Lori Meadows
South Korea is known for its rigorous and competitive education system, with academic pressure on students being arguably the largest in the world. The country offers free elementary and middle school education, but students must pay tuition fees for high school and university. University tuition fees in South Korea are considered relatively affordable, especially compared to countries like the US and UK, and the South Korean government has established scholarships and bursaries to support international students financially. Private tutoring and test preparation services are also in high demand and can be expensive, with rates varying based on location and instructor. South Korea's education system has been criticised for its intense pressure on students and its focus on academic achievement over well-being, leading to concerns about the potential negative impact on students' health and happiness.
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What You'll Learn
Tuition fees for international students
South Korea has relatively reasonable tuition fees for international students, especially when compared with those in the US and the UK. The South Korean government is focused on encouraging more international students to study in the country and has established a range of scholarships to provide them with financial support.
Tuition fees in South Korea are not set by the government, but the government does set a cap on tuition hikes. In 2025, that hike stands at 5.49%. Schools, even the most prestigious ones, generally charge about the same amount. You can expect to pay between US$5,800 and US$6,500 per semester. Fees for international students are the same as those for domestic students, and there are a range of scholarships that students can apply to for financial assistance. Costs will depend on the subject you choose as well as whether your institution is a private or public university.
Public universities in South Korea may have cheaper tuition fees on paper, but private universities may have more extensive financial aid options. Undergraduate and postgraduate degree fees are generally about the same, although postgraduate degrees normally cost slightly more than undergraduate degrees. PhD candidates also need to pay tuition fees, which are generally lower than at other levels of study. Fees range from US$3,600 to US$20,000 per semester.
One of the most prestigious scholarships for international students is the Global Korea Scholarship. This scholarship covers flights, rent, tuition fees, up to 70% of basic living expenses, and an intensive Korean language program. The scholarship covers travel costs, full tuition fees up to a maximum of ₩5,000,000 (£3,080) per semester, and up to ₩900,000 (£500) per quarter towards Korean language lessons. There are further smaller grants available through the scholarship to cover things like medical insurance and printing costs.
Other scholarships include the Yonsei University Underwood International College Admissions Scholarship, which automatically considers all undergraduate international applicants, and the Seoul National University President Fellowship, which covers full tuition plus living costs for PhD candidates from developing countries.
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Scholarships and bursaries
South Korea has many scholarships and bursaries for international students. The South Korean government and universities have created a range of scholarships and bursaries for international students wishing to study in the country, and tuition fees are lower than in other popular study abroad destinations.
The most prestigious scholarship is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), which covers flights, rent, tuition fees, up to 70% of basic living expenses, and an intensive Korean language program. The aim is to make students fluent in Korean by the end of their degree. The Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) is another prestigious scholarship for international students, funded by the South Korean government and available for undergraduate, master's, and PhD programs.
Other scholarships include those provided by Seoul National University, Hanyang University, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Yonsei University, and Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). These scholarships are often awarded based on academic achievements and can include full or partial tuition coverage, as well as financial help for living costs.
It is important to note that while public universities in South Korea may have cheaper tuition fees, private universities may offer more extensive financial aid options. Additionally, tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are generally similar, with postgraduate degrees costing slightly more. PhD candidates also need to pay tuition fees, but these are typically lower than at other levels.
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Primary and secondary education
South Korea's education system is known for its rigorousness and fierce competition, with academic pressure on students that is arguably the largest in the world. The system has been criticised for sacrificing the happiness of children and treating them as "cogs in a national economic machine". Despite this, many foreigners seek an education in South Korea to obtain a degree at a cheaper price.
Elementary school (grades one to six) and middle school (three years) are provided free of charge for all as compulsory education. Elementary school students are usually aged 8 to 13, which is 7 to 12 in Western years. Korean kindergartens are expected to teach basic math, reading, and writing to children, including how to count, add, subtract, and read and write in Korean, and often in English and Chinese as well. Many private kindergartens offer classes in English to give students a head start in the mandatory English education they will receive later in public school.
Students must pay tuition fees for their high school education (three years) and decide whether or not to go to college. Multicultural preparatory schools provide educational programs focusing on Korean language and culture for multicultural students who struggle with language and cultural differences. These students are expected to undergo a six-month educational adjustment period at a preparatory school before attending a regular school. Homeschooling is another option, with educational content easily accessible via the internet.
South Korea's school curricula mainly consist of elementary school, middle school, and high school. However, students may also choose other types of education, such as special-education schools and technical schools. Vocational schools give students practical skills and experience, but prejudice against graduates with vocational education backgrounds remains deep-rooted in South Korean society. Many believe that a university degree from a prestigious university is the only path to a successful career.
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Private tutoring
South Korea is known for its rigorous education system and the high academic performance of its students. However, this success often comes at a price, with students and parents feeling pressured to excel academically. As a result, private tutoring has become an integral part of the education system, with the majority of students attending after-school classes and private tutoring sessions.
The demand for private tutoring in South Korea is driven by several factors. Firstly, the country's education system is highly competitive, creating intense pressure on students to gain admission to elite universities. Secondly, students in regions without school choice and those in schools with higher student-teacher ratios tend to spend more on private tutoring. Thirdly, the academic achievement and family income of students, as well as the educational level of their parents, positively correlate with the number of hours spent in private tutoring.
The prevalence of private tutoring in South Korea has led to concerns about the inequality it may create in the education system. There is also a perception that private tutoring undermines public schooling and social justice. As a result, the South Korean government has implemented various policies to reduce reliance on private tutoring, including regulating the operating hours of cram schools. However, these efforts have had limited success, with private tutoring remaining a common practice.
English tutoring is a particularly popular form of private tutoring in South Korea. The average pay for English tutors can vary depending on qualifications, experience, and the type of institution, with private language institutes typically paying more than public schools or universities. As of 2021, the average monthly pay for English tutors in South Korea ranged from 2.2 to 3.5 million KRW (approximately $1,900 to $3,000 USD). However, tutors need to stay on top of their planning and organisation, as there is no guarantee of income, and students can cancel anytime without notice.
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Accommodation costs
The cost of living in South Korea is generally considered to be high, especially for international students. The average cost of living in the country is about 1,500,000₩ per month. However, this varies depending on location, with Seoul being the most expensive city.
On-Campus Accommodation
On-campus accommodation is available in the form of student halls of residence, also known as 'Goshiwons'. These are shared accommodations, often located near university campuses, with compact living spaces that include a small room with basic amenities like a bed and a desk, as well as a shared kitchen and bathroom. Students may have their own room or share with up to four people. The cost of staying in university halls ranges from ₩500,000 to ₩1,650,000 per semester, depending on room size, amenities, and whether catering is provided.
Off-Campus Accommodation
Renting privately off-campus is also an option for students. The average cost of a one-bedroom flat ranges from ₩450,000 to ₩1,000,000 per month, depending on location, size, and condition. In Seoul, the average rent for a one-bedroom flat is ₩975,000 per month.
Students opting for private rentals should be prepared to pay a large security deposit, typically between ₩3,000,000 and ₩5,700,000, which is refundable if the property is left in good condition.
Scholarships
It is important to note that South Korea offers a range of scholarships for international students, such as the Global Korea Scholarship, which covers rent and up to 70% of basic living expenses.
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Frequently asked questions
Elementary school (6 years) and middle school (3 years) are provided free of charge for all as compulsory education in Korea. Students need to pay tuition fees for high school and university.
Tuition fees in South Korea are relatively affordable, especially when compared with those in the US and the UK. The government doesn't set tuition fees but they do set a cap to tuition hikes. In 2025, that hike stands at 5.49%. Schools, even the most prestigious ones, generally charge about the same amount. You can expect to pay between US$5,800 and US$6,500 per semester.
The South Korean government and universities have created a range of scholarships and bursaries for international students. The most prestigious of these is the Global Korea Scholarship. This scholarship covers your flights, rent, tuition fees, up to 70% of your basic living expenses, and an intensive Korean language program.
