Study and find schools in South Korea

Studying in South Korea

South Korea has become one of Asia's main destinations for international students. According to the Ministry of Education figures published on the government's Study in Korea portal, Korean higher education institutions had 253,434 international students in 2025, up from 91,332 in 2015. Most come from China and Vietnam, followed by Uzbekistan, Mongolia and Nepal.

Programmes are taught in Korean or in English. Universities set a minimum Korean level for Korean-taught programmes and an English level for English-taught ones, and Korean language training is a large sector of its own: 58,764 international students were in language training in 2025.

The education system in South Korea

Korean higher education consists of bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes at universities and vocational colleges, plus university-affiliated Korean language programmes. The main programmes and their usual length are:

• Associate degree programmes at junior colleges: 2 years, or 3 years in fields such as nursing and some health and marine subjects
• Bachelor's degrees: 4 years, or 6 years for medicine, Oriental medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and pharmacy
• Master's and doctoral programmes at graduate schools: 2 years or more each, or 4 years or more for integrated programmes
• Korean language training: long courses of 10 weeks or more and short courses of 4 weeks or less

Universities are national, public or private. National universities receive government funding, which generally makes their tuition fees lower than those of private universities. International students can enrol in regular degree programmes, in short-term exchange programmes arranged between partner universities, or in language programmes. Distance-learning institutions such as cyber universities do not accept international students.

Admission and recognition

To enter a bachelor's programme you need a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification recognised by law; master's and doctoral programmes require a bachelor's or master's degree. Each university runs its own admission process and sets its own schedule and requirements, so check the admission guidelines of every programme you apply to.

Language is the key requirement. For Korean-taught programmes, applicants usually submit a score from TOPIK, the Test of Proficiency in Korean; some universities also accept the Korea Immigration and Integration Program or King Sejong Institute certificates. TOPIK scores are valid for two years. English-taught programmes ask for proof of English proficiency instead.

Student visa and residence

After admission, students apply for a visa at the Korean embassy or consulate in their home country. Degree students need a D-2 visa (with sub-types for associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes, research and exchange students); Korean language students and other non-degree trainees need a D-4 visa. A D-2 visa allows a stay of up to two years per issuance, with extensions depending on the programme. Typical documents include:

• A passport copy and a recent photo
• The university's standard admission letter and business registration certificate
• Proof of the highest level of education
• Proof of financial ability
• A tuberculosis test result, where applicable

Visa processing fees are around $60 for a single-entry visa for stays of 91 days or more, according to Study in Korea (checked October 2026). Requirements vary by country, so confirm them with the Korean mission where you apply.

Costs

Study in Korea publishes average annual tuition fees from the Academy Info database. For bachelor's degrees, the average is about KRW 4.27 million at national and public universities and about KRW 7.63 million at private universities. Graduate programmes average about KRW 4.22 million. Fees are higher in fields such as engineering, arts and medicine.

The same portal estimates average living expenses at about KRW 750,000 to 1,000,000 a month, with housing at KRW 500,000 to 700,000; other monthly costs include mobile phone, internet and health insurance. The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) from the Korean government covers airfare, Korean language training, tuition and a monthly allowance; it selects about 280 undergraduate and 1,600 graduate students.

Where to study

Seoul has the largest concentration of universities in our directory, including Kyung Hee University, Ewha Womans University and Sookmyung Women's University, and the KDI School of Public Policy and Management, a graduate school with over 200 international students from more than 40 countries. Hankuk University of Foreign Studies runs an International Summer Session in Korean and Asian Studies with courses such as "Food, Film, and Korean Society".

Outside the capital, Ajou University in Suwon (Yeongtong-gu) traces its origins to an engineering college founded in 1973, SolBridge International School of Business in Daejeon reports that 80% of its professors are international, and Gyeongkuk National University in Andong describes itself as a key national university and a Glocal University in its region.

Business administration, chemistry, civil engineering, international relations and public administration are among the subjects most often offered by the Korean schools in our directory.

Working while studying and practical life

International students on D-2 or D-4 visas can work part time if they have a certain level of Korean and obtain permission from the local immigration office. Part-time work is limited to 30 hours a week for undergraduates and 35 hours for graduate students, with no limit at weekends and in vacations. After graduation, D-2 holders who meet the requirements can change to a job-seeking (D-10) or employment visa.

Plan your housing early: university dormitories are cheaper than private rooms, and sharing an apartment can cut costs. Public transport is affordable; Study in Korea puts a monthly pass in Seoul at around KRW 61,300.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in South Korea in English?

Yes. Some programmes are taught in English and require proof of English proficiency, for example at the KDI School and SolBridge. Korean-taught programmes usually require a TOPIK score.

Which visa do I need to study in Korea?

Degree students need a D-2 student visa and language or non-degree students a D-4 visa, applied for at a Korean embassy or consulate after you receive your admission letter.

How much does it cost to study in South Korea?

Average annual tuition for a bachelor's degree is about KRW 4.27 million at national and public universities and KRW 7.63 million at private ones, and living costs average KRW 750,000 to 1,000,000 a month, according to Study in Korea.

Can international students work in Korea?

Yes, with permission from the immigration office and a minimum Korean level: up to 30 hours a week for undergraduates and 35 for graduate students during term.

Are there scholarships for international students?

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) covers airfare, language training, tuition and a monthly allowance, and many universities offer their own scholarships.