f you’re planning to study in Korea, one of the first things you might wonder is: How much will it cost?
As someone who lives here, I’d like to give you a practical breakdown of the typical expenses international students can expect — based on official data and also what I’ve seen in real life.
1. Tuition Fees in Korea
The tuition you’ll pay depends on the type of university and your field of study.
Here’s a rough estimate per semester:
- Humanities and Social Sciences: KRW 1,600,000 ~ 4,700,000 (approx. USD 1,200 ~ 3,500)
- Science and Engineering: KRW 1,800,000 ~ 5,200,000
- Arts and Sports: KRW 2,000,000 ~ 6,000,000
- Medicine: Often higher, depending on the program
National/public universities tend to be cheaper than private universities, and most students pay tuition twice a year (per semester).
2. Admission & Application Fees
Most universities require:
- Application fee: KRW 50,000 ~ 150,000
- Admission fee (once you’re accepted): KRW 100,000 ~ 300,000
These are non-refundable, so double-check requirements before applying to multiple schools.
3. Dormitory & Housing Costs
On-campus dormitories are the most affordable option:
- Dormitory (shared): KRW 200,000 ~ 600,000 per month
- Off-campus one-room (studio): KRW 400,000 ~ 800,000 per month
- Deposit: Off-campus rentals may require a key money deposit of several million KRW
Some universities provide meal plans with dormitories, which helps reduce daily living expenses.
4. Daily Living Expenses
On average, international students in Korea spend about:
- Food: KRW 300,000 ~ 500,000/month
- Transportation: KRW 50,000 ~ 100,000/month
- Phone/Internet: KRW 40,000 ~ 60,000/month
- Books and supplies: KRW 200,000 ~ 400,000/semester
- Health Insurance: Around KRW 20,000/month (as of 2023, mandatory for foreigners staying over 6 months)
Of course, these numbers can vary depending on your lifestyle and the city you live in — Seoul tends to be more expensive than other regions.
5. Scholarships and Support
Good news: many Korean universities and government organizations offer scholarships for international students, covering:
- Tuition (partial or full)
- Monthly living allowance
- Airfare and settlement allowance (for some government-funded programs)
I recommend checking both the university’s scholarship office and the GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) program.
Estimated Monthly Budget (Average)
| Housing (shared) | 300,000 – 500,000 |
| Food | 400,000 |
| Transport | 60,000 |
| Other expenses | 100,000 – 200,000 |
| Total | 900,000 – 1,200,000 (USD 650–850) |