University preparation in South Korea for international students

South Korea's educational system offers a comprehensive pathway for students aiming to enter universities, including specialized high school programs and diverse university types.

High School Education as University Preparation in South Korea

• Educational Levels: High school education, spanning 3 years for students aged 15-19, is optional but highly popular, with 98% participation.

• Specializations: High schools offer programs in science, languages, and arts, focusing on intensive preparation for university entry exams.

• Final Korean Exam: Comparable to the SAT, this crucial exam includes sections in Korean, Math, and English, determining university admissions.

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.

South Korean universities are categorized into:

• National Universities: Government-funded institutions.

• State Universities: Managed by local authorities.

• Private Universities: Established by non-profit organizations, comprising the majority of higher education institutions in the country.

Characteristics of South Korean Universities

• Global Recognition: Many universities feature star lecturers, modern facilities, and internationally acclaimed programs, making a South Korean degree valuable globally.

• English-Speaking Courses: Over 30% of university courses are taught in English, attracting foreign students.

• Linguistic Centers: Major universities offer language centers for foreign students, providing Korean language courses and cultural education.

• Bologna System: Bachelor's degrees typically span 4 years, with longer durations for medical and architectural programs.

• Master's Programs: A 2-year course requiring 24 credits, a final exam, English proficiency, and a thesis defense.

• Doctoral Studies: Available as independent 3-4 year programs or integrated post-bachelor’s programs, including comprehensive exams and dissertation defenses.

Top Universities in South Korea

• Seoul National University: Known for medicine, robotics, and ICT.

• Korea University: A leading research university.

• Sungkyunkwan University: The country's oldest university, excelling in chemistry, biology, and medicine.

Ewha Womans University: The world’s largest university for women, producing notable alumni across various fields.

• Enrollment Periods: Twice a year, with online submissions for international students.

• Required Documents: University application form, educational certificates, language proficiency proof (TOPIK for Korean programs, IELTS/TOEFL for English programs), passport copy, financial proof, motivation letter, recommendations, research plans, and portfolios.

• Admission Criteria: Based on test scores, academic performance, and sometimes interviews.

In summary, preparing for university in South Korea involves a holistic educational approach, from specialized high school programs to university preparation courses. The country's universities offer globally recognized programs and diverse study options, making South Korea an attractive destination for higher education.

Even for young people from the Republic of Korea, enrolling in public universities straight out of high school seems like a challenge, let alone expats. In practice, however, there are many obstacles that complicate the applicant's journey:

- Language Barrier: Although at least 40% of programs are taught in English, insufficient language proficiency may pose significant difficulties for foreign applicants, if not an insurmountable obstacle.

- Cultural Barrier: The East is known for its subtleties. Korea, despite being one of the most globalized countries in the region, can present challenges in interacting with locals without proper preparation.

- Specifics of Korean Education: The Korean education system, characterized by strict hierarchy, rigorous practices, and mnemonic memorization, presents additional challenges for expatriate students.

To overcome these obstacles, several preparatory programs are available. These programs primarily focus on addressing the language barrier but may also cover related areas such as academic preparation, soft skills training, and more.

Higher education institutions in South Korea have autonomy in their admission policies and determine the selection criteria for applicants independently. Applications are submitted through an online form on the university's official website. Also, documents can be sent via email or through courier services.

Applications are accepted in two periods: September-November and May-early July.

Approximately 40% of programs are taught in English, while the remaining programs are in Korean. Master's and doctoral programs require the study of one or more additional languages. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the language relevant to their chosen program—English (TOEFL 80/IELTS 6.0) or Korean (TOPIK Level 3)—although it is expected that students will improve language skills during the course of study.

Applicants must submit the following documents to the admissions committee:

- Previous education certificates (high school diploma for undergraduate programs, bachelor’s or master’s degree for graduate programs, master’s degree for doctoral candidates), with translations and apostille;
- Certificate of standardized language test scores;
- Motivational essay;
- 2-3 letters of recommendation from professors or directors/rectors, employers;
- Proof of citizenship (passport or other documents);
- Parents’ passports;
- Published scientific articles, research papers, dissertation text (if available).

Creative program applicants are also expected to provide a portfolio.

Documents must be translated into the language of the chosen program and all copies must be officially certified.

In addition to standard tests, universities may introduce additional exams, interviews, or other selection tests.

Submitting the optional Suneung (수능) exam may be advantageous, particularly for applicants to the prestigious SKY universities.

Applicants whose language proficiency is insufficient for admission to South Korean institutions can consider various language courses and preparatory programs. Both Korean and English can be studied at educational centers affiliated with universities or at private language schools, with the former being more popular. Consular authorities issue long-term visas—of at least 90 days—only for studies at higher educational institutions.

University language courses typically last at least three months, although some intensive courses run from 3 to 6 weeks. Applicants must be at least 17 years old and must have completed secondary education.

To apply for language preparatory programs and courses, the following steps are required:

1. Select a course.
2. Complete the application form and send it via email or postal service.
3. Pay the registration fee.
4. Gather required documents.
5. Receive conditional acceptance confirmation from the course organizers.
6. Pay the full program fee.
7. Await the invitation from the course organizers.
8. Upon arrival in the country, take a placement test to determine language proficiency.

The required documents for admission to university-affiliated centers typically include:

- A copy of the passport with an apostilled translation into Korean or English;
- A passport-sized photograph;
- A study plan detailing the course objectives and future plans;
- A motivational essay describing previous educational and work experience, if applicable;
- The original and apostilled copy with a certified translation of previous educational qualifications;
- A copy of the transcript with grades or a diploma supplement;
- Proof of financial capacity (guarantee letters, bank statements showing a balance of at least $3,000);
- Proof of health insurance valid for the entire duration of the course.

Courses, schools, and programs may request additional documents; the final list of requirements is provided upon request.

Some educational organizations may conduct interviews with applicants.

Private language schools and centers generally have more lenient admission policy regarding age and language proficiency (typically requiring only an application and waiting for acceptance).

University programs are standardized; all centers offer basic, short-term, and specialized courses (content may vary depending on the institution):

- Basic Courses (Regular Courses): Offered by all university language centers in South Korea. These are ideal for those planning to continue their studies at a South Korean university, as completion of this program exempts students from providing a TOPIK certificate. Participants can also learn about Korean culture, literature, and art. The program involves incremental learning of vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and conversational skills, divided into 4 parts, or semesters, each lasting 10 weeks or 200 hours. Upon completion of the first semester, students acquire the first level and receive a corresponding certificate, which can serve as an equivalent to TOPIK for university applications.

- Short-Term Courses (Short-Term Courses): These courses last from 3 to 16 weeks and offer a more intensive program, usually ranging from 60 to 220 hours, with a workload of 15 to 30 academic hours per week.

- Summer Courses (Summer Courses): Available during summer holidays, lasting between 5 to 10 weeks with a relatively low intensity—15-20 academic hours per week. These programs may be combined with excursions, sports training, and outdoor activities.

- Specialized Courses (Smart Courses): Offered 6 times a year, with a standard duration of 8 weeks and higher intensity—typically 26-35 hours per week.

A variation of preparatory programs is the Buddy system, a mentorship program where senior South Korean university students are assigned to help new students not only with language acquisition and practice in various situations but also with understanding university life and living in the country.

The type of visa should be chosen for studying at university language centers is D-4-1. Courses lasting from 6 months to 2 years require this type of visa. The visa’s validity is limited to the duration of the course. A new visa application must be submitted to enroll in other courses or universities.

Typically, the processing takes from 2 to 6 weeks. The applicant must provide the following documents to the consulate or visa center:

• Visa application form and questionnaire;
• Photograph (3.5x4.5 cm);
• Passport;
• Receipt confirming payment of the consular fee;
• Invitation letter from the language school or educational center;
• Accreditation certificate of the school or educational center;
• Health insurance certificate;
• Tuberculosis clinic certificate;
• Documents proving previous education (secondary school diploma, bachelor’s or master’s degrees);
• Documents proving financial capability (bank statement and guarantee letters. If relatives are guarantors, birth certificate is required as proof of relationship).

All documents must be translated into English or Korean and notarized.

The student must visit the local police station to obtain an Alien Registration Card within 3 months of arriving in South Korea.