How to Study in South Korea for International Students
In recent years, South Korea has been a popular destination for studies. Apart from its thriving entertainment industry, South Korea is highly acknowledged for its outstanding quality of research and education. Some of the universities in the country have a consistent position in global rankings, proving their exceptional performance in the field. As you study here, you'll have the opportunity to experience their fascinating culture as you earn your degree.
When it comes to the choices that are available, South Korea currently has 182 universities, from which 52 universities are a part of the public sector and 130 universities are private institutions.
Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in South Korea you should definitely check out are Seoul National University, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, and Yonsei University.
Being able to study in South Korea as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in South Korea, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in South Korea
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in South Korea, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 1,633,000 KRW to 26,751,000 KRW, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 1,610,000 KRW and 29,175,600 KRW.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in South Korea
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in South Korea, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Korea National University of Arts | 4,800,000 KRW | 4,800,000 KRW |
| Inje University | 6,502,000 KRW - 9,003,000 KRW | 4,124,000 KRW - 6,297,000 KRW |
| Gimcheon University | 14,370,000 KRW - 16,110,000 KRW | |
| Chinju National University of Education | 6,670,000 KRW | |
| Chuncheon National University of Education | 3,200,000 KRW | 3,650,000 KRW |
| Daegu National University of Education | 9,010,000 KRW | 9,700,000 KRW |
| Korea National Sport University | 7,633,000 KRW | 11,195,000 KRW |
| Mokpo National Maritime University | 2,364,000 KRW | 1,662,000 KRW |
| Catholic University of Daegu | 6,858,000 KRW - 10,199,000 KRW | 7,108,000 KRW - 10,962,000 KRW |
| Cheongju National University of Education | 3,263,000 KRW - 4,130,000 KRW | 3,843,000 KRW - 4,827,000 KRW |
| Seoul National University of Education | 6,377,600 KRW | 8,161,600 KRW - 8,671,700 KRW |
| Gongju National University of Education | 8,008,000 KRW | 7,937,000 KRW |
| Hankyong National University | 5,014,200 KRW | 6,267,300 KRW |
| Gyeongsang National University | 1,633,000 KRW - 2,208,000 KRW | 2,080,000 KRW - 2,828,000 KRW |
| Gangneung-Wonju National University | 1,744,000 KRW - 2,721,000 KRW | 2,018,000 KRW - 2,913,000 KRW |
| Baekseok University | 15,018,400 KRW | 12,353,500 KRW |
| Chungnam National University | 3,615,000 KRW - 5,158,000 KRW | 4,175,000 KRW - 6,116,000 KRW |
| Gyeongin National University of Education | 7,000,000 KRW | 12,000,000 KRW |
| Hanbat National University | 4,368,000 KRW - 4,882,000 KRW | 4,190,000 KRW - 5,588,000 KRW |
| Korea National University of Education | 3,200,000 KRW - 4,348,000 KRW | 4,448,000 KRW - 6,225,000 KRW |
| Mokpo National University | 3,322,000 KRW - 4,244,000 KRW | 4,012,000 KRW - 5,964,000 KRW |
| Kumoh National University of Technology | 3,622,000 KRW - 4,042,000 KRW | 4,310,000 KRW - 4,734,000 KRW |
| University of Science and Technology Korea | 5,000,000 KRW | |
| Sunchon National University | 3,564,000 KRW - 4,836,000 KRW | 4,006,000 KRW - 5,490,000 KRW |
| Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology | 6,628,500 KRW - 7,864,100 KRW | 9,907,900 KRW |
| University of Seoul | 4,774,400 KRW - 6,578,300 KRW | 6,239,100 KRW - 8,785,600 KRW |
| Incheon National University | 5,114,000 KRW - 6,434,000 KRW | 6,280,000 KRW - 8,298,000 KRW |
| Changwon National University | 3,371,000 KRW - 4,329,000 KRW | 3,850,000 KRW - 5,022,000 KRW |
| Andong National University | 3,945,500 KRW - 5,609,200 KRW | 4,258,300 KRW - 6,054,900 KRW |
| Pukyong National University | 3,406,000 KRW - 4,747,000 KRW | 3,810,000 KRW - 4,873,000 KRW |
| Dongguk University | 6,938,000 KRW - 9,136,000 KRW | 9,708,000 KRW - 12,822,000 KRW |
| Kyungpook National University | 5,012,100 KRW - 7,809,700 KRW | 5,201,700 KRW - 6,694,500 KRW |
| Pusan National University | 4,052,500 KRW - 6,264,000 KRW | 4,754,000 KRW - 7,436,000 KRW |
| Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology | 6,866,000 KRW | 19,118,000 KRW - 25,200,000 KRW |
| Chonnam National University | 3,674,000 KRW - 4,872,000 KRW | 4,530,000 KRW - 6,930,000 KRW |
| Seoul National University of Science and Technology | 4,725,900 KRW - 6,725,900 KRW | 6,560,000 KRW - 7,974,000 KRW |
| Kongju National University | 3,640,000 KRW - 4,418,000 KRW | 4,820,000 KRW - 6,338,000 KRW |
| Kangwon National University | 2,942,000 KRW - 4,620,000 KRW | 2,261,000 KRW - 3,139,000 KRW |
| Korea Maritime and Ocean University | 3,584,000 KRW - 4,496,000 KRW | 5,181,000 KRW |
| Jeonbuk National University | 3,983,000 KRW - 5,341,000 KRW | 5,169,000 KRW - 7,627,000 KRW |
| Chungbuk National University | 3,812,000 KRW - 5,066,000 KRW | 4,754,000 KRW - 7,098,000 KRW |
| Jeju National University | 3,716,000 KRW - 4,952,000 KRW | 4,546,000 KRW - 6,082,000 KRW |
| Seoul National University | 4,884,000 KRW - 10,076,000 KRW | 6,556,000 KRW - 12,262,000 KRW |
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in South Korea
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Seowon University | 7,420,000 KRW - 9,360,000 KRW | 6,880,000 KRW |
| Youngnam Theological University and Seminary | 5,500,000 KRW | |
| Hanlyo University | 8,427,000 KRW - 10,538,000 KRW | 6,876,000 KRW - 7,255,000 KRW |
| Kosin University | 5,200,000 KRW | 8,921,000 KRW - 10,131,000 KRW |
| CHA University | 16,088,000 KRW - 26,751,000 KRW | 16,757,000 KRW - 15,860,000 KRW |
| Seoul Christian University | 7,600,000 KRW - 9,510,000 KRW | 10,380,000 KRW |
| U1 University | 3,140,000 KRW - 3,940,000 KRW | |
| Pyeongtaek University | 10,230,000 KRW - 12,790,000 KRW | 10,740,000 KRW |
| Daeshin University | 9,090,000 KRW - 10,810,000 KRW | 8,040,000 KRW - 10,620,000 KRW |
| Jeju International University | 5,472,000 KRW - 5,976,000 KRW | |
| Mokpo Catholic University | 13,170,000 KRW - 15,200,000 KRW | |
| Kyungwoon University | 3,170,000 KRW - 4,320,000 KRW | 8,610,000 KRW - 11,140,000 KRW |
| Seoul Jangsin University | 7,810,000 KRW - 11,194,000 KRW | |
| Far East University, Korea | 10,150,000 KRW - 12,710,000 KRW | 4,400,000 KRW |
| Luther University | 15,950,000 KRW | 18,000,000 KRW |
| Kwangshin University | 16,220,000 KRW - 21,290,000 KRW | 13,180,000 KRW |
| Jungwon University | 6,238,000 KRW - 8,700,000 KRW | |
| Suwon Catholic University | 7,610,000 KRW | 8,250,000 KRW |
| Hyupsung University | 15,380,000 KRW - 18,460,000 KRW | |
| Kkottongnae University | 16,690,000 KRW - 19,670,000 KRW | |
| Catholic University of Busan | 6,320,000 KRW - 8,087,000 KRW | 6,523,000 KRW - 9,028,000 KRW |
| Tongmyong University | 5,635,200 KRW - 7,738,000 KRW | 5,096,000 KRW - 6,868,000 KRW |
| Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary | 21,888,300 KRW | 24,679,800 KRW |
| Namseoul University | 3,568,000 KRW - 4,469,000 KRW | |
| University of Suwon | 6,188,000 KRW | 7,776,000 KRW - 12,200,000 KRW |
| Korean Bible University | 11,583,400 KRW - 14,857,600 KRW | 14,157,400 KRW |
| Chungwoon University | 5,000,000 KRW - 8,266,000 KRW | 5,452,000 KRW - 5,920,000 KRW |
| Howon University | 8,256,600 KRW - 10,755,500 KRW | |
| Hanshin University | 7,673,000 KRW - 9,207,000 KRW | 8,696,000 KRW - 10,230,000 KRW |
| Uiduk University | 7,836,200 KRW - 10,622,400 KRW | 3,108,000 KRW - 4,214,000 KRW |
| Geumgang University | 7,388,100 KRW | 3,700,000 KRW |
| Korea Nazarene University | 4,711,000 KRW - 5,985,000 KRW | 10,216,700 KRW - 13,986,600 KRW |
| Chongshin University | 14,522,500 KRW - 19,363,400 KRW | 11,716,500 KRW - 16,296,000 KRW |
| Catholic Kwandong University | 6,246,600 KRW - 12,619,400 KRW | 9,226,200 KRW - 15,011,100 KRW |
| Dongshin University | 5,402,000 KRW - 7,170,000 KRW | 6,374,000 KRW - 8,034,000 KRW |
| Dongyang University | 9,870,000 KRW - 14,370,000 KRW | 9,870,000 KRW - 14,370,000 KRW |
| Hannam University | 6,590,000 KRW - 8,621,000 KRW | 7,610,000 KRW - 10,140,000 KRW |
| Kaya University | 6,950,500 KRW - 8,251,700 KRW | |
| Kyungdong University | 12,515,300 KRW | |
| Incheon Catholic University | 8,701,100 KRW - 13,090,700 KRW | 9,161,700 KRW - 19,028,200 KRW |
| Busan Women’s College | 5,887,700 KRW - 6,469,200 KRW | |
| Kangnam University | 7,635,600 KRW - 10,001,000 KRW | 10,735,300 KRW |
| Seoul Theological University | 6,747,000 KRW - 8,714,200 KRW | 8,152,100 KRW |
| Hansei University | 10,280,000 KRW - 13,164,000 KRW | 10,419,000 KRW - 15,664,000 KRW |
| Jeonju University | 6,100,000 KRW - 7,960,000 KRW | 7,194,000 KRW - 9,936,000 KRW |
| Dongduk Women’s University | 3,013,000 KRW - 4,399,000 KRW | 4,194,000 KRW - 5,861,000 KRW |
| Daejin University | 6,146,000 KRW - 8,118,000 KRW | 8,498,000 KRW - 11,540,000 KRW |
| University of Ulsan | 7,104,000 KRW - 12,180,000 KRW | 9,130,000 KRW - 1,598,000 KRW |
| Seokyeong University | 10,010,000 KRW - 13,930,000 KRW | |
| Dong Eui University | 5,518,000 KRW - 7,528,000 KRW | 10,320,000 KRW - 13,200,000 KRW |
| Yong In University | 8,640,000 KRW - 8,800,000 KRW | 12,810,000 KRW - 13,380,000 KRW |
| Duksung Womens University | 7,673,000 KRW - 12,788,200 KRW | 10,230,600 KRW - 14,323,000 KRW |
| Sahmyook University | 8,302,800 KRW - 10,429,100 KRW | 10,697,800 KRW - 14,340,700 KRW |
| Hoseo University | 7,024,000 KRW - 8,900,000 KRW | 6,710,000 KRW - 8,554,000 KRW |
| Korea Baptist Theological University | 15,090,000 KRW - 20,370,000 KRW | 1,610,000 KRW - 10,858,000 KRW |
| Gangseo University | 13,420,000 KRW | 16,017,000 KRW |
| Korea Aerospace University | 6,856,000 KRW - 8,890,000 KRW | 9,294,000 KRW - 12,028,000 KRW |
| Silla University | 4,848,400 KRW - 7,784,000 KRW | 5,658,000 KRW - 9,694,000 KRW |
| Sun Moon University | 6,731,000 KRW - 8,244,000 KRW | 2,908,000 KRW - 5,391,000 KRW |
| Sangji University | 7,621,000 KRW - 10,026,000 KRW | 10,569,100 KRW - 15,026,800 KRW |
| Busan University of Foreign Studies | 3,260,000 KRW - 4,380,000 KRW | 4,599,000 KRW - 5,968,000 KRW |
| Semyung University | 6,012,000 KRW - 7,568,000 KRW | 5,180,000 KRW - 11,560,000 KRW |
| Korea University of Technology and Education | 3,842,000 KRW - 5,499,000 KRW | 5,783,000 KRW - 6,353,000 KRW |
| Hanseo University | 8,261,000 KRW - 11,382,000 KRW | 8,696,000 KRW - 11,075,000 KRW |
| Konyang University | 8,543,000 KRW - 9,259,000 KRW | 10,834,000 KRW |
| Cheongju University | 6,526,000 KRW - 8,260,000 KRW | 7,686,000 KRW - 9,654,000 KRW |
| Mokwon University | 6,400,000 KRW - 8,050,000 KRW | 5,992,000 KRW - 9,468,000 KRW |
| Hansung University | 6,858,600 KRW - 9,314,900 KRW | 8,672,300 KRW - 11,077,800 KRW |
| Nambu University | 11,920,000 KRW | 9,350,000 KRW - 11,470,000 KRW |
| Hongik University | 8,892,000 KRW - 11,036,000 KRW | 10,476,000 KRW - 14,032,000 KRW |
| Kyungsung University | 5,791,500 KRW - 7,985,000 KRW | 8,015,800 KRW - 10,621,900 KRW |
| Kyungnam University | 5,668,800 KRW - 7,962,800 KRW | 4,112,000 KRW - 5,398,000 KRW |
| Hallym University | 8,466,000 KRW | 8,916,000 KRW - 12,002,000 KRW |
| Soonchunhyang University | 6,712,000 KRW - 10,040,000 KRW | 8,507,400 KRW - 13,921,200 KRW |
| Korea Polytechnic University | 8,531,500 KRW - 9,768,000 KRW | 4,257,600 KRW - 5,484,800 KRW |
| Gwangju University | 5,500,000 KRW - 7,162,000 KRW | 4,273,700 KRW - 5,242,400 KRW |
| Sangmyung University | 8,187,700 KRW - 12,120,800 KRW | 4,170,000 KRW - 5,840,000 KRW |
| Pohang University of Science and Technology | 7,159,200 KRW | 12,270,700 KRW |
| Kwangwoon University | 6,488,000 KRW - 8,532,000 KRW | 9,868,000 KRW - 13,362,000 KRW |
| Woosuk University | 7,657,900 KRW - 11,857,400 KRW | 9,224,500 KRW - 16,142,900 KRW |
| Sungshin Women’s University | 7,522,000 KRW - 10,692,000 KRW | 8,288,000 KRW - 11,544,000 KRW |
| Pai Chai University | 6,440,000 KRW - 8,048,000 KRW | 11,394,400 KRW - 12,261,200 KRW |
| Daegu University | 5,764,000 KRW - 8,518,000 KRW | 7,042,000 KRW - 10,270,000 KRW |
| Konkuk University | 8,510,000 KRW - 11,164,000 KRW | 10,114,000 KRW - 14,156,000 KRW |
| Chung-Ang University | 8,434,000 KRW - 11,368,000 KRW | 11,624,000 KRW - 15,826,000 KRW |
| Kyonggi University | 6,444,000 KRW - 8,326,000 KRW | 9,458,000 KRW - 11,940,000 KRW |
| Chosun University | 5,728,000 KRW - 7,678,000 KRW | 7,268,000 KRW - 10,170,000 KRW |
| Yonsei University | 8,074,000 KRW - 16,388,000 KRW | 9,708,000 KRW - 18,112,000 KRW |
| Hanyang University | 8,688,000 KRW - 12,870,000 KRW | 16,610,000 KRW - 23,313,900 KRW |
| Wonkwang University | 6,310,000 KRW - 8,610,000 KRW | 8,010,000 KRW - 14,550,000 KRW |
| Dongseo University | 5,548,000 KRW - 6,654,000 KRW | 10,140,000 KRW - 13,230,000 KRW |
| Kyung Hee University | 9,673,800 KRW - 13,186,400 KRW | 10,743,400 KRW - 14,526,400 KRW |
| Ewha Womans University | 8,140,700 KRW - 11,347,600 KRW | 12,055,300 KRW - 14,876,700 KRW |
| Sungkyunkwan University | 11,648,000 KRW - 18,322,000 KRW | |
| Kookmin University | 8,618,000 KRW - 12,694,000 KRW | 10,272,000 KRW - 14,628,000 KRW |
| Hankuk University of Foreign Studies | 7,694,000 KRW - 9,658,000 KRW | 10,162,000 KRW - 11,842,000 KRW |
| Inha University | 6,996,000 KRW - 9,536,000 KRW | 5,992,900 KRW - 11,168,000 KRW |
| Ajou University | 7,592,400 KRW - 9,796,600 KRW | 10,008,000 KRW - 12,730,800 KRW |
| Yeungnam University | 5,826,000 KRW - 9,028,100 KRW | |
| Dankook University | 15,939,800 KRW - 24,846,200 KRW | 22,113,900 KRW - 29,175,600 KRW |
| Handong Global University | 6,038,000 KRW - 7,748,000 KRW | 8,148,000 KRW - 11,292,000 KRW |
| Dong-A University | 6,394,000 KRW - 8,950,000 KRW | 8,498,000 KRW - 11,314,000 KRW |
| Keimyung University | 6,190,000 KRW - 9,110,000 KRW | 3,976,000 KRW - 7,162,000 KRW |
| Sejong University | 8,310,000 KRW - 11,544,000 KRW | 11,026,000 KRW - 14,452,000 KRW |
| Woosong University | 8,218,000 KRW - 12,901,000 KRW | 8,474,000 KRW - 9,414,000 KRW |
| Korea University | 8,600,000 KRW - 11,000,000 KRW | 9,928,000 KRW - 15,810,000 KRW |
| Catholic University of Korea | 8,538,000 KRW - 11,945,000 KRW | 9,284,000 KRW - 12,610,000 KRW |
| Soongsil University | 7,923,800 KRW | |
| Myongji University | 7,444,000 KRW - 10,880,000 KRW | 9,372,000 KRW - 12,288,000 KRW |
| Sogang University | 8,330,000 KRW - 10,884,000 KRW | 9,624,000 KRW - 26,808,000 KRW |
| Gachon University | 7,218,000 KRW - 9,910,000 KRW | 9,016,000 KRW - 12,050,000 KRW |
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in South Korea, check out the Cheap Universities in South Korea!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in South Korea for International Students
Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in South Korea, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.
Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.
In South Korea, English and Korean are the languages of instruction. If you’re looking to study in any of the academic institutions here, you might need to prove language proficiency by taking standardized tests, such as TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo for English. Depending on the institution and the language of instruction for your program, you might also have to prove your language proficiency by submitting TOPIK for Korean.
To give you an idea, here are some universities in South Korea and their required minimum scores for each program level.
Korea National University of Arts
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree
- TOPIK: 2
Inje University
Bachelor’s degree
Kwangju Women’s University
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree
Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.
Application Procedure to Study in South Korea
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in South Korea have online applications available on their websites, like Seoul National University and Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in South Korea.
Seoul National University
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Yonsei University
Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.
After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!
The admission process in South Korea differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.
The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in South Korea.
The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.
4. Visa Application for International Students in South Korea
Now that you’re accepted into your chosen institution, it’s time to apply for a student visa in South Korea. A student visa is an essential document for studying abroad. It’s an important government document that you need to present before going to South Korea as an international student.
In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in South Korea. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a D-visa .
To start your student visa application in South Korea, you will need to present the following:
- Valid passport
- Passport size photo
- Application form
- Certificate of Admission from the university
- Proof of payment of application fee
- ID card
- Invitation Letter from the Ministry of National Defense
- Proof of financing
- Previous school records
Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in South Korea is 40 USD or 60 USD for Single Entry, 70 USD for Double Entry, 90 USD for Multiple Entry.
After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:
- Check the details from your Korean embassy or consulate of the necessary visa requirements prepared
- Complete the application form in the visa portal
- Pay for the application fee
- Submit your application
- Wait for the results after the confirmation invitation, and reception & review of the visa application
- After the results are confirmed, you will receive a visa issuance which you will use to apply for a visa at the Korean embassy in your place.
For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.
That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in South Korea. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!