Stay Abroad

Tag: Study in Korea

  • Top 10 Korean Universities Popular Among International Students

    Not just in Seoul — a look at Korea’s most welcoming campuses for global students

    When choosing a university in Korea, many international students look beyond rankings. They care about support systems, English programs, and campus environment. Here’s a list of ten Korean universities that consistently attract foreign students, with city and campus details to help you navigate your options.

    1. Seoul National University (SNU)

    Location: Gwanak-gu, Seoul
    Korea’s most prestigious national university with a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It offers strong research infrastructure and scholarship opportunities for international students.
    Website: https://en.snu.ac.kr/

    2. Yonsei University

    Location: Sinchon, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
    Known for its global focus and Underwood International College (UIC), which offers liberal arts programs entirely in English.
    Website: https://www.yonsei.ac.kr

    3. Korea University (KU)

    Location: Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
    A member of Korea’s “SKY” universities. Offers strong programs in business, law, and political science with growing international exchange programs.
    Website: https://www.korea.edu/sites/en/index.do

    4. Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)

    Locations: Jongno-gu, Seoul (Humanities Campus) / Suwon, Gyeonggi-do (Natural Sciences Campus)
    One of the oldest institutions in East Asia, now supported by Samsung. Offers globally oriented education and active industry-academia cooperation.
    Website: https://www.skku.edu/eng/

    5. Hanyang University

    Locations: Seongdong-gu, Seoul / Ansan, Gyeonggi-do (ERICA Campus)
    Popular with engineering and business majors. Known for employment-focused programs and large foreign student population.
    Website: https://www.hanyang.ac.kr/web/eng

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

    Location: Daejeon
    Korea’s top science and technology university. Most graduate programs are fully in English. Offers full scholarships for many international students.
    Website: https://www.kaist.ac.kr/en/

    7. POSTECH (Pohang University of Science & Technology)

    Location: Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do
    A small, elite university with a focus on research. Strong partnerships with industry and a high student-to-faculty ratio.
    Website: https://www.postech.ac.kr/eng/index

    8. GIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)

    Location: Gwangju
    Graduate-level institution focusing on science and engineering. All programs are taught in English, and many international students receive full support.
    Website: https://www.gist.ac.kr/en/main.html

    9. Handong Global University

    Location: Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do
    Known for its Christian-based values and English-taught programs. Offers degrees in law, business, and global development. Strong sense of community.
    Website: https://www.handong.edu/eng/

    10. Kyungpook National University (KNU)

    Location: Daegu
    One of Korea’s top national universities outside Seoul. Strong programs in medicine, agriculture, and engineering.
    Website: https://en.knu.ac.kr

    When selecting a Korean university, consider more than just reputation. Campus culture, cost of living, and access to academic support all matter. Many regional schools offer excellent programs and a quieter, more immersive Korean experience.

  • 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!

  • How to Prepare for Studying in Korea

    If you’re planning to study in Korea, it can feel a little overwhelming at first. I’ve been through the same process, and one thing that helped me was breaking it down into smaller steps.

    Interestingly, the official Study in Korea website (run by the Korean government, https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr) outlines a clear 5-step plan that international students can follow — and I found it very accurate based on my own experience.

    Step 1: Gather Study Abroad Information

    Before applying anywhere, it’s important to understand what studying in Korea is really like.

    Things to research at this stage:

    • How much does it typically cost to study and live in Korea?
    • What is the Korean education system like?
    • What’s the general experience like for international students?

    Step 2: Choose a School and Major

    Next, you’ll want to narrow down your choices.

    Here’s what to check:

    • Language requirements (TOPIK, IELTS, or TOEFL)
    • Program structure and curriculum
    • Whether classes are taught in Korean or English
    • Scholarships available for international students
    • Application schedules and deadlines

    Step 3: Apply for Admission

    Once you’ve chosen your school and program, it’s time to apply.

    Most Korean universities allow you to submit your application online, but some may still require physical documents by mail. Each school has slightly different requirements, so make sure to:

    • Read the guidelines carefully
    • Prepare things like transcripts, a personal statement, and a study plan
    • Double-check all deadlines

    If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to email their international office.

    Step 4: Receive Your Standard Admission Letter

    If your application is successful, the university will send you an official admission letter.
    This is a key document — you’ll need it to apply for your visa.

    Depending on the school, you might receive it via email or international mail. Make sure all the details are correct when you receive it.

    Step 5: Apply for Your Visa and Prepare to Depart

    Once you have the admission letter, you can apply for a visa (usually D-2 or D-4 depending on your program).

    Also, it’s time to start preparing for your actual move:

    • Book your flight
    • Arrange housing (dormitory or off-campus)
    • Set up things like SIM cards, airport pickup, or medical insurance
    • Double-check what you can bring through Korean customs