Discover South Korea.

Why consider South Korea?

• Options across selected public, private and specialist institutions.
• Subject pathways aligned to the country's academic and industry strengths.
• International admissions routes at the institutions listed below.
• Potential university, government or external scholarship opportunities.
• Opportunity to gain international academic and cultural experience.

Education system & planning

International applicants may find bachelor's, master's, doctoral and selected foundation, language or pathway programmes. Duration and entry level vary by national framework and university.

• Undergraduate: secondary-school completion or equivalent; subject prerequisites may apply.
• Postgraduate: relevant recognised bachelor's degree; some courses require work experience or a portfolio.
• Doctoral: research fit, supervisor availability, proposal and prior academic record.
• Language: IELTS/TOEFL or local-language evidence where required; exemptions are institution-specific.

Programmes & tuition

Tuition varies by institution, level, discipline and campus. The Korean government’s published national averages for degree programmes are approximately ₩6.82 million per year for undergraduate study and ₩4.22 million for graduate study. The reported undergraduate average is lower at national/public universities (about ₩4.27 million) than at private universities (about ₩7.63 million). These are national averages, not quotations for a particular course; medicine, arts, laboratory and specialist programmes may cost more.

• Request the current fee schedule for the exact course and intake.
• Check application, registration, examination, insurance and laboratory charges.
• Ask whether fees are annual, semester-based or total-programme amounts.
• Confirm refund, deposit and deferral policies in writing.

Scholarships & funding

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a major government-funded route with separate undergraduate and graduate calls and embassy/university tracks. The 2027 undergraduate GKS call was published in September 2026; applicants should use the current guideline, eligible-university list and deadline for their track. Universities may also offer tuition reductions based on academic performance, language scores or department nomination.

• Check nationality and programme eligibility.
• Confirm whether a separate scholarship application is needed.
• Review renewal grades, attendance and duration conditions.
• Calculate the funding gap after living costs and uncovered fees.

Typical document checklist

• Valid passport and application form
• Academic certificates and transcripts
• Language test or medium-of-instruction evidence, if accepted
• Statement of purpose / study plan and CV where required
• Recommendation letters, portfolio or research proposal where relevant
• Financial evidence, medical/insurance documents and translations as required

Accommodation & living costs

The official Study in Korea portal gives a broad monthly living-cost estimate of around ₩750,000–₩1,000,000. Its guidance lists housing at roughly ₩500,000–₩700,000 per month, with dormitory fees varying by room occupancy and meal plan. Build a personal budget around the actual city, housing deposit, utilities, food, transport, insurance, phone and study materials; Seoul private housing can push costs higher.

Part-time work rights are not a substitute for proof of funds. Check the exact legal limits and permission requirements for your visa category.