Study in South Korea

Thinking of pursuing your higher education in the land of K-pop and cutting-edge technology? Well, South Korea is emerging as one of the top study abroad destinations for Indian students in 2025, with more and more students opting to study in the country. This has been made possible with the efforts of the South Korean government, which is actively seeking to increase the international student numbers to over 30,000 by 2027 by means of its "Study Korea 300K Project". The GKS scholarship of South Korea is also aimed at attracting a larger number of deserving international students from all around the world. This article provides complete information on studying in South Korea for Indian students.  

Study in South Korea 2025 Highlights

Why Study in South Korea?

Studying in South Korea is beneficial for international students for several reasons. Here, in this section, we have listed the benefits of studying in South Korea for Indian students in 2025 and 2026:

1. High-quality education: South Korean universities are globally recognised for their technologically advanced and research-oriented studies, with many of them listed among the top 100 universities in the world in 2026 by QS.
2. Affordable cost of living and studying: The cost of studying in South Korea for Indian students ranges from ₹2.5 lakh to ₹10 lakh per year, which is much less than the tuition costs at other top conventional study destinations. 
3. Technological advancement and innovation: As a global leader in technology, South Korea is a dream destination for students in STEM fields. The modules are designed such that they provide you with the right mix of practical training and experience while also working on cutting-edge projects. 
4. Scholarships: The South Korean government and universities offer a wide range of scholarships for international students to choose from. The prestigious Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is also one such scholarship that covers full tuition fees, living expenses and travel costs.
5. Healthy and Safe environment: Listed among the top 10 safest countries in the world , South Korea not only provides a safe environment for students but also clean air to breathe, with an AQI of 46.

Education System in South Korea

The South Korean education system is very strict and structured in a 6-3-3-4 model (six years of elementary, three middle, three high, and four years of higher education), with elementary and middle school being compulsory and largely free. When it comes to higher education in South Korea, students from a very young age are motivated to get into the “SKY Universities”, which translates to the 3 top South Korean higher education institutions, i.e., Seoul National University, Korea University and Yonsei University.

The higher education system in South Korea is modelled after the USA, with many of its colleges providing apprenticeships, diplomas, associate degrees, licenses, certificates and citations, and universities award the bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degrees. There are 4 main types of higher education institutes in South Korea, namely:

1. Universities: These are the most common type of higher education institution and are divided into national universities (funded by the central government), public universities (funded by local governments), and private universities. The national and public universities generally have low tuition fees.

2. Junior Colleges: The junior colleges generally offer two to three-year vocational and technical programs

3. Industrial Universities: The industrial universities offer courses that focus on practical skills and education tailored to specific industries.

4. Graduate schools: Graduate schools are specialised institutions that offer master's and doctoral degrees.

Check out the top 10 universities in South Korea in 2026.

Top Courses in South Korea

The academic strength of South Korea is reflected in the popularity of certain fields among international students. The top courses to study in South Korea for Indian students after 12th include the following:

Top 5 Universities in South Korea in 2025-26

The top 5 universities in South Korea s per the QS World University Rankings 2026 are given below.

5 Best UNiversities in South Korea 2025-26
University	QS World University Rankings 2026
Seoul National University	=38
Yonsei University	#50
Korea University	#61
Pohang University of Science And Technology (POSTECH)	#102
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)	=126

How to Study in South Korea?

Here is a step-by-step guide for Indian students planning to study in South Korea:

Step 1 - Research and Select a University and Program: Explore different universities and the programs that they offer in your field. You can hop on to the "Study in Korea" website, run by the South Korean government, to explore courses, universities, and scholarships.

Step 2 - Check Admission Requirements: Check the admission and application requirements of your chosen course, including the set of documents required, and the English or Korean language test requirements (if any). 

Step 3 - Prepare Application Documents: Gather all the necessary documents in the required format in one place. This will not help you avoid any delay in submitting your application at the last minute.

Step 4 - Submit your application online: Since most universities in South Korea have an online application portal, you will be required to submit your application online along with paying the designated application fee. Note that the application periods generally start from September to November for the spring intake and from May to June for the fall intake.

Step 5 - Apply for Scholarships to study in South Korea: You must apply for any government or university-specific scholarships (such as the GKS scholarship or others) simultaneously at the time of submitting the university application. 

Step 6 - Receive an offer letter from the university: If your application is successful, you will receive an official letter of acceptance from your host university in South Korea. As soon as you receive this letter, proceed to apply for the Korean student visa.

Admission Requirements to Study in South Korea

The admission requirements for the UK and PG courses in South Korea are different. Here’s what is required of you:

• For admission to the undergraduate (bachelor’s) programs:

  • If your chosen course is taught in Korean, then TOPIK level 3 or higher will be required.

  • If your chosen course is taught in English, then either a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or a TOEFL equivalent is required.

• 12 years of formal education, which is equivalent to Indian senior secondary education.

• Minimum 70% to 80% marks on your class 12th exams; note that this is just a minimum requirement, and achieving these marks does not guarantee admission to a university in South Korea. Universities actually consider several other factors too while shortlisting international students’ applications. 

• Proof of language proficiency:

• For admission to the postgraduate (master’s) programs:

• A relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution

• Proof of language proficiency (as stated above)

• GRE/GMAT scores, if your program requires. 

• For admission to the Doctoral (Ph.D.) programs:

• A master’s degree in a relevant field

• A strong research proposal

Cost of Studying in South Korea

Studying in South Korea is quite affordable. Here's an approximate breakdown of the tuition fee, basis the level of your education:

• Bachelor’s: Approximately ₹2,50,000 to ₹10,00,000 per year, depending on the university (public or private) and the program.

• Master’s: Approximately ₹3,00,000 to ₹25,00,000 per year.

In addition to the tuition costs, you will be required to bear the student visa application cost, the airfare, exam fee (subject and language), health insurance cost and any other health examination cost, if required. 

Cost of Living in South Korea

Just like the cost of studying, the cost of living in South Korea is pretty affordable. Here is the breakdown of the major expenses incorporated:

Note:- These are approximate figures and can vary on the basis of your chosen city, food choices and lifestyle. 

South Korea Student Visa

There are two types of South Korean study visas, the D2 visa and the D-4 General Training Visa. For Indian students planning to pursue academic degrees such as a bachelor’s, master’s or above in South Korea, a D-2 Student Visa is required. However, for those enrolling in short-term educational programs, such as Korean language courses or vocational training, a D-4 General Training Visa is required.

Documents Required for a South Korea Student Visa

In this section, we will provide the list of documents that are generally required for obtaining a D2 visa for pursuing higher degrees in South Korea. Here is the list:

• A completely filled student visa application form

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity.

• Passport-sized photographs.

• Certificate of Admission/offer letter from the South Korean university.

• Proof of financial stability (bank statements).

• Academic transcripts and certificates.

• Proof of language proficiency.

• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from a designated hospital.

Study in South Korea FAQs

1. How can I study in South Korea with full scholarship?

Studying on a scholarship in South Korea is highly attainable, especially with the prestigious Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), funded by the South Korean government. The GKS scholarship typically includes full tuition fees, round-trip airfare, a monthly stipend, medical insurance and a one-year Korean language training program.

2. How can I study in South Korea for free?

Studying absolutely free in South Korea may be a challenging task, as apart from tuition fees and living costs, there are several other expenses as well. However, if you achieve a scholarship that covers the complete expenses of your studies in South Korea, then you may be able to study for free. Such a scholarship is the prestigious Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), which is designed to cover tuition, living costs, flights, and more, effectively allowing you to study without financial burden.

3. How can I study in South Korea after 12th?

Studying in South Korea for Indian students after 12th is possible by getting enrolled on an undergraduate degree. You will be required to apply for your desired course online by submitting the complete application documents, such as your class 10 and 12 marksheets, completed application form, proof of language proficiency, statement of purpose, proof of financial means and a copy of your valid passport.

4. Where can I find the study in South Korea application form?

As South Korea does not have a centralised application portal for all its universities, application forms for studying in South Korea are primarily found on the individual university websites. 

5. How much percentage is required to study in South Korea for Indian students?

The percentage required to study in South Korea varies depending on the university and your chosen program's competitiveness. While some universities may not state a strict minimum percentage required to get admitted to one of their esteemed courses, a strong academic record is, however, recommended, especially for top-tier institutions.

6. Can I study in South Korea without knowing Korean?

Yes, many South Korean universities offer a wide range of programs taught entirely in English, especially at the postgraduate level. However, it is recommended that you learn basic Korean as it will greatly enhance your daily life experience and help in cultural immersion.

7. Is it possible to work part-time while studying in South Korea?

Yes, as of recent updates, international students on a D-2 visa can work part-time for up to 20-30 hours per week during their studies.

8. How safe is South Korea for international students?

South Korea, in general, is widely regarded as a very safe country with a low crime rate, providing a safe and secure environment for international students.

9. What are the accommodation options for students?

International students have two types of accommodation options to live while studying in South Korea, i.e. university-provided accommodations and private accommodations. Most universities in South Korea offer on-campus dormitories, which are the most affordable and convenient option for students. However, off-campus options include one-room apartments (one-room), shared housing, and goshiwons (small, single rooms). 

10. Do I need to take any specific entrance exams to study in South Korea?

For undergraduate admissions, most South Korean universities do not require a separate entrance exam for international students. However, some top South Korean universities might have their own admission tests or interviews. On the other hand, for certain graduate programs, especially in business, a GMAT or GRE score may be required.