Asia
Study in South Korea
South Korea has rapidly developed into a leading study destination in Asia, backed by heavy government investment in education, generous scholarship programs (GKS), and globally recognised technology companies.
| Avg. tuition | ₩3,000,000 – ₩9,000,000 / semester (~$2,200–$6,500/yr) |
|---|---|
| IELTS requirement | 5.5 – 6.5 overall |
| TOEFL requirement | 71 – 90 iBT |
| Bachelor's duration | 4 years |
| Master's duration | 2 years |
| Major intakes | March, September |
| Post-study work | D-10 Job Seeker Visa: up to 2 years to find employment after graduation. Graduates of Korean universities may qualify for a reduced requirements pathway. |
| Study visa | D-2 Student Visa (Studying at Educational Institutions) |
Last verified: August 2026 · Official visa source
South Korea at a Glance
About Studying Here
South Korea has rapidly developed into a leading study destination in Asia, backed by heavy government investment in education, generous scholarship programs (GKS), and globally recognised technology companies. Seoul is one of Asia's most dynamic and liveable cities, with a unique blend of ancient culture and cutting-edge modernity.
Why Students Choose This Destination
Decision-relevant advantages — not tourism copy.
- Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is among the most generous fully-funded programs in Asia
- World-leading tech companies: Samsung, LG, Hyundai, SK — major internship and job pipeline
- KAIST and POSTECH rank among Asia's top engineering schools
- Affordable tuition and living costs relative to academic quality
- Excellent connectivity, infrastructure, and internet (world's fastest)
- Vibrant K-culture environment — K-pop, food, film, gaming
Things to Consider
Honest tradeoffs every student should know.
What Can You Study?
Program availability across indexed institutions in South Korea.
Key Industries & Career Sectors
Career context — not employment guarantees.
Employment outcomes depend on skills, experience, language ability, labour market conditions, and immigration eligibility. Sector presence does not guarantee employment.
Destination Scorecard
Explainable indicators based on indexed data.
Scores reflect indexed program data and publicly available information. They are guides, not guarantees.
English Language Requirements
Rankings Context
What Does It Cost to Study in South Korea?
Full year-one cost estimate — not just tuition.
Costs shown in approximate USD at ₩1,350/USD. Seoul is significantly more expensive than other Korean cities. Dormitory accommodation is much cheaper (₩200,000–500,000/month) when available.
Personalize Your Cost
Get a Personalized Cost Estimate
Based on your degree, subject, city preference, and institution type.
Scholarships in South Korea
Selected scholarship programs. Eligibility and deadlines change — always verify directly.
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS / KGSP)
Korean University Merit Scholarships
Scholarship values, deadlines, and eligibility criteria change. This list is indicative and not exhaustive. Always verify directly with the scholarship provider and your institution's international office.
Student Visa Overview
General guidance only — not legal advice.
Up to 20 hours/week on campus during semester (off-campus work requires additional permission).
D-10 Job Seeker Visa: up to 2 years to find employment after graduation. Graduates of Korean universities may qualify for a reduced requirements pathway.
Important Disclaimer
South Korean immigration rules are subject to change. Verify current requirements with the Korean Embassy in your country or through Hi Korea.
After Graduation
Post-study work pathway context — rules are subject to change.
D-10 Job Seeker Visa: up to 2 years to find employment after graduation. Graduates of Korean universities may qualify for a reduced requirements pathway.
Application Timeline
Approximate planning guide — verify with specific institutions.
Intake: September–November for March intake; March–May for September intake
Choose Your City in South Korea
Seoul
CapitalDaejeon
University CityBusan
Major CityCommon Questions about Studying in South Korea
What is the GKS scholarship and how competitive is it?
Still have questions?