Study In South Korea
East Asia contains the nation known as the Republic of Korea, or South Korea. It is situated on the Korean Peninsula’s southern tip. The Yellow Sea forms the western boundary and the Sea of Japan lies to the east. The National Assembly, a unicameral legislature, is the body that governs South Korea.
Over a few decades Korea has become one of the most popular destinations for study for many international students. Twelve years of schooling is compulsory in S Korea to enter tertiary level education. The Bachelors program is four years and Masters of two years followed by Doctorate degrees offered from Universities in S Korea.
For South Korean families, the academic success of their children is a matter of pride for Korean families. It is considered distinguished to graduate from top class S Korean University, and enter white collar professions with good marriage propositions for younger citizens in S Korea.
Key Facts About South Korea
International students can choose from these options to study in South Korea:
- 1-2 study abroad program:
This program is taught in English as a visiting student if you have enrollment in a University of the home Country.
- Korean Language programs:
Short summer courses of 10-60 weeks semester programs at Korean Universities.
- Degree programs:
Taught in English/Korean covering a wide range of programs of Korean Universities in tertiary education.
- The Korean Higher education is semester based with American credit system standards
- International students ratio have increased by 2.5 times in less than ten years
- South Korean Universities adhere with guidelines from Korea Council for University education
- There are six kinds of Universities in South Korea namely Public and national Universities, private University, Specialized Universities, Industrial University, and Cyber Universities.
Top Universities in South Korea
University Programs
| University | Programs Offered |
|---|---|
| Korea University | Law, Medicine, Engineering, Business Administration |
| Chonnam National University | Economics, Psychology, Law, Engineering, Education, Science |
| Seoul National University | Clinical Medicine, Pure Science, Social Science, Architecture |
| Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology | Knowledge Service Engineering, Programming, Material Science, Technology |
| Kyung Hee University | Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Food Science and Technology |
| Sogang University | Engineering and Law, Technology, Business Studies, Life Science, Computer Science |
Requirements to Study
In order to be considered for admission to a certain program at a South Korean university, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Prepare the required application documents such as transcripts, letter of recommendations, statement of purpose, passport size photos, health certificates, valid passport, personal statement, bank documents/statements.
- Submit application documents
- Pay the application fees usually between 20-200 USD
- English language proficiency requirements with TOEFL 71 and IELTS 5.5 for undergraduate and Master’s levels, TOEFL 79 and IELTS 6 for PhD level are standard requirements in S Korea for higher studies.
- To study in Korean language minimum score level 3 in Test proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) and TOPIK level 4 at time of graduation.
- Wait to receive your application from Korean University
Intakes to Lookout For
South Korea is a popular destination for international students, with the number expected to boom from over 2,00,000 in 2023 to over 3,00,000 by 2027. Understanding the admission process is key to securing your spot at a South Korean university.
Here are the key things to remember.
- Applications are typically submitted three to four months before the semester begins, so plan and be mindful of the deadlines set by your chosen universities.
- Many universities have designated semesters when international students can enrol. Research these intake periodsto ensure you apply during the correct window.
Intake Dates
| Intake | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | March – June | September – November |
| Fall | September – December | May – June |
Schoolarship
Some of the fully funded scholarships for international students in S.Korea are these:
- UST Korea Scholarships 2024-2025
- High commission of the Republic of Korea full funded scholarship 2024-2025
- Global Korea Scholarship GKS-U
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and technology scholarships
- Seoul National University scholarships
Cost of living in south korea
Cost Categories
| Categories | Cost (Won) |
|---|---|
| Restaurant (inexpensive) | 2000 Won |
| Grocery | 2968 to 25000 Won |
| Transportation | 1400 to 60000 Won |
| Utilities | 32226 to 235325 Won |
| Sports and Leisure | 15000 to 66894 Won |
| Childcare | 493571 to 25,883,333.33 Won |
| Clothing | 61587 to 168774 Won |
| Rent (Apartment single) | 699171 to 1121394.85 Won |
Work oppurtunities in South Korea
There are numerous employers who are seeking for applying Nepalese citizens in their jobs some of them are:
- Data Center technician
- Digital Art teacher
- Development internship
- Finance internship
- Teaching assistant
- Foreign language instructor
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements for South Korean universities?
Admission requirements generally include academic transcripts, a completed application form, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and proof of English or Korean language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS for English or TOPIK for Korean). Some programs may also require interviews or portfolios, particularly for art and design courses.
Is it necessary to learn Korean to study in South Korea?
While many universities offer programs in English, especially for postgraduate degrees, learning Korean can be beneficial for everyday life and for certain courses taught in Korean. Many students opt to take language classes to improve their Korean skills, especially if they plan to work or live in South Korea long-term.
What is the cost of living for students in South Korea?
The cost of living in South Korea varies depending on the city, with Seoul being the most expensive. On average, students can expect to spend between $600–$1,200 per month on accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses. University dormitories are often cheaper than private housing options.
Can international students work while studying in South Korea?
Yes, international students on a D-2 student visa can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during holidays. However, students must first obtain permission from their university and the immigration office, and there may be restrictions on the type of work allowed.
What scholarships are available for international students in South Korea?
Several scholarships are available for international students, including the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), university-specific scholarships, and funding from private organizations. These scholarships often cover tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare, making South Korea an attractive destination for international students looking for financial aid.