Study abroad
Study in North Korea
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in North Korea
Thinking about studying in North Korea? The country is in East Asia, with higher education centred on cities such as Pyongyang, Hamhung and Chongjin. Programmes range from bachelor’s degrees to master’s and doctoral study, depending on the institution, and cover fields from engineering and computing to health, business and the arts.
Students interested in infrastructure, agriculture and healthcare may find the local context especially relevant. Many courses are taught in Korean, and some institutions also offer programmes in English. The sections below cover subjects, intakes, costs, funding and student visas so you can plan your next steps.
Opportunities for international students are more limited than in many countries and entry rules can be strict, so confirm every step directly with institutions and official authorities. Before planning a move, read your government's current travel advice for North Korea and ask institutions how they support international students.
Why study in North Korea?
Students choose North Korea for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in East Asia. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Engineering, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences and Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, with options differing between universities.
- Industry context: Infrastructure, agriculture and healthcare matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Cities and campus life: Pyongyang, Hamhung and Chongjin each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in North Korea means everyday contact with Korean and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Look closely at course content, entry requirements and student support, and think about where you would like the qualification to take you.
Top subjects to study in North Korea
Choosing a subject is the first big decision. For North Korea, the areas below are a sensible place to begin; they reflect local strengths such as infrastructure, agriculture and healthcare, not a league table.
- Engineering
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Education, PGCE & Teaching
- Science
- Business & Management
Because infrastructure, agriculture and healthcare matter locally, students in related fields may find useful context for projects and internships. Each subject has its own page for North Korea on this site, with its specializations.
Before settling on a subject, compare a few programmes side by side: their modules, how they are taught and assessed, and the options they open up after graduation.
Universities in North Korea
Higher education in North Korea is provided by a small number of institutions, so it is worth checking which programmes and qualifications each one offers. Institutions include:
- Kim Il-sung University
This is not a ranking or a complete list. Use official university websites to compare course structure, admission criteria, fees and student support, and confirm that the institution and qualification are properly recognised.
Consider class sizes, campus facilities, links with employers and the support offered to international students on arrival, as these shape your day-to-day experience.
Scholarships to Study in North Korea
Finding funding for North Korea takes time, so start looking as soon as you have a shortlist of courses.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by North Korea
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Eligibility, the amount of support and deadlines vary, and competition can be strong. Apply to several suitable options and confirm what each award covers. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in North Korea
Academic calendars in North Korea differ between institutions and programmes, so there is no single start date that applies everywhere.
Plan early. Popular courses can close well before the start date, and international applicants usually need extra time for translations, language tests, scholarship applications and visas. Each institution publishes its own deadlines, so check them for every course on your list.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in North Korea
Tuition in North Korea varies widely: public and private institutions, subjects and study levels can all have different fees.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Longer programmes, foundation years and placements all affect the total you will need, so build your budget from the institution’s current published fees.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in North Korea
Whether you need a visa to study in North Korea depends mainly on your nationality and the length of your programme.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of North Korea in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in North Korea
A realistic budget for life in North Korea starts with housing, which is usually the largest single expense. Costs in Pyongyang can differ noticeably from those in Hamhung or Chongjin and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Universities often publish current estimates of living costs; use them as a starting point and add a buffer for unexpected expenses.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in North Korea
What are the advantages of studying in North Korea?
It depends on your goals. North Korea offers programmes across many subjects, a location in East Asia and study in Korean (with some English-taught options). Students interested in infrastructure, agriculture and healthcare may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in North Korea?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Engineering, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies and Education, PGCE & Teaching. The subjects page for North Korea lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When should I apply to universities in North Korea?
Start dates vary between institutions. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in North Korea?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in North Korea?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of North Korea.
Are scholarships available for international students in North Korea?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Where do international students live in North Korea?
Pyongyang, Hamhung and Chongjin are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in North Korea?
Many courses are taught in Korean. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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