South Korean Universities, Best Universities and Application Procedures

South Korean Universities, Best Universities and Application Procedures

Universities in South Korea offer 4-year undergraduate and 2-year graduate programs, followed by doctoral programs. There are also vocational schools and colleges in South Korea with lower admission thresholds. South Korea has a total of over 370 public higher education institutions, providing students with a wide range of options to study in South Korea. South Korean universities have a total of 88 representatives in the 2021 QS Asian University Rankings and 29 institutions in the 2021 QS World University Rankings.

The academic year for Korean universities and departments consists of two semesters, the spring semester from March to June and the fall semester from September to December, and semesters are usually 15 weeks long. In addition to its pop culture influence, Korea is a leading force in the digital technology industry as one of the most innovative countries with a highly connected society. South Korean universities are dominated by the Korean wave, a global phenomenon with the increasing popularity of K-pop, Korean dramas, and Korean fashion.

The cost of living and tuition fees are cheaper, more reasonable and affordable than many other developed countries, and South Korean universities are renowned for their quality education and high-standard healthcare, and they place great emphasis on accepting international students. South Korea is a safe country with well-developed travel links to neighboring countries. Weekend or holiday trips to China, Japan and the rest of Asia are additional benefits for students to experience living and studying in Korea.

South Korea welcomes international students from all over the world. The most preferred universities by international students in South Korea are Seoul National University, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, and Korea University. The most preferred departments in Korea are medicine, law, architecture, fashion design, language education, and engineering.

For information and application: 0850 241 1868

What is University Education Like in South Korea?

After 12 years of primary and secondary education in South Korea, students continue on to higher education. Higher education in South Korea is offered by different types of institutions: national universities established and administered by the Korean Government, public universities established and administered by local governments, and private universities established and administered by incorporated educational institutions.

The Ministry of Education is responsible for higher education in South Korea. The Korean Ministry of Education formulates policies, supervises and administers institutions, and exercises control over faculty requirements and academic requirements. Universities in Korea generally offer courses that last 4–6 years, while medical, dentistry, and oriental medicine courses last 6 years. The South Korean university and college system aims to provide theoretical education needed for the development of the nation and humanity. Master's programs in South Korea last 2 years and are offered by universities and 4-year colleges; doctoral programs last 3 years or longer and require the completion of a thesis.

What are the Best Universities in South Korea?

The best South Korean universities according to the QS World University Rankings 2022 are listed below.

• Seoul, Seoul National University
• Daejeon, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
• Pohang, Pohang University of Science and Technology
• Seoul, Yonsei University
• Seoul, Korea University
• Suwon, Sungkyunkwan University
• Seoul, Hanyang University
• Ulsan, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology
• Seoul, Kyung Hee University
• Gwangju, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology

What is the Education Like at Seoul University, South Korea?

As a first-class university representing the Republic of Korea, Seoul National University is one of the most prestigious institutions of higher education in Korea. Opened in 1946, the university is considered the first university in South Korea. Seoul National University is ranked 29th in the QS World University Rankings 2022 and 18th in the QS University Rankings Asia. Seoul University, Korea, offers 15 colleges, interdisciplinary programs, and 85 academic undergraduate programs. Seoul National University offers 106 master's programs and 107 doctoral programs in 5 different fields of study at the graduate level. The international student ratio of Seoul National University is 10.3%. Application deadlines for Seoul National University start in the spring of the academic year.

Seoul National University departments include medicine, law, business, engineering, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, dentistry, international relations, fine arts, and more. The Seoul National University library has a collection of over 5 million volumes and is equipped with a number of comfortable reading rooms, multimedia plazas, theaters, computer labs, and group study rooms. Seoul National University offers a variety of educational/research support programs and Korean language programs for international students. All campuses at Seoul National University have dormitories with bathrooms and convenient facilities, and free campus shuttles provide service to all parts of the campus.

For Seoul National University application requirements, the applicant is either Korean (including international marriage immigrants who are naturalized as Koreans) or a foreign national and received all of his/her education (primary and secondary education; from the first year of elementary school to high school graduation) abroad. Seoul National University scholarship opportunities are quite diverse. The Korean Government Scholarship Program and the Overseas Koreans Scholarship Program are among the alternatives that can be applied for. As a national institution, Seoul National University offers the opportunity to study for an average of 6,000 US dollars per semester.

What is the Education Like at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology?

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology was South Korea's first research-focused science and engineering institution when it was established in 1971. The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology is ranked 42nd in the QS World University Rankings 2022 and 14th in the QS University Rankings Asia.

Enrollment in graduate programs at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology occurs in the spring and fall semesters. The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology enrolls approximately 10,793 full-time students, divided between 4,000 undergraduate students and 6,000 graduate students. The international student body at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology is 12.3%, and the university has 7 schools, 13 institutes, and 27 departments. Science, engineering, and technology are the primary focuses of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, but in recent years the university has branched out and has also become internationally accredited in business education.

Although there are clubs and societies for students at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, and the university organizes regular arts events such as opera, drama, pop concerts, dance, and classical recitals, extracurricular activities on campus are not considered a priority at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology application fee is US$80, and the tuition fee per semester is US$3,000 for international undergraduate students. The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology International Undergraduate Scholarship and sponsorship scholarships are among the opportunities offered to students.

What is Sungkyunkwan University Education Like?

Sungkyunkwan University is a premier institution of higher education in South Korea that has existed for over six centuries; it has demonstrated strong academic leadership from its founding as a royal Confucian academy in the Joseon Dynasty in 1398 to the present day. Sungkyunkwan University is ranked 99th in the QS World University Rankings 2022 and 17th in the QS University Rankings Asia, and the university has an international student ratio of 38.7%.

Sungkyunkwan University is a pioneer in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences disciplines. The tuition fee for undergraduate programs at Sungkyunkwan University is approximately US$12,900 per year, while a master's degree costs US$14,820. Sungkyunkwan University offers various scholarships and financial aid to successful students.

What is the Education Like at Yonsei University?

The history of Yonsei University begins on April 10, 1885, as Korea's first modern hospital, "Gwanghyewon." Founded in 1885 as the first Western institution of learning in Korea, Yonsei University is a leading university located in the heart of Seoul. It is ranked 73rd in the QS World University Rankings 2022 and 16th in the QS University Rankings Asia, and the university has an international student ratio of 51.3%.

Yonsei University houses comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs as well as research and medical facilities with over 38,000 students on four campuses. Yonsei University's extensive global network and intensive collaboration with over 660 partners exemplify its global reach and accessibility, making it a significant contributor to East Asia and the world.

Yonsei University makes significant contributions to all major academic research fields, including medicine, biochemistry, human health, engineering, materials science, chemistry, and neuroscience, as well as the humanities and social sciences. Yonsei University conducts policy-relevant interdisciplinary research through its 153 research centers and institutes. Yonsei University has become a focal point of global attention with its current initiatives to promote sustainable development and actively engage with critical global issues such as climate change, poverty, and inequality.

Yonsei University offers a variety of scholarships for degree and non-degree programs, including undergraduate and graduate programs, Korean language programs, and summer and winter schools. International students can also consider national scholarship options through the Korean Government Scholarship program. A year of undergraduate tuition at Yonsei University costs approximately US$8,236, while a year of graduate tuition costs US$12,068.

Which are the Most Preferred Departments at Korea Universities?

The most preferred Korean university departments are listed below.

• Medicine
• Architecture
• Law
• Fashion design
• Engineering
• Computer systems
• Business Management

What are the Medical Schools in Korea?

Korean medical schools are listed below.

• Seoul University School of Medicine
• Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine
• Yonsei University School of Medicine
• Ulsan University School of Medicine
• Korea University School of Medicine
• Catholic University of Korea School of Medicine
• Kyungpook National University School of Medicine
• Pusan ​​National University School of Medicine
• Inje University Faculty of Medicine
• Hanyang University School of Medicine

International students must take the SAT/ACT and the Korean Language Proficiency Test to be considered for applications to South Korean medical universities. If applicants have studied in a non-English curriculum, they may be required to take the TOEFL or IELTS.

What are the Architecture Universities in South Korea?

South Korean architecture universities are listed below.

• Department of Architecture, College of Engineering, Seoul National University
• Hanyang University School of Architecture
• Korea University Faculty of Architecture
• Department of Architectural Engineering, Yonsei University
• Kyung Hee University School of Architecture
• Department of Architecture, Sungkyunkwan University
• School of Architecture, Chung-Ang University
• Sejong University School of Architecture
• Soongsil University Faculty of Architecture
• Hankuk University School of Architecture

Studying architecture in Korea is a very productive option as South Korea's leading universities focus heavily on education in the construction, technology, art and culture surrounding architecture.

What are the Law Universities in Korea?

South Korean law schools are listed below.

• Seoul National University School of Law
• Korea University Faculty of Law
• Yonsei Law School
• Sungkyunkwan University School of Law
• Hanyang University School of Law
• Sogang School of Law
• Ewha Law School
• Pusan ​​National University School of Law
• Kyung hee University School of Law
• Chung-ang University Faculty of Law

What are the Fashion Design Universities in South Korea?

South Korea fashion design universities are listed below.

• Seoul Women's University
• Kyung Hee University
• Seoul Digital University
• Seoul Arts (Hansung Technical College)
• Seoul National University
• Seoul University of Cultural Arts
• Soongeui Women's College
• Ewha Womans University

For those who love creativity and art, studying fashion design in Korea is considered a very convenient alternative thanks to the universities offering opportunities from the most basic knowledge to expert level.

How Much Are University Tuition Fees in South Korea?

One of the advantages of studying in South Korea is that tuition fees are the same for local and international students as part of a national plan to bring more international students to the country. Korean university fees vary depending on the university and course of study.

Undergraduate tuition at a public university in South Korea costs around $4,350 per semester, with humanities courses at the bottom and medicine at the top. At a private university in South Korea, fees are estimated at $5,800 per semester. At Seoul’s 16 internationally ranked universities, South Korean university tuition fees typically average around $6,500 per year for undergraduate tuition.

What are South Korea University Scholarships for International Students?

South Korea university scholarships for international students are listed below.

• Global Leader Scholarship
• Academic Excellence Scholarship
• Academic Development Scholarship
• Need Based Scholarship
• KU Postgraduate Scholarships

Before applying for a scholarship in South Korea, three eligibility requirements must be met: citizenship requirements, academic requirements, and language proficiency requirements. Applicants to KU must meet certain requirements to be eligible for a particular type of scholarship.

How to Apply to University in South Korea?

Most universities in South Korea allow online application through their official websites. Basically, South Korean university application is mostly done by filling out the application form and the required documents for application.

The first step in applying to a university in South Korea is to determine the international application requirements of potential universities. After preparing the necessary admission documents specified in the South Korean university application requirements and finishing the admission material, the next step is to upload the finished material through an online admission portal. After submitting the application documents for Korean universities, the necessary documents for applying for a South Korean student visa must be prepared. In addition to applying for a visa, submitting the documents prepared for obtaining a work visa in Korea is also among the procedures that must be done.

What are the Required Documents for University Application in Korea?

The documents required for Korean university application are listed below.

• Personal letter
• Letter of recommendation
• Latest academic certificates received
• Passport photocopy or ID document
• Proof of proficiency in Korean or English
• Files, photocopies, etc. (art related, etc.)
• Documents showing bank balance
• Local transfers made by a bank balance or financial guarantor sufficient to cover the student's average tuition and living costs during his/her stay in South Korea

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions and answers frequently asked to our center by those who will study at a university in Korea are listed below.

Can I Go to Korea as a University Exchange Student?

Yes, it is possible to go to Korea as a university exchange student.

For students from Other Country who want to go to Korea as exchange students, the Mevlana Exchange Program is a program that aims to exchange students and faculty members between Other Country higher education institutions and higher education institutions of other countries. Unlike other exchange programs, the Mevlana Exchange Program covers higher education institutions all over the world without any geographical distinction. Among the Other Country universities that have agreements with South Korea are many universities such as Bahçeşehir, Istanbul, Boğaziçi and Hacettepe University. Exchange agreements have been made with Keimyung University, Kyungnam University and Kwangwoon University from universities in South Korea.

Many universities in Korea have international exchange programs with sister universities around the world. Universities that have agreements with Korea allow students to study at Korean universities for a short period of time, during summer or winter vacations, through exchange programs. Students who are selected to South Korea as exchange students must have certain grades and foreign language skills. With the Mevlana program, it is possible to study in Korea for a minimum of 1 semester and a maximum of 2 semesters.

What are the postgraduate opportunities at Korean universities?

South Korea’s universities are highly ranked in international rankings, and the success of South Korea’s exports is leading to an increased search for overseas students to help drive future innovation. The large number of scholarships available at South Korean universities is an advantage for international students. Approximately 30% of courses at Korean universities are taught in English, reflecting the country’s drive toward internationalization. The Korean government provides financial support to approximately 2,000 international students each year.

A master's degree in South Korea usually requires at least two years of study. For most master's programs at Korean universities, costs start at $1,000–$1,500 and can reach $21,000 per semester. Korea offers very affordable graduate education, considering that tuition at American universities can easily exceed $50,000 per year.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying at a university in South Korea?

Graduates from South Korean universities are preferred by employers all over the world. The stability of the South Korean economy makes it easy to achieve a financially secure future after graduation. There is no discrimination between local and international students in South Korea regarding tuition fees. Most universities in South Korea offer various scholarships to international students. While studying and living in South Korea, it is possible to explore Korean culture and history by visiting monuments and places such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower, Bukchon Hanok Village, Lotte World adventure and water park, Nami. South Korea is also an attractive place to study at a university because it is a leader in information and communication technologies.

The disadvantages of studying at a university in South Korea include the highly competitive course selection system in South Korea. Although it does not affect the daily lives of Seoul residents, the high levels of fine dust in the air are a negative for students. International students in South Korea can face serious language barriers in daily life, and Korean language skills are essential when communicating outside of campus and with older generations. Low tolerance for foreigners is a common behavior in South Korea.

What Are the Monthly Expenses of University Students in Korea?

Monthly expenses for university students in Korea are on average $1,075 per month, including accommodation, food, transportation and personal expenses.

Can University Students Work in South Korea?

South Korean university students with a student visa (D-2) must obtain prior permission from the Global Services Center (GSC) and immigration office to work outside of the university. Students who meet the required qualifications and have a certificate of proficiency in South Korea are entitled to work 25 hours on weekdays and unlimited weekends, while any student without the required TOPIK level can obtain a work permit for 10 hours on weekdays and weekends.

Before starting work, the “Part-time Work Approval Form for Foreign Students” must be prepared with supporting documents. South Korean exchange/visitor students must complete 1 semester to apply for part-time work. Working without a work permit from the Republic of South Korea is considered illegal employment by the immigration office.

How Much Does South Korea Overseas Education Consultancy Fee Cost?

South Korea overseas education consultancy fee varies between 125 - 450 euros depending on the type of education to be registered for in South Korea.

Vizem.net is an accredited organization that provides educational consultancy for registration, equivalence and visa application processes to people who plan to study at a university in Korea.

For detailed information: 0850 241 1868