Lana Oconnell
South Korea has become an increasingly popular destination for international students, with over 150,000 enrolling in courses in 2024. The country boasts a vibrant culture, with K-pop, Korean fashion, and delicious food, as well as world-class universities and an educated population. International students can apply to South Korean universities through a program provider or directly to the university. Applications are typically done online, and students should prepare the necessary documents, including academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency, and a passport. Students should also be mindful of application deadlines and visa requirements, which can vary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application method | Online |
| Application timing | Twice a year, before Spring and Fall semesters |
| Application fee | Not mentioned |
| Application requirements | Previous academic transcript or certificate, proof of proficiency in Korean or English, other materials such as a personal statement |
| Application processing time | A few weeks |
| Tuition fees | $4,000-$20,000 USD per year, with an average of $11,000 USD; same for domestic and international students |
| Scholarships | Available from universities and government entities |
| Student visa | Required; obtained at a Korean embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country |
| Student visa requirements | Certificate of Admission, Invitation Letter from NIIED, Certificate of Completion for Korean language training (if applicable), Tuberculosis Test Certificate (required for students from 19 listed countries) |
| Student accommodation | Applied for after receiving an offer from the university |
| Part-time work | Allowed with permission from the immigration service; up to 20 hours per week (30 hours for postgraduate programs) |
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What You'll Learn
- Prepare documents: passport, academic transcript, language proficiency, etc
- Apply early and directly to the institution via their online system
- Consider costs: tuition, housing, insurance, visa, etc
- Research scholarships and grants to reduce financial burden
- Apply for a student visa (D-2) at a Korean embassy or consulate
Prepare documents: passport, academic transcript, language proficiency, etc
When applying to study in South Korea, there are several documents you will need to prepare. The most important documents are outlined below.
Passport
A valid passport is required for international students applying to study in South Korea. It is important to ensure that your passport is up-to-date and will not expire during your planned period of study. Many applicants have had to delay their studies due to passports nearing expiry, so it is recommended to prepare this document well in advance.
Academic Transcripts
When applying to a university in South Korea, you will typically need to provide transcripts or certificates of your previous academic qualifications. This could include a bachelor's degree or a high school diploma, depending on the level of study you are applying for. It is important to have these documents officially translated into Korean or English, if they are not already, and to ensure that they are certified true copies.
Language Proficiency
Proof of proficiency in either the Korean or English language is typically required when applying to study in South Korea. This requirement may depend on the programme you are applying for. If you are applying for a programme taught in English, you may need to provide test scores from English proficiency exams such as the IELTS or TOEFL. For programmes taught in Korean, you may need to demonstrate proficiency through a Korean language test or a certificate of completion for Korean language training.
Visa Documents
International students seeking to study in South Korea will typically need to obtain a student visa D-2 before the beginning of their programme. This visa can be acquired at a Korean embassy or consulate in your home country. The application process may vary depending on your nationality and the length of your planned stay. US citizens, for example, can study in South Korea for up to 90 days without a student visa. For longer stays, a D-2 visa is required, along with an Alien Registration Card (ARC). The general requirements for the D-2 visa application include an invitation letter from the National Institute for International Education of Korea (if applicable), a certificate of completion for Korean language training (if applicable), and a tuberculosis test certificate for students from certain countries. Additionally, proof of financial support, such as bank statements or scholarship letters, is usually required to demonstrate your ability to cover the costs of studying and living in South Korea.
It is important to note that the specific documents required may vary depending on the university and programme you are applying to. It is recommended to contact the international office at your chosen university and the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country to obtain a comprehensive list of required documents and to ensure that you have everything you need for a successful application.
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Apply early and directly to the institution via their online system
When applying to study in South Korea, it is important to apply early and directly to the institution via their online system. Each university in South Korea has its own application system, so it is crucial to check the individual website of your chosen institution to find the application form and specific deadlines. Applications are typically open twice a year, before the Spring and Fall semesters, with deadlines around October for the Spring Semester and April for the Fall Semester. However, these dates may vary, so it is recommended to double-check with the university.
The application process for international students usually involves submitting various documents, which may include:
- A previous academic transcript or certificate (e.g., a bachelor's degree or high school diploma)
- Proof of proficiency in either the Korean or English language, depending on the program
- A personal statement or other materials required by the university
Additionally, it is important to start organising your general documentation early on, such as ensuring your passport is up to date. You should also be mindful of the visa application process, which can take time. International students typically need to obtain a student visa (D-2) at a Korean embassy or consulate in their home country before the beginning of their semester. This process may require documents such as a Certificate of Admission (CoA) from the university and an Invitation Letter from the National Institute for International Education of Korea (NIIED).
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Consider costs: tuition, housing, insurance, visa, etc
When it comes to studying in South Korea as an international student, there are several costs to consider, including tuition, housing, insurance, and visas.
Tuition fees for international students in South Korea vary depending on the university and program. They are generally more affordable compared to universities in the US. For instance, tuition fees at Chonnam National University range from $3,600 to $4,800 per year, while at Seoul National University, they range from $9,200 to $11,600 per year. On average, you can expect to pay between $5,800 and $20,000 per semester, with more specialised programs, such as medicine, tending towards the higher end of the spectrum. Postgraduate degrees also tend to be more expensive than undergraduate degrees. PhD candidates are required to pay tuition fees, which are typically lower than other levels of study.
Housing costs in South Korea depend on factors such as personal preference, budget, location, and whether you choose to stay in university accommodation or rent privately. University halls typically cost between ₩500,000 (£300) and ₩1,600,000 per semester, with more expensive options offering catering services. Private rentals for a small studio or room in a shared flat average between ₩400,000 and ₩700,000 per month, plus a security deposit ranging from ₩3,000,000 to ₩5,700,000. Accommodation in larger cities like Seoul tends to be pricier.
Regarding insurance, all residents in South Korea, including international students, must enrol in the National Health Insurance program after six months in the country. The insurance provides access to healthcare services at the same level as Korean nationals. The cost of this compulsory insurance is about ₩24,000 per month. If desired, you can also opt for private medical insurance, which is an additional expense.
Finally, when it comes to visas, there is a ₩50,000 (£30) application fee for a student visa. It is important to note that you can only apply for this visa once you have been accepted by a university.
To help finance your studies, there are various scholarships and grants available, such as the Global Korea Scholarship, which covers travel costs, tuition fees, and living expenses. Additionally, individual universities may offer financial support, like the Seoul National University President Fellowship for PhD candidates from developing countries.
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Research scholarships and grants to reduce financial burden
When it comes to researching scholarships and grants to ease the financial burden of studying in South Korea, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it's important to note that while South Korean universities charge tuition fees for international students, these fees are generally lower than those of universities in the US. This makes studying in South Korea a relatively affordable option, even without a scholarship.
That being said, there are several scholarship and grant opportunities available for international students wishing to study in South Korea. Here are some options to explore:
University Exchange Programs
Consider enrolling in a university exchange program, which typically involves paying your regular home tuition fees and swapping places with a Korean student for a semester. This can be a more affordable way to experience studying in South Korea without incurring additional costs.
Program Providers
Study abroad program providers are private organizations that facilitate your enrollment in a Korean university independently. They often charge higher fees, but they can provide all-inclusive services, including assistance with paperwork, visas, housing, insurance, and even excursions and events. If you choose this option, be sure to research and compare multiple program providers to find the most suitable option for your needs and budget.
Korean Government Scholarships
The Korean government offers internationally recognized scholarship programs, such as the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), which includes full scholarship programs and study tour programs for international students. These scholarships provide benefits such as flight tickets, tuition coverage, stipends, medical insurance, and settlement allowances. The TaLK scholarship program is another option for undergraduates seeking to learn about Korea and gain experience abroad while receiving financial support.
Country-Specific Grants
Depending on your country of origin, you may be eligible for country-specific grants or scholarships to support your studies in South Korea. For example, the U.S. Institutions of Higher Education Win Capacity Building Program offers grants for U.S. citizens to study or intern abroad. Research and reach out to organizations in your home country to explore these opportunities.
University-Specific Scholarships
In addition to the options above, many universities in South Korea offer their own scholarships and grants for international students. When researching universities, be sure to inquire about any financial aid opportunities they may provide. You can contact the international office at your chosen university to get more information and guidance on available scholarships and grants.
Remember to start your research and application process early, as this will increase your chances of securing financial support and ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the costs and requirements involved.
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Apply for a student visa (D-2) at a Korean embassy or consulate
To study in South Korea, international students must obtain a student visa (D-2) before the beginning of the semester. This can be acquired at a Korean embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country. It is recommended that students contact the Korean embassy or consulate in their residing country well in advance to ask for the required documents and prepare them ahead of time.
The application for a student visa (D-2) requires several documents, including:
- A completed visa application form
- A recent passport photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm, colour photo)
- Original passport
- Certificate of Admission (CoA) or Official Letter from Korea
- Certificate of the Current or Last School Attended
- Proof of financial affordability, such as bank statements showing sufficient funds for the duration of the student's stay in Korea. If the applicant cannot support themselves financially, they may submit alternative documents, such as a certificate of a student loan, parents' financial affidavit, or scholarship certificate.
- Tuberculosis Test Certificate (required for students from specific countries)
- Invitation Letter from the National Institute for International Education of Korea (if applicable)
It is important to note that short-term visas, such as B-type or C-type visas, are not acceptable for international students seeking to enrol in degree programs at Korean universities. C-type visas also cannot be changed to a student visa (D-2) after entering Korea. Therefore, it is crucial to obtain the correct visa type before travelling to South Korea.
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Frequently asked questions
Most South Korean universities allow students to fill in their applications online. Check the website of your chosen institution for more information.
You will typically need a previous academic transcript or certificate (e.g. a bachelor's degree or high school diploma) and proof of proficiency in either Korean or English. You will also need a student visa (D-2), which you can obtain from a Korean embassy or consulate in your home country.
The wide range of annual tuition fees for undergraduates is $4,000–$20,000 USD, depending on the university and program, with an average of $11,000 USD. Private universities are more expensive than public universities, and certain programs (e.g. Medicine and Engineering) cost more than humanities programs. Newly enrolled students also need to pay a one-time entrance and/or enrollment fee.
Yes, international students on a student visa can apply for permission for certain extracurricular activities from the immigration service. With official approval from your school, you can work up to 20 hours per week (30 hours per week on postgraduate programs).
