Universities and Colleges in South Korea - Courses, Fees, Scholarships, Admission Requirements & Grades
Renowned for its rich cultures and traditions, state-of-the-art infrastructure and technological advancements, South Korea is gradually becoming one of the top study-abroad destinations for international students.
From Seoul being one of the top student cities to Seoul National University, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Yonsei University, Korea University, and Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) being a part of the top 100 global universities, South Korea is a top choice to pursue higher education abroad.
In order to get enrolled as a student in any South Korean university, all interested students must appear for at least one of the following English proficiency exam(s): IELTS/TOEFL.
As of Sep 2024, the count of international students enrolled in South Korean universities is more than 200,000, observing a 25% increase from the previous record. It is interesting to n
Renowned for its rich cultures and traditions, state-of-the-art infrastructure and technological advancements, South Korea is gradually becoming one of the top study-abroad destinations for international students.
From Seoul being one of the top student cities to Seoul National University, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Yonsei University, Korea University, and Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) being a part of the top 100 global universities, South Korea is a top choice to pursue higher education abroad.
In order to get enrolled as a student in any South Korean university, all interested students must appear for at least one of the following English proficiency exam(s): IELTS/TOEFL.
As of Sep 2024, the count of international students enrolled in South Korean universities is more than 200,000, observing a 25% increase from the previous record. It is interesting to note that the number of international students in non-metropolitan areas has also witnessed a surge.
- Universities in South Korea: Highlights
- Why Study in Korea?
- 2.1 Student Visa Fee in South Korea
- Is it better to study in Korea than in the US, UK or Canada?
- Top Universities in South Korea
- 4.1 Best Business & Management Universities in South Korea:
- 4.2 Best Engineering Universities in South Korea:
- 4.3 Best Law Universities in South Korea:
- List of English Taught Universities in South Korea
- Top Cities in to Study in Korea
- Top Courses in South Korea
- Admission Requirements for Universities in South Korea
- 8.1 Documents Required by Universities in South Korea
- 8.2 Apostille for Indian Students in South Korea
- 8.3 Entrance exams accepted by universities in South Korea
- 8.4 English language requirements by universities in South Korea
- Cost of Studying in South Korea
- Cost of Living in South Korea
- Universities in South Korea Scholarships
- Best Paying Jobs in South Korea
- How to apply for South Korea visa from India?
Universities in South Korea: Highlights
| Parameter |
Statistics |
|---|---|
| Number of universities in South Korea |
10+ |
| Tuition fees of universities in South Korea |
INR 10 L - 40 L |
| Top Streams in South Korea |
MBA/PGDM, MS, BBA, BE/BTech, MIM |
| English language exams required |
IELTS, TOEFL & Duolingo |
Why Study in Korea?
South Korea can be a ideal option for Indian students looking to study abroad, as it is home to several global universities. South Korea offers higher education degrees that are accepted and recognized throughout the world and the majority of South Korean courses encourage students to obtain experience while they are enrolled, providing them with professional experience.
A wide variety of scholarships are available to support education, and one of the main draws to South Korea is the country's affordable educational system. International D-2 student visa holders are permitted to work part-time jobs for up to 20-25 hours per week, and they are also permitted to work full-time during the summer.
Here’s all you need to know about studying in South Korea.
Student Visa Fee in South Korea
South Korea offers student visa is a number of different formats: single-entry, multiple-entry & experess visa that are available for different duration of stays. The fee for each of these visas is different, with the express visa costing more because of its low processing time.
Given below is a detailed breakdown of the the different visas & the amount they cost for Indian students, planning to study in Korea:
| Type of Visa | Cost for 90 days | Cost for more than 90 days |
|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | INR 3,775 | INR 9,600 |
| Multiple Entry | INR 7,275 | INR 10,400 |
| Express Visa | INR 8,000 | INR 13,600 |
Source: Akbar Travels
Is it better to study in Korea than in the US, UK or Canada?
South Korea can be an ideal alternative to the likes of USA, United Kingdom & Canada for a number of different reasons. The table below compares some aspects of studies in South Korea with that of the popular study abroad destinations:
| Comparison Factor | US/UK/Canada | South Korea |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Studies | Very high (INR 17 L-INR 34.2 L per year) + Higher costs of living | Lower costs of studies & living (INR 1.7 L-INR 8.5 L) |
| Scholarships | Limited availability & very competitive | Bigger pool, lower competition |
| Visa work rights | Complex & Less Flexibility | Greater Flexibility for part time work (20 hr/week during academics & full-time during vacations) |
| Safety & public transport | Higher crime rates & Higher costs of transportation | Lower crime rate & costs |
| Cultural familiarity | Centered around Western values | Has a closer resemblance to the Indian culture |
Top Universities in South Korea
Here's a list of the top universities in South Korea as per some of the top university ranking bodies:
| South Korean University |
QS World 2026 |
Shiksha Popularity Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| #38 |
#88 |
|
| #50 |
#123 |
|
| #61 |
#186 |
|
| Pohang University of Science and Technology |
#102 |
Unranked |
| #126 |
#180 |
|
| #159 |
#257 |
|
| Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology |
#310 |
Unranked |
| Kyung Hee University |
#331 |
Unranked |
| Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology |
#370 |
Unranked |
| Gwangiu Institute of Science & Technology (GIST) |
#385 |
Unranked |
Best Business & Management Universities in South Korea:
As per the QS World University Rankings for Business & Management, the top universities to study in Korea are:
| University Name |
QS Subject Ranking |
|---|---|
| Yonsei University |
#34 |
| Seoul National University |
#40 |
| Korea University |
#42 |
| KAIST - Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology |
#63 |
| Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) |
#115 |
| Hanyang University |
#117 |
| Kyung Hee University |
#151-200 |
| Sogang University |
#201-250 |
| Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) |
#251-300 |
| Chung-Ang University (CAU) |
#351-400 |
Best Engineering Universities in South Korea:
Listed below are the best engineering institutions in South Korea:
| University Name |
QS Subject Ranking |
|---|---|
| KAIST |
#24 |
| Seoul National University |
#38 |
| Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) |
#83 |
| Yonsei University |
#86 |
| Korea University |
#89 |
| Hanyang University |
#124 |
| Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) |
#165 |
| Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology |
#282 |
| Sejong University |
#333 |
| Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST) |
#353 |
Best Law Universities in South Korea:
Listed below are the best institites in South Korea for Law:
| University Name |
QS Subject Ranking |
|---|---|
| Seoul National University |
#36 |
| Korea University |
#81 |
| Yonsei University |
#87 |
| Hanyang University |
#151-200 |
| Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) |
#201-250 |
| Sogang University |
#301-350 |
| Chung-Ang University (CAU) |
#351-400 |
| Pusan National University |
#351-400 |
List of English Taught Universities in South Korea
Mentioned below are some of the best universities in South Korea offering English taught programs:
University |
Notable English Taught Courses |
|---|---|
| Seoul National University |
Business, Engineering, International Studies |
| Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology |
Science, Engineering, Business, Humanities |
| Yonsei University |
Business, International Relations, Science, Engineering |
| Pohang University of Science and Technology |
Engineering, IT, Biotech, Natural Sciences |
| Sungkyunkwan University |
Business, Engineering, Humanities |
| Hanyang University |
Engineering, Business, Music, Urban Studies |
| Korea University |
Business, International Studies, Media Studies |
| Ewha Womans University |
Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences |
| Sogang University |
Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, Engineering |
| Kyung Hee University |
East-West Medicine, Hospitality & Tourism, Law |
Top Cities in to Study in Korea
South Korea is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations for higher education among international students and is home to a few cities that rank among the top student cities, as per the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2025. Seoul, Daejeon and Busan are some of the best locations for overseas candidates, with ranks #3, #74 and #136 respectively.
| City Name |
QS Best Student Cities |
|---|---|
| Seoul |
#3 |
| Daejeon |
#74 |
| Busan |
#136 |
Top Courses in South Korea
South Korea is known for its quality of teaching and world-class programs all around the globe. Most of the South Korean universities offer popular courses such as the MBA/PGDM, MS, BBA, BE/BTech, MIM and more.
| Top Courses in South Korea |
Count of Universities |
|---|---|
| MBA or PGDM |
9 |
| 6 |
|
| 6 |
|
| 3 |
|
| 3 |
|
| MEng |
3 |
| MArch |
3 |
| MPH |
1 |
| BSc |
1 |
| BSN |
1 |
Admission Requirements for Universities in South Korea
International students seeking admission to a university in South Korea, must satisfy the eligibility requirements to study in Korea, which vary depending on the course and the university, but some requirements are common for all, and are mentioned below:
Documents Required by Universities in South Korea
The documentation required to study in Universities in South Korea, varies for both undergraduate and graduate courses.
Documents Required for Undergraduate Students in South Korea
- Completed university application form
- High School Diploma
- Original high school transcripts in English
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Proof of Korean Language Proficiency (for programs taught in Korean)
- Letters of Recommendation
- An personal statement or essay on a topic specified by the university
- A valid copy of passport
- An application fee (varies by university)
- Financial Proof, Health Insurance and a D-2 Student Visa application
Documents Required for Graduate Students in South Korea
- Completed Application Form
- A UG degree or Provisional Degree Certificate
- Original University transcript (in Korean or English)
- LOR and SOP
- English or Korean Language Proficiency
- CV or Professional Resume
- Clear the University Interview
- Proof of Finances, Health Insurance and a D-2 Student Visa application
Apostille for Indian Students in South Korea
An Apostille is nothing but a stamp, that authenticates a student's personal and academic documents. The documents can then be sent directly to a university abroad, without first being authenticated by the embassy of that country.
Indian students planning for higher studies at Universities in South Korea, can get their documents apostilled by visiting the e-Sanad website. After a few days of processing, an apostilled copy of the same willl be dispatched by the Ministry of External Affairs, which can then be used as part of university applications, abroad.
Apostille Attestation Process
Follow the steps mentioned below, to get your documents apostilled for study in Korea:
- Visit and Register on the e-Sanad website
- Upload your personal and academic docuements, you wish to get apostilled
- Pay the standard application fee
- Documents would then be verified by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) and General Administration Department (GAD), Government of India
- The documents, after being verified by the Ministry of External Affairs, would then be apostilled and dispatched to the applicant
- The same can be retrieved from the nearest outsourced agency
To know more about what an Apostille is check out: Apostille Attestation
Entrance exams accepted by universities in South Korea
A few universities in South Korea may require GMAT/GRE scores as an entry requirement and international students must fulfil this criterion to secure admission, especially in Business & Management courses. However, most of the universities accept work experience certificates or specific business certifications instead.
English language requirements by universities in South Korea
In order to study in Korea, all international students must provide proof of proficiency in the English language, as an admission requirement. Majority of the South Korean universities accept IELTS/TOEFL score(s) for their English language requirements. Some universities are also known to consider Duolingo test scores. In South Korea, all the universities accept IELTS scores. Hence, students must take this test (if possible).
| English Proficiency Exams Accepted |
Count of Universities |
|---|---|
| 14 |
|
| 13 |
|
| Duolingo | 2 |
Cost of Studying in South Korea
On average, the cost of studying in South Korea can be considered affordable, as a decent chunk of the South Korean universities have an annual tuition fee under INR 10 L, which makes them ideal study-abroad options.
| First-Year Tuition Fee Range |
Count of Universities |
|---|---|
| Up to INR 10 L |
12 |
| Up to INR 20 L | 14 |
| UP to INR 30 L | 14 |
| Up to INR 40 L | 14 |
Cost of Living in South Korea
On average, the annual cost of living can range between INR 1 L - 1.5 L for Indian students. However, the expenses can vary for different individuals depending on the lifestyle.
Given below is an estimated cost of living in the country:
| Cost of Living Component |
Average Cost (in SKW) |
Average Cost (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Books and Stationery (one-time pay) |
SKW 20-50 K |
INR 1.2-3.1 K |
| Yearly Tuition Fees |
SKW 1.9-14.4 K |
INR 120-900 |
| Travelling (Local transport) |
SKW 62 K |
INR 3.9 K |
| Food |
SKW 321 K |
INR 20 K |
| Entertainment |
SKW 10 K-50 K |
INR 630-3.1 K |
| Accommodation |
SKW 350-800 K |
INR 22 K-50.3 K |
| Phone and Internet Subscriptions |
SKW 88.5 K |
INR 5.5 K |
Conversion rate: 1 SKW = INR 0.063
Universities in South Korea Scholarships
Several universities in South Korea offer scholarships to international students and some are publicly funded, to help students cut down the expenses of studying abroad. Some popular scholarships for Indian students are listed below:
| Scholarship |
Rewards |
|---|---|
| - Economy class flight ticket - Settlement allowance: 200,000 SKW (INR 12.5 K) - Monthly allowance: 900,000 SKW /month (INR 56.6 K) - Korean proficiency grants: 100,000 SKW/month (INR 6.3 K) - Degree completion grants: 100,000 SKW (INR 6.3 K) - Medical insurance, language training fee, and tuition |
|
| - 100% Tuition Fee Waiver for Science & Engineering students - Monthly living allowance worth KRW 1,000,000 (INR 60 K) - A one-time Economy class flight ticket to Korea - A Health insurance cover - Employment or Startup-related support post graduation in South Korea |
|
| Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies Scholarship |
- Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and research expenses |
Conversion Rate: 1 SKW = INR 0.063
Best Paying Jobs in South Korea
Studying in South Korea is very fruitful for students worldwide as the return on investment is huge. Some of the most popular and highest-paying job sectors for international students in South Korea are Architecture, Engineering, Business, IT and Marketing.
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary (in KRW) | Average Annual Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| High School Teacher | KRW 40,000 | INR 2.5 K |
| Electrical Engineer | KRW 50,000 | INR 3.1 K |
| Mechanical Engineer | KRW 50,000 | INR 3.1 K |
| Software Engineer | KRW 50,000 | INR 3.1 K |
| Account Manager | KRW 58,531 | INR 3.6 K |
| Software Engineer | KRW 61,500 | INR 3.8 K |
| Marketing Manager | KRW 62,000 | INR 3.9 K |
| Assistant Professor | KRW 66,500 | INR 4.2 K |
| IT Manager | KRW 75,000 | INR 4.7 K |
| Project Manager | KRW 85,000 | INR 5.3 K |
| Business Development Manager | KRW 100,000 | INR 6.3 K |
| Country Manager | KRW 124,800 | INR 7.8 K |
Source: Payscale
Conversion rate: 1 SKW = INR 0.063
How to apply for South Korea visa from India?
Indian students seeking a South Korea student visa, can follow the steps mentioned below, to apply for the same:
- First, determine the type of the South Korea visa, you wish to apply for. For international students, the Korea study visa is typically "D2".
- Determine and gather the documents you need to provide as part of your visa application, and get the required ones, translated in English
- Register on the official South Korea visa application portal, VFS Global, and select your nearest VIsa application center
- Book an appointement
- Visit the Korea Visa Appication Center and attend your Korea visa interview
- Keep track of the status of your visa application, via updates provided by VFS global on email, or use your VFS Global account to track your application status
- Collect your passport from the nearest Visa application center
- Receive a decision on your South Korea Visa application
- Prepare your bags to study in Korea
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Universities and Colleges in South Korea - Courses, Fees, Scholarships, Admission Requirements & Grades
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Commonly asked questions On Universities and Colleges in South Korea - Courses, Fees, Scholarships, Admission Requirements & Grades
The tuition cost ranges between INR 4.4 L-INR 14.9 L, while the cost of living per year ranges between INR 1 L-INR 1.5 L.
This includes accommodation, food, books, travel, entertainment, phone and internet subscriptions, and some other personal costs.
Note that these are only estimated figures, and actual costs may vary, depending on the course and the standard of accommodation that a student opts to pursue.
YES, it is now possible to study in South Korea for no tuition fee, as part of the Seoul Tech Scholarship (STS). The scholarship is an initiative by the South Korea's Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG), that allows PG students enrolled in STEM based education the chance to pursue their education, without paying anything, along with some other additional benefits.
If you want to know how to apply, then check out: Seoul Tech Scholarship 2025 Eligibility
The average GPA of students enrolled in higher education in South Korea stands at 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. However, most of the decent universities, require students to maintain an equivalent GPA of 3.0 in past academics.
Universities in South Korea lay a major emphasis on academic scores and therefore, students are advised to maintain strong scores in school and college, before applying for higher studies in South Korea.
The Seoul National University is considered the best option for international students.
SNU ranks #1 in South Korea by both QS and Shiksha. The institute is well-recognized for its academic excellence, with a keen emphasis on STEM and research work.
The institute offers personalised academic, career and well being support, with webinars and meet ups with industry leaders a regular feature. SNU graduates receive job offers from the likes of Hyundai, Samsung and LG, and some other top companies in South Korea and globally.
Yes, most universities in South Korea, require students to provide a valid proof of English language proficiency, which means, attaining the minimum threshold of different language test scores such as TOEFL, Duolingo and IELTS.
The minimum IELTS score for South Korea, ranges between 6.0-7.0 for most universities.
To know more, students can check out: IELTS in South Korea
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Commonly asked questions On Universities and Colleges in South Korea - Courses, Fees, Scholarships, Admission Requirements & Grades
Yes, it is possible for Indian students to transfer credits from their current college or university, to a South Korean university or college. However, this cannot be done at every South Korean University, and is limited to a select few.
The Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University, Sungkyunkwan University and Hanyang University, are some popular institutes, known to allow credit transfer, from a university in South Korea to one in India.
While study abroad in South Korea, is generally smooth, there are certain challenges, that are very common among Indian students in South Korea. Given below is a representation of the major challenges faced by Indian students in South Korea, and how they can overcome them:
| Challenge | How to Overcome? |
|---|---|
| Language Barrier | Join a South Korean Language Course |
| Cultural Adjustment | Join a Indian Student Club or Association (on campus or in the local community) |
| Homesickness | On Campus Student Groups |
| Overeating fast food or Lack of Indian Food | Contact the University Support Services department |
Indian students seeking on campus accommodation in South Korea, can contact the university housing department, to know in detail, about the available on campus accommodation services. For off campus housing, some universities maintain their own facilities, while others can help guide students to resources to finding the right accommodation.
Alternative housing resources, near the university campus, can be found online, by simply searching: "
South Korea is generally considered, very safe, for Indian students. The locals have a warm and welcoming culture, with similarities to the Indian culture, itself. There can occassionally be a few minsunderstandings, but any serious form of discrimination, is rare. Locations like Seoul, Busan and Daejeon, are all home to growing Indian student communities.
The South Korea crime rate, was recorded at 3,000 crimes per 100,000 people, per Statista, which is reasonably low, as compared to other popular study abroad destinations.
Yes, there are a number of Indian student communities in South Korea, that welcome students with open arms, and act as a common platform, for Indian students in Korea.
Some popular Indian student communities in South Korea include: Indian Students and Researchers in South Korea (ISRK), Indians in Korea (IIK) and the Indian Association of Korea.
There are also some state specific regional groups and communities as well, which includes: Maharashtara Mandal and the Karnataka Group.
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Commonly asked questions On Universities and Colleges in South Korea - Courses, Fees, Scholarships, Admission Requirements & Grades
South Korea offers quality education, across a number of popular streams of studies. Among the best courses in South Korea for international students are: Engineering and Technology, Business and Management, Korean Language and Culture, Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Design and Fashion, and Environmental Science and Sustainability.
In terms of specialisations, Computer Science, Electronics, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Pharmacy, and Fashion Design are vey much popular among students.
Yes, in order to afford higher education in South Korea, students are free to work part time in South Korea, alongside their studies. Per the rules and regulations for, international students in South Korea, students are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week, during their academic session.
During vacations or semester break, International students can work any number of hours in South Korea.
Indian student planning to study in South Korea, can apply directly to the university, via the official admissions portal or through an study abroad agent, who can file an application on their behalf.
Students are required to provide official academic transcripts of all past education, a valid passport, any certifications or achievements, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose and valid language test scores, and satisfy some other programme specific requirements, to secure admission in South Korea.
Indian students seeking admission to universities in South Korea, are required to provide the following list of documents as part of their univeristy application in South Korea:
- A completed university application
- Original high school transcripts or diploma (in English)
- Proof of English or Korean language proficiency
- A personal statement
- Letters of Recommendation
- Valid passport
- Valid receipt of application fee payment
- Health Insurance, Bank Statement and a D-2 Student Visa application
Yes, universities in South Korea offer scholarships to international students, some of the popular ones are mentioned below:
Scholarship | Rewards |
|---|---|
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) | - Economy class flight ticket - Settlement allowance: 200,000 SKW - Monthly allowance: 900,000 SKW /month - Korean proficiency grants: 100,000 SKW/month - Degree completion grants: 100,000 SKW, - Medical insurance, language training fee, and tuition |
Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies Scholarship | - Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and research expenses |
Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology Scholarship | - Covers tuition fee (fully covered), living expenses through a monthly stipend, on-campus housing (free of cost or at a reduced cost), airfare |
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