Table of Contents
Background Information
Study in Korea Overview
South Korea has emerged as a favored destination for international students seeking higher education. With a population of 51.78 million, the country offers a rich cultural experience and a highly regarded education system. Over the last two decades, there has been a significant shift in the mobility of international students, with more
students now opting to study in South Korea rather than in Western countries due to rising tuition fees and restrictive post-study employment opportunities in the West.
The number of international students in South Korea has been steadily increasing,
with the country aiming to reach 200,000 international students by 2023. Pre-COVID-
19 figures indicated that there were approximately 160,000 international students in South Korea, nearly double the number from five years earlier. This increase is attributed to the high levels of satisfaction reported by international students, with 90% expressing contentment with their academic and daily life experiences in Korea.
South Korea is renowned for its educational excellence, consistently ranking at the
top of international scholastic achievement assessments. In the QS World University
Rankings for 2025, five Korean universities were listed in the top 100, and six institutions
were included in the top 200 of the Times Higher Education World University
Rankings for 2024. Additionally, South Korea is recognized globally for its highly
educated workforce and rigorous academic standards.
Students are attracted to South Korea not only for its world-class education but
also for its vibrant culture and economic opportunities. The country is the birthplace
of Hallyu, or the Korean Wave, which has significantly boosted its cultural
influence worldwide. Furthermore, South Korea's robust economy, ranking as the
fourth-largest in Asia and 12th-largest globally, offers students various opportunities
for professional growth and development.
To apply to Korean universities, international students must demonstrate their English
proficiency, commonly through the TOEFL iBT test, which is widely accepted by
Korean institutions. With over 700 English-taught programs available, South Korea
is becoming an increasingly accessible and appealing option for students from
around the world.
Benefits of Studying in Korea
South Korea isn’t just about K-pop, K-drama, K-movie, K-beauty, Kimchi, giant MNCs,
and UNESCO world heritage sites. It is also an incredible destination for international
students to pursue academic excellence. Today, many students aspire to study
overseas to boost their careers, improve living standards, learn a new language, and
appreciate other cultures. One can gain a more all-embracing understanding of the world.
With all the alternatives available, South Korea is becoming an attraction for students
worldwide. It is one of the most sought-after places for higher studies, and the reasons
are apparent. A few countries enable you to get a quality education at an affordable
cost, a rich cultural experience, and a thriving student life, and South Korea is one of
them.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Top Scholarships for International Students
One of the most significant scholarships available to international students looking to
study in South Korea is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), also known as the Korean
Government Scholarship. This fully funded scholarship covers undergraduate,
masters, and PhD studies, providing full tuition support, a monthly living allowance,
on-campus housing, medical coverage, and relocation support. The main aim of
the GKS is to promote international educational exchange and foster friendships
between countries by offering foreign students the opportunity to study at Korean
higher education institutions.
In addition to the GKS, other notable scholarships include those offered by Kyungpook
National University, the POSCO TJ Park Scholarships, the Seoul National
University (SNU) Scholarship, and the Ewha Womans University Scholarship. These
scholarships range from full tuition coverage to partial tuition assistance and living
stipends, providing substantial support to international students.
Yonsei University in Seoul also offers a variety of scholarships for both degree
and non-degree programs, including undergraduate and graduate programs, Korean
language courses, and seasonal schools. The university is committed to making
quality education accessible to students through various forms of financial aid.
Moreover, international students at Yonsei can explore national scholarship options
through the Korean Government Scholarship program, ensuring a comprehensive
range of financial support opportunities.
Competitiveness of Korean Government Scholarships
The South Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), also known as the
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), is one of the most sought-after and competitive
scholarships available for international students. This fully funded scholarship program
covers various expenses, including full tuition, a monthly living allowance,
on-campus housing, medical insurance, and round-trip airfare.
To be eligible for KGSP, applicants must be international students under 40 years
of age with a bachelor's or master's degree, meeting specific GPA requirements
depending on the degree pursued. There are two main tracks through which
students can apply: the Embassy Track, which involves applying through the Korean
embassy in their home country, and the University Track, which involves applying
directly to Korean universities.
KGSP is highly competitive due to its comprehensive benefits and the opportunity it
provides for students to study at prestigious Korean institutions while experiencing
the rich culture and advanced technological landscape of South Korea. In
addition to the GKS, students can explore other scholarships offered by individual
universities such as Yonsei University, Korea University, and Seoul National University,
which also provide various forms of financial aid and tuition exemptions.
Cultural Adaptation
Stepping onto Korean soil as an international student offers a blend of excitement,
anticipation, and a dash of anxiety. One aspect contributing to this feeling could be
the distinct cultural differences. While they may initially surprise you, understanding
and embracing these differences can enrich your experience. South Korea has a
deeply rooted Confucian value system, which respects age and status. Relationships
are defined by hierarchy, and language changes based on the status of the person
you’re speaking to. This may seem unusual, but adapting involves being mindful of
these social hierarchies and showing respect accordingly.
To support international students in adapting to these cultural differences, several
programs and services are available. The Korean government offers an internationally-
recognized scholarship program aimed at promoting international exchanges
in education and strengthening international cooperation. These programs not only
provide financial aid, including flight, tuition, stipend, medical insurance, settlement
allowance, and completion grants but also foster a supportive environment for international
students. Yonsei University, for instance, offers various scholarships and
financial aids for its degree and non-degree programs, and international students can
explore national scholarship options through the Korean Government Scholarship
program.
Adjustment and transition programs play a significant role in helping new students
integrate smoothly. Bi-annual orientations specifically designed for international students
provide essential information about student visas, academic planning, campus
resources, and more. Local students assist new international students with the registration
process and guided course enrollment prior to each semester. Additionally,
Korean language classes are available throughout the year to help students improve
their language skills, which is crucial for those struggling with classes due to language
barriers.
International students can also rely on various organizations and offices, such as the
Office of International Affairs at their institution. These offices offer services including
immigration and visa assistance, academic counseling, cultural events, and general
guidance. The staff is experienced in addressing the unique needs and concerns
of international students. Furthermore, the International Student Service Center
provides comprehensive consulting services in multiple languages, offering support
via phone, website, email, or in-person visits. This center also supports international
student associations and organizes annual job fairs to help students find employment
after graduation.
Academic Opportunities
South Korea has become an increasingly popular destination for international students
due to its vibrant culture, unique opportunities for travel, and high-quality
academic programs. The country boasts six universities ranked in the top 100
globally, a significant achievement for a relatively small nation. These institutions
are renowned for their robust academic programs and world-class research facilities,
providing international students with numerous opportunities to excel in their chosen
fields. Whether students are interested in engineering, the sciences, the arts, or
business, they can find top-tier programs that cater to their academic and professional
goals. Furthermore, South Korean universities are committed to creating a supportive
environment for international students, making it an exciting and rewarding place to
pursue higher education.
Living Costs
The cost of living in South Korea for international students is generally affordable compared to other desirable study destinations. However, it can vary significantly depending on the city and the standard of living you choose. For instance, the capital
city of Seoul is known to be more costly compared to other areas.
Accommodation expenses typically take up a significant portion of a student’s budget.
On-campus housing is one of the more affordable options, with costs ranging from
KRW 500,000 to KRW 1,650,000 per semester, depending on the room size, amenities
provided, and whether catering services are included. Private rentals, on the
other hand, can be more expensive and vary widely in price depending on the location and type of housing.
In addition to housing, other living costs include utilities, food, transportation, and
entertainment. While Korea is often perceived as an expensive country to live in, it is
quite possible to maintain a comfortable lifestyle on a moderate budget. For example,
the estimated monthly cost for a single person is around ©3,755,548, making it more
affordable than 33% of the countries worldwide, even though it ranks as the 3rd most
expensive country in Asia.
Application Process
Several universities in Korea offer scholarships specifically aimed at supporting
international students. Among these, the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), funded
by the Korean government, is a popular choice as it covers tuition, airfare, a living
stipend, and even Korean language courses. Universities such as Seoul National
University, Korea University, and Yonsei University have their own scholarships aimed
at attracting talented international students, including the Global SNU Scholarship,
the Future Global KU Scholarship, and the Global Yonsei Scholarship, respectively.
The application process to Korean universities can be overwhelming for international
students due to the extensive and sometimes confusing documentation required. It is crucial to apply as early as possible and thoroughly read the application
guides provided by the universities. Most universities in Korea require prospective
students to apply directly through their online systems, similar to the process for
South Korean students. Additionally, students need to pay special attention to the
order of steps and the preparation of necessary documents before submitting their
applications.
Applicants should choose their preferred Korean university and thoroughly check the
admission conditions and requirements. The submission process involves sending
the enrollment application and required documents to the university, ensuring that
each step is carefully followed to avoid time lost due to incorrect sequencing of the
application steps. Overall, while the process can be daunting, proper preparation
and adherence to guidelines can help overcome these challenges.
Korean Cultural Center
The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) plays a pivotal role in assisting international
students in understanding and participating in the Hallyu wave. By offering various
cultural programs and events, KCC helps students engage deeply with Korean
culture. One of the notable initiatives is Mokkoji Korea, which provides opportunities
to experience 'everyday Hallyu' through cultural performances and K-lifestyle experiences
at various locations abroad. These events allow visitors to interact with a
broader spectrum of Korean culture, promoting the growth of related industries and
extending the ripple effects of Hallyu.
Additionally, the Asia Song Festival is a significant cultural exchange event that has
been held since 2004. It brings together musicians from various Asian countries,
fostering amity and cultural connections across the continent. Through performances,
exhibitions, and experiential programs, this festival introduces different cultures to
Korean audiences, enhancing cultural diversity within the country.
KCC also collaborates with arts and cultural institutions worldwide to provide overseas
work placements for professionals at varying experience levels. Follow-up
support projects and invitational workshops are also hosted to share the latest trends
and information on international cultural exchange, thus strengthening professional
capacities in this field.
To attract enthusiasts of Korean culture, the South Korean government has introduced
the "Hallyu visa," also known as the "K-culture training visa." This visa enables
non-Korean individuals who register at local performing arts academies to stay in
the country for up to two years. This initiative aims to support young artists and
writers, which is part of the broader strategy to promote K-culture and attract more
tourists.
Moreover, KCC is actively involved in expanding the reach of Hallyu through various
conferences and meetings. For instance, the Korean Culture and Information Service
(KOCIS) regularly hosts conferences for KCC directors to discuss the promotion of
Korean culture abroad. These meetings involve discussions on national branding
projects and strategies to strengthen cooperation between related organizations,
thereby publicizing Korean contents more effectively.