Higher education in South Korea for international students
This content was developed and approved with active participation of Sam Jones.
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_South_Korea
- https://www.southkoreaeducation.info/higher-education
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Accreditations AACSBSouth KoreaDaejeonCurrently watching: 8from 6200.00 $ / semester
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from 4384.00 $ / year
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South KoreaDaejeonCurrently watching: 1from 7000.00 $ / year
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from 13143.00 $ / year
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from 11000.00 $ / year
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from 8391.00 $ / year
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from 7000.00 $ / year
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from 11536.00 $ / year
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Economy of South Korea effectively functions due to the fast-growing sectors, which include education, technology and tourism. Annually, the number of foreign students who prefer to study in South Korea is increasing. The government has developed several financial aid options designed for institutions and individuals. With these incentives, the application visa process is simplified, and students who decide on working and staying in Korea, get employment support.
Approximately 250 universities offer a bachelor's degree program. Medical schools, schools of Oriental medicine and dental schools conduct studying, which durates 6 years. Also students are provided with the opportunity to pursue undergraduate studies.
Local universities provide diverse specialties and programs. Each of them has its own policy of earning credits for further studies.
Approximately 30% of university courses available are currently conducted in English. In addition, many prestigious universities offer new specialized international campuses. Therefore, ignorance of the Korean language is not a serious problem for foreign applicants.
If foreign students associate their future with science, technology or engineering, such curriculum can be found at Korean universities. The system of higher education makes an emphasis on research and innovation, so those who are interested in being at the forefront of technological achievements or scientific discoveries will find good options here.
Alternative destinations
Higher Education in South Korea: Structure, Costs, and Enrollment 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
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Junior Colleges: Offering 2-3 year programs.
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Universities: Providing 4-year undergraduate programs.
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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.

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.
Enrollment Process for Foreign Students in South Korean Universities
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Research: Select educational institutions, which provide scholarships to foreign students.
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Preparation: Understand application requirements, documents, and deadlines, including English proficiency tests.
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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.
Top Universities in South Korea
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Seoul National University: It is considered as one of South Korea's most prestigious institutions, providing a wide array of courses.
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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.
Cost of Higher Education in South Korea for International Students
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.
Learning programs-summary information
Name | Meaning | Equivalent | Min. age | Duration, years |
Next stage | Cost |
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GCSE | General certificate of secondary education | secondary education (non-accomplished) | 14 | 1–2 | A-Levels | 15,000 USD+ |
A-Levels | Advanced level | secondary education (accomplished) | 16 | 2 | University | 15,000 USD+ |
BTEC | Business and Technology Education Board | secondary special education | 14 | 2–3 | University/ work | 15,000 USD+ |
Oxbridge Preparation | Preparing for Oxford and Cambridge | secondary education (accomplished) | 17 | 1 | University | 15,000 USD+ |
International Baccalaureate | International baccalaureate | secondary education (accomplished) | 16 | 2 | University | 18,000 USD+ |
Foundation/ Pathway Year | Preparatory year | admission to the 1st year of university | 17 | 1 | University | 14,000 USD+ |
NCUK | The Northern consortium | 2 year university | 17,5 | 1 | 2 year University of NCUK | 13,000 USD+ |
Special Preparation (Medics/Math/Business) | Specialized training | - | 14 | optional | optional | 4,000 USD+ |
Academic English | Academic English | Language school | 8 + | 6–12 months | School or University | 8,000 USD+ |
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