Transferring Between Nations: Iran To Korea

Transferring from an Iranian university to a Korean college is possible, but there are several steps that must be taken. The process can be complex, and it is important to note that each university has its own specific requirements and guidelines for transfer students. It is recommended that prospective transfer students contact the International Programs office of their desired Korean university to inquire about the process and any available scholarships or grants. Additionally, there may be challenges in getting credit for classes taken at the Iranian university, as the new Korean university will have specific required credits that must be met.

Transferring credits from an Iranian university to a Korean college

Yonsei University

Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, offers an International Students Track for transfer students wishing to join the Underwood International College (UIC) at the junior level. To be eligible, applicants must be non-Korean citizens with both parents as non-Korean citizens. Additionally, applicants must have completed their freshman and sophomore years or subsequent years, or hold an Associate of Arts (AA) degree from a recognised college or university.

For transfer students, the university requires a minimum of 63 credits (68 for the Integrated Science and Engineering Division, or ISE) and at least half of the credits necessary for graduation from their previous university. In the case of three-year British universities, two-thirds of the credits are required. Transfer applicants must submit official transcripts, including confirmation of credits earned, during the application period.

Korea University

Korea University in Seoul allows the transfer of credits for courses taken at domestic or international universities for general transfer students. The university has specific regulations regarding credit transfers, including a maximum of 17 credits per semester (18 for the college/division and department/division under Article 12(2) of the KU Academic Regulations). Courses and credits accepted by the university will be marked as 'S' on the academic transcript and cannot be retaken.

For transfer students to the College of Education, credit transfer for major courses will only be approved if the student's major at the previously attended school is the same as their major at Korea University. General transfer students can receive credit for up to half of the minimum required credits for the required subjects of their first and second majors and/or dual degree programmes.

Application process for international students

The application process for international students wanting to study in South Korea can be straightforward, but it is important to ensure you have all the required documents and that you meet the deadlines. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Step 1: Choosing a University and Programme

Firstly, decide on the university you wish to attend. South Korea has many prestigious institutions, including Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University, known as the SKY Universities. Other notable universities include Hankuk University, Hanyang University, and Dong-A University.

Once you have chosen your university, select the programme you wish to study. This could be in areas such as Business, Social Sciences, Engineering, or Korean Studies. Check the specific entry requirements for your chosen programme, including academic ability, test scores, and language proficiency.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

The documents you need will vary depending on your situation. For instance, if you are currently enrolled at a university in your home country, you will need to provide an official transcript of records and a certificate of enrolment. If you are applying for a bachelor's degree programme, you will need to provide official high school transcripts and graduation certificates. A full list of requirements can be found on the website of your chosen university.

Step 3: Submit Application and Fee

Complete your application form and submit it before the deadline, along with the required documents. You will also need to pay an application fee, which is non-refundable.

Step 4: Await Document Screening and Interview

After submitting your application, the university will review your documents. If your application is successful, you will be invited for an interview. For example, Korea University will send an invitation for an interview within 3-4 weeks of the document screening.

Step 5: Acceptance and Tuition Fee Payment

Following the interview, the university will notify you of the outcome. If your application is successful, you will receive an acceptance letter. You will then need to pay the tuition fee to secure your place.

Additional Considerations:

• Timing: International students should apply to Korean universities six months in advance of their intended start date. For a fall start, apply in March or April, and for a spring start, apply in September or October.
• Scholarships: Consider applying for scholarships to help fund your studies. Korean universities offer a range of scholarships based on merit and eligibility requirements.
• Visa Requirements: If you are successful in gaining a place at a Korean university, you will need to apply for a student visa. The required documents for a visa include your passport, certificate of admission, ID card, and proof of insurance.
• Learning Korean: While not always necessary, learning the Korean language can enhance your experience in Korea, both academically and socially.

Example Timeline: Korea University

Korea University is one of the SKY Universities and has a competitive selection policy with an acceptance rate of 8%. It offers international admissions in Spring and Fall, with specific deadlines for undergraduate and graduate programmes.

For Spring admission, the process begins around April, and for Fall admission, it starts around October. Exact dates can vary, so check the university website for the most up-to-date information.

Document Submission

After submitting your application, you will need to upload the required documents. At Korea University, this usually occurs in October for Spring admission and includes items such as transcripts, certificates, and letters of recommendation.

Interview Stage

Depending on the programme and your situation, you may be required to undertake an interview. For instance, at Korea University, international applicants for the Master's Degree Programme usually do not have an interview, but one may be requested if the admissions committee determines it is necessary.

Acceptance and Tuition Fees

Following a successful interview, you will receive an acceptance letter and will need to pay the tuition fees. At Korea University, this usually occurs in December, and the fees can be paid via bank transfer, ATM, internet banking, or other methods.

Visa Requirements

To apply for a student visa in Korea, you will need to provide proof of funds. For example, at Korea University, you must submit an original document showing a bank statement of KRW 20 million (USD 20,000).

Commencement of Studies

Once you have completed all the necessary steps and received your visa, you can start planning your move to Korea and preparing for your studies. The Spring semester at Korea University usually begins in March.

Requirements for international students

International students wanting to transfer to a Korean college or university must meet certain requirements. These requirements may vary depending on the educational program and institution, so it is important to check the specific requirements of the desired educational institution. Here are some general requirements and guidelines for international students seeking to transfer to a Korean college or university:

Language Proficiency:

• Language requirements may vary depending on the institution and program. Some institutions may require international students to provide proof of proficiency in the Korean language, such as a minimum score of Level 3 on the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK).
• Other institutions may offer English-taught programs with different language requirements, such as a minimum score of TOEFL 71 and IELTS 5.5 for undergraduate and master's-level programs, and TOEFL 79 and IELTS 6 for PhD-level programs.
• It is worth noting that students studying in English may still need to achieve a certain level of Korean language proficiency by the time they graduate.

Academic Requirements:

• For undergraduate programs, international students typically need to provide high school transcripts and certificates, as well as proof of English or Korean language proficiency.
• For master's programs, in addition to the requirements for undergraduate programs, students will need to provide a bachelor's degree diploma and transcripts.
• PhD programs may have additional application requirements, such as work experience or other application documents.

Financial Requirements:

• Korean universities often require proof of financial capability to ensure that international students can afford their studies and living expenses.
• This usually involves providing a bank statement in the student's name or a family member's name, demonstrating a minimum balance of $20,000 USD or the equivalent in Korean won.
• The specific amount may vary depending on the university and the location, with universities outside of major metropolitan regions having lower thresholds.

Application Fees:

Korean universities typically charge an application fee, which covers the cost of processing the application. The average application fee for Korean universities ranges from $20 to $200 USD.

Visas:

• International students typically need to obtain a student visa to study in South Korea. The type of visa required may depend on the university, with some requiring a D-2 Visa and others accepting a D-4 Visa.
• The D-4 Visa is specifically for language studies, allowing students to learn Korean in South Korea. To be eligible for a university program and work in South Korea, a D-2 Visa is usually required.
• Students should ensure that they extend their visas as needed, either every 6 months or 1 year, for the duration of their studies.

Transfer Credits:

• Transferring credits from a previous university is an important consideration for international students. Most Korean universities will have requirements for the minimum number of credits earned and the proportion of credits required for graduation.
• For example, at Underwood International College, transfer students are expected to have earned a certain number of credits, which varies depending on the program and the previous university's location.

Prospective international students are advised to consult the websites of their desired Korean universities and the South Korean embassy or consulate in their home country for detailed and up-to-date information on requirements and application processes.

English proficiency requirements

If you're an Iranian university student looking to transfer to a Korean college, it's important to understand the English proficiency requirements that may be necessary as part of the application process. While the specific requirements can vary depending on the college and program you're applying to, here are some general guidelines and information to help you prepare.

English Proficiency Tests

Many Korean colleges and universities require international students to demonstrate their English language proficiency as part of the admission process. This is usually done by taking a standardized English language test such as the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). These tests assess your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in English.

• TOEFL: The TOEFL test is widely accepted by educational institutions around the world, including those in South Korea. It is offered in two formats: TOEFL iBT (internet-based testing) and TOEFL ITP (institutional testing program). The test covers reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. You will receive a score between 0 and 120, with higher scores indicating stronger English proficiency.
• IELTS: The IELTS test is another popular option and is often accepted by Korean colleges. The IELTS Academic test is typically required for students planning to study at the university level. It assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through various tasks. The IELTS test uses a band score system, with scores ranging from 1 (non-user) to 9 (expert user).

Required Scores

The required scores for English proficiency tests can vary depending on the specific college and program you're applying to. It's important to check the requirements for your intended institution and program. As an example, here are the approximate IELTS score requirements for undergraduate and graduate admissions at a few top-ranked universities in South Korea:

• Seoul National University (SNU): Undergraduate - 6.0 to 7.0 or higher; Graduate - 6.5 to 7.0 or higher
• Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST): Undergraduate - 6.5 to 7.0 or higher
• Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH): Undergraduate - 6.5 to 7.0 or higher
• Ewha Womans University: Graduate - 6.5 to 7.0 or higher

Alternative Options

In some cases, Korean colleges may accept alternative forms of English proficiency demonstration instead of standardized tests. These could include:

• Proof of prior education in English: If you have previously attended an English-medium school or university, you may be able to submit transcripts or certificates as evidence of your English proficiency.
• English proficiency interview: Some colleges may conduct an interview, usually with an admissions officer or faculty member, to assess your English language skills.
• English proficiency courses: Taking English language courses at a recognized institution can sometimes be accepted as proof of English proficiency.

Preparation and Practice

Preparing for English proficiency tests can take time and effort. Here are a few tips to help you get ready:

• Start early: Give yourself ample time to prepare for the test. Familiarize yourself with the test format, question types, and timing.
• Practice with official test materials: Utilize official practice tests and sample questions provided by the test developers. This will help you become comfortable with the test structure and content.
• Improve your language skills: Focus on developing your reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities. Read widely, write practice essays, listen to English podcasts or news, and practice speaking with native English speakers or language partners.
• Take preparation courses: Consider enrolling in test preparation courses or seeking guidance from language teachers or tutors who can provide you with strategies and feedback.

By understanding the English proficiency requirements and preparing accordingly, you can increase your chances of successfully transferring from an Iranian university to a Korean college. Remember to always check the specific requirements of your intended institution and plan your application accordingly.

Visa requirements for international students

To study in South Korea, international students must obtain a student visa. The type of visa depends on the student's level of education. For example, a D-2 visa is for students enrolled in a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. program, while a D-4 visa is for those attending a university-run language school or other non-academic research institutes. Visas can be obtained at a Korean embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country and require several supporting documents, including a certificate of admission, proof of finances, and a passport photo.

When applying for a student visa, it is important to have all the necessary documentation. The specific requirements may vary, so it is recommended to consult with the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country in advance. Here are some general guidelines and commonly requested documents:

• Visa Type — Determine the appropriate visa type based on your level of study. The D-2 visa is suitable for undergraduate and graduate programs, while the D-4 visa is for language studies or other non-academic research.
• Application Form — Download and complete the application form from the HiKorea website or the relevant embassy website.
• Passport and Photo — Provide a photocopy of your passport, including the ID page with your photo. You will also need to submit a recent passport-sized photo taken within the last six months.
• Certificate of Admission (CoA) — This document is typically issued by the International Education Team or Office of International Affairs at the Korean university.
• Proof of Finances — You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during your stay in Korea. This can include bank statements, scholarships, or other sources of income.
• Academic Records — Submit documents that prove your educational background, such as high school diplomas, transcripts, or certificates.
• Medical Certificate — Some countries may require a medical check-up record, including a tuberculosis test certificate.
• Additional Documents — Depending on your country of origin and specific program, you may need to provide additional documents. For example, exchange students may need a recommendation letter from their home university, while graduate students may need to provide proof of their final level of education.
• Application Fee — There is typically an application fee for the student visa, which can range from 60 to 90 USD or 30 to 50 EUR.
• Alien Registration — Upon arriving in Korea, you will need to apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) at the Sejongno Immigration Office. This card will allow you to travel abroad during your semester in Korea.

It is important to note that the visa application process can take time, and additional requirements may arise during the process. Therefore, it is advisable to start the process early and carefully review the requirements provided by the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country.

Frequently asked questions