South Korea, situated on the lower half of the Korean peninsula in East Asia, is a country with rich cultural overlaps with China and Japan. South Korea stands out as a completely unique and increasingly popular destination for studying and living, especially among international students. So in this article, we will be discussing how you can apply and Guidelines for Study in Korea.
Prestigious Korean universities have high global rankings, and their degrees are highly valued worldwide. International students can benefit from advanced education and the opportunity to learn the valuable Korean language, all while experiencing affordable tuition fees and a high standard of living. Apart from its famous pop culture, Korea boasts a strong historical background, captivating cities, and breathtaking natural beauty. With 21 UNESCO heritage sites and over 200 universities, there is a wealth of exploration awaiting students in Korea. Students can study in South Korea on fully funded scholarships.
Best Cities to Study in Korea
Seoul – The Vibrant Metropolis
Often likened to New York City or Tokyo, Seoul is a bustling city that seamlessly blends the old, new, and the future. Renowned for its diverse food, vibrant nightlife, and excellent shopping opportunities, Seoul offers much more. Historical landmarks such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and traditional experiences like public bathhouses allow students to fully immerse themselves in Korean culture. For a bird’s eye view of the city, one can visit the iconic N Seoul Tower.
Universities in Seoul: Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University, Ewha Womans University and many other renowned universities are in Seoul.
Busan – The Coastal Hub of Culture and Commerce
Beyond its fame from the movie “Train to Busan,” this coastal city has a lot to offer. With a thriving global commerce industry, Busan presents numerous opportunities for students studying logistics, marine science, research, and hospitality. It is the pulsating heart of culture and economy in southern Korea.
Universities in Busan: Pusan National University, Pukyoong National University, Dong-A University
Daejeon – The Center of Science and Technology
Daejeon is renowned as South Korea’s center of science and technology. Students pursuing STEM, technology, and computer science will find top-notch institutions here. Apart from scientific attractions like museums and expo parks, Daejeon also offers a plethora of hot springs, cafes, bakeries, and forest adventures, making it an exciting city to study in.
Universities in Daejeon: Chungnam National University, Solbridge International School of Business, Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology
Check these latest opportunities:
Hallym University Scholarships
Baekseok University Scholarship
Korean High Commission Scholarships
Guidelines for Study in Korea
Application Dates and Schedule
Korean universities follow a two-semester system: Spring (March-June) and Fall (September-December). The application deadlines for starting studies in Korea are as follows:
- Spring Semester: Applications are due from September to November of the previous calendar year.
- Fall Semester: Applications are due from May to June of the same calendar year.
Application Fees to Study in Korea
Korean universities require an application fee to process the applications. The average application fee for applying to Korean universities ranges between 20-200 USD. Additionally, as part of the application process, students need to provide financial proof that they can afford their studies. This typically involves submitting a bank statement showing a minimum balance of $20,000 USD, which demonstrates the ability to cover tuition and living expenses.
Korean University Scholarships – Guidelines for Study in Korea
Korean universities offer various scholarships for international students. Some notable ones include:
Global Korea Scholarship
This scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate courses at designated universities. It covers expenses such as airfare, insurance, tuition fees, language courses, and research support. To be eligible, students must be non-Korean citizens, maintain an average GPA above 80%, and be under the age of 25 for undergraduate and under 40 for graduate courses.
University Scholarship Type A
Many universities offer scholarships to students with exceptional academic achievements. More information about these scholarships can be found on the respective university websites.
University Scholarship Type B
Additional scholarship opportunities may also be available, depending on the university.
English Exam Scores
To study in Korea in English, students are required to take either the TOEFL or IELTS. Following are the scores required for English Exam Score:
- Undergraduate and Masters level: TOEFL 71 or IELTS 5.5
- PhD level: TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6
Korean Language Exam Scores
For students planning to study in Korean, a minimum score of Level 3 on the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) is usually required. By the time of graduation from a Korean-language program, students are generally expected to achieve at least TOPIK Level 4.
Korean University Application Documents Requirements
When applying to study in Korea, students need to submit the following documents:
Bachelor’s Application Documents
- Passport
- Passport photo
- Graduation diploma
- Transcripts
- English or Korean language certification
- Personal Statement
- Bank statement/Financial Support affidavit
- Recommendation letter
- CV/resume
- Application form
- Passport/ID documents of parents
Master’s Application Documents
In addition to the above, Master’s applicants need to provide:
- Bachelor’s degree diploma
- Bachelor’s transcripts
- Work experience (if required)
PhD Application Documents
PhD applicants must also submit the following in addition to the above:
- Master’s degree diploma
- Master’s transcripts
- Master’s thesis
- Any other application documents required by the university
Study Abroad in Korea – How to Get Started – A Complete Guidelines for Study in Korea
Applying to study in Korea is easy and convenient with Global Admissions.
Book a Call: Schedule a free call with our admissions counselors to discuss your plans, timeline, and budget. We will guide you to suitable programs and universities.
- Find a Program: Explore our free database of programs. If you don’t find your desired program listed, let us know, and we’ll assist you further.
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the entry criteria and have the required examination scores.
- Submit Application Documents: Apply to universities and submit all the required documents.
- Pay the Application Fee: We will handle the submission of your application.
Once you complete these steps, all that’s left is to await your university acceptance and then proceed with your student visa application!
Studying in Korea offers a unique and enriching experience, providing students with world-class education, exposure to rich culture, and a memorable journey of personal growth. Embark on your academic adventure in Korea today!
