Stay Abroad

Tag: International student guide

  • How Much Does It Cost to Study in Korea?

    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
    Food400,000
    Transport60,000
    Other expenses100,000 – 200,000
    Total900,000 – 1,200,000
    (USD 650–850)

  • Understanding the Korean Education System – A Practical Guide for International Students

    If you’re thinking about studying in Korea, welcome! As someone who grew up here, I’d love to share how our education system works and what you can expect as an international student.

    Many parts of our system might feel different from what you’re used to, so I hope this post gives you a helpful overview before you apply or arrive.

    1. Korea’s Education System at a Glance

    In Korea, formal education is divided into the following stages:

    • Elementary School: 6 years
    • Middle School: 3 years
    • High School: 3 years
    • University (Undergraduate): 4 years
    • Graduate School: 2 years for a Master’s, 2+ years for a PhD

    After high school, students usually take a national college entrance exam called the Suneung, and then apply to either a university or a junior college.

    2. Types of Universities in Korea

    You’ll find a variety of higher education institutions here:

    • 4-Year Universities – These offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Some have global campuses with English-taught courses.
    • Junior Colleges – These are 2- to 3-year programs focused on practical or vocational training.
    • Graduate Schools – For those pursuing more advanced research or academic paths.

    We also have cyber universities, arts colleges, and special-purpose institutions depending on your interest.

    3. Degree Programs Offered

    Korean universities grant the following degrees:

    • Bachelor’s Degree (Haksa)
    • Master’s Degree (Seoksa)
    • Doctoral Degree (Baksa)

    Some schools offer integrated Master’s–PhD programs too, especially in research-heavy fields.

    4. The Academic Calendar

    Most universities operate on a two-semester system:

    • Spring Semester: March to June
    • Fall Semester: September to December

    You may also take short summer or winter terms between semesters if needed.

    5. Language of Instruction

    Most undergraduate programs are in Korean, but don’t worry — many universities also offer:

    • Full English-language degree programs
    • Korean language institutes (for beginners or prep courses)
    • International graduate tracks with English support

    Depending on your program, you might need to submit a TOPIK score (Korean proficiency) or TOEFL/IELTS if the course is in English.

    6. Tips from a Korean Student

    If you’re planning to study here, here are a few friendly tips:

    • Look for schools that offer support services for international students
    • If you’re unsure about Korean, a language course can really help you adjust
    • Scholarships are available — don’t forget to check each university’s website
    • Student life in Korea is active and vibrant — make time to enjoy it!