Top Universities in South Korea

Are you thinking about studying abroad? South Korea is becoming a top choice for international students. The number of international students enrolling in Korean universities is increasing year after year. The country has several globally-ranked universities that offer various programs across diverse fields. Over 160,000 international students currently attend these institutions. Plus, the average acceptance rate for international applicants hovers around 25%.

Whether you dream of becoming an engineer, doctor, economist, or more, South Korea promises excellent academics along with unforgettable adventures.

Why Study in South Korea?

Here are a few reasons to study in South Korea:

Cost-Effective Education

One major draw is how affordable tuition fees tend to be, especially at public universities. International students often pay rates similar to domestic pupils, resulting in much lower overall costs compared to places like the U.S. or U.K. Private institutions charge more, but still very reasonable sums. The prices make world-class education accessible.

English-Taught Degree Programs

Don’t let a language barrier hold you back. Top Korean universities recognize the importance of offering degree programs fully taught in English. These make it possible for students from all backgrounds to complete entire majors using the global lingua franca of academics. No Korean proficiency is required.

An Incredibly Welcoming Atmosphere

South Korea embraces cultural diversity and actively recruits international students. You’ll find a friendly, multicultural vibe on campuses alongside resources to help foreign pupils adapt. The society is warm and accepting of global perspectives.

Enviably Safe Surroundings

With impressively low crime rates, South Korea boasts an incredibly secure environment for students. You can explore bustling cities or tranquil villages without constant worries about safety. The trustworthy public infrastructure provides peace of mind.

Delectable Cuisine

Be prepared for an absolute flavour adventure! Korean food is renowned for zesty, bold tastes like fiery gochujang chilli paste and savoury bulgogi barbecue. Yet it’s also healthy and economical for students on a budget. The beverages, like crisp OB lagers, perfectly complement the meals.

Trendsetting Pop Culture

From wildly popular K-pop music acts to ultra-stylish movies and dramas, Korean entertainment carries major global influence these days. As a student, you’ll be surrounded by the drinks, snacks, fashion and slang providing this cultural pop culture cache.

Top Universities in South Korea

Here are the top universities in South Korea that are the best for international students:

South Korea Rank 2023	Name of the University	Fees	City Name
1	Seoul National University	₩8023440/INR 5.1L per semester	Seoul
2	Yonsei University (Seoul campus)	₩4212306/INR 2.6L per semester	Seoul
3	Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)	₩9358005/INR 5.8L per year	Daejeon
4	Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)	₩12238420/INR 7.6L per year	Pohang
5	Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)	₩4221666/ INR 2.6L per year	Seoul
6	Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)	₩7354820/ INR 4.8L per year	Ulsan
7	Korea University	₩6137931/INR 3.8L per semester	Seoul
8	Kyung Hee University	₩8626535/INR 5.4L per year	Seoul
9	Sejong University	₩4350041/INR 2.7L per year	Seoul
10	Hanyang University	₩12727850/INR 7.8L per year	Seoul

1. Seoul National University

Seoul National University (SNU) is the dream school for many Korean students. It’s considered the Harvard of Korea. Earning a degree from SNU virtually guarantees a great job in any field. The faculty includes professors from around the world. Plus, SNU has student exchange programs with top global universities.

Founded in 1946, SNU consistently ranks among Korea’s best universities. It’s part of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities. With over 37,000 students, SNU has many undergraduate and graduate programs. The university also houses leading research institutes and makes it ideal for aspiring academics or scientists. Conveniently located in central Seoul, SNU provides easy access to the capital’s amenities.

2. Yonsei University

Yonsei University is another member of the prestigious SKY trio in Korea, known for fostering creativity and outside-the-box thinking. As a private institution, all classes are conducted fully in English – no need to know Korean. This makes Yonsei a popular destination for international students.

The university’s famed “Study at Yonsei” program welcomes exchange and visiting students from around the world to experience a semester or year in South Korea. Yonsei’s stunning Seoul campus blends traditional Korean architecture with lush green spaces. Academically excellent with diverse research opportunities, the university attracts a truly global student body for its world-class education.

3. KAIST

KAIST is Korea’s premier technical university – think of it as the MIT of Korea. KAIST was actually Korea’s first research-focused university when it opened in 1971 to drive technological development.

All classes are taught in English, making KAIST extremely welcoming to international students. No need to take Korean courses to graduate. The professors are world-class and recruited from top institutions globally.

Located in Daejeon, KAIST now has over 10,000 students from around the world. The university provides labs and renowned faculty across undergrad and graduate programs. Its research output consistently ranks best in the world.

4. POSTECH

POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) stands out as one of the best research universities in Asia. The campus has labs and buildings dedicated to exploring the latest technologies through research and development.

Each year, POSTECH admits around 300 undergrads. The university further attracts international graduate students by offering a generous $1,500 one-time settlement grant for their first semester. While only 4% of students are international, most faculty members are foreign specialists.

5. Sungkyunkwan University

Sungkyunkwan, founded way back in 1398 during the Joseon Dynasty, was once considered Korea’s top university. Not only the oldest in Korea but the entire Asian region. These days, it offers a pioneering Global MBA program taught fully in English – Korea’s first. Around 30% of undergraduate courses also use English instruction. The university has the nation’s premier medical school too.

Located in Seoul, Sungkyunkwan has three campuses – Humanities/Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and a Technology Management Center. Its long, prestigious history and innovative English-based programs make it a standout option.

6. Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)

UNIST is a public research university in Ulsan, an industrial city in southeast Korea. It was founded in 2009 and focuses on science and technology fields UNIST has graduate school facilities and labs.

The university prides itself on an interdisciplinary approach and curriculum. With around 5,000 students, UNIST maintains a tight-knit, collaborative community. It actively recruits top international students and faculty through fully English-taught programs. UNIST’s modern campus features eco-friendly architecture in a scenic natural setting.

7. Korea University

Korea University is part of the elite “SKY” trio and ranks among the global top 100 universities. Half its courses use English instruction, making it a hub for international studies, business, and Asian programs. KU operates over 100 research centres worldwide like the Asiatic Research Center.

For graduate students, English-taught options include Korean Studies, International Area Studies, and International Business. As one of Korea’s oldest and most prestigious schools, KU’s Seoul campus is famous for its beauty.

The university prioritises research with a world-class faculty. KU’s good reputation and global programs make it a top choice.

8. Kyung Hee University

Kyung Hee University provides an excellent yet affordable education. It is famous for Korean traditional medicine and other Asian medical practices. Many Korean doctors prefer to get their degrees from Kyung Hee’s strong medical programs.

The university also excels in hospitality and management studies. For international students, Kyung Hee offers an English Track undergraduate program – no Korean language skills required.

Beyond academics, Kyung Hee’s reasonable costs make quality higher education accessible. Its offerings in traditional medicine, hospitality, and English-taught curriculum appeal to students seeking a distinctive yet economical path.

9. Sejong University

Sejong University is a famous private research university located in Seoul. Established in 1940, it has programs like business, engineering, and liberal arts. The university operates two main campuses – one in Seoul’s city centre and another in Gwangjin District.

Sejong has over 20,000 students enrolled across undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The university partners with major companies like Samsung, providing internships and recruitment opportunities. Facilities include labs, residence halls, and the massive SEDANAU Library.

10. Hanyang University

Hanyang University is known as Korea’s top engineering school. It was actually the nation’s first institution for architecture and engineering studies. Hanyang offers one of the best business incubation programs and nurtures many of Korea’s entrepreneurial talents.

With over 500 courses taught in English each semester, the university provides a global learning experience. Hanyang’s beautiful campus has facilities that create an ideal environment for academics.

The gorgeous grounds, modern resources, entrepreneurial culture, and vibrant social scene make Hanyang an exceptional choice for aspiring engineers or business innovators.

Admission Requirements and Eligibility Criteria of Universities in South Korea

Whether you’re applying straight out of high school or already have a degree, there are some key requirements you’ll need to meet first.

Here’s the rundown for international students:

• Educational Background: For bachelor’s programs, you must have completed 12 years of primary and secondary education. For master’s, you’ll need an undergraduate degree. And for that Ph.D., a master’s is required.
• Language Skills: If the program is taught in English, you’ll have to submit TOEFL or other English test scores. For courses in Korean, it’s the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) that counts.

Your application will also need:

• Letters of recommendation from professors or employers
• A personal statement outlining your goals and motivations
• An updated curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
• Documents Required to Study in South Korea

When you apply to study in South Korea, you will need these 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

Admission Process of Different Universities in South Korea

The admission process can vary somewhat between institutions, but generally follows these steps:

• Application Submission: Students must submit an online or paper application along with required documents like transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, personal statements, etc. Deadlines are typically in spring for fall intake and fall for spring intake.
• Entrance Exams: Many universities require standardised entrance exams for domestic students or language proficiency tests like TOEFL/IELTS for international applicants.
• Screening Process: Universities screen applications based on criteria like academic performance, test scores, essays, extracurriculars, interviews, etc. The specifics vary between schools.
• Admission Decisions: Successful applicants receive offers of admission, usually a few months after the application deadline.

Some key differences include:

• Rolling admissions vs. set deadlines
• Interviews or essays required at some schools
• Relative importance of entrance exam scores
• English proficiency requirements for international students

Top universities like Seoul National University are extremely competitive, so applicants need stellar grades, test scores, essays, and recommendations to gain admission.

Scholarships for studying in Korea

Apply for these scholarships to study in South Korea:

• Global Korea Scholarship Program
• Korean Government Support Program for Foreign Exchange Students
• GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) Invitation Program for Students from Partner Countries
• GKS for ASEAN Countries’ Science and Engineering Students
• Support Program for Self-Financed Students
• Scholarship Type A (for private universities in the Seoul metropolitan area)
• Scholarship Type B (for private universities not situated in the Seoul metropolitan area)

Part-Time Work Opportunities

Students in South Korea have plenty of chances for part-time work, both on and off campus. This is a great way to:

• Gain valuable experience
• Build up your resume
• Earn extra cash to cover expenses while studying

All you need is a valid D2 student visa and enough free time. You’re allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester. Even better, there’s no limit on hours during breaks and holidays.

Post-Study Work and Residence Opportunities

After finishing your studies, South Korea has some great visa options to help you stick around – whether you want to find a job, start your own business, or just live here long-term. It’s all based on a points system, so the more qualifications and experience you have, the better.

• The D-10 visa lasts 6 months and lets you hunt for jobs or plan out starting a company
• Once employed, there are E-1 through E-7 work visas for different professions (like E-5 for professional employment)
• Aspiring entrepreneurs can get a 3-month self-employment visa, with the option to extend
• The D-10-2 visa sets you up with OASIS training before launching your startup

For long-term residence, international grads with a job seeker or student visas may be eligible for:

• F-2-7 residency visa through the points system
• F-2-99 long-term residency visa
• F-5 permanent residency visa after meeting requirements

Conclusion

South Korea truly shines in higher education. Whichever university you choose, you’re bound to receive an excellent teaching experience. Take your time, and weigh the pros and cons carefully. At the end of the day, trust your gut instinct. It knows which university atmosphere and program resonates most with your goals and personality.

Top Universities in South Korea- FAQs

Q1. What are the main requirements to get admitted?

You typically need 12 years of schooling for a bachelor’s program. For a master’s, an undergraduate degree is required, and a master’s for a PhD. Language test scores like TOEFL or TOPIK are essential too.

Q2. Can I work part-time while studying in South Korea?

Absolutely! With a valid D2 student visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters. During breaks, there’s no limit on working hours.

Q3. Are there scholarships available for international students?

Yes, several scholarships exist like the Global Korea Scholarship, Korean Government Support Program, and university-specific awards. Many opportunities can help fund your studies.