Higher education in Seoul 2024

Seoul's higher education system includes 69 universities that offer 1,453 educational programs,of these, 65 universities and 767 Bachelor's degree programs, 57 universities and 493 Master's degree programs and 29 universities and 193 Ph.D. degree programs.

Seoul is the capital of South Korea, an ancient city, a huge metropolis where beautiful old buildings in traditional Korean style are adjacent to tall skyscrapers. The "city of paradoxes" is what Seoul is called for its architectural contradictions, diversity of traditions and cultures. It is one of the economic, tourist, cultural and scientific centres of Asia.

Higher education in Seoul is undergoing rapid development. If since the middle of the XX century there has been an increase in the number of preschool, school and higher educational institutions in the country, then the XXI century was marked by the active entry of the universities in Seoul into the international arena. At the same time, the share of foreign students in the country is growing from year to year.

• Seoul is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. University campuses are located in blooming gardens, and students study in ancient buildings-monuments.
• The Korean education system is one of the most progressive in the world. Local schoolchildren have abandoned traditional textbooks: an electronic form of education has been introduced here. Most of the books in university libraries are digitized. Free Internet access is available everywhere, even in transport and metro.
• There are many beautiful parks, palace complexes, imperial palaces in Seoul: studying can be combined with pleasant excursions. The suburbs of Seoul are especially popular among tourists — small cities where ancient monuments and theme parks are located.
• The city has developed gastronomic tourism: there are hundreds of cafes and restaurants with delicious and inexpensive food.
• The cost of tuition, accommodation and meals in Seoul is much lower than in the cities of Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand. At the same time, Korean education is appreciated all over the world. In recent years, education in Seoul has become popular: the development of advanced technologies attracts more and more foreign students to this country.
• Seoul has a high level of security.

The studying in private universities in Seoul takes place according to the Bologna system. The bachelor's degree includes 4 years of study, with the exception of medical programs and architecture. According to them, the program can last up to 6 years.

The best universities in Seoul offer "general" enrolment, when in the first year of study a student receives general knowledge in basic subjects, and goes to specialization only in the 2-3 course.

The Master's degree program is designed for 2 years. It includes the study of a number of disciplines (in the amount of 24 credits) and the conduct of master's research. To obtain a degree, it is also required to pass the final exam, the English language exam and defend a master's thesis. Master's and doctoral degree programs are taught at graduate schools.

Doctoral studies in South Korea can be both independent and integrated. In the first case, the studying takes place within 3-4 years. It is mandatory to master a studying course in the amount of 30-36 credits, pass a comprehensive exam and a foreign language exam, as well as defend a doctoral degree.

Below the information about TOP universities in Seoul is provided:

• Seoul National University

Seoul National University (SNU) was ranked 36th in the universities ranking in South Korea in 2019. Founded in 1946 as the first national university of South Korea, Seoul National University is one of the three prestigious universities and provides humanities education under the guidance of researchers to approximately 28,378 students, from bachelor to Doctor of Sciences. According to data compiled by the Korea Institute for Educational Development, Seoul National University spends more per capita on its students than any other South Korean university with more than 10,000 students.

• Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology

Located in Daejeon, KAIST took first place in the new QS ranking of South Korean universities, which has more than 10,000 students. It ranks 40th in the QS World University Ranking, as well as 3rd in the QS Top 50 Under 50 ranking, a ranking of the world's leading universities under the age of 50. Most of the KAIST programs belong to the STEM field (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), and the university is included in the list of the 100 best educational institutions in the world in 13 subjects.

A little more than two hours by train south of the capital, KAIST is part of the technological hub of Daejeon, the fifth largest metropolis in South Korea and one of the closest analogues of Asia in the United States - Silicon Valley.

• Korea University

The third private research institution, part of the SKY trio, Korean University has long competed with Yonsei University, which is reflected in many sports competitions between them. Ranked 86th in the world and third in the ranking of South Korea, the Korean University currently has about 37,000 students, and of its 1,700 teachers, more than 95% have a doctorate.

The school's Law college is known for offering one of the most prestigious Bachelor of law programs in the country. The university, which boasts an Olympic-sized ice rink on its campus, also holds high positions in chemical engineering, social policy and administration, modern languages, politics and accounting and finance.

Located in Seoul, Korea University is divided into several departments throughout the city, and its main campus in Anam is just a short walk from popular restaurants, bars, shops and cultural attractions, including the famous Buddhist temple.