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 tha
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.
- Why Study in Korea?
- Top Courses in South Korea
- Top Universities in South Korea
- 3.1 Best Business & Management Universities in South Korea
- 3.2 Best Engineering Universities in South Korea
- 3.3 Best Law Universities in South Korea:
- Admission Requirements for Universities in South Korea
- 4.1 Documents Required by Universities in South Korea
- 4.2 Entrance exams accepted by universities in South Korea
- 4.3 English language requirements by universities in South Korea
- Cost of Studying in South Korea
- 5.1 Cost of Living in South Korea
- Scholarships in South Korea
- Job Opportunities in South Korea
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. Below are the reasons why South Korea could be a dream destination-
- Various Scholarships- 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.
- Part-Time Options- 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.
- Top Cities- According to QS Best Student Cities 2026, Seoul is ranked #1 city in the world.
Here’s all you need to know about studying in South Korea.
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. Some of the top courses in South Korea for international students are given as follows:
| Top Courses in South Korea |
Count of Universities |
|---|---|
| MBA or PGDM |
9 |
| 6 |
|
| 6 |
|
| 3 |
|
| 3 |
|
| 3 |
|
| MArch |
3 |
| 1 |
|
| 1 |
|
| BSN |
1 |
Top Universities in South Korea
There are more than 10 universities to study in South Korea for Indian students that offer quality education in different degree levels. South Korea is the home of some of the top-ranked universities in the world. Seoul National University and Yonsei University are the only universities in the country that ranked among 50 top universities in the world. Here's a list of the top universities in South Korea as per QS World University Ranking 2026 along with Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2026:
| South Korean University |
QS World 2026 |
Shiksha Popularity Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| #38 |
#1 |
|
| #50 |
#2 |
|
| - |
#3 |
|
| #126 |
#4 |
|
| #61 |
#5 |
|
| #392 |
#6 |
|
| #159 |
#7 |
|
| #473 |
#8 |
|
| #519 |
#9 |
|
| #479 |
#10 |
Best Business & Management Universities in South Korea
As per the QS World University Rankings for Business & Management, the top universities in Korea for international students are:
| University Name |
QS Subject Ranking |
|---|---|
| #34 |
|
| #40 |
|
| #42 |
|
| #63 |
|
| Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) |
#115 |
| #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 |
|---|---|
| #24 |
|
| Seoul National University |
#38 |
| Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) |
#83 |
| Yonsei University |
#86 |
| #89 |
|
| #124 |
|
| Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) |
#165 |
| Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology |
#282 |
| #333 |
|
| Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST) |
#353 |
Best Law Universities in South Korea:
Listed below are the best Law universities in South Korea:
| 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 |
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 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)
- 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
- Clear the University Interview
- Proof of Finances, Health Insurance and a D-2 Student Visa application
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 get admission in South Korea, 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. All the universities accept IELTS scores in South Korea. Hence, students must take this test (if possible).
| English Proficiency Exams Accepted |
Count of Universities |
|---|---|
| 14 |
|
| 14 |
|
| 2 |
|
| 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 – INR 40 L, which makes them ideal study-abroad options. Average tuition fee of many universities in South Korea range between INR 960 – INR 27 L. The first-year tuition fees in South Korea with the count of universities are given as follows:
| 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
The cost of living in South Korea is low compared to other countries like the UK and the US. 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
Scholarships in South Korea
Several universities in South Korea offer scholarship to international students and some are publicly funded, to help students cut down the expenses of studying abroad. Some popular scholarships in South Korea 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 |
Job Opportunities 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. Check out the table below, where you can find the average annual salary in South Korea made by international students across some popular roles:
| 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
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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
Studying in South Korea is quite affordable for international students. Universities like Kyungpook National University has tuition cost between INR 2L - INR 4 L. Similarly, the tuition cost of the most chosen universities among international students is between INR 2L and INR 9L for masters. The cost is low as compared to other countries.
YES it is now possible to study in South Korea for no tuition fee as part of 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
Seoul National University is considered best option for international students.
SNU ranks #1 in South Korea by both QS and Shiksha. Institute is well recognized for its academic excellence with 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 proof of English language proficiency. This means getting minimum threshold of different language test scores such as TOEFL, Duolingo and IELTS.
Minimum IELTS score for South Korea range between 6.0-7.0 for most universities.
To know more, students can check out- IELTS in South Korea
Seoul, Other - South KoreaPrivate#4We can fast-track your application in a week.
We can fast-track your application in a week.
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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 to South Korean university. But this cannot be done at every South Korean University. It is limited to select few.
Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University, Sungkyunkwan University and Hanyang University are some popular institutes known to allow credit transfer from 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. Mentioned below is representation of 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 university housing department to know in detail about 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: " Housing".
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.
14.1K+ students got admitted through us.
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Daegu, Other - South KoreaPublic#9We can fast-track your application in a week.
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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 in a number of popular streams of studies. Among 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 specialisations, Computer Science, Electronics, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Pharmacy and Fashion Design are vey much popular among students.
Yes to afford higher education in South Korea, students are free to work part time in South Korea with studies. According to rules and regulations for international students in South Korea, students are allowed to work max 20 hours per week during studies.
During sem break, International students can work any number of hours in South Korea.
Yes universities in South Korea offer scholarship to international students. Some of 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 |
14.1K+ students got admitted through us.
14.1K+ students got admitted through us.
14.1K+ students got admitted through us.
Daejeon, Other - South KoreaPrivate14.1K+ students got admitted through us.
