Higher education in South Korea for international students

South Korea is known for its economy, which is based on the fast-growing sectors of education, technology and tourism. Every year, more and more students prefer to study in a promising country, where a sharp increase in the number of foreign students has recently been. The government offers a number of financial incentives for institutions and individuals, simplifies obtaining a student visa and provides employment support to those who studied in South Korea and want to stay and work.

About 250 universities in South Korea offer a bachelor's degree program. Medical schools, schools of Oriental medicine and dental schools have 6-year courses, including undergraduate studies.

Korean universities offer various specialties and courses. Each of them has its own policy of completing credits for higher education: the maximum number of credits per semester, the standard number, methods of obtaining and special credits.

Almost a third of university courses in South Korea are currently taught in English, and many top universities offer new specialized international campuses. Therefore, ignorance of the Korean language is not a serious problem for foreign applicants.

International students interested in science, technology or engineering will find excellent programs at Korean universities. The higher education system in South Korea pays great attention to research and innovation, so those who are interested in being at the forefront of technological achievements or scientific discoveries will find good options here.

South Korea's higher education system offers a range of options for foreign students, known for its quality and diverse programs. The system includes junior colleges, universities, doctoral studies, and cyber universities with e-learning formats.

Stages of Higher Education in South Korea

• Junior Colleges: Offering 2-3 year programs.

• Universities: Providing 4-year undergraduate programs.

• Postgraduate Education: Including master’s and doctoral studies at 4-year universities.

Students must earn 130 credits to graduate with a bachelor's degree, typically over 4 years. Master's degrees generally require 2 years and 24 credits, including a thesis. Doctoral programs demand 3 or more years of study and 36 credits, culminating in a comprehensive exam and dissertation. Postdoctoral programs are also available for further research pursuits.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

• Research: Identify universities offering scholarships to international students.

• Preparation: Understand application requirements, documents, and deadlines, including English proficiency tests.

• Strategize: Categorize universities into reach, match, and safe options based on your likelihood of admission.

• Documentation: Prepare necessary documents such as recommendation letters, personal statements, academic transcripts, passport copies, and financial proofs.

• Seoul National University: Located in the capital, it is one of South Korea's most prestigious institutions, offering a wide array of programs.

• Yonsei University: A century-old leading private university, part of the esteemed SKY Universities group.

• Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST): South Korea's first research-oriented science and technology university, known for its innovative curriculum and English-taught courses.

The cost of studying in South Korea varies by university, faculty, and location, averaging $8,500 per semester. Public universities generally have lower fees than private ones. Bachelor's programs range from $1,500 to $12,000 per semester, Master’s from $1,200 to $13,000 per semester, and doctoral studies from $1,400 to $7,500 per semester.

In summary, South Korea offers a structured and comprehensive higher education system with options for every level of study. With a range of prestigious institutions and courses, it is an attractive destination for international students seeking quality education.