Applying To Yonsei: A Guide For International Students

Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, is a prestigious institution with a wide range of courses for international students. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various fields, including business, international studies, Korean language and literature, psychology, culture and media, and creative technology management. The application process for international students can be competitive, and there are specific requirements and deadlines that applicants need to be mindful of. International students can apply through the international student track or the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) track. Additionally, Yonsei University offers non-degree programs, such as the Korean Language Program, which helps students learn the Korean language and become accustomed to Korean culture.

Application requirements

Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, offers a variety of programs for international students. The application requirements for international students depend on the specific program and level of study. Here is an overview of the general application requirements for undergraduate and graduate international students:

Undergraduate International Students:

• International students must have completed 12 years of pre-university education or its equivalent.
• A minimum GPA of 3 out of 4 is required.
• English language proficiency is assessed through TOEFL and IELTS scores.
• Program-specific language proficiency scores and minimum admission requirements must be met.
• Official academic transcripts from high school are required.
• A high school diploma or certificate of graduation or expected graduation is needed.
• A certificate of Korean language proficiency is mandatory for certain programs, such as pre-med, nursing, pre-dentistry, and pharmacy.
• Documents verifying the student's and their parents' foreign nationality are required.
• A valid passport is necessary, and students should obtain a visa or residence permit.
• Application fees of around 5,000 are typically charged.

Graduate International Students:

• Graduate students should refer to the Graduate Student Program Inquiry Form (GPIF) and prepare the required documents, such as the Graduate or Professional Student Agreement (GSAG) and Academic Planning Form.
• English language proficiency requirements may be waived for students from non-native English-speaking countries whose degree programs at their home university are taught entirely in English. However, a verification letter from the home university must be provided.
• A valid passport is required, and students may need to obtain a visa or residence permit.
• Application fees may apply, typically around 5,000.

It is important to note that specific programs may have additional requirements, so it is essential to check the Yonsei University website and the requirements for your chosen program before applying.

English proficiency tests

Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, is a prestigious institution that offers a world-class education to students around the globe. The university ranks #3 in Korea and #76 in global rankings.

Yonsei University judges the English proficiency of international students with TOEFL and IELTS scores. The minimum scores that students need to prove their proficiency in English are:

• TOEFL – 79
• IELTS – 6.5

International students must submit an original copy of their language test scorecard and a student ID to the MIRAE Office of International Affairs (MOIA) office. The test must be taken after the student's admission or transfer to the campus. If students cannot go to the office in person, they can send the documents by registered mail.

Academic transcripts

When applying to Yonsei University as an international student, you must submit official academic transcripts from all the high schools you have attended. These transcripts should include information about the courses you have taken, the grades you have achieved, and any other relevant academic accomplishments. It is important to note that Yonsei University only accepts official transcripts that are signed, stamped, and issued within the last three months. Transcripts in languages other than English are not accepted.

Additionally, international applicants are required to provide proof of their English language proficiency through standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. These scores are used to assess the applicant's English language abilities and ensure they meet the university's minimum admission requirements. For certain programs, such as pre-med, nursing, pre-dentistry, and pharmacy, a Certificate of Korean Language Proficiency is also mandatory.

Yonsei University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including business, international studies, Korean language and literature, psychology, culture and media, and creative technology management. The university also provides intensive language classes to help international students improve their language skills and adapt to the academic requirements of the university.

It is important for prospective international students to carefully review the specific requirements for their chosen program before submitting their application. This includes checking the minimum academic requirements, language proficiency scores, and any additional documentation that may be needed. The application process typically involves filling out an application form, providing academic transcripts, work experience details, and a personal statement, followed by an application fee of approximately 5,000.

Application fees

International students applying to Yonsei University must pay an application fee of around 5,000 INR. The application fee is paid as part of the application process, along with the submission of the application form. The form requires details such as educational background, work experience, and a personal statement.

It is important to note that the application process has specific requirements, including language proficiency scores and minimum admission requirements. International students must have a valid passport and may need a visa or residence permit. Additionally, there are specific language proficiency requirements for admission to certain programs, such as pre-med, nursing, pre-dentistry, and pharmacy.

For graduate students, there are additional forms to be submitted, including the Graduate Student Program Inquiry Form (GPIF) and the Graduate or Professional Student Agreement (GSAG) along with the Academic Planning Form. It is advised to have all the required documentation ready before the application opens, as some programs may close to new applications once they are filled.

Furthermore, applicants should be aware that withdrawing from a program can have monetary and academic consequences, and it is important to notify the relevant authorities as early as possible. The application process typically requires planning 7-12 months in advance of the desired program start date.

Course options

Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea, offers a wide range of courses for international students. The university has 13 colleges and over 90 undergraduate majors. Courses are taught in English and Korean, with some programs offering a choice between the two.

Undergraduate Courses

Undergraduate courses are available in a variety of subjects, including:

• History
• Applied Statistics
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Business Administration
• Global and Corporate MBA programs
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Microbiology and Immunology
• Physiology
• Plant Physiology
• Zoology/Animal Biology
• Business-related subjects such as Accounting, Business Management, Economics, and Marketing
• Engineering (Aeronautical, Bioengineering, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Environmental, Industrial, Mechanical, and Nanotechnological)
• East Asian Politics and Culture
• East Asian Economy and Business

Non-Degree Programs

Yonsei University also offers non-degree programs for international students through the Office of International Affairs (OIA) and MIRAE Office of International Affairs. These include:

• Study Abroad at Yonsei (SAY): A regular fall/spring semester program for exchange and visiting students.
• Korean Language Program (KLP): A program designed for foreign nationals or overseas Koreans who want to learn the Korean language and enter an undergraduate or graduate school in Korea, or improve their language proficiency for business or employment. The program includes cultural experiences and runs four semesters a year (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter).
• Winter Abroad at Yonsei: A 3-week winter program at the Sinchon campus for international students who want to experience winter in Seoul. This program combines academic courses with cultural activities such as DMZ tours, ski trips, and Korean cooking classes.

Frequently asked questions