Study in South Korea
South Korea combines established universities, specialist science and technology institutions, and opportunities to study everything from engineering and artificial intelligence to business, design and Korean studies. With English-taught options, government and university scholarships, and campuses in cities such as Seoul and Busan, it offers international students plenty to explore. Choosing the right programme means checking its teaching language, admission requirements, total costs and what you want to do after graduating.
South Korea may suit you if…
- You want to study engineering, computing, artificial intelligence, electronics, biotechnology or another research-intensive subject.
- You are interested in business, economics, international relations, media, design or the social sciences.
- You are considering a master's degree, a doctorate or specialist research.
- You want to explore Korean language, culture or East Asian studies.
- You are interested in universities in major cities or specialist science and technology campuses.
- You are prepared to check the language of your chosen programme and learn some Korean for daily life and future opportunities.
- You want to explore government or university scholarships, while keeping a realistic funding plan.
Advantages and trade-offs
Why consider South Korea?
- Strength in science and technology. Universities such as KAIST, POSTECH and UNIST offer specialist environments for engineering, computing and research.
- Different types of institution. Choose from national and public universities, private universities, comprehensive institutions and specialist campuses.
- English-taught opportunities. Some universities offer degrees taught in English; others offer only particular subjects or modules in English.
- Scholarship possibilities. The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) and individual university awards may help eligible students with their costs.
- Two main intakes. Many universities admit students in March and September.
What should you plan for?
- Korean-language ability matters. Even on an English-taught degree, Korean can make everyday life, internships, part-time work and job searches easier.
- Work permission is restricted. International students cannot assume they can work on arrival or that everyone has the same weekly hour allowance.
- Costs differ substantially. Tuition depends on the institution and subject; accommodation is often more expensive in Seoul than in smaller cities.
- Admission is institution-specific. Eligibility, deadlines, document authentication, language standards and selection processes vary by programme.
- Scholarships and graduate employment are competitive. Neither funding nor a job after graduation should be treated as guaranteed.
What can you study?
| Study route | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Associate degree | 2 years; some programmes take 3 years |
| Bachelor's degree | Usually 4 years; medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and Korean medicine commonly take 6 years |
| Master's degree | Usually 2 years or more |
| Doctoral degree | Commonly 3 years or more, depending on the programme and research |
| Integrated master's and doctoral programme | Usually 4 years or more |
| University-affiliated Korean-language course | Commonly around 10 weeks per term, with several terms each year |
Degree programmes, exchange opportunities and university-affiliated Korean-language courses have different entry and visa arrangements. A Korean-language course is not itself a degree.
Popular subjects
- Engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, semiconductors and mechanical engineering
- Computer science, artificial intelligence, data science and mathematics
- Biotechnology, natural sciences and medicine or other health-related subjects
- Business, management, economics and finance
- International relations, politics and social sciences
- Korean studies, humanities, languages and communications
- Media, design, architecture and the arts
- Hospitality and tourism
The availability and teaching language of each subject depend on the institution and degree level. For medicine, healthcare and other regulated professions, check professional recognition and licensing requirements in the country where you intend to work.
Entry and language requirements
Academic eligibility
Associate and bachelor's degrees: You will normally need to have completed secondary education equivalent to Korean high school. International admission pathways often consider your nationality and your parents' nationality, or whether you completed your full school education outside Korea. The precise rules differ between institutions.
Master's degrees: A recognised bachelor's degree or equivalent is generally required. Some departments also ask for relevant prior study, professional experience, references, an interview or a research proposal.
Doctoral degrees: A relevant recognised master's degree is normally required, along with evidence of your academic preparation and proposed research. Some departments expect you to contact a potential supervisor before applying.
Typical application documents
A university may ask for an application form, passport, academic certificates and transcripts, language test results, a personal statement or study plan, references, proof of nationality and family relationships, financial evidence and authenticated or apostilled documents. Portfolios, interviews, research proposals or a CV may also be required. Always follow the exact document checklist for your programme.
Studying in Korean: TOPIK
The Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) is widely used for Korean-taught degrees. Government guidance gives TOPIK Level 3 or above for admission and Level 4 or above for graduation as general benchmarks for regular degree study. These are not universal rules: universities may set higher or different requirements, recognise alternative evidence or apply exemptions. Check the language standard for both entry and graduation before accepting an offer.
Studying in English
English-taught degrees and courses are available, but an internationally oriented university does not necessarily teach all its programmes in English. Depending on the course, you may need IELTS Academic, TOEFL, another accepted test or evidence of previous study in English. There is no single IELTS or TOEFL score for all Korean universities. Check the exact programme's language of instruction, assessments and any Korean-language requirements.
Intakes and application timeline
| Main intake | Applications commonly open or take place |
|---|---|
| March (start of the academic year) | Around September–November of the previous year |
| September | Around April–June |
These are planning guides, not national deadlines. Universities, departments and scholarships can follow earlier, later or separate schedules.
12–18 months before your course
Research subjects, universities and cities. Compare Korean-taught and English-taught courses, entry criteria, total costs and scholarship eligibility.
9–12 months before
Prepare for TOPIK or English tests if required. Request academic documents, check translation or apostille requirements, draft your statement or study plan and review scholarship deadlines.
6–9 months before
Submit applications according to each university's timetable. Complete any interviews, portfolios or research proposals and apply separately for scholarships when needed.
After an offer
Confirm your place, meet any payment conditions, obtain admission documents, arrange your funding evidence, check the correct visa process and look for accommodation.
Before departure
Confirm insurance arrangements, arrival and orientation details, registration requirements, and the rules that would apply if you later seek part-time work.
Tuition fees and living costs
Tuition fees
South Korean universities set their own fees. The Korean Government's published nationwide averages provide a starting point, not a quote for your course.
| Programme or institution type | Approximate annual tuition |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate — national average | KRW 6.82 million |
| Undergraduate — national/public universities | KRW 4.27 million |
| Undergraduate — private universities | KRW 7.63 million |
| Graduate programmes — national average | KRW 4.22 million |
Average annual undergraduate tuition by subject also varies:
| Subject area | Approximate annual tuition |
|---|---|
| Humanities and social sciences | KRW 6.00 million |
| Natural sciences | KRW 6.88 million |
| Engineering | KRW 7.28 million |
| Arts and physical education | KRW 7.83 million |
| Medicine | KRW 9.84 million |
These figures are broad averages across institutions. Check the current international-student fee for your exact programme and intake, along with any registration charges, laboratory or materials costs, and scholarship conditions.
Living costs
Study in Korea publishes an indicative KRW 750,000–1,000,000 per month for student living expenses. Its illustrative monthly ranges include KRW 500,000–700,000 for accommodation and KRW 200,000–300,000 for food, with transport, insurance and other expenses to consider. The ranges are estimates rather than a personalised total; your actual budget may be higher, particularly if you rent privately in Seoul.
Compare university dormitories with private accommodation and allow for deposits, visa charges, flights, health insurance, course materials and unexpected expenses. Do not rely on part-time earnings to cover essential costs before you know whether you can obtain permission to work.
Scholarships
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS): Depending on the scheme and award, GKS may support tuition, Korean-language training, airfare and study allowances. Undergraduate, associate, master's and doctoral opportunities are offered through specified routes and participating institutions. Eligibility, participating universities and application procedures depend on the particular annual call.
The 2027 GKS undergraduate guidelines were published on 9 September 2026. Applicants for that intake should use the current official 2027 guidelines, including any route-specific updates, rather than an earlier year's timetable.
University scholarships: Individual institutions may award tuition reductions or other funding based on grades, admission results, language proficiency, department or performance after enrolment. Check whether you must apply separately and what is required to retain an award.
Student visas and arrival requirements
Which student visa applies?
Most international degree students apply for a D-2 study visa. Common categories include D-2-1 (associate), D-2-2 (bachelor's), D-2-3 (master's), D-2-4 (doctoral), D-2-5 (research) and D-2-6 (exchange). Students attending eligible university-affiliated Korean-language courses commonly use the D-4-1 Korean Language Training category.
The correct visa depends on your course and circumstances. Admission to a university does not automatically guarantee a visa.
Documents and financial evidence
Visa applications commonly require a valid passport, application form, photograph, the university's Standard Admission Letter, academic evidence and proof that you can afford your studies. Additional documentation may be requested.
There is no single financial amount that applies to every applicant. Requirements and accepted documents may vary with nationality, university, visa type, the relevant diplomatic mission and individual circumstances. Check both your university's instructions and the Korean embassy, consulate or authorised visa application centre responsible for your application.
Fees and processing
Visa fees and processing times depend on nationality, visa category and the location handling the application. If you are applying from the UK, check the Korea Visa Application Centre for the current student-visa procedure, charges and processing guidance. Elsewhere, use the instructions of the relevant Korean diplomatic mission. Apply within the permitted timeframe and allow for busy periods and additional document requests.
Registration after arrival
Students intending to stay for more than 90 days generally need to complete foreigner registration within 90 days of entering South Korea. Eligible students receive a Korean Residence Card after registration. Your university's international office can explain the local procedure and appointments.
National Health Insurance
International students are generally enrolled in South Korea's National Health Insurance system once they meet the relevant residence conditions. For D-2 students entering for the first time, coverage generally begins on the date of foreigner registration. For D-4 general trainees, it generally begins six months after entry. Eligible students are enrolled automatically, but you should confirm premiums and whether other cover is needed before national insurance starts.
Working while studying
Part-time work is not an automatic right for all international students. Eligible D-2 and D-4 students normally need confirmation from their university and permission from immigration before starting work. The type of employment must also be permitted under their immigration status.
Working-hour limits depend on study level, year of study, Korean proficiency and other conditions, including university accreditation or academic performance. The government publishes different weekday allowances; the examples below are indicative, not permission to work.
| Degree level | If the relevant language standard is not met | If it is met | Under qualifying accreditation or excellence conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate and bachelor's | Around 10 weekday hours | Around 25 weekday hours | Up to 30 weekday hours |
| Master's and doctoral | Around 15 weekday hours | Around 30 weekday hours | Up to 35 weekday hours |
Eligible D-4 language students normally need to complete six months before they can qualify for part-time permission. Weekend and holiday arrangements may differ from weekday limits. Before accepting any job, ask your university and Korean immigration authorities to confirm your own approved hours and permitted activities. Working without authorisation can lead to penalties.
After graduation: job-seeking and employment
Eligible graduates of Korean universities may be able to change to D-10-1 Job-Seeking status to look for qualifying professional work or undertake permitted internships. It is not automatic and does not allow unrestricted employment.
Under reforms announced by South Korea's Ministry of Justice in December 2025, qualifying graduates of domestic universities may be able to remain on the job-seeking route for up to three years in total, with extensions of up to one year at a time. The reform also expanded internship flexibility, including up to one year with one company. Individual eligibility and permitted activities must still be checked with immigration authorities.
After securing qualifying work, graduates generally need to change to the appropriate employment status. Korean-language ability, employer requirements and the type of job can all affect opportunities.
What is IEQAS?
The International Education Quality Assurance System (IEQAS) assesses how Korean higher-education institutions recruit, support and manage international students. Certified institutions can receive certain administrative benefits, including more favourable visa screening and additional part-time-work allowances for eligible students. IEQAS certification does not guarantee admission, a visa or extra working hours for every student. Check the institution's current certification and the requirements that apply to you.
Popular student cities
Seoul
Best for: Broad course choice, business, humanities, international relations, technology, media and research.
The capital has a large concentration of universities, including Seoul National University, Yonsei, Korea University, Sungkyunkwan and Hanyang. It offers extensive study options and a busy urban environment, but accommodation can be costly.
Daejeon
Best for: Science, engineering, artificial intelligence and research.
Home to KAIST and Chungnam National University, Daejeon is worth considering if you want a technology and research-focused environment.
Busan
Best for: Engineering, sciences, business and marine-related subjects.
South Korea's major coastal metropolis offers university options such as Pusan National University and Pukyong National University, alongside big-city life outside Seoul.
Pohang
Best for: Science, engineering and research.
Pohang is home to POSTECH. Its international undergraduate admissions began for autumn 2026, with an English-taught curriculum for that route; check the requirements for your specific intake.
Daegu
Best for: Engineering, natural sciences, medicine and multidisciplinary study.
Kyungpook National University and Keimyung University are among the city's established institutions.
Ulsan
Best for: Engineering, energy, technology and industry-linked research.
Ulsan is home to UNIST and may appeal to students interested in advanced science and applied research.
Selected universities in South Korea
These universities are examples for research and comparison. They are not presented as Study With FM partner institutions. Always check the university's official admissions pages for the programme, teaching language, fees and entry requirements.
- Seoul National University (SNU), Seoul: A national research university offering a broad range of disciplines, from engineering and natural sciences to humanities, medicine and social sciences.
- KAIST, Daejeon: A specialist science and technology university known for engineering, computing, mathematics and research. International undergraduates generally select a major after their first year.
- Yonsei University, Seoul: A private comprehensive university offering business, economics, humanities, engineering, sciences and international study options.
- Korea University, Seoul: A private university with programmes across business, economics, international affairs, engineering, social sciences and humanities.
- POSTECH, Pohang: A specialist science and technology university focused on engineering, natural sciences and research, including an English-taught international undergraduate route.
- Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Seoul and Suwon: A comprehensive private university with opportunities in engineering, technology, business, humanities and social sciences.
- Hanyang University, Seoul and Ansan: A private university offering engineering, technology, architecture, business and other applied disciplines.
- Ewha Womans University, Seoul: A private women's university covering a wide range of academic and professional fields. Its international admissions route is open to female applicants only.
- Kyung Hee University, Seoul and Global Campus: A private university with options in international studies, business, humanities, sciences, engineering and hospitality-related subjects.
- Pusan National University (PNU), Busan: A national university offering engineering, sciences, business, humanities and other programmes outside Seoul.
Frequently asked questions
Official sources and useful links
- Study in Korea — National Institute for International Education
- Study in Korea — Degrees, admissions and university types
- Study in Korea — Tuition and study expenses
- Study in Korea — Living costs
- Study in Korea — Visa, residence and part-time work guidance
- Global Korea Scholarship — 2027 undergraduate guidelines
- Korean Ministry of Justice — D-10 job-seeking reform
- Hi Korea — Immigration and residence services
- Korea Visa Portal
- TOPIK — Test of Proficiency in Korean
- National Health Insurance Service
- Korea Visa Application Centre — United Kingdom
Content owner: Tolu-Tom Adeyemo — Student Counsellor
Final reviewer: Mahin Shafiei — Director & Special Case Advisor
Last reviewed: 9 September 2026
Tuition fees, living-cost estimates, admission rules, scholarship conditions and immigration requirements can change. This page provides general educational information, not individual immigration, legal or financial advice. Check the latest official requirements before making a decision or payment.
Check if South Korea fits your plans
Tell us about your qualifications, preferred subject, budget and intended start date. Study With FM can help you compare the education options that may suit your profile and identify the next steps worth taking. Admission, scholarships and immigration decisions remain with the relevant universities and authorities.