Higher education in South Korea for international students

The higher education system provides diverse studying options, which are available to foreign students. Students are guaranteed a high quality of academic preparation and a wide choice of courses.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.

To be awarded a bachelor degree, it is necessary to earn 130 credits. Usually, studying durates 4 years. Master's degrees are awarded upon completing studies during 2 years. In addition it is required to earn 24 credits, as well as to complete a thesis. In the case of doctoral programs, studying takes 3 or more years. 36 credits, as well as taking an exam and dissertation  are required for successful completion of the program. 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: Select educational institutions, which provide scholarships to foreign students.

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

• Strategize: Rank universities in categories according to your likelihood of entering.

• Documentation: It is required to prepare a package of documents, which include recommendation letters, motivation essay, academic performance reports, passport copies, and confirmation of financial means.

   

• Seoul National University: It is considered as one of South Korea's most prestigious institutions, providing a wide array of courses.

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

• Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST): It is the first research-oriented science and technology university, gaining recognition due to its innovative educational programs, which are conducted in English.

   

The tuition fee is stipulated by university, educational program you have chosen, and location, averaging $8,500 per semester. Compared to private universities, public ones usually cost less. To attend bachelor's programs, a student should be ready to pay 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.