Check out the list of Public Universities in Seoul with Global and Country Ranking....
Jan 23, 2024 10:00:46
Fees: Approx. $6,000 - $8,000 USD per year for undergraduates by program.
Intake: Mainly Spring (March) and Fall (September).
Programs Offered: Wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across fields, including engineering, business, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
QS World Ranking: Often ranks in the top 100.
Fees: Around $4,000 - $7,000 USD per semester for undergraduates.
Intake: Spring and Fall.
Programs Offered: Offers diverse programs including law, political science, engineering, business, and medicine.
QS World Ranking: Typically within the top 100.
Fees: Approximately $5,000 - $8,000 USD per semester for undergraduates.
Intake: Spring and Fall.
Programs Offered: programs in humanities, sciences, engineering, business, and arts.
QS World Ranking: Generally in the top 150.
Fees: About $3,000 - $5,000 USD per semester.
Intake: Spring and Fall.
Programs Offered: Known for engineering, but also offers programs in music, medicine, and more.
Fees: Around $6,000 USD per semester.
Intake: Spring and Fall.
Programs Offered: Wide range, including natural sciences, business, engineering, and humanities.
QS World Ranking: Often within the top 250.
Fees: Approx. $4,000 - $7,000 USD per semester.
Intake: Spring and Fall.
Programs Offered: Diverse fields including humanities, law, and life sciences.
Language of Instruction: While some programs are offered in English, especially at the graduate level, proficiency in Korean might be beneficial or required for certain courses.
Scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships for international students, which can significantly reduce tuition fees.
Admissions: Typically require previous academic records, language proficiency scores, and sometimes entrance exams or interviews.
Cultural Adaptation: Adjusting to life in Seoul can be a unique experience, and universities often provide support services for international students.
Top 300+ universities in South Korea
Seoul National University (SNU)
Renowned as the top university in South Korea, SNU offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs. It's especially well-regarded for its research output and academic programs in engineering, natural sciences, and social sciences.
Korea University
Although Korea University is a private institution, it's part of the SKY universities, a term used for the three most prestigious universities in South Korea, alongside SNU and Yonsei. It offers extensive programs across disciplines, including law, political science, and engineering.
Yonsei University
Another prestigious private university that is part of the SKY group, Yonsei is known for its comprehensive education and strong emphasis on internationalization, making it a popular choice for international students.
Hanyang University
Hanyang is well-known for its engineering and technology programs but also offers a broad range of other disciplines. It has a strong focus on industry partnerships and practical learning.
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
One of the oldest universities in Korea, SKKU has evolved into a modern institution offering diverse programs. It has strong ties with Samsung, providing unique opportunities in tech-related fields.
Kyung Hee University
Known for its beautiful campus and diverse academic offerings, Kyung Hee University has programs in humanities, arts, and sciences. It's also recognized for its peace studies and global governance programs.
Language of Instruction: While many undergraduate programs are taught in Korean, these universities offer a range of graduate programs and special courses in English.
Cultural Exchange and Support: Universities in Seoul have robust support systems for international students, including language exchange programs, cultural orientation, and academic support.
Scholarships: Many scholarships are available specifically for international students to help cover tuition and living expenses.
Global Networks: These universities have a strong network of international partnerships, offering opportunities for exchanges and global research collaboration.
B.Eng (Bachelor of Engineering) in South Korea
Educational Background: Completion of secondary education equivalent to Korean high school graduation. For international students, this typically means having a high school diploma or equivalent.
Language Proficiency:
For Programs in Korean: Proficiency in the Korean language is often required, demonstrated by scores in the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK).
For Programs in English: Proficiency in English, usually proven by TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent test scores if you are from a non-English speaking country.
Entrance Exams: Some universities may require international students to take specific entrance exams or submit SAT/ACT scores.
Additional Requirements: These might include letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and extracurricular achievements.
Academic Qualification: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent for master’s programs, and a master’s degree or equivalent for PhD programs.
Language Proficiency:
For Korean Programs: TOPIK scores, unless you have received prior education in Korean.
For English Programs: TOEFL, IELTS, or similar test scores if you are from a non-English speaking country.
Research Proposal: Particularly for PhD and research-focused master’s programs.
Work Experience: May be required for certain professional or MBA programs.
Interviews: Some programs may include an interview process.
Academic transcripts and certificates.
Proof of language proficiency.
Passport and other identification documents.
Application form and fee.
Statement of purpose or personal statement.
Letters of recommendation.
Resume or CV (especially for graduate programs).
Tuition Fees: On average, the annual tuition fee at public universities in Seoul can range from approximately 2,000,000 KRW to 4,000,000 KRW (roughly 1,800 USD to 3,600 USD). This can vary based on the university and specific program.
Additional Fees: Students may also need to pay for registration, library, and other miscellaneous university services.
Tuition Fees: Graduate programs, especially specialized or professional courses like MBA or law, might have higher tuition fees. On average, these can range from about 3,000,000 KRW to 6,000,000 KRW per year (roughly 2,700 USD to 5,400 USD).
Program-Specific Fees: Certain programs may have additional fees based on lab usage, equipment, or other resources.
Tuition Fees: These are often similar to Master’s program fees. However, many PhD students receive scholarships, research grants, or stipends that can cover tuition and living expenses.
Identify Universities: Research public universities in Seoul that offer programs aligning with your academic and career goals. Key institutions include Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University, and others.
Choose Programs: Decide on the programs you want to apply to, considering factors like the curriculum, language of instruction, faculty, and career prospects.
Academic Requirements: Typically, a high school diploma for undergraduate programs or a bachelor's degree for graduate programs. Requirements for grades or GPAs can vary.
Language Proficiency: For programs taught in English, you may need TOEFL or IELTS scores. For Korean-taught programs, proficiency in Korean (TOPIK score) is usually required.
Standardized Tests: Some programs might require SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT scores.
Transcripts and Certificates: Your academic records from previous institutions.
Language Test Scores: TOEFL, IELTS, or TOPIK scores, as applicable.
Letters of Recommendation: Usually required for graduate programs.
Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement: Outlining your academic interests, goals, and reasons for choosing the program.
Resume/CV: Particularly for graduate program applicants.
Portfolio or Writing Samples: If required for specific programs like art, design, or journalism.
Application Form: Complete the application form, which is typically available online on the university's website.
Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable application fee.
After submission, the university will review your application. Some programs may require interviews, either in-person or via video conferencing.
Universities will notify you of their admission decision, usually via email or through their application portal.
If accepted, you’ll need to formally accept the offer and begin the process for your student visa (D-2 visa).
Visa application involves submitting documents like a passport, acceptance letter, proof of financial stability, and health insurance.
Once your visa is approved, you can make travel arrangements, look into accommodation options, and prepare for your life in Seoul.
Application Deadlines: Be aware of the application deadlines, which typically fall several months before the start of the semester.
Scholarships: Research scholarship opportunities, as many universities offer scholarships for international students.
Language Preparation: If you are not proficient in Korean but the program requires it, consider taking language courses.
University Scholarships: Most public universities in Seoul have their own scholarship programs for international students. These may include merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, or scholarships specifically for students from certain countries or regions.
Government Scholarships: The Korean government offers several scholarship programs for international students, such as:
Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)/Global Korea Scholarship (GKS): This prestigious scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and language courses.
NIIED Scholarships: Offered by the National Institute for International Education, these scholarships are aimed at promoting international education exchange.
External Scholarships: organizations, foundations, and companies offer scholarships that international students can apply for. These might be based on academic excellence, specific fields of study, or other criteria.
1. Check University Websites: Each university’s official website provides detailed information about the scholarships they offer, including eligibility criteria, application process, and deadlines.
2. Application Process: For university scholarships, the application process usually coincides with the admission application. Some scholarships might require a separate application.
3. Documentation: Commonly required documents include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose or scholarship essay, and proof of language proficiency.
4. Deadlines: Be mindful of application deadlines, as they can vary depending on the scholarship and the academic calendar of the university.
5. Government Scholarships: For scholarships like the KGSP/GKS, applicants usually need to apply either through a Korean embassy in their country or directly to the university they wish to attend. The application process is highly competitive and requires thorough preparation.
6. External Scholarships: Research and apply for scholarships offered by external organizations. These applications typically have different procedures and deadlines.
Spring Intake
Starts: Usually in March.
Application Period: Generally opens in the preceding September and runs until November. However, exact dates can vary by university and program.
Fall Intake
Starts: Typically begins in September.
Application Period: Often opens around April or May and can run until June or July of the same year.
Some universities may offer additional intakes, such as a summer or winter semester, but these are less common for degree-seeking students and more typical for short-term or language programs.
For graduate programs, particularly research-focused or PhD programs, there may be more flexibility with start dates, depending on the department and the nature of the research.
Seoul National University (SNU)
Typically, SNU ranks as the highest among universities in South Korea. It often places within the top 50 universities globally in the QS World Rankings.
Korea University
Although Korea University is a private institution, it's often grouped with the top universities in Seoul and usually ranks within the top 100 universities worldwide.
Yonsei University
Like Korea University, Yonsei is a private university but is highly regarded both nationally and internationally. It generally features within the top 100 in the QS World Rankings.
Hanyang University
This university usually ranks within the top 150-200 globally, known for its strong engineering and technology programs.
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
SKKU often ranks within the top 100-150 globally, recognized for its comprehensive academic programs and research.
Kyung Hee University
Typically ranks within the top 250-300 in the world, known for its diverse disciplines and research output.
