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South Korea is one of the most famous destinations in the world. Its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural wonders, delicious cuisines and globally acclaimed pop culture attract thousands of tourists annually. South Korea is now considered among the most advanced democracies in continental and East Asia. Under the 1987 constitution, it maintains a unitary presidential republic with a popularly elected unicameral legislature, the National Assembly. South Korea is renowned for its vibrant culture, including K-pop and K-dramas, as well as its rich history, technological advancements, and delicious cuisine, particularly kimchi. South Korea is a popular destination for international students, offering a blend of traditional culture and modern technology, with a growing number of universities ranked among the top globally and various scholarships available.
South Korea offers a compelling study abroad experience due to its high-quality education, vibrant culture, and booming economy, making it a desirable destination for international students. South Korea is a popular destination for international students, with many universities offering programs in English and a growing focus on attracting foreign students, aiming to become a top 10 study abroad destination by 2027.
Here’s a more detailed look at why you might consider studying in South Korea:
South Korea boasts some of the best universities in Asia, including Seoul National University (SNU), Korea University (KU), and Yonsei University (YU), often referred to as the “SKY universities”.
South Korea is a leader in engineering and technology, offering advanced academic programs and research opportunities in these fields.
Korean universities are known for their high-quality education and focus on innovation and modernization.
South Korea is very well located. It is within close proximity to many Asian countries including China and Japan. With the cheap travel costs, it is relatively easy to travel to them.
South Korea is known for its low crime rates and is considered a safe place to study abroad.
International students are actively encouraged and welcomed in South Korea, with a strong community of international students.
South Korea’s booming economy and global companies offer numerous internship and employment opportunities for students.
In compared to Western countries, both education costs and living expenditures are quite low. The average expense of a foreign student studying in Korea is about USD $6,500 (INR 4.6 Lacs) a year.
Korea University (KU) is a popular choice for international students due to its strong academic programs, global network, supportive environment, and location in the vibrant city of Seoul, offering a blend of tradition and modernity
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), known for its academic excellence and global focus, is a popular choice for international students, offering a diverse campus community and a wide array of courses across various fields.
Yonsei University is a top choice for international students due to its strong academic reputation, diverse programs, vibrant campus life, and location in the heart of Seoul, offering a blend of academic excellence and cultural immersion.
• Seoul National University (SNU) is a highly regarded institution, especially for international students, due to its strong academic reputation, global collaborations, diverse campus life, and comprehensive support services, including English-taught courses and various scholarships.
• Hanyang University is a strong choice for international students due to its high academic standing, particularly in STEM fields, its diverse international programs, and its location in the vibrant city of Seoul, offering a rich cultural experience.
Here’s a list of some of South Korea’s most famous universities, along with their locations:
| University | Location |
| Seoul National University | Seoul |
| Yonsei University | Seoul |
| Korea University | Seoul |
| Sungkyunkwan University | Seoul |
| Hanyang University | Seoul |
| Sejong University | Seoul |
| Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) | Pohang |
| Kyungpook National University | Daegu |
| Ewha Womans University | Seoul |
| Chung-Ang University | Seoul |
For students aiming to study in South Korea, popular programs include technology and computer science, business and management, and engineering, with universities like KAIST, Seoul National University, and Yonsei University being top choices.
Here’s a more detailed look at popular programs and top universities:
To study in South Korea, Indian students generally need a high school diploma, proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL), and a D-2 visa, with specific requirements depending on the program and scholarship.
General Requirements:
High School Diploma or Equivalent: Proof of completion of secondary education is a fundamental requirement.
English Language Proficiency:
1. For English-taught programs: Valid TOEFL (71+) or IELTS (5.5+) scores are usually required.
2. For programs taught in Korean: A Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) score of 80+ is often required.
South Korean universities typically have two main intakes: Spring (March/April) and fall (September/October), and you should apply around six months before your desired start date.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Indian students seeking to study in South Korea can explore various scholarships, including the
1. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS),
2. Yonsei University scholarship
3. KFAS scholarship
4. UNIST Scholarship
5. Korea University Scholarship,
6. Korean Language Scholarship
7. Seoul National University Scholarship,
8. and KAIST International Student Scholarship
9. Samsung Global Hope Scholarship program
10. Changwon National University Scholarship
Here are the key details of some of the major scholarships
| Scholarship | Details |
| Global Korea Scholarship |
|
| GKS for ASEAN Nations |
|
| Korean Government Scholarship Program | 1. Korean and Indian government partnership 2. Masters, Doctorate and Post-doctorate programs in the field of Biotechnology, Electrical Engineering, Korean Language, and International Relations |
To study in South Korea, you need a D-2 Student Visa. This visa allows you to study in South Korea for more than 90 days.
Documents required
Additional requirements
1. You may need to take an IELTS test to prove your English language proficiency.
2. Most South Korean universities require an IELTS score between 6.0 and 7.0.
3. The processing time for a South Korean visa for Indian citizens is usually between 5 and 15 business days.
Visa renewal: If you plan to stay in South Korea for longer than 90 days, you can purchase a 90-day student visa and then renew it once you are in Korea.
Visa application: You can apply for a D-2 visa inside Korea if you are the national of a visa waived country.
International students in South Korea can work part-time while studying, typically up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and potentially more during breaks, but require permission from the local immigration office and their university.
Eligibility and Requirements:
• D-2 Student Visa:
International students holding a D-2 student visa are eligible to work part-time in South Korea.
• Permission Required:
You must obtain permission from the local immigration office or the head of the branch office to work part-time.
• University Approval:
Many universities also require approval from their Global Services Center (GSC) before students can work outside the university.
• TOPIK Scores:
Some regulations may require a certain level of Korean proficiency, as indicated by the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) scores.
• Part-Time Work Confirmation Form:
Before starting work, you need to prepare a “Part-Time Work of Foreign Student Confirmation Form” with supporting documents for approval.
International students in South Korea can engage in part-time work, but they need to obtain necessary permissions and adhere to visa regulations, often with limitations on working hours. Popular options include English teaching, hospitality, and retail, with some restrictions on certain industries.
Eligibility and Regulations:
Visa Requirements:
International students on a student visa (D-2) need to obtain prior permission from the Global Services Canter (GSC) and the immigration office to work outside the university.
South Korea offers diverse career prospects, with strong opportunities in technology, engineering, hospitality, and language teaching, particularly for native English speakers, with some multinational companies also recruiting globally.
Here’s a more detailed look at career prospects in South Korea:
South Korea, job prospects are strong in sectors like:
South Korea Boasts Several Globally Recognized Companies, Including Samsung Electronics,
The cost to study in South Korea can range from INR 2,50,377 to INR 8,34,591 per year, depending on the program and university.
| Associate degree | About $1,500–$2,600 per semester |
| Undergraduate course | About $1,600–$10,000 per semester |
| Postgraduate program | About $1,100–$10,000 per semester |
| Korea University | Tuition fees range from INR 4 L to INR 26 L per year |
| Accommodation | University dormitories are the cheapest option, costing around US$280 to US$1,300 per semester |
| Public transit | A one-way public transport ticket costs around one US dollar, or alternatively a monthly pass would be US$50 |
| Food | A supermarket shop will set you back about ₩80,000 (£50) a week |
