Best universities in South Korea 2024

The universities in South Korea are becoming more popular among international students every year. Studying in this progressively developing country offers excellent prospects in terms of employment both in Korea itself and outside it. Another indisputable advantage of Korean universities is a loyal pricing policy in terms of education.

There are several advantages of studying in TOP universities in South Korea:

• Prestigious universities. South Korea is currently developing at a furious pace — a growing economy requires technical innovations, and financial markets require new professionals, so universities themselves are growing, getting richer and raising their level. At the moment, the Korean education system is almost as good as the countries of Europe, the UK and the USA, moreover, it is based on the model of the latter. According to the most authoritative rankings of QS and THE, several Korean universities are among the top hundred, and in the special QS Asia University Rankings, 8 Korean universities are in the top 50.
• International perspective. About a third of the programs at Korean universities are taught in English, and their share is increasing every year. Together with them, the number of foreign students and teachers is growing, which indicates the state's desire to bring Korean education to the world level.
• Affordable price. The cost of studying at Korean universities is the same for all students, regardless of citizenship. A year of study on the bachelor's degree program costs an average of 11,378 USD, a master's degree — 14,124 USD, a doctoral degree — 15,301 USD. Prices vary depending on the prestige of the university, the type of funding, but in any case they remain more affordable than similar programs in England or America. In addition, every year about 2 thousand students receive scholarships from the Korean government.
• Employment prospects. As mentioned above, South Korea is developing rapidly, and the pace of its development is second only to China. In this scenario, building a career or your own business in Korea is a very promising idea, especially in the field of IT and other technologies.

South Korea's higher education landscape features a diverse range of top universities, each renowned for its academic excellence and specialized programs. Understanding the classification, admission requirements, and rankings of these institutions is crucial for prospective students.

Classification of Leading Universities in South Korea

South Korean universities are categorized based on their source of funding:

• National Universities: Operated under the central government.

• State or Public Universities: Established by regional governments.

• Private Universities: Founded by private non-profit educational foundations.

Prestige in South Korea's higher education sector is less about funding and more about scientific potential and the quality of educational programs. Public and national universities mainly differ from private ones in terms of tuition fees. Private universities in South Korea, forming the bulk of the country's educational institutions, adhere to standards set by the Ministry of Education and possess state accreditation.

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.

• Application Process: Universities select applicants independently, accepting documents via mail or online.

• Enrollment Periods: Most universities offer two admission periods, with application deadlines typically in September-November and May-June.

• Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English (TOEFL 80 / IELTS 6.0) or Korean (TOPIK Level 3), with an expectation to improve Korean skills to Level 4 during the course.

• Required Documents: Educational certificates with apostille, language certificates, motivation letters, recommendations, citizenship documents, portfolios (for creative fields), and additional achievements or publications.

Universities may also conduct entrance exams or interviews as part of the selection process. The Suneung exam, South Korea's national university entrance exam, is not mandatory for international students but can be advantageous, especially for admissions to the prestigious SKY universities.

• Seoul National University: The country’s largest university, offering a wide range of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral specializations. It is recognized for its diverse fields of study and extensive campus.

• KAIST (Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology): Renowned for its scientific and technical education, focusing on research in engineering, materials science, and advanced technology.

• Korea University: A multidisciplinary university noted for its practical approach to education, particularly in medical fields, with an extensive range of academic programs.

In summary, South Korea’s universities provide a broad spectrum of high-quality education opportunities. For international students, understanding the admission requirements and selecting a university that aligns with their academic goals is key to a successful educational experience in South Korea.