emerging as a strong university in science and technology

• Most programs are taught in English

• Strong industry links and scholarship options

 What Makes Them Best for International Students?

• Wide range of English-taught programs

• Affordable tuition compared to Western countries

• Strong scholarship options

• Modern campuses and international-friendly facilities

• Opportunities for internships and job placements in Korea

Can international students work part-time while studying in South Korea?
 

• Eligibility:

  • You must hold a D-2 (student) visa or D-4 (language trainee) visa.

  • You need to complete at least one semester of study before applying for part-time work permission (exceptions may apply for certain programs).

• Permission Required:

  • You need to get approval from your university and then apply for part-time work permission from the immigration office.

  • This is done through the "Part-Time Work Permit for International Students" application process.

• Allowed Working Hours:

  • Undergraduate students:

    • Up to 20 hours per week during the semester and unlimited hours during vacations.

  • Graduate students:

    • Up to 30 hours per week during the semester and unlimited during vacations.

• Types of Work:

  • You can work in sectors like cafes, restaurants, convenience stores, translation work, tutoring (with restrictions), and other approved part-time jobs.

  • Jobs in adult entertainment businesses, gambling, or illegal work are strictly prohibited.

• Language Requirements:

  • You may need to meet certain Korean language proficiency standards (TOPIK level 2 or higher) or be enrolled in Korean language courses.

• Income Reporting:

  • You are required to report your earnings and ensure you comply with Korean tax regulations.