3 Videos,
Yonsei University: Fees, Rankings, Courses, Reviews
- Private University
- Estd. 1885
Last updated on 12 Aug '25Yonsei UniversityWhat's new?
- Applications for Spring 2026 intake for undergraduate programs will open on August 25, 2025.
About Yonsei University
Yonsei University, a private Christian research university located in Seoul, South Korea was established in 1885. Yonsei is a part of SKY Universities, comprising the country’s three most reputable universities. With the motto “Truth and Freedom”, university pledges to carry forward it’s mission in order to educate applicants the importance of a deep personal reflection and doing what is right.
Yonsei ranking is at #2 in South Korea and #123 at global level as per Shiksha popularity ranking. Times Higher Education ranked the university at #102, indicating a declining trend as compared to previous year rankings. US News also ranked the university #180, indicating positive growth. Apart from this, QS World University rankings 2026 is #50, whereas 2025 rankings were #56, indicating a positive trend.
The university includes 20 schools, 28 colleges and 2 divisions out of which 22 colleges and 17 schools are a part of the main campus (including Sinchon campus, International campus and a Severance hospital) and rest 6 colleges and 3 schools along with 2 divisions are under MIRAE campus, offering a wide range of academic courses. The university has 152 research centers on its main campus, out of which 67 are used for broader research projects, 14 are used by various departments and rest 71 are used for specific subjects.
When it comes to the Yonsei admission process, university's acceptance rate is around 18%. Yonsei courses include Undergraduate and Postgraduate level courses, ranking amongst which top-ranked courses are focusing on areas like Banking, Finance, IT and Software, Business Management Studies and Data Science. The popular courses include BBA and MBA/PGDM which are commonly preferred by Indian students.
Things to Know About Yonsei University
Some of the important things to know about Yonsei University are mentioned below.
|
Particulars |
Statistics |
|---|---|
|
Year of Establishment |
1885 |
|
Type of University |
Private University |
|
Acceptance Rate |
Around 18% |
|
Types of courses |
|
|
Popular courses |
|
|
Yonsei Tution Fees |
|
|
Accepted Exams |
|
|
Number of international applicants |
5466 |
|
QS World University Ranking |
#56 |
|
Shiksha Popularity Ranking |
|
|
Campus (2) |
|
|
Notable Alumni |
|
|
Type of Student Organizations |
|
History
Yonsei University was first established on April 10, 1885 as Korea’s first modern hospital, named Gwanghyewon by Horace N. Allen. Later, Horace along with Horace G. Underwood worked together and established Severance Medical College. Horace G. Underwood also established Chosun Christian College, which was later renamed as Yonhi University. During Japenese colonization, both the instiutions faced several restrictions and therefore decided to combine together to form Yonsei University.
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Both Yonsei University and IIM are globally recognised universities. According to QS World University Rankings, Yonsei University is ranked #56 whereas IIM (Ahmedabad) is ranked #60. Although both the universities have their own strengths and weaknesses, Yonsei university stands better than the IIM Ahmedabad. The table below mentions the comparison between the two universities.
Parameter | Yonsei University | IIM |
|---|---|---|
Acceptance rate | Appx 18% | 0.17% |
QS Ranking | 56 | 60 |
Annual Tuition Fees | INR 2L – 23L | INR 64000 – 33L |
Average Package | INR 45.7 – 56.5 LPA | INR 35.68 LPA |
The acceptance rate of Yonsei University is 18%. A good hold on following things can help you get the acceptance:
- Applicants must have strong academic performance especially in the areas of their interested programs.
- Yonsei University accepts IELTS and TOEFL scores as English proficiency requirements.
- Extracurricular activities and a strong recommendation letter may higher the chances of getting into Yonsei University.
- Yonsei University is one of the top three universities of South Korea ranked #56 in world university rankings creating a strong global presence while focusing on excellence.
- The university offers a wide range of programs in fields such as Business and Management Studies, Banking, Finance, IT and Software and Data Science.
- The university's main library holds over three million books along with many research institutes like Yonsei Global Health Center that focuses on major global healthcare challenges.
- Apart from this, applicants can be a part of different clubs based on their interests and engage in sport activities.
Yonsei University Ranking 2026
The Yonsei University ranking is among the top universities in South Korea. The university was ranked at #2 in South Korea and #123 at global level as per Shiksha Popularity Ranking in 2025. The university was also ranked by QS World Rankings at #50 in 2026, whereas 2025 rankings were #56, indicating a positive trend. THE ranked the university #102 in 2025 showing a decline in trend when compared with the 2024 rankings. Apart from this, US News also ranked the university #180 in 2025, showing a positive growth as compared to the 2024 rankings. This is possible due to various factors.
Furthermore, the university’s courses have been ranked nationally. According to Shiksha Popularity Ranking, the Yonsei University subject ranking for 2025 are given below:
| Seoul Course Name | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|
| MSN | #1 |
| LL.M. | #3 |
| M.A. | #2 |
| M.Arch | #2 |
| Arts | #3 |
#123
#2
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
MS course is ranked at #3 by Shiksha Popularity Ranking. QS World University Rankings has ranked the course #46, whereas ARWU has ranked Yonsei at #201. Apart from this, Times Higher Education has ranked the university at #80. The rankings for different specializations under MS course are mentioned below.
Ranking Body | Mathematics | Mechanical Engineering | Biology | Physics | Computer Science Engineering |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shiksha Popularity Ranking | #3 | #4 | #5 | ||
QS Rankings | #60 | #46 | #76 | #71 | - |
Times Higher Education (THE) | - | #101 | - | #97 | |
US News | - | - | |||
ARWU | #301 | - | #201 | - |
Yonsei University is ranked #2 in South Korea and #123 at a global level by Shiksha Popularity Ranking. The university is ranked #50 in 2026, whereas 2025 ranking is #56 as per QS World University Ranking. This indicates an increase in trend. Times Higher Education ranked the university at #102. Apart from this, US News ranked the university #180 in 2025, indicating an upward graph. This is possible due to various factors.
Yonsei University Courses
Yonsei University courses include undergraduate and graduate level courses that are available in various streams including Liberal arts, Commerce and Economics, Business, Science and Biotechnology, Engineering, Computer and Artificial Intelligence, Theology, Social Science, Law and many more. The popular courses covers leading sectors of the industry, covering Business and Management Studies, IT and Software, Banking and Finance, Insurance and Data Science. Usually the UG courses cost INR 3 L, whereas PG courses cost INR 27 L. The popular courses are mentioned below:
|
Popular Courses |
1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
|
INR 27 L |
|
|
INR 3 L |
We can fast-track your application in a week.
We can fast-track your application in a week.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Yonsei university provides different programs in different leading industries such as Business and Management Studies, IT and Software, Data Science etc.; out of which Business and Management Studies programs are top ranked. Majority of the international applicants pursue BBA and MBA. MBA has been ranked #2 in Shiksha Popularity Ranking because of its global recognition. The highest annual package after an MBA programme is INR 56.5 LPA.
Yonsei university offers courses in various fields for both undergraduate and graduate programs which are as follows:
FOR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS:
Under Liberal Arts, courses like language programs, literature, history, philosophy and psychology are offered. Under Commerce and Business, economics, business administration; under Science and Biotechnology, mathematics, chemistry, biochemistry, astronomy, physics, etc.; Engineering courses Computer and Artificial Intelligence related courses; Theology; Social Science and many more internationally recognised courses are offered.
FOR POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMS:
Yonsei University offers postgraduate programs to international applicants in various specializations including Journalism and Mass communication, Business, Engineering, Social Welfare, Law, Public Health and many more.
Yonsei University Admission 2026
Yonsei University admission process consists of completing online application and submitting the required documents to UIC via post or by submitting the application via Common App.
Yonsei University Application Deadlines
The application deadlines for UG courses offered by Underwood International College are mentioned below in the following table:
| Particulars | Spring Intake 2026 | Fall Intake 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Application Deadlines | Oct. 17, 2025 | Early April, 2026 |
| Document Submission Deadline | Oct. 24, 2025 | Mid-April, 2026 |
| Interview (Online) | Dec. 12, 2025 | June, 2026 |
The application deadlines for PG courses is closed
Admission Requirements for International Applicants
Yonsei University has set up following requirements for the international applicants to successfully enrolled in their respective courses:
- Yonsei University requires English proficiency proof. Test scores of IELTS, TOEFL, TOPIK(IBT), TOEIC and TEPS are accepted by the university. However, the minimum scores may vary for different courses.
Acceptance Rate
Yonsei University acceptance rate is 18% making it slightly selective for the applicants.
Application Fees
International applicants applying in UG level courses and PG courses are required to deposit 150,000 KRW (INR 9.4K) and 130,000 KRW (INR 8.1K) as their application fees. MBA aaplicants have to pay 120,000 KRW (INR 7.5K).
Eligibility
The general documents to get into the university are as follow:
- Printed application cover
- Personal statement (written in English)
- Letter of consent
- Letter of verification
- Official transcripts of high school
- One copy of high school diploma or Certificate of Graduation
- Copies of Passports/ID Cards of applicant and applicant’s parents
- One copy of Applicant’s Birth Certificate
Some additional documents are as follows:
- Academic portfolio
- Extracurricular Activities
- Work Experience
- Application fees :No Fees
- Type of deadline :Regular
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Yes, Yonsei University accepts IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC score to check the applicant's English proficiency skills. Usually the university accepts a minimum score of 5.5 for most of the programs but for MBA program, minimum score of 6.0 is accepted to be eligible.
The acceptance rate of Yonsei University is 18%, meaning 18 students get selected out of 100, and for international students, the percentage is 0.5-1%. According to the acceptance rate, the chances of getting admission to Yonsei University are very low. It is very hard to get into Yonsei University unless the student performs extraordinary in academics and research. Along with the academic requirements, language proficiency, and prerequisites for the chosen programme are mandatory.
Also read: Studying in South Korea
The application fees for undergraduate programs is 150,000 KRW and 130,000 KRW for graduate programs, PhD and integrated programs and 120,000 KRW for global MBA.
Yonsei UniversityYonsei University Scholarships 2025
Yonsei University claims to provide a good quality education to the applicants. And to make sure that education is feasible to everyone, university offers financial assistance through a variety of scholarships. For UG level programs scholarships that are offered are Merit-based, Need-based and for some programs, Work-based and Activity-based scholarships are also available.
For PG level programs, apart from merit-based, need-based, work-based and activity-based, University also provides Internship and Research based Scholarships. Applicants with good Korean proficiency skills are eligible for assistantships and fellowships under Korean Language Institute.
For MBA program, Yonsei School of Business offers two types of scholarships. One is merit based scholarships which is eligible to the applicants with a strong portfolio. Second one is YSB Fellowships which is a need based scholarship, eligible to applicants with a valid financial proof. There are certain requirements that applicants need to meet to continue the scholarship for the whole program. They will have to maintain a good academic score of 3.5 GPA or more out of 4.3. Along with this, applicants will be required to work as an assistant for 10 hours per week and 5 hours additional if they want to avail a stipend.
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
There are mainly two types of scholarships that can be availed by Indian students: institutional and external scholarships. These are explained below:
Institutional scholarships - All the students are considered for Incoming Student Award prior the admission. This scholarship can cover up to 100% of the tuition fees, depending on the budget. The scholarship will remain in effect only for the first semester. If students wish to the same for next semesters, they will have to apply for financial aid, while meeting the academic and need-based requirement. Dean’s Scholarship is one of those that can be considered after the first semester.
External Scholarships - These type of scholarships are provided by external organisations. One of them is Korean Government Scholarship Program by NIIED. Students can submit their applications during Fall entrance admissions period, usually during the month of February.
Applicants interested for any programme at any level can apply for Global Korea Scholarship. But they must meet certain requirements which are mentioned below:
- Applicant or his parents must hold a citizenship of country other than Korea and if they previously held the citizenship, they must submit the documents of proof.
- Applicants must have scored 80% in their previous programme or ranked amongst 20% of his class.
- Applicant must be under 40 years.
There are four types of Scholarships provided by Yonsei University:
Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount |
|---|---|---|
Global Leader Fellowship | Recommended outstanding International students with a minimum GPA of 3.4/4.3 | Full Entrance & Tuition Fee, Monthly stipend |
Outstanding International Student Scholarship (I) | Recommended outstanding International students with a minimum GPA of 3.4/4.3 | Full Entrance & Tuition Fee |
Outstanding International Student Scholarships (II) | Recommended outstanding International students with a minimum GPA of 3.4/4.3 | 50% of Entrance & Tuition Fee |
Outstanding International Student Scholarship (III) | Outstanding international students selected to receive financial support from their department | Maximum 50% of Entrance & Tuition Fee |
Also read: South Korea scholarship for Indian students
Yonsei University Placements
Yonsei University provides career development services managed by office of Student Affairs and Services. They notify about various job opportunities and extracurricular programs.
Alumni Statistics: Sectors Placed
Unofficial sources suggest that a major percentage of graduates are working in sectors such as Business development, Education, Engineering, Research and Operations etc after graduating from the top ranked programs.
Top Employers
Yonsei University did not disclose its placement data, however some of the top companies where graduates are recruited are as follows:
- Samsung Electronics
- Yonsei University
- LG Electronics
- Hyundai Motor Company
- EY
- Deloitte
- Coupang
- Amazon
- Amazon Web Services
- Apple
Commonly asked questions On Placements
Yes, Yonsei International Summer School offers a Corporate Internship Program where students get the opportunity to experience corporate world. Students get a chance to gain professional experience and build a strong social network.
The duration of this programme is 7.5 weeks, from Jun 16, 2025 – Aug 5, 2025. Students enrolled in any reputed foreign institution other than Yonsei University are eligible for this internship program.
Yonsei University graduates are currently recruited in industries such as Business Development, Education, Engineering, Research, Operations, Information Technology, and Marketing. The top employers are mentioned below:
- Samsung Electronics
- Yonsei University
- LG Electronics
- Hyundai Motor Company
- EY
- Deloitte
- Coupang
- Amazon
- Amazon Web Services
- Apple
Yonsei University Fees
Yonsei Fees may vary depending on the program as well as the type of student, whether an international or domestic student. It is a must that student makes sure to recheck the cost before applying. Apart from this some additional costs may also be incurred, so students must plan the budget accordingly.
Undergraduate programs cost INR 3L, whereas graduate programs may cost upto INR 27L. Additionally, applicants will have to pay a miscellaneous amount, which may fluctuate from INR 4000 - INR 10000. First year tuition fees for the popular courses is mentioned in the table below.
|
Popular Courses |
1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
|
INR 27 L |
|
|
INR 3 L |
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
BBA(1 course) | INR 3 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
MBA/PGDM(1 course) | INR 27 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 91 & Above, PTE, Duolingo |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
Yes, Korea is expensive for applicants. It is important that the applicant plan out the budget beforehand. Some of the estimated expenses are as follows:
- Application fees for an undergraduate program is 150,000 KRW and 130,000 KRW for a postgraduate, PhD and integrated programs and 120,000 KRW for global MBA.
- Along with the tution fees, applicant will also have to pay miscellaneous fees every semester which will cover additional services such as student council, editorial board, newspaper subscription fee, broadcasting fee and many more.
- Apart from the study programs, cost of living can be costly than that of living in India. Yonsei University provides housing facilities to the international applicants which may cost from INR 50000- 70000 per semester.
No, Yonsei University does not refund application fees whereas the tuition fees is refundable. Refund percentage of tuition fees depends on the time of withdrawal which is mentioned below.
Time of Withdrawal | Refund Percentage of Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
One day before first day of class | 100% refund |
First day of class | 80% refund |
From second day onward | No refund |
First year tuition fees to study Global MBA from Yonsei for an Indian student is INR 27 L. Other expenses are mentioned in the table below.
Particulars | Cost |
|---|---|
Hostel & Meal | INR 28,500 |
Miscellaneous | INR 13,500 |
Living Expenses | INR 27,000 |
Application Fee | INR 7,200 |
Total | INR 76,200 |
Yonsei University Notable Alumni
Many of the graduates from Yonsei University have excelled in various fields. Some of them are as follows:
|
Yonsei University Notable Alumni |
Designation |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Bong Joon-ho |
Television producer, Politician, Screen Writer, Film Director |
|
|
Lu Han |
Actor, Singer, Dancer |
|
|
J.Y. Park |
Film Actor, Director, Song Writer, Singer |
|
|
Park Gyu-young |
Actor |
|
|
Han Kang |
Writer, Poet, Novelist |
|
|
Paik Jong-won |
Writer, Chef, Businessperson |
|
|
Seo Jang-hoon |
Basketball player |
|
|
Ahn Nae sang |
Actor |
|
|
Lee Boo-jin |
Businesswoman |
|
|
Jun Hyun-moo |
Host and Television Personality |
|
Commonly asked questions On Alumni
Yonsei universities is known to have one of the prettiest campuses in Seoul and therefore chosen by many Korean filmmakers for their Kdramas such as
- Snowdrop
- My Sassy Girl
- Abyss, Reply 1994
- Romance is a bonus book
- A time called you (new!); etc.
Yonsei University VS Korea university VS Seoul National University: which is better?
Yonsei University, Korea University and Seoul National University are the top 3 reputed universities of South Korea. SNU is usually the highest ranked whereas Yonsei and Korea university are ranked #2 and #3 at National level. SNU is a public university known for its discipline and a vast research-focused campus. Meanwhile Yonsei and Korea Universities are known for their campus life and international programs.
A comparison of Yonsei University with Seoul and Korea University is mentioned below for better understanding.
|
Parameters |
Yonsei University |
SNU |
Korea University |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Shiksha Popularity Rankings |
#2 |
#1 |
#4 |
|
World University Rankings |
#56 |
#31 |
#67 |
|
No. of Courses |
12 |
13 |
18 |
|
Annual tuition fees |
INR 2L- 27L |
INR 2.93L |
INR 5L – 27L |
|
Acceptance Rate |
Around 18% |
Around 15-20% |
Around 8% |
|
No. of Scholarships |
4 |
2 (before admission) |
5 |
Compare Yonsei University with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 2.57 L | #50 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 12.64 L | #53 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 16.48 L - 18.66 L | #33 Guardian, 2026 | |
| INR 39.62 L - 40.41 L | #29 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 1.05 L | #138 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 23.61 L - 34.05 L | #42 QS, 2026 |
CompareCommonly asked questions On Comparisons
Seoul National University is ranked #1 at the national level and #31 at global level because of its excellent academic courses and research-oriented labs. Whereas Yonsei University is ranked #2 and #56 in respective areas.
Though both the universities provide globally recognised programs, Yonsei university has a better focus on global participation.
Yonsei University is known for it's active student and campus life. Apart from this, Yonsei also offers programs to international students that are purely taught in English, therefore making it a better choice for international students.
Yonsei UniversityStudying in South Korea
Key Facts About South Korea
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Yonsei University Campus Life
Yonsei University Campus (Sinchon campus) covers almost 250 acres. The university offers various services including IT, health and sports, transportation, general stores, venue reservations and many more. The city experiences summer from June to August where temperatures can go from 22 to 30 degree celsius. This season also experience heavy rainfall leading to humidity, therefore students are advised to pack light weight clothes along with sunscreen, sunglasses and a water bottle. September to November experience Autumn with temperatures between 10 – 20 degrees celsius. And in winter season, temperatures can drop to 0 degree and sometimes -5 degrees celsius as well. Students are advised to pack accordingly.
HOUSING
Gukje Haksa is one of the main campus housing for international applicants with a capacity of 232 applicants each in a room. The house is primarily allotted to the international applicants who are visiting for an exchange program, undergraduates, graduates and language programs. University makes sure that different genders are allotted rooms on separate floors.
OTHER RESOURCES
The campus also provides various resources such as libraries, IT facilities, Health facilities such as bank, gym, athletic ground, table tennis court, squash court, post office etc; shuttle system to help the applicants easily travel; Restaurants; Cafes; Pharmacies. Students can also find the campus map, location, directions and a virtual tour of the campus on university’s website.
Visit the official website for more information.
Commonly asked questions On Others
Yonsei university provides on campus housing facilities which are mentioned below:
- SK Global House can take in approximately 585 international applicants where separate floors are allotted to different genders.
- International House, also known as Gukje Haksa can accommodate almost 232 international applicants with sharing rooms.
- Muak Dormitories and Beophyeon Haksa consists of five buidings and are open to both international as well as domestic applicants.
Underwood International College of Yonsei University is first arts college to offer English-taught courses to students. It consists of two campuses: Sinchon and Yonsei International Campus. These campuses provide various services to international students including various restaurants, art-house cinemas, boutiques, Yonsei's main library, recreational facilities, advanced technology and many more.
Yonsei University FAQs
Others PG is ranked #2 by Shiksha Popularity Ranking. Apart from this, rankings by other reputed ranking bodies are mentioned in table below.
Ranking Body | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
QS - Medicine | #74 | #55 |
THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health | #43 | #60 |
Times Higher THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology (THE) | #92 | #101 |
Yonsei University
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 months ago
Yes you can walk around yonsei University. Yonsei University is a private research University in Seoul South Korea yonsei University is a beautiful modern architecture is popular destinations for visitors
Yonsei University are divided into several including
1 Sinchon Campus
2 International Campus
A
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 months ago
Yonsei University is ranked #2 at national level and #123 at a global level by Shiksha Popularity Ranking. Apart from this, the university is ranked by various reputed ranking bodies at a global level. Some of the rankings by these bodies are mentioned below.
Ranking Body | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
QS Rankings | - | #56 | #50 |
Times Higher Education (THE) | #76 | #102 | - |
US News | #205 | #180 | - |
ARWU | #201 | - | - |
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Korea University and Yonsei University both are among the top choices of international students in the USA. Every university offers something unique for its international students to stand out of the herd. Both universities have its advantages and disadvantages.
According to Shiksha Popularity Rankin
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
To qualify for the Global Korea Scholarship, you must be a citizen of an NIIED-designated country (and your parents must not hold Korean nationality), and must not be a dual Korean citizen . For the undergraduate (bachelor's) track, applicants must be under 25 years of age (born after March 1), and
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
In-Person Visit: What You Can Expect
Open & Welcoming Grounds
The campus is generally open to the public and free to walk through. No entrance fees—just stroll through the tree-lined paths and enjoy the architecture!
Guided Tours (Optional)
Yonsei offers free guided tours led by student ambassadors, ava
A
Beginner-Level 5
About the author
Yonsei UniversityTake a look at Campus
University
Class
Summer
Yonsei UniversityLocation
| University City | Seoul, Other - South Korea, South Korea |
Yonsei UniversityContact Information
50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Seoul ( Other - South Korea)
(For general query)
(For admission query)
(For general query)
(For admission query)
Comments