Study in South Korea

About South Korea?

Korea is a peninsula in East Asia currently divided into two sovereign states: South Korea (Republic of Korea) and North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea). South Korea is rich for its technological innovation, global brands (Samsung, LG), and dominant industries like semiconductors, automobiles, shipbuilding, and electronics.
Korea is famous for its dynamic blend of ancient traditions and hyper-modernity, particularly South Korea’s global cultural influence (the “Korean Wave” or Hallyu) through K-pop (BTS, Blackpink), K-dramas, and hit films like Parasite, alongside its advanced technology, fast internet, unique cuisine (kimchi, BBQ), distinctive beauty/fashion, and rich history seen in temples and palaces like Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul.
South Korea offers a very friendly study environment with high safety, welcoming locals, affordable costs, and excellent infrastructure, complemented by vibrant campus life, numerous student clubs, English-taught programs, and government support, making it a great blend of traditional culture and modern innovation for international students.

Key Facts:

  • Location: Asia in Southern part of the Korean Peninsula, North Korea (along the DMZ)
  • Area: Around 100,363 km².
  • Capital: Seoul
  • Currency: South Korean won
  • Languages: Korean, Korean Sign Language
  • Economy: approx. $1.8-$1.9 trillion
  • Culture: steeped in traditions, respect for etiquette and explosive global pop culture (K-pop/K-drama)
  • Total population: 51.05 million

Why study in Korea?

Studying in Korea offers a blend of world-class education, especially in tech, with strong career prospects in its booming economy, alongside an affordable cost of living and rich cultural immersion, from ancient traditions to vibrant K-culture, all within a safe, technologically advanced, and innovative environment with numerous scholarships and English-taught programs available.

1. High-Quality Education: Korea boasts globally recognized universities and a highly competitive, academically strong system, excelling in STEM, Business, and Arts.
2. High Quality of Life: Enjoy fast delivery, 24/7 convenience stores, excellent infrastructure, and a safe environment.
3. Tech & IT Leader: Experience innovation firsthand with expertise in ICT, robotics, and advanced tech, offering practical skills with major companies like Samsung and LG.
4. English Programs: A growing number of programs are taught in English, making quality education accessible to international students.
5. Career Opportunities: Strong career development support and potential for international employment.
6. Scholarships: Generous government (Global Korea Scholarship) and university scholarships are available.
7. Travel: Explore diverse natural landscapes, from beaches to mountains, with easy travel within the country.
8. Strong Economy: As Asia’s fourth-largest economy, it offers excellent job opportunities, particularly in tech, manufacturing, and finance.
9. Blend of Old & New: Experience ancient palaces alongside futuristic cities.
10. Public Safety: Korea is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, with very low crime rates.

Top 10 universityes in south korea

University 
1. Seoul National University 
2. Yonsei University 
3. Korea University 
4. Sungkyunkwan University 
5. Hanyang University 
6. Sejong University 
7. Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) 
8. Kyungpook National University 
9. Ewha Womans University 
10. Chung-Ang  University 

 

Study in South Korea Key Facts

So.No.

Key Fact

 

1.

Top Courses

  • AI and Data Science
  • Engineering
  • Business Management & Administration
  • International Relations & Affairs
  • Korean Language, Culture, & Studies
  • Biotechnology & Life Sciences
  • Media, Design & Communications
  • Accounting & Finance
  • Architecture & Civil Engineering
  • Social Sciences & Tourism

2.

Duration

  • Undergraduate (Bachelor’s): 4 years.
  • Postgraduate (Master’s): 1.5 – 2 years.
  • Doctoral (PhD): 2 – 3 years.

3.

Eligibility & Requirements

  • Language:

1.        English Taught: TOEFL 71+ (Undergrad/Masters) or 79+ (PhD); IELTS 5.5 – 6.5.

2.        Korean Taught: TOPIK Level 3 or 4.

  • Age: Generally under 25 for undergraduate, under 40 for graduate programs.
  • Documentation: Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LOR), Resume/CV, and proof of funds.
  • Visa Requirement: A D-2 student visa is required for stays longer than 90 days,

4

Minimum Qualifications

  • Academic Background: Completion of 12 years of education (10+2) is required for undergraduate admission.
  • Academic Performance: Competitive programs often look for a high percentage, generally above 70-80% in previous studies.

5.

Approximate Fees (Per Semester)

  • Public Universities: USD 1,500 – USD 6,000.
  • Private Universities: USD 3,000 – USD 8,000.
  • Living Costs: Relatively affordable, but vary by location (Seoul is higher).

6.

Intake

  • Spring Semester – Main Intake (Starts in March)
  • Fall Semester – (Starts in September)

7.

Top University

  • Seoul National University (SNU)
  • KAIST – Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
  • Yonsei University
  • Korea University (KU)
  • Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)

Top programs to study in South Korea

  • Technology & Engineering: South Korea excels in innovation, making programs like Computer Science, AI, Data Science, Robotics, Electronics, and Software Engineering top choices.
  • Business & Economics: Business Administration, Finance, and Economics are popular, aligning with Korea’s strong global business presence.
  • Healthcare & Medical Sciences: With advancements in biotech, these programs are seeing high demand.
  • Design & Arts: Fields like Interior Design and K-Content Media Studies are gaining traction.
  • Language & Culture: Korean Language & Cultural Studies are essential for deeper immersion.

Eligibility criteria for international students in study South Korea

General Eligibility & Academics

  • Nationality: Applicants and parents must generally hold non-Korean citizenship.
  • Education: 12 years of education (10+2) for undergrad; Bachelor’s for Master’s; Master’s for PhD.
  • GPA: Often a minimum GPA (e.g., 2.5/4.0 or 80%) is required.

Language Proficiency

  • Korean-Taught: Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) score is needed.
  • English-Taught: TOEFL or IELTS scores (e.g., IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL 90+).

Intakes in South Korean Universities

Spring Intake (March Start)

  • Application Period: Around August/September to November.
  • Start Date: Classes begin in March, marking the start of the Korean academic year.
  • Best For: Many top universities prioritize this intake, offering numerous opportunities.

Fall Intake (September Start)

  • Application Period: Around March to June.
  • Start Date: Classes begin in September.

Scholarships for International Students to Study in South Korea

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

ScholarshipDetails
Global Korea Scholarship
  • Be under 40 years of age
  • Have a high school diploma or be expected to graduate by a certain date
  • Have a minimum GPA of 80% or be in the top 20% of your class 
  • Be in good health, both mentally and physically
  • Have no criminal history or other grounds for disqualification for overseas travel
GKS for ASEAN Nations
  • Applicants must be citizens of countries designated by NIIED (National Institute for International Education) and invited to participate in the GKS program.
  • Applicants must be under 40 years old as of September 1st of the inviting year (with exceptions for academic professors).
  • Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree as of July 31st of the inviting year.
  • Applicants must have maintained a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) equivalent to or higher than 80% in their previous degree program. 
Korean Government Scholarship Program1. Korean and Indian government partnership
2. Masters, Doctorate and Post-doctorate programs in the field of Biotechnology, Electrical Engineering, Korean Language, and International Relations

 

Student Visa to Study in South Korea

Visa Type: For long-term degree/exchange programs, you’ll get a D-2 visa.

Key Steps

1. University Admission: Apply to and get accepted by a Korean university, obtaining the crucial Certificate of Admission (COA).

2. Document Preparation:
• Passport (valid for 6+ months).
• Completed Application Form.
• Passport-sized photos.
• Certificate of Admission (COA).
• University’s Business Permit.
• Proof of Financial Stability (bank statements, parents’ income proof).
• Academic Records (transcripts, diplomas, often apostilled).
• Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate from an accredited hospital.

3. Embassy Submission: Visit the Korean Embassy/Consulate in your country with all documents and pay the fee (varies, around $40-$60 USD for single entry).
4. Receive Visa: Wait for processing (approx. 7-10 days) and collect your visa before your departure.

Work while Studying in South Korea

you can work part-time while studying in South Korea on a student visa (D-2/D-4) after six months, but you need:

  • Eligibility: After 6 months of study, good GPA, & attendance.
  • Permission: Must get approval from your university’s international office and the immigration office.
  • TOPIK Level: Impacts hours: Level 2 (20 hrs/wk), Level 3 (25 hrs/wk), Level 4+ (more hours).
  • Semester: 20-30 hours/week (varies by program/TOPIK).
  • Vacation/Weekends: Full-time allowed.
  • Job Restrictions: No construction, private tutoring (without extra permits), or jobs requiring E-visas (professional roles).
  • T & Tech
  • Engineering
  • Healthcare
  • Finance & Accounting
  • Logistics & Manufacturing
  • Hospitality & Tourism

Salary Trends (Annual)

  • Average: ₩35M – ₩85M (approx. $25k – $60k USD, varying by source/experience).
  • IT/Tech: ₩50M – 90M+ (experienced).
  • Healthcare: ₩45M – 70M.
  • Finance: ₩40M – 90M+ (experienced).
  • Hospitality: ₩25M – 38M.
  • Top Roles: Pilots, Surgeons, Executives earn significantly more ($90k – $128k+ USD).

Top Recruiters in South Korea

  • Robert Walters,
  • Korn Ferry,
  • JAC Group,
  • Stanton Chase,
  • Antal Korea
  • Gini Talent:
  • HelloPartners:
  • Venture People Corp.:
  • Sky Executive:
  • JB Hired:
  • SVA Recruitment:

Cost of Studying in south korea

studying in South Korea can be expensive, especially in Seoul, but affordability varies greatly by university (public is cheaper), program (humanities cheaper than engineering/medicine), and lifestyle, with total costs ranging roughly from $7,000 to over $20,000 USD annually, but scholarships like GKS can significantly lower expenses.

Tuition Fees in South Korea

Undergraduate$2,000 – $8,000 USD (₹1.6 – ₹6.6 Lakhs INR).
Postgraduate$2,500 – $9,000 USD (₹2 – ₹7.5 Lakhs INR).
Public UniversitiesAround $3,000+ USD per semester.
Private Universities

Around $4,500+ USD per semester, often for English-taught programs.

 

Cost of Living in South Korea

The cost of living in South Korea varies, with a single person spending roughly ₩1.8 to ₩2.8 million (approx. $1,350–$2,100 USD) monthly.

AccommodationUniversity 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
FoodA supermarket shop will set you back about ₩80,000 (£50) a week

 

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