Study In South Korea

South Korea is the perfect combination of the most beautiful things in the world, such as the ancient with the modern and nature with technology. Along the long historical landscape, one can take in natural beauty as it holds the horizon's interest of being in a world industrial mega-city like Seoul. 

Today, South Korea (known as the Land of the Morning Calm) is the new home for students from abroad, and that is for a good reason. If you plan to attend any school in South Korea, you can choose from a wide variety of education programs that highly emphasize research and technology. 

Apart from all these options, practical reasons have made studying in Korea an excellent choice: low living costs (compared to many other developed nations) and cheap tuition fees. Modern Korea's economic and political upheaval, is a well-diversified state that is recognized worldwide for an excellent level of education and health care. 

This wonderful place is a safe place and secure country with lots of good travel connections to neighboring countries. Weekend or holiday trips to China, Japan, or other parts of Asia give more actual experience to the life and study experience in Korea.

 Thus, going to South Korea would mean amazing scenery, interesting friends, and great worth on top of an excellent education.

Why study in South Korea?

1. Low school fees

The cool thing about South Korea is that there is no differentiation between local and foreign students when it comes to paying their fees. Most of all, the fees payable do not come close to what you will pay in the USA, Canada, or Australia.

For most Bachelor's and master's courses, the costs, ranging from 1,000-1,500USD to 21,000USD per semester, may not sound so cheap, but considering that American universities charge close to 50,000 USD in tuition per year, it is cheap. Normally, Engineering, Medicine, and Humanities are the most expensive types of academic disciplines.

2. Several scholarships granted to students

It varies from each university in South Korea on many such international-level scholarships they provide. Among them, scholarship requirements differ for each type; some may grant such types of scholarships based on a previous GPA or academic performance.

3. A good education system

South Korea loudly boasts of some best universities based both in Asia and in the entire world. Its schools are often ranked among the best higher education institutions and students hailing from South Korea, however, will find themselves among the top 3 in PISA results (Program for International Student Assessment).

4. Advance in all technologies

South Korea is a leader in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). This impressive progress and contribution made by South Korean companies like Samsung, LG, and SK Hynix; few countries can compare under this head. It is also an important player in the automobile industry, thanks to Hyundai and Kia.

5. The beauty of Korean culture and history 

You will have a chance to visit some of its numerous monuments and sites such as the Gyeongbokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower, Bukchon Hanok Village, etc., while studying and living in South Korea as part of its culture and history.

Being an international student in South Korea

It is a pure adventure through and through. When you study and live in South Korea, you’ll constantly have opportunities to adventure. You have major technology hubs like Seoul and on the other hand, wonderful countryside and mountain regions will give you plenty of time outside of the classroom, to check out nature. 

As it seems, the reputation of dressing well for all classes finds its way to Korean universities. This culture is what many foreign students and locals have attested to. It has become a stereotype about everyday life at Korean universities where students dress as if they are going for an interview. 

Well, that's indeed contrary to most international universities where students dress as if they are going on a stroll. There are people in South Korea who suggest it's all about viewing one's professional look into "this is surely an important fellow".

What to study in South Korea?

If not for anything else, South Korea is a country whose culture celebrates technology along with entertainment and mass media. It is a place that inspires creativity and new ideas in the world. At the same time, it is a country with a long, interesting, and somewhat convoluted political past and is usually a great site for social scientists or history geeks.

1. Computer Science and Information Technology

This trend continues into the present computerized age where computer science and information technology are among courses offered in South Korea that would be best considered for foreign students. There is a high demand worldwide for qualified personnel, adding the institution to the many pathways that you can take after graduation.

Areas of Specialization include:

• Data Science
• Cybersecurity
• Computer Graphics
• Network Administration
• System Administration
• Database Administration
• Information Security
• Web Development
• Artificial Intelligence

2. Engineering and Technology

South Korean brilliance is manifested in its technological advancement. Its innovations concern mostly work for the betterment of the lives of its citizens and people. Anyone can come, and study at one of the best courses here in South Korea for international students to bring forth modernized teaching, and broaden their learning ability and knowledge.

Areas of Specialization include:

• Aeronautical Engineering
• Automotive Engineering
• Robotics Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Structural Civil Engineering
• Nanoengineering
• Software Development

3. Health and Medical Sciences 

South Korea is making global progress in health research, and the country has well-equipped facilities for the study of diverse concerns. Moreover, to study the best international courses in South Korea, you can avail internships with well-established pharmaceutical companies such as Celltrion Inc., SK Bioscience Ltd, etc.

You may specialize in:

• Nursing
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Immunology
• Pathology

4. Business and Management 

Aside from its impressive economy that brings international learners to South Korea, the country also has the best business education, delivered by the best universities in South Korea. Enrolling in the best courses in South Korea for international students teaches great business cultures focusing on entrepreneurship along with innovations.

You may specialize in:

• Marketing
• Accounting
• Finance
• Human Resource Management
• International Business
• Management Information System
• Operations Management

5. Economics and International Trade

South Korea’s remarkable economic climb to success is one motivation to consider. Imagine absorbing the country’s strategies to improve its global position and modifying it for your self-improvement. You may specialize in: 

• global markets
• International trade
• international finance
• international business law
• international logistics

6. Hospitality and Tourism management

Guest services, travel, and leisure are very important industries in the country earning billions of dollars every year. This is a top program for international students this year in South Korea. It also covers human management, marketing, hospitality law, etc. All these aim at moulding the proper skills to cultivate students to seek jobs in the hospitality sector.

You can study:

• hospitality management 
• tourism management 
• event management 
• luxury hospitality management 
• spa and wellness management 

7. Design and Media

 Design and Media Programs are surely among the topmost courses in South Korea for an international student, judging by their impact internationally. Enrolled students will also enjoy an inspirational educational journey because of modern facilities and a contemporary curriculum.

You may specialize in:

• web design
• graphic design
• fashion design
• product design
• interior design
• animation
• photography
• video editing
• journalism
• filmmaking

Top 5 universities in South Korea 2024

Korea has begun ramping up its offer of English-taught study programs for international students. Universities here are now well known for producing some of the brightest brains in the world, providing brilliant students the best chance to connect with the careers of their dreams.

1. Yonsei University

Location: Seoul 

Average tuition for a semester of direct enrollment: $3,000-$5,500 

 Monthly cost of living including housing: $1,100-$1,600 

 QS World Ranking: 73rd 

Perhaps you indulge in campus life; then this university will be the best choice for you. North-western Seoul is home to this famous university, which has a lot of student clubs and organizations, many festivals to celebrate, and sporting events to watch or participate in.

The dedicated freshman dorm has exciting activities planned for you to meet new friends and explore the sights and sounds of the capital. Academically, Yonsei is rated highly in economics and business, health, social sciences, and psychology.

2. Korea University

Location: Seoul

Tuition for a semester: $5,000-6,000

Cost of living: $1,100 to $1,600

QS World Ranking: 74th

Korea University boasts an environment and programs quite conducive for local and international students. Services include English mental health and counselling, as well as academic and accessibility support for students with learning differences and physical disabilities.

Personalized academic mentoring and guidance provisions for all degree-seeking and study-abroad students are also open. If you are an admirer of life science, physical science, or engineering, you surely would have some of the finest programs in such areas at Korea University. 

3. Chonnam National University

Location: Gwangju

Average tuition fees per semester: $1,800-$2,400

Living expenses: $800-$1,100

QS world ranking: 751st-800th

Chonnam National University remains one of the most affordable universities in Korea for international students. Average tuition fees for the university are well below the averages of most universities around the country. Also, it is significantly cheaper in terms of living costs compared to the rapidly growing Seoul.

Gwanju is less than 5 hours away, by bus, from Seoul and embodies a beautiful part of Korea with its historic places, beautiful mountains and long-standing culinary tradition.

Save money and experience life outside of Seoul at Chonnam National University.

4. Seoul National University

Location: Seoul

Average tuition for a semester: $4,600-$5,800

Cost of living: $1,100-$1,600

QS World Ranking: 29th

Often proclaimed as the Harvard of South Korea, this university ranks 29th all over the world for its academic programming. So, if you want to study at a reputed university with international fame, SNU will be the perfect choice.

SNU draws talent from around Korea and the rest of the world. The SNU estimates that nearly 97% of the faculty members have doctoral degrees from prestigious global universities.

SNU graduates do not fear entering the job market, for many become the captains of industry and the judges of the Supreme Court in Korea. An exchange program or a year abroad at SNU will surely land you a perfect spot on your resume.

5. Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST)

Place: Daejeon

Average tuition for a semester: $2,675 for all subjects

Cost of living: $900-$1,100

QS World Ranking: 42

Still, most classes at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) are conducted in English. Besides, it's a big research university associated with a worldwide consortium for engineering and business schools.

 Ranked 42nd across the globe, the probably very nice assurance of quality education could be relished by the students at any time they come to study abroad.

Daejeon, a naturally beautiful city in the central west part of South Korea offers much to do inside the city. The region is rich in hot springs, hiking trails, forests, and lakes – a perfect unwind after a long week of studies.

How to apply to South Korean universities?

Every university in South Korea has an online admission system for prospective students enrolled in their degree programs. After selecting the university of your choice, you can refer to its application process and submit your documents. 

Here are some general requirements you need to apply to all South Korean universities: 

• Scan of diploma (high school or Bachelor's degree)
• Transcript/record of previous courses
•  Scan of passport and/or birth certificate
• CV; Test scores
•  Evidence of scholarship or funding; Recommendation letters (2-3)
•  Portfolio and/or writing samples

Helpful Methods to Ensure Your Admission to a South Korean University

Take Preparatory Courses

Such courses will assist degree-seeking students gain that extra academic boost just before the commencement of their Master’s or other postgraduate degree programs.

Some examples are pre-M.B.A., pre-law, and pre-medical programs, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree program of your choice.

Improve Your English via an English Prep Course

In other words, if you're studying a degree program in South Korea, it means you must prove your language skills to actively participate in the classes and enjoy the lectures. Such courses also prepare you for any university-required English language tests.

You will need your proof of diploma for your proficiency level in English to apply to study in South Korea. The general acceptance certificates of universities in South Korea are:

• PTE Academic
• TOEFL 
• IELTS 
• C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency

Types of Scholarships for international students in Korea

Government Scholarships

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

GKS is one of the important and competitive scholarships funded by the Korean government. Expenses like tuition fees, living allowances, and airline tickets are covered by this scholarship.

Korean Government Scholarship Program for Foreign Exchange Students (KGSP)

This scholarship is given to foreign exchange students who wish to pursue undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields.

University Scholarships

Most of the universities in South Korea provide university scholarship programs for international students based on academic performance, financial needs, or other such requirements.

Examples include scholarships offered by Seoul National University, Yonsei University, and department- or research center-specific agencies.

Private Scholarships

Also, some private organizations/foundations provide scholarships to students studying in South Korea. 

Embassy Scholarships

Some embassies and cultural centers give scholarships to foreign students.

Education system in South Korea

Korea boasts one of the loftiest literacy rates globally. It's certainly a known fact that Korea's educated populace has actually been the main source of the rapid economic growth that the nation has achieved over the past six decades. 

The formulation and implementation of educational policies are the responsibilities of the responsible government agency known as the Ministry of Education (MOE). Basic policies set by the government are not only supplemented by financial assistance but also in the instructional development of the nation. 

The sixth part of Korea's single-track 6-3-3-4 system refers to six years of elementary school, three years of middle school, three years of high school, and four years of college or university, which also offer graduate courses leading to master's degrees and doctoral degrees.

 The single-track features have been part of the Korean education service, which adopts a common ladder system of schooling, therefore ensuring primary, secondary, and tertiary education for every citizen.