Yonsei University's Policy On Foreign Student Admissions

Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, offers a variety of programs for international students. The university's mission is to select talented students who can contribute to Korean society as global leaders with a spirit of truth and liberty. The acceptance rate for international students is 0.5-1%, so prospective students must demonstrate strong academic performance and research capabilities. International students can apply for undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with application deadlines in September and April, respectively. The university offers courses in English and Korean, with English proficiency tests like TOEFL and IELTS being mandatory for international students. Exchange and visiting student programs are available, along with scholarships for outstanding international students.

Exchange and visiting student programs

Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, offers exchange and visiting student programs for international students. The Office of International Affairs (OIA) is in charge of the university's main non-degree exchange and visiting student programs. The Study Abroad at Yonsei (SAY) program is the regular fall/spring semester option for exchange and visiting students. The university also offers the Yonsei International Summer School (YISS) and Winter Abroad at Yonsei (WAY) programs.

Exchange Student Program

Exchange students are those who are nominated by an overseas university under a bilateral exchange agreement. Exchange program candidates can apply through the International Office of their home university. Tuition is paid to the home university, and in most cases, the application and documentation fee is waived. The minimum CGPA requirement for exchange students is 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

Visiting Student Program

The Visiting Student Program is for students whose institution or home university pays for their application fee and tuition to Yonsei University, or for individual students who pay these costs themselves. The minimum CGPA requirement for visiting students is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Language Requirements

For both exchange and visiting students, proof of English or Korean language proficiency is required. Accepted English language tests include TOEFL iBT or iBT Home Edition 79 and Cambridge English Exam B2 First (FCE) to C2 Proficiency (CPE). For Korean language proficiency, an assessment report by a professor is accepted.

Application Deadlines

The application deadline for the fall semester is from March 1st to April 30th, and for the spring semester, it is from September 1st to October 31st.

Application Procedure

The application procedure for exchange and visiting students involves nomination by the home university or institution, creating an account, completing the online application form, paying the application fee, and receiving a letter of admission.

Application process and requirements

Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, accepts international students and offers a variety of programs to cater to their personal and academic interests. The Office of International Affairs (OIA) is in charge of the university's main non-degree programs for international students.

Exchange Students:

Exchange students are those nominated by an overseas university under a bilateral exchange agreement. Exchange program candidates can apply through the International Office of their home university. The tuition fee is paid to the home university, and the application and documentation fee is usually waived. The minimum GPA requirement for exchange students is a CGPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

Visiting Student Program:

There are two categories of visiting students:

• Visiting (Institution/University): The student's home university pays their application fee and tuition to Yonsei University.
• Visiting (Individual): The student pays the application fee and tuition directly to Yonsei University. The minimum GPA requirement for individual visiting students is a CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Language Requirements:

All applicants must provide proof of proficiency in either English or Korean. Tests must have been taken within two years of the start date of the semester.

#### English Proficiency:

• TOEFL iBT or iBT Home Edition 79 (ITP or MyBest score is not accepted)
• Cambridge English Exam B2 First (FCE) ~ C2 Proficiency (CPE)

#### Korean Proficiency:

Assessment report by a professor

Nationality Requirements:

• Nationals from majority native English-speaking countries (Americas, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland) must provide a passport.
• If the applicant's current home university is in a majority native English-speaking country, it must be specified in the transcript or Certificate of Enrollment.
• If the current degree program is held entirely in English, a letter from the home university is required.

Semester Fulfillment Requirement:

This program is open to foreign undergraduate/bachelor's degree-level students who are currently enrolled full-time at a university outside of Korea and have completed at least two semesters before the nomination/application period. For transfer students or graduate/master's degree-level students, a minimum of one semester's results must appear on their official transcripts.

Application Procedure:

• Nomination by the home university or institution, or create an account as a visiting (individual) student.
• Complete the online application form, including uploading application materials.
• Pay the application fee (if applicable).
• Receive a Letter of Admission by email.
• Pay the tuition and apply for housing (if desired).

Application Materials:

• Official e-Transcript
• Proof of Language Proficiency
• Official e-Bank/Financial Statement
• Official Certificate of Enrollment (for non-OECD country nationals, additional authentication is required)
• Mobility Confirmation Form (mandatory for Individual Visiting students only)
• Health Insurance Document (covering the entire period of study in Korea)
• For non-OECD country nationals coming as Individual Visiting students, a High School Diploma/Graduation Certificate with authentication is required

Acceptance rates

Yonsei University is a highly competitive and prestigious university in South Korea. The university has a low acceptance rate of 18% overall, but it is much lower for international students, at 0.5-1%. This means that out of every 100 applicants, only 0.5 to 1 are admitted.

The university receives a large number of applicants from around the world and selects a small number of students to ensure the quality of education and service. International applicants are assessed differently from Korean applicants. While Korean students are required to rank in the top 2% of all Korean seniors, international students need to present strong academic credentials, including a high GPA (above 3 on a 4-point scale), and other interesting achievements.

The exact acceptance rates can vary significantly depending on the specific program. For example, some commenters on Reddit have indicated that a GPA of 3.8 seemed fine for international applicants, while others have mentioned that having decent grades and some extracurricular activities was enough to get accepted.

The application process for international students involves submitting various documents, including academic transcripts, a high school diploma or certificate of graduation, proof of English or Korean language proficiency, and documents verifying the applicant's nationality.

Courses and fees

Yonsei University offers a wide range of courses for international students, with over 7,000 courses available, 2,100+ of which are taught in English. The courses cover various disciplines, including:

• Child Psychology and Education
• Computer Science and Engineering
• Economics and Statistics
• Electronic and Electric Engineering
• Food Science and Biotechnology
• Language and Literature
• Media and Communication
• Political Science and Diplomacy

The fees for international students at Yonsei University vary depending on the program and level of study. For undergraduate courses, the fees range from $4,300 to $6,800 per year. For graduate courses, the fees range from $7,200 to $10,200 per year. PhD programs have varying fees depending on the specific program and its requirements.

The application process for international students involves submitting an online application, along with the required documents, by the specified deadlines. The general entry requirements include official academic transcripts, a bachelor's degree for master's programs, a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, and proof of English language proficiency with a minimum TOEFL score of 79 or an IELTS score of 6.5.

There are also various scholarships available for international students, such as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) and the Yonsei University International Student Scholarship, which can help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses.

Student life and opportunities

Yonsei University, established in 1885 as the first Western institution of learning in Korea, is a leading university located in the heart of Seoul. The university has four campuses and offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs, along with extensive research and medical facilities. With over 38,000 students enrolled, Yonsei University is committed to educating global leaders who embody the spirit of "truth and freedom."

Student Life

Yonsei University provides a vibrant and diverse student life, fostering a unique blend of Korean and global cultures on campus. The university offers various resources and support services to enhance the student experience.

Global One-Stop Service Center

The Global One-Stop Service Center assists international students with administrative tasks, providing a convenient and centralised location for their queries.

Health and Social Security

Yonsei University prioritises the health and well-being of its students by offering health and social security services. The university ensures that students have access to the support they need to maintain their physical and mental health.

Student Clubs and Festivals

A wide range of student clubs and festivals are available for students to explore their interests, connect with peers, and enrich their overall university experience. These extracurricular activities contribute to a well-rounded student life.

Career Services

The Career Development Team of the Office of Student Affairs plays a crucial role in preparing students for their future careers. They offer resources, training, and programs to help students explore different career paths and gain hands-on experience. The team also assists with goal-setting, CV coaching, mock interviews, and networking opportunities through lectures and alumni connections.

Internship Opportunities

Yonsei University provides internship opportunities for its students, allowing them to gain practical experience and apply their knowledge in real-world settings. These internships can be credit-based and are valuable for exploring career interests and enhancing employability.

Language Learning

The university's Korean Language Institute offers an immersive language learning experience. Established in 1959, the institute provides intensive Korean language classes with a focus on cultural understanding. The institute's teachers are highly qualified, holding a minimum of a Master's Degree in Korean, ensuring an engaging and effective learning environment for students.

Exchange and Visiting Student Programs

Yonsei University welcomes exchange and visiting students through its Study Abroad at Yonsei (SAY) program during the regular fall and spring semesters. Additionally, the university offers the Yonsei International Summer School (YISS) and Winter Abroad at Yonsei (WAY) programs for those seeking shorter-term opportunities to experience academic and cultural life at Yonsei.

Frequently asked questions