Studying in South Korea can really change your life and it’s now getting very famous among Indian students. The South Korean universities requires an IELTS score between 6.0 and 7.0. This score shows that you can speak and understand English good enough for studying there.
South Korea is becoming one big choice for many Indian students who want to study abroad. One main reason is the rise of K-pop and K-dramas. These fun songs and TV shows made many young people from India start loving South Korean culture and now they want to see and feel it by themselves.
If you thinking to study in South Korea, you must show that you can understand and talk in English. It helps them know that you can manage your studies in English without big problems. This article tell you everything about IELTS score requirements in South Korea, why IELTS test is important for students, and some easy tips that can help you prepare better.
- Importance of IELTS for Studying in South Korea
- Minimum IELTS Score Requirements in South Korea
- Minimum IELTS Scores Required by Korean Universities
- Top Courses to Study in South Korea
- Requirements to Study in South Korea for International Students
- Tips for Preparing for the IELTS Exam
- Study in South Korea Without IELTS
Importance of IELTS for Studying in South Korea
- The universities in South Korea teach in English. If you can speak and understand English, studying become easier.
- IELTS test checks how well you can use English. It is very important if your course is in English. It shows if you can read, write, listen, and speak for your studies.
- Unlike other tests, IELTS has a speaking part with real examiner. You talk face to face. It helps show your English speaking skills in real life.
- Good IELTS score is accepted by more than 11,500 organizations like universities, jobs, and immigration offices. It helps not only for studying in South Korea but also your future work.
Minimum IELTS Score Requirements in South Korea
| Degree level |
IELTS Score Requirements |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate programs |
6.0 & above |
| Postgraduate programs |
6.5 & above |
| Top-ranked universities |
7.0 & above |
Minimum IELTS Scores Required by Korean Universities
| University |
QS Ranking 2025 |
Minimum IELTS Score |
|---|---|---|
| 53 |
6.5 |
|
| 31 |
7.0 |
|
| 67 |
6.5 |
|
| Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) |
123 |
6.0 |
| 56 |
6.5 |
|
| Postech (Pohang University of Science and Technology) |
98 |
6.0 |
| 162 |
6.5 |
|
| Kyung Hee University |
328 |
6.0 |
| Ewha Womans University |
511 |
5.5 |
| Sogang University |
576 |
6.0 |
| 524 |
6.5 |
|
| HUFS (Hankuk University of Foreign Studies) |
651-660 |
5.5 |
| 396 |
6.0 |
|
| Dongguk University |
701-710 |
6.0 |
| Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology |
359 |
6.5 |
| Chonbuk National University |
– |
5.5 |
These scores show the minimum requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate programs; specific courses may have higher thresholds depending on their nature and demands.
Top Courses to Study in South Korea
South Korea offers a wide range of courses that attract Indian students. Some popular fields include:
| Program |
Duration |
1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MS in Mechanical Engineering |
12 - 24 months |
₹4 L - 8 L |
| B.E. / B.Tech in Electrical Engineering |
48 months |
₹6 L - 7 L |
| MEng in Mechanical Engineering |
18 - 24 months |
₹2 L - 9 L |
| MS in Big Data & Analytics |
18 - 24 months |
₹2 L - 9 L |
| MEng in Environmental Engineering |
18 - 24 months |
₹2 L - 9 L |
| MS in AI & Robotics |
18 - 24 months |
₹2 L - 9 L |
| MS in Chemistry |
18 - 24 months |
₹2 L - 4 L |
| MS in Physics |
24 months |
₹4 L - 8 L |
| B.E. / B.Tech in Electronics Engineering |
48 months |
₹6 L - 8 L |
| MS in Mathematics |
18 - 24 months |
₹4 L - 8 L |
Requirements to Study in South Korea for International Students
If you want study in South Korea you need follow some things.
- Educational Background: For undergraduate programs you finish high school. For master’s programs you need bachelor degree.
- Language Proficiency: You show English skills with IELTS or other English tests.
- Application Documents: You need transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statement, and proof of money to show you can pay.
Tips for Preparing for the IELTS Exam
- Know Test Format: Learn the four parts in IELTS – Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking.
- Practice Lots: Use IELTS practice books and try mock tests with time.
- Learn New Words: Focus on academic words for your study field.
- Talk English: Speak English with friends or teacher, it helps your fluency and confidence.
- Manage Time: Use your time smart in IELTS exam.
Study in South Korea Without IELTS
- You can ask some universities in South Korea if you got to apply with no IELTS score, sometimes they say yes when you got special things.
- If your schooling was all in English, maybe you don’t need IELTS, a lot of places say ok with that.
- Sometimes colleges let folks show TOEFL or Duolingo English Test, so you just pick another test not the IELTS.
- A few schools even let direct admission for courses, where if you got other proofs, they not want English exam.
- Before you fill up your form, you gotta talk to the university admissions people and just see what rules they got for English test thing.
IELTS IDP has not set any 12th score requirements for taking the IELTS. You can take the IELTS irrespective of the marks you scored in the 12th standard. So, one can attempt the IELTS exam without worrying about their class 12th score.
Yes, candidates who have completed Class 10 can apply for the IELTS exam, provided they are 16 years or older and have a valid passport. There is no minimum academic qualification required to take the IELTS test.
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There is no specific eligibility criterion for taking the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam. It is open to individuals of all ages and educational backgrounds who wish to demonstrate their English language proficiency. Whether you are a student, a professional, or someone seeking immigration or work opportunities in English-speaking countries, you are eligible to take the IELTS. There are no prerequisites such as educational qualifications, age restrictions, or prior language learning experience. The IELTS is accessible to anyone who wants to showcase their English language proficiency. However, it is preferable that students above the age of 16 appear for the exam.