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Study in South Korea
Korean and English-taught degrees at universities such as Seoul National University and KAIST – with guidance on applications, student visas, costs and student life in South Korea.
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- Region
- Asia
- Capital
- Seoul
- Currency
- KRW
- Language
- Korean
Why Study in South Korea?
Planning to study in South Korea?
Explore universities, courses and scholarships, then start your journey with Application Abroad.
Start My Journey →Reasons international students consider South Korea:
- Technology and innovation – Home to global technology companies.
- Government scholarships – The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS).
- Safe, modern cities – Fast public transport and safe cities.
- Korean culture – Music, film, food and history.
South Korea is a high-tech economy known for innovation and its global cultural influence. Seoul National University, KAIST, Yonsei and Korea University are among its best known, with many courses in English.
This guide covers the education system, how to apply, student visas, the costs to plan for and student life in South Korea. Fees, visa rules and entry requirements change, so always confirm the latest details with the university and official government sources.
Reasons to Study in South Korea
- 01
Technology and innovation
Home to global technology companies.
- 02
Government scholarships
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS).
- 03
Safe, modern cities
Fast public transport and safe cities.
- 04
Korean culture
Music, film, food and history.
Process to Study in South Korea
From counselling to your first day at university
International students usually apply directly to the university through its admissions office or online portal. You will normally need your previous certificates and transcripts (with certified translations into Korean and English if issued in another language), a copy of your passport and, for some programmes, an entrance exam, interview or portfolio. Foreign qualifications may need to be recognised as equivalent before or after admission.
Choose a programme and university
Compare programmes at universities in South Korea such as Seoul National University and KAIST. Check the teaching language and that the institution is recognised.
Check entry requirements
Confirm the academic and language requirements, any entrance exams, and whether your qualifications need to be recognised.
Prepare your documents
Gather certificates, transcripts and your passport, with certified translations into Korean and English where required.
Apply to the university
Apply through the university’s admissions office, online portal or the national application system before the deadline.
Receive your admission letter
Keep your official admission letter – you will need it for your visa or study permit.
Apply for your visa or study permit
Apply for the visa or permit that applies to you through the official authority, using your admission letter.
Plan funds and accommodation
Arrange your finances, health insurance and accommodation, and check vaccination requirements.
Travel and register
Travel to South Korea, complete university registration and any residence formalities after arrival.
Required Documents to Study in South Korea
Documents can vary by university, course and application route. Always confirm current requirements with the relevant institution.
Academic certificates and transcriptsUsually required
School-leaving certificate and, for postgraduate study, your degree certificate and transcripts.
Certified copies and translations into Korean and English may be required.
Valid passportUsually required
Needed for your application, visa and registration.
Ideally valid for your whole stay.
Admission letterUsually required
The official offer or admission letter from your university.
Needed for the visa or study permit.
Proof of financial meansCommonly requested
Bank statements, a sponsor’s letter or a scholarship award letter.
The authorities decide what is accepted.
Language certificateDepends on your situation
Proof of proficiency in the language of instruction.
Depends on the programme and your previous education.
Health insuranceCommonly requested
Proof of health insurance valid for your stay.
Some countries or universities require a specific scheme.
Recognition of qualificationsDepends on your situation
Confirmation that your foreign qualifications are equivalent to local ones.
Your university will tell you if this is needed.
Passport photosCommonly requested
Recent photos in the required format.
Popular Cities in South Korea
Explore cities with universities in South Korea.
Seoul
The capital and main university city.
Daejeon
A science city and home to KAIST.
Busan
A port city in the south.
End-to-End Admissions Guidance
Application Abroad helps you plan every step of studying in South Korea:
Admission and visa decisions are made by universities and the authorities – we never guarantee an outcome.
- Shortlisting universities and programmes, including Seoul National University and KAIST
- Checking entry, language and qualification-recognition requirements
- Preparing certificates, translations and application documents
- Submitting applications and following up with admissions offices
- Preparing your student visa or study permit documents
- Pre-departure planning: accommodation, health insurance and travel
Free Counselling
In person or online, to understand your goals, budget and options.
Country, University & Course Selection
Shortlist universities and courses in South Korea that fit your profile.
Standardized Test Preparation
Guidance on the English and admissions tests your courses ask for.
Application & Admission Assistance
Help preparing, submitting and tracking your applications.
SOP, LOR & Documentation
Support with statements of purpose, recommendation letters and documents.
Scholarship & Internship Assistance
Help exploring scholarships, funding and internship options.
Overseas Education Loan Assistance
Guidance on education loan options and paperwork.
Visa Processing
Help preparing your student visa application and documents.
Remittance, Forex & Accommodation
Support with money transfers, currency exchange and finding a place to live.
Pre-departure Guidance
Briefings on travel, arrival and settling in South Korea.
Language and Exams for South Korea
Language tests and admissions exams that may be relevant for South Korea.
For Korean-taught programmes, applicants usually need a minimum TOPIK level set by each university. For English-taught programmes, applicants whose previous education was not in English may be asked for IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or a similar test, or to take the university’s own English test. Some programmes also have their own entrance exams or aptitude tests.
Exam preparation
Coaching institutes can help you prepare for the language tests and entrance exams that universities in South Korea may ask for.
Why Choose South Korea as an International Student?
South Korea suits international students looking for technology and innovation, government scholarships and safe, modern cities. Seoul National University, KAIST, Yonsei and Korea University are among its best known, with many courses in English.
Student life
Student life centres on campus clubs, sports teams, cultural and faith associations and student unions. Popular student cities include Seoul, Daejeon and Busan. Music, film, food and history.
Support for international students
Contact the university’s international or admissions office for help with admission letters, visa documents, registration and accommodation. Many universities have international student associations, and your country’s embassy can also help.
Before travelling, arrange health insurance, check vaccination requirements and read your government’s travel advice for South Korea.
Working while studying
Students on a D-2 visa can work part-time with permission from the immigration office, within hour limits that depend on their level of study and Korean ability.
After graduation
Staying in South Korea after graduation usually requires changing to a work permit or another residence permit, normally with a job offer from an employer. Check the current options with the immigration authority. A degree from South Korea can also lead to further study or careers across Asia and internationally.
Costs of Studying and Living in South Korea
Tuition fees
Set by each university per year
Often differ for national, regional and international students.
Application and registration fees
Set by each university one-time
Check the university’s admissions page.
Student visa or study permit
Set by the government per application
Confirm with the embassy or immigration authority.
Accommodation
Varies by city and housing type per month
On-campus places are limited.
Living costs
Varies by city and lifestyle per month
Seoul is usually the most expensive city.
Health insurance
Varies by provider per year
Some universities or permits require it.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are set by each university and often differ for national, regional and international students. Private universities set their own fees, which are usually higher than at public universities.
Always check current fees on the university’s official website or with its admissions office before applying, and ask what is included (registration, examinations, materials).
Living costs
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle; Seoul is usually the most expensive place to live in South Korea. Budget for accommodation, food, local transport, health insurance, study materials and visa or residence permit fees.
If your visa or permit application requires proof of funds, the amount is set by the authorities – confirm the current requirement with the embassy or immigration authority.
Accommodation
Some universities offer on-campus halls of residence, but places are often limited, so ask the international or admissions office about housing as soon as you are admitted. Many students rent shared flats or rooms privately near campus.
Arrange temporary accommodation for your first weeks, view private housing before paying a deposit, and ask for a written rental agreement.
Visa to Study in South Korea
Degree students usually need a D-2 student visa, applied for at a Korean embassy or consulate with the certificate of admission from the university.
Typical requirements include a valid passport, the admission letter, proof of funds, health insurance or a medical certificate where required and passport photos. Requirements, fees and processing times vary by nationality, so always confirm them with the official authority.
Always confirm current visa requirements with the official government or immigration source.
Language Requirements to Study in South Korea
Programmes are taught in Korean, with many courses and some full programmes in English.
For Korean-taught programmes, applicants usually need a minimum TOPIK level set by each university. For English-taught programmes, applicants whose previous education was not in English may be asked for IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or a similar test, or to take the university’s own English test.
Minimum scores and accepted tests are set by each university and programme – check the admission requirements for your course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Ask Application Abroad →
Can international students study in South Korea?
Yes. Universities in South Korea such as Seoul National University and KAIST admit international students. Entry requirements, places and fees vary by university and programme, so check the admission requirements for your course.
What language are university programmes taught in South Korea?
Programmes are taught in Korean, with many courses and some full programmes in English. For Korean-taught programmes, applicants usually need a minimum TOPIK level set by each university. For English-taught programmes, applicants whose previous education was not in English may be asked for IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or a similar test, or to take the university’s own English test.
Do I need a visa to study in South Korea?
Degree students usually need a D-2 student visa, applied for at a Korean embassy or consulate with the certificate of admission from the university.
How much does it cost to study in South Korea?
Tuition fees are set by each university and often differ for national, regional and international students; living costs depend on the city, with Seoul usually the most expensive. Check current fees with the university before applying.
Can I work while studying in South Korea?
Students on a D-2 visa can work part-time with permission from the immigration office, within hour limits that depend on their level of study and Korean ability.
Planning to study in South Korea?
Explore universities, courses, scholarships and other study-abroad options — then take the next step with Application Abroad.
Study in South Korea
Start My Journey →