Douglas Olsen
South Korea has seen a significant increase in the number of international students enrolling in its universities and colleges in recent years. In 2023, the country set a new record, with over 200,000 foreign students arriving in the first six months, and the numbers continue to grow. South Korea's government has implemented various initiatives, such as the Study Korea 300K Plan, to attract international students and boost its competitiveness in the global education market. This has resulted in a notable rise in international enrolments, with students from China, Vietnam, and Uzbekistan making up a significant proportion of the international student population.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students in South Korea in 2023 | 180,000-208,962 |
| Number of international students in South Korea in 2024 | 205,170 |
| Number of international students in South Korea in the first half of 2025 | Over 200,000 |
| Target number of international students by 2027 | 300,000 |
| Number of international students in South Korea in 2021 | 1,611 |
| Number of international students from China in 2025 | 112,000 |
| Number of international students from Vietnam in 2025 | 33,000 |
| Number of international students from Japan in 2025 | 6,900 |
| Number of international students from China in 2024 | 40% of total international students in South Korea |
| Number of international students from Vietnam in 2024 | 23% of total international students in South Korea |
| Number of international students from Uzbekistan in 2024 | Not mentioned |
| Number of international students from China, Vietnam, and Uzbekistan combined in 2024 | 68% of the international student quota |
| Number of international students in undergraduate programs in 2023 | Over 71,000 |
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What You'll Learn
South Korea's 'Study Korea 300k Plan'
South Korea has seen a record high in the number of international students in recent years. In 2023, the number of international students in South Korea was about 180,000, and in the first half of 2024, over 200,000 international students came to the country, with 204,000 arriving between January and June. The South Korean government has announced a plan, known as the Study Korea 300K Project, to attract 300,000 international students by 2027. This plan aims to make South Korea one of the top 10 destinations for studying abroad.
The Study Korea 300K Project has several initiatives to attract more international students. Firstly, the government plans to expand the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program, with a particular focus on students in STEM fields. There will also be increased scholarships for students from specific countries, such as Poland, the United Arab Emirates, India, and Pakistan. The government is also encouraging enrolment in universities outside of Seoul to distribute educational opportunities more evenly across the country.
Another initiative is to streamline and fast-track the process for obtaining permanent residency for international students. The South Korean government plans to reduce the residency application period for international students graduating with Korean degrees from six years to three. This measure aims to enhance the post-graduation prospects for international students and retain talented graduates within the country, contributing to the local workforce and economy.
Furthermore, the South Korean government is focusing on both academic and career development opportunities to make the country a more attractive place to study. Local universities and institutions in regions facing population decline are investing in attracting foreign students by offering relevant degree courses, Korean language programs, and organizing job fairs specifically for international students. The government is also working to lift the Korean language requirement for college admission, which has been a concern for some. Additionally, there are plans to expand internship and employment opportunities for international students.
The Study Korea 300K Plan presents a significant opportunity for both students and recruiters. With substantial scholarships, improved work and residency options, and a strong emphasis on STEM education, South Korea is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for international students.
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International students in South Korea by age
South Korea has seen a significant increase in the number of international students in recent years, with the country aiming to attract 300,000 international students by 2027 as part of its "300K project" or "Study Korea 300k Plan". This initiative aims to address the nation's declining school-age population and strengthen the competitiveness of local universities facing enrolment shortages. The South Korean government has taken several measures to attract international students, including increasing scholarships, improving post-graduation work and migration options, and establishing international student recruitment centres worldwide.
According to statistics, the number of international students in South Korea has been steadily increasing. In 2020, there were 153,695 international students, which increased to 152,281 in 2021 and 166,892 in 2022. As of March 2023, the number further rose to 205,170, representing a 23% increase from the previous year. The latest figures from 2024 show a total of 208,962 international students in South Korean colleges, a 25% jump from 2022.
While the majority of international students in South Korea focus on studying the Korean language, there is a growing demand for English-medium instruction. To cater to this need, Korean universities, particularly those outside Seoul, are expanding their English-taught degree offerings. This shift is expected to make the country even more attractive to international students, especially those from East Asia who may have previously considered studying in English-speaking countries like the US, UK, Australia, or Canada.
In terms of age distribution, the available data shows that 18,903 international students in South Korea were between 31 and 40 years old, while 3,635 were in the 41 to 50 age group. However, the majority of international students in South Korea are assumed to be in their youth, given that the primary focus is on higher education institutions.
The top countries of origin for international students in South Korea include China, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Japan, and Mongolia. These countries collectively account for a significant proportion of the international student population in the country.
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International students in South Korea by country
South Korea has seen a record number of international students in recent years, with approximately 180,000 foreign students enrolled in universities and colleges in 2023. This figure has more than doubled in the last decade, and the South Korean government has implemented initiatives to attract even more international students. The country's "300K" policy, coupled with the global popularity of Korean culture and the easing of pandemic-related restrictions, have been instrumental in making South Korea an attractive study destination.
In the first half of 2023, over 200,000 international students arrived in South Korea, with 204,000 foreign students entering between January and June, according to the Korea Tourism Organization. This surge in international student arrivals has contributed to a half-year record, with the majority of students hailing from China (55.2%), followed by Vietnam (33,000) and Japan (6,900).
The South Korean government has announced ambitious plans to increase the number of international students in the country. The "Study Korea 300K" plan aims to attract 300,000 foreign students by 2027, propelling South Korea into the top 10 study destinations worldwide. To achieve this goal, the government intends to remove the Korean language requirement for college admission, expand internship and employment opportunities, and streamline the visa process.
South Korea offers several advantages for international students, including tuition fees that are the same for domestic and international students. While tuition fees vary depending on the course and university, undergraduate courses at public universities typically cost around $4,350 per semester, with humanities subjects on the lower end and medicine on the higher end. Private universities estimate fees at $5,800 per semester, while Seoul's top-ranked universities average $6,500 annually. Scholarships are also widely available, covering 30% to 100% of tuition costs.
Additionally, the South Korean government has deregulated scholarships, dormitories, part-time jobs, and employment opportunities after graduation to make studying in the country more accessible and affordable for international students. University dormitories offer the most affordable accommodation, with costs ranging from $280 to $1,300 per semester. Private accommodations can range from $280 to $700 per month, while on-campus catering options can further reduce expenses.
South Korea's push to attract more international students is driven by several factors. The country aims to build cultural influence and boost economic relations, particularly within Asia. Additionally, addressing the looming crisis in its domestic higher education market due to declining birth rates and an oversupply of education providers is a key motivator. By attracting international students, South Korea can establish a new pipeline of students from countries with larger youth populations. The country also faces challenges related to illegal immigration and language barriers, which may impact its ability to become a leading hub of international education.
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South Korea's international student enrolment growth
South Korea has experienced significant growth in international student enrolment over the past decade. In 2023, the country hosted about 180,000 international students pursuing degrees or studying languages at universities and colleges, more than double the number from ten years prior. This trend continued into 2024, with approximately 205,000 international students in South Korea as of March.
Several factors have contributed to South Korea's increasing appeal as a study destination. The country's ""300K" policy, which aims to attract 300,000 international students by 2027, has been a driving force. This initiative includes reforms such as expanding English-taught degree programs, improving visa processes, increasing permitted working hours, and enhancing post-graduation work and migration options. For example, starting in 2025, international students will be allowed to stay in South Korea for up to three years after graduation to find employment. Additionally, the government has increased scholarships through the Global Korea Scholarship Program and is fast-tracking permanent residency for STEM graduates.
The international popularity of Korean popular culture and the resolution of pandemic-related restrictions have also played a role in attracting international students. Furthermore, local universities and institutions in regions facing population decline are investing in attracting foreign students by offering relevant degree courses, Korean language programs, and job fairs tailored to their needs.
The largest groups of international students in South Korea come from China, Vietnam, and Uzbekistan, with many of them studying in humanities-related fields. South Korea's efforts to boost international student enrolment have important implications for other traditional study abroad destinations like the UK, which has seen a decline in students from several East Asian countries.
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South Korea's visa and job opportunities for international students
South Korea has seen a record high of international students in recent years, with over 200,000 foreign students arriving in the country in the first six months of 2023. The country has actively been working to attract international students by offering relevant degree courses, Korean language programs, and job fairs.
Visa Requirements for International Students
International students must obtain a student visa (D-2) before the beginning of their semester in South Korea. This visa can be acquired at a Korean embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country. It is mandatory to have a Certificate of Admission (CoA) issued by the university, and applicants may also need to provide an invitation letter from the National Institute for International Education of Korea (NIIED) and a tuberculosis test certificate, depending on their country of origin. The visa application process may also require an apostille or confirmation from the Korean embassy or consulate located in the country where the applicant's final education was completed. It is advised that applicants contact the Korean embassy in their home country to check if any additional documents are required.
Job Opportunities for International Students
International students in South Korea can find part-time job opportunities, particularly in hospitality and English tutoring, without needing to speak Korean. On-campus jobs are also available, including administrative roles, cafeteria work, and library jobs. The national average salary for part-time work in South Korea is ₩11,480 per hour, and employers are legally required to pay at least ₩8,290 per hour.
It is important to note that international students must have the appropriate work visa to engage in employment in South Korea. Working without a valid visa can result in arrest, fines, or deportation. Visa information can be found on the Embassy of Korea website.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2023, there were about 180,000 international students in South Korea.
In April 2024, there were 208,962 international students in South Korea.
South Korea has launched the five-year "Study Korea 300k Plan", which aims to attract 300,000 international students by 2027. The plan includes lifting Korean language requirements, expanding internships and employment opportunities, and establishing a quick visa system.
In 2023, the majority of international students in South Korea came from China (40%), followed by Vietnam (23%), and Uzbekistan.
South Korea's "Study Korea 300k Plan" aims to tackle the nation's rapidly declining school-age population and strengthen the competitiveness of local universities, which are facing enrolment shortages.
