25 Best Universities In South Korea For International Students 2024

If you are looking to study in South Korea, you are surely making a great choice. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 183 universities and colleges in South Korea, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 183 universities in South Korea, Seoul National University and Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology are the top-performing schools in South Korea. This list covers both public and private institutions in South Korea.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in South Korea. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in South Korea.

Rank University Founded Year City Type
1 Seoul National University 1946 Seoul Public
2 Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology 1971 Daejeon Public
3 Yonsei University 1885 Seoul Private
4 Sungkyunkwan University 1398 Seoul Private
5 Korea University 1905 Seoul Private
6 Pohang University of Science and Technology 1986 Pohang Private
7 Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology 2009 Ulsan Public
8 Hanyang University 1939 Seoul Private
9 Sejong University 1940 Seoul Private
10 Kyung Hee University 1949 Seoul Private
11 Kyungpook National University 1946 Daegu Public
12 Ewha Womans University 1886 Seoul Private
13 University of Ulsan 1970 Ulsan Private
14 Gwangju University 1980 Gwangju Private
15 Chung-Ang University 1918 Seoul Private
16 Ajou University 1973 Suwon Private
17 Pusan National University 1946 Busan Public
18 Konkuk University 1931 Seoul Private
19 Sogang University 1960 Seoul Private
20 Dongguk University 1906 Seoul Public
21 Jeonbuk National University 1947 Jeonju Public
22 Chonnam National University 1952 Gwangju Public
23 Sungshin Women’s University 1936 Seoul Private
24 Yeungnam University 1947 Gyeongsan Private
25 University of Seoul 1918 Seoul Public

How do I get admission to the best universities in South Korea?

Applying to the universities in South Korea involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in South Korea to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in South Korea?

Tuition fees at South Korea’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 1,633,000 KRW to 26,751,000 KRW , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 1,610,000 KRW to 29,175,600 KRW. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in South Korea!

As we cover the best universities in South Korea for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in South Korea for International Students

1 Seoul National University

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#1 in South Korea
#13 in Asia
#81 in World
Percentage of International Students
1%
Total Number of students - 27,924
International Number of students - 203

Seoul National University (SNU), often called the “Harvard of South Korea,” is a prestigious institution in Seoul. With a mission to foster excellence in education and research, SNU aims to cultivate creative and socially responsible leaders. The university boasts two campuses, Gwanak and Yeongeon, known for their picturesque landscapes and modern facilities. SNU’s commitment to academic excellence, research, and global engagement has solidified its reputation as one of the top universities in Asia and the world.

Korean Language and Literature
Philosophy
Political Science
Physics
Biosystems Engineering

2 Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

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#2 in South Korea
#20 in Asia
#144 in World
Percentage of International Students
8%
Total Number of students - 10,793
International Number of students - 817

KAIST, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, is a renowned Daejeon, South Korea institution. The university aims to drive scientific advancements, nurture creative talent, and contribute to national and global development. KAIST operates a single campus in Daejeon and is recognized for its strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. It has consistently ranked among the top universities globally and has a reputation for producing talented graduates and impactful research.

Mathematical Sciences
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Material Sciences
Biological Sciences
Computing

3 Yonsei University

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#3 in South Korea
#21 in Asia
#152 in World
Percentage of International Students
9%
Total Number of students - 36,430
International Number of students - 3,312

The foundation of Yonsei University can be traced back to Christian missionary work in the region, particularly in the establishment and growth of two institutions – Korea’s first modern hospital, which transformed over the years into Severance Medical School, and a school that expanded and transformed into Yonhi University. The two institutions survived the tumultuous years of Japanese colonization and supported the democratization and modernization of Korea after the war. Severance and Yonhi merged in 1957 to become Yonsei University, which has grown into one of the best universities in the country and is a driving contributor to its economic and political growth. Its Christian roots are an essential part of its identity – Yonsei aims to train future national and world leaders in the spirit of Christianity, with an abiding commitment to truth and freedom.

Clothing and Textiles
Economics
Food and Nutrition
Industrial Engineering
Sport Industry Studies

4 Sungkyunkwan University

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#4 in South Korea
#25 in Asia
#188 in World
Percentage of International Students
11%
Total Number of students - 25,286
International Number of students - 2,830

Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) has a long and glorious history, going back to its foundation at the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty. It is the oldest university in East Asia, and is respected for being a guardian of Korea’s rich traditions. For over 600 years, SKKU has been guided by the ideology that students strive to contribute to society and become the best leaders they can be. It has withstood dynasty changes, foreign occupation, independence movements, wars, and even fire, emerging as a leading Korean university. The university expanded and opened a new campus in Suwon to house its science programs, while the humanities and social sciences programs that it is known for continue to be taught at the Seoul campus. SKKU has ranked consistently within the top 100 world universities and top 20 Asian universities, and blends tradition with modernity to produce global leaders for the 21st century.

Korean Literature in Classical Chinese
Confucian and Oriental Studies
Public Administration
Global Economics
Film, Television and Multimedia

5 Korea University

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#5 in South Korea
#27 in Asia
#196 in World
Percentage of International Students
5%
Total Number of students - 37,053
International Number of students - 1,885

Korea University’s origins can be traced back to the establishment of Bosung College by Lee Yong-ik, and its history is deeply tied to the country’s history. It emerged as a space to understand nationalism through education and was a key venue for the struggle against Japanese occupation. Renamed Korea University after the national liberation, the institution is an important symbol in the Republic of Korea’s modern history, embodying the spirit of resistance and the country’s conscience. Over the years, Korea University has grown and expanded to become not only a top national university, but a leading research-driven global university in the 21st century.

Chemistry
Earth and Environmental Science
History Education
Philosophy
German Language and Literature

6 Pohang University of Science and Technology

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#6 in South Korea
#35 in Asia
#235 in World
Percentage of International Students
2%
Total Number of students - 3,685
International Number of students - 90

Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), renowned as Korea’s leading science and technology institution, is a private research university in Pohang, South Korea. Established in 1986, POSTECH’s mission is to excel in education, research, and innovation to improve society and the world. The university is known for its rigorous academic programs, cutting-edge research facilities, and collaborations with prestigious institutions worldwide. Moreover, it strongly focuses on science, engineering, and technology-related disciplines.

Humanities
Social Sciences
Convergence IT Engineering
Mathematics
Physics

7 Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology

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#7 in South Korea
#41 in Asia
#258 in World
Percentage of International Students
8%
Total Number of students - 4,780
International Number of students - 362

Located in Ulsan, South Korea’s industrial powerhouse, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology is a young university with great ambition. In its relatively short life, the university has gained an impressive reputation in its field and is making rapid strides toward fulfilling its vision of becoming a leading global university that is engaged in advancing science and technology for the betterment of humanity.

Biomedical Engineering
Nuclear Engineering
Chemistry
Business Administration
Physics

8 Hanyang University

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#8 in South Korea
#52 in Asia
#316 in World
Percentage of International Students
11%
Total Number of students - 23,581
International Number of students - 2,708

Born during the tumultuous years of the Japanese occupation, Hanyang University was founded with the dream of liberating Korea. This dream tied education with independence and emphasized Hanyang University’s commitment to teaching students to achieve growth and stability. Through the most eventful period in Korean history spanning the last few years of Japan’s colonization, the Korean War, as well as the ensuing period of rapid economic growth and democratization, the university kept true to its founding principle of encouraging innovation to advance national good. In the past few decades, it has grown at an impressive rate, adding departments, increasing student enrollments and even opening a new campus in Ansan. Even as Hanyang University has developed into a leading university in the country, it has expanded its ambit to include the growth of Asia and the world.

International Studies
Humanities
Social Sciences
Education
Music

9 Sejong University

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#9 in South Korea
#57 in Asia
#341 in World
Percentage of International Students
13%
Total Number of students - 16,218
International Number of students - 2,096

Established first as a 3-year higher educational institute called Kyung Sung Humanities Institute, Sejong University (SU) underwent many name changes and reorganizations before it got its current name and status. Now a full-fledged university offering programs across disciplines at its campus in Seoul, SU stays true to its founding educational ideals of the spirit of Love, Christianity, and Teaching of the People.

Film Art
Japansese Language and Literature
Management Information Systems
Mathematics
Public Administration

10 Kyung Hee University

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#10 in South Korea
#61 in Asia
#355 in World
Percentage of International Students
12%
Total Number of students - 34,753
International Number of students - 4,183

Kyung Hee University, also known as KHU, is a prestigious private institution in Seoul, South Korea. Established in 1949, the university aims to foster global leaders who contribute to developing humanity and peace. With a vision to become a world-class university, Kyung Hee emphasizes holistic education, cultural enrichment, and social responsibility. Moreover, the university is recognized worldwide for its research achievements and commitment to global engagement.

Architecture
Contemporary Dance
Child and Family Studies
Housing and Interior Design
Political Science and International Relations

11 Kyungpook National University

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#11 in South Korea
#158 in Asia
#735 in World
Percentage of International Students
5%
Total Number of students - 35,307
International Number of students - 1,744

Kyungpook National University is one of the leading Korean universities, with more than 35,000 students studying at its main Daegu campus and its Sangju campus. It has the vision of being a knowledge-driven university with a global orientation while being guided by its principles of truth, pride, and service. A regional educational hub established with support from the local community, the university has a reputation for producing top intellectuals and contributors, and now aims to bring growth and innovation to the world.

Psychology
Political Science and Diplomacy
Mathematics
Food Science and Nutrition
Public Administration

12 Ewha Womans University

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#12 in South Korea
#166 in Asia
#760 in World
Percentage of International Students
10%
Total Number of students - 21,515
International Number of students - 2,156

The origins of Ewha Womans University can be traced back to the establishment of the country’s first modern educational institute for women by an American missionary. From its humble beginnings with one student in a Korean-style house, the university has seen tremendous growth and expanded to include more than 21,000 students enrolled at its beautiful campus in Sinchong. With a vision of building an innovative platform for a sustainable society, Ewha aims to train future women leaders with an emphasis on the Christian spirit. Decades of progress have propelled Ewha as the top women’s university in the country and a global hub for women’s education.

Public Administration
Economics
Psychology
Statistics
Fashion Design

13 University of Ulsan

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#13 in South Korea
#175 in Asia
#781 in World
Percentage of International Students
4%
Total Number of students - 16,201
International Number of students - 720

Established as the Ulsan Institute of Technology in 1970 by Asan Chung Ju-Yung, founder of the renowned Hyundai business group, Ulsan University is guided by its founder’s philosophy of “pioneering entrepreneurship, love for mankind, and thirst for learning.” The university aims to train young leaders, equipping them with practical knowledge to contribute to the upliftment of the world. Located in the metropolitan city of Ulsan, considered the country’s industrial heart, students benefit from the proximity to one of the world’s largest industrial complexes. Not only does it have a strong partnership with the Hyundai Group, but Ulsan University also has a strong education-industry-government nexus, providing students with many opportunities for learning, research, field training, and job placements.

Japanese Language and Area Studies
Biological Sciences
Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
Voice
Digital Contents Design

14 Gwangju University

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#14 in South Korea
#189 in Asia
#833 in World
Percentage of International Students
5%
Total Number of students - 6,502
International Number of students - 323

Gwangju University, commonly known as GU, is a renowned institution of higher education in South Korea. Its inception dates back to its establishment to provide quality education, foster innovation, and contribute to societal progress. GU envisions itself as a hub of intellectual growth and academic excellence, shaping competent individuals with a global outlook and a sense of social responsibility. GU prides itself on its diverse academic programs and commitment to providing students with a conducive learning environment and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Creative Writing
International Logistics and Trade
Tourism Management
Aviation Maintenance
Visual Communication Design

15 Chung-Ang University

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#15 in South Korea
#197 in Asia
#853 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 32,619

Chung-Ang University (CAU), often called Chungang, is a distinguished private institution in Seoul, South Korea. Since its establishment in 1918, CAU has been dedicated to fostering excellence in education, research, and service. The university aims to become a leading global institution that nurtures creative and socially responsible leaders. With two campuses in Seoul’s bustling metropolitan area, Chung-Ang offers students a vibrant and dynamic learning environment.

English Language and Literature
Political Science and International Relations
Psychology
Applied Statistics
Mechanical Engineering

16 Ajou University

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#16 in South Korea
#198 in Asia
#862 in World
Percentage of International Students
8%
Total Number of students - 13,357
International Number of students - 1,063

Ajou University’s history can be traced back to the establishment of Ajou Engineering Junior College by the Yusin Institute. It has since expanded its educational offerings, branching out to add graduate programs and open new departments. Ajou has set its sights high, with the ambition to become the “MIT of Asia” and the “Silicon Valley of Korea.” Recognized particularly for its engineering and technology programs, Ajou has more than 13,000 students studying at its campus in Suwon.

Environmental and Safety Engineering
Sociology
Psychology
Financial Engineering
Architecture

17 Pusan National University

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#17 in South Korea
#199 in Asia
#868 in World
Percentage of International Students
6%
Total Number of students - 36,036
International Number of students - 1,991

Pusan National University (PNU), also known as Busan National University, is a prominent educational institution in Busan, South Korea. The university’s mission is to pursue excellence in education and research while promoting regional development and global cooperation. Moreover, PNU aims to cultivate talented individuals who possess a sense of social responsibility and contribute to advancing knowledge. It stands out for its diverse array of academic programs, dedicated emphasis on STEM disciplines, a prominent position as a leading research institution in South Korea, and unwavering dedication to community engagement and making a positive social impact.

Archaeology
Bioenvironmental Energy
Microbiology
Plant Bioscience
Sport Science

18 Konkuk University

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#18 in South Korea
#214 in Asia
#920 in World
Percentage of International Students
8%
Total Number of students - 25,479
International Number of students - 1,925

Konkuk University is a leading private university in Korea, founded with the goal to preserve the country’s sovereignty and produce graduates who would serve to build Korea. In addition to the founding philosophy of ‘nation-building through education’, the university currently hopes to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world through a focus on education that centers creativity and drives novelty. With over 25,000 students studying at its two campuses in Seoul and Chungju, Konkuk is a top choice for higher education in Korea.

Korean Language and Literature
Geography
Media and Communication
Physics
Civil and Environmental System Engineering

19 Sogang University

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#19 in South Korea
#215 in Asia
#921 in World
Percentage of International Students
22%
Total Number of students - 12,020
International Number of students - 2,615

Sogang University, often called “Sogang” is a prominent educational institution in Seoul, South Korea. The university’s mission is to cultivate intellectuals who can contribute to the betterment of society through critical thinking and ethical values. Notable facts about the university include its high rankings in the country, diverse international student body, and active engagement in research, particularly in social sciences, humanities, and business fields.

Korean Language and Literature
English Literature and Linguistics
Sociology
Business Administration
Gender Studies

20 Dongguk University

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#20 in South Korea
#226 in Asia
#951 in World
Percentage of International Students
10%
Total Number of students - 21,614
International Number of students - 2,197

Founded by Buddhist pioneers in 1906, Dongguk University has an eventful history, including two forceful closures during the Japanese occupation of Korea. These experiences cemented the three pillars of its identity: Buddhism, ethnicity, and history. The university has fostered specialists to contribute to Korea’s democratization and development and has been consistently engaged in efforts to develop Buddhism in the country. Although a Buddhist university, it welcomes staff and students belonging to all faiths.

Business Administration
Korean History
Accounting and Taxation
Early Childhood Education
Police Administration

21 Jeonbuk National University

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#21 in South Korea
#246 in Asia
#992 in World
Percentage of International Students
8%
Total Number of students - 21,758
International Number of students - 1,746

Jeonbuk National University’s history can be traced back to the establishment of the Provincial Iri Agricultural College. The institute was founded a couple of years after the nation’s liberation with the motto Freedom, Justice, Creativity. Jeonbuk National University has grown to become a leading public university in the country. It expanded its academic offering to include graduate and doctoral programs, opened new departments, and is now located at three campuses in Jeonju, Iksan, and Gochang.

Social Welfare
Forest Environment Science
Library and Information Science
Philosophy
Journalism and Communications

22 Chonnam National University

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#22 in South Korea
#284 in Asia
#1086 in World
Percentage of International Students
6%
Total Number of students - 32,964
International Number of students - 1,891

Chonnam National University was established in the period after the Korean War with the support of the local community in Gwangju. The founding ideal of the institute is to nurture the leaders of tomorrow, equipping them with noble character and professional knowledge to help in the development of the country and the world. The university has survived plenty of political strife, always staying on the frontline in the fight for democracy and human rights. With the motto of truth, creativity, and service, Chonnam National University has grown rapidly to become a leading higher education institute offering a wide range of programs.

Plant Biotechnology
Music
Economics
Electrical Engineering
Korean Language and Literature

23 Sungshin Women’s University

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#23 in South Korea
#301 in Asia
#1138 in World
Percentage of International Students
2%
Total Number of students - 10,893
International Number of students - 184

Founded in 1936, it is one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious women’s universities. The university is named after its founder, Sook-Chong Lee, who envisioned providing quality education to women in Korea during a time when opportunities for women’s education were limited. The university is committed to promoting women’s empowerment and fostering leadership qualities among its students. It strives to create an inclusive and supportive community where women can thrive academically and personally.

Political Science and Diplomacy
Media Communication
Information Technology
Global Medical Science
Western Painting

24 Yeungnam University

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#24 in South Korea
#303 in Asia
#1145 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 32,785

Yeungnam University was established in 1947, and like many other universities founded following the turbulent years of the Japanese occupation and the Korean War, it was committed to the idea of rebuilding the nation through education. Yeungnam retains the same spirit today, ready to lead the way through the challenges of a rapidly changing world. One of the top universities in the country, Yeungnam has nearly 33,000 people studying at its main Gyeongsan campus and the smaller Daemyung Campus. Alumni from the university include many top company executives, heads of local governments and councils, congressmen, and Supreme Court judges.

Media and Communication
Cultural Anthropology
Urban Planning and Engineering
Public Administration
Pharmacy

25 University of Seoul

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#25 in South Korea
#304 in Asia
#1147 in World
Percentage of International Students
10%
Total Number of students - 9,028
International Number of students - 878

The University of Seoul’s history dates back more than a century and can be traced to the establishment of an agricultural college in 1918. Over the years, it has expanded to add more departments and transformed into a comprehensive university offering programs across different disciplines at its campus in Seoul. The university is committed to its mission to explore truth and facilitate innovative research to serve society. It aims to continue producing future leaders of the country and lead the way forward in this technology-dominant era by supporting advancement in crucial areas, including big data and artificial intelligence.

Business Administration
Taxation
Civil Engineering
Environmental Horticulture
General Mathematics

We know that choosing your dream school in South Korea not an easy task. After all, you need to consider other factors like the cost of your education, school background, and population, as it can be overwhelming on your part.

So, to help you out further in weighing your school options for studying in South Korea, make sure to visit our list of the best public and private universities in South Korea! These articles will surely help you in deciding your next study destination!