Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Studying in South Korea is attracting a growing number of international students from around the world. A hyper-connected country, a giant laboratory for technological innovation, and a cultural scene boosted by the Hallyu wave (K-pop, K-dramas, cinema, literature), South Korea has evolved in just a few years from a “niche” destination to a genuine international hub for higher education. Over 200,000 foreign students already study there, and the government aims to attract 300,000 by 2027.
Beyond the glamorous image, pursuing higher education in South Korea involves considering several practical aspects: tuition costs, visa procedures, cultural adaptation, housing search, health insurance enrollment, the possibility of part-time work, and career prospects after graduation. Thorough preparation is essential.
Why choose South Korea for your studies
South Korea has established itself as a study destination for several combined reasons. First, the quality of its university system. The country ranks high in global rankings in terms of higher education competitiveness, and six of its universities are in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings. The famous “SKY” universities—Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University—are home to a large portion of the country’s political and economic elites.
The year South Korea ranked first in the Bloomberg Global Innovation Index.
The country has also heavily invested in the internationalization of its universities. An increasing number of programs are taught entirely in English, sometimes 100% in certain science and technology institutions. It is estimated that about one-third of university courses are now taught in English. International campuses and Graduate Schools of International Studies (GSIS) dedicated to international studies have been established at Yonsei, Korea University, Sogang, Ajou, Ewha, and elsewhere.
Compared to English-speaking countries, South Korea remains relatively affordable. Tuition fees at public universities are often significantly lower than in major Western capitals, and the cost of living is generally 30 to 40% lower.
Finally, cultural appeal plays a major role. Korean “soft power,” largely driven by pop culture and technology, places the country at the top of certain international indices of cultural influence. The opportunity to live at the heart of this culture while building an international academic and professional profile is a powerful driver for students from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Overview of universities and fields of study
Korean higher education includes nearly 400 post-secondary institutions, with a wide range: national universities, prestigious private universities, science and technology institutes, international business schools, affordable regional universities. For a study project, it is essential to distinguish a few major institutional profiles.
Major research universities and “SKY”
Seoul National University (SNU), often described as the “Harvard of Korea,” ranks around 30th worldwide. It offers over a hundred master’s and doctoral programs, covering humanities and social sciences, natural sciences, agriculture, engineering, medicine, arts, and many interdisciplinary programs (neuroscience, bioinformatics, urban planning, etc.). Approximately 15% of undergraduate students are international, fostering a cosmopolitan environment.
In addition to Seoul National University, the elite “SKY” group includes Korea University and Yonsei University. Located in Seoul and ranked among the top 100 global universities, they have 8 to 12% international undergraduates. Their Graduate Schools of International Studies offer master’s programs in English in fields like international business, international relations, or Korean studies. Furthermore, their global MBAs, such as those at Yonsei or SKKU (Sungkyunkwan University, often associated), taught in English, are regularly ranked among the best in Asia.
Science and technology institutes
Korea has developed a network of excellence institutes in science and engineering. KAIST in Daejeon, POSTECH in Pohang, GIST in Gwangju, and UNIST in Ulsan are among the country’s most innovative institutions. KAIST is often nicknamed the “Korean MIT” and has chosen to offer instruction largely in English. GIST and UNIST, for their part, offer all their courses in English, attracting an international audience of master’s and doctoral students in science, engineering, AI, materials, energy, etc.
These institutions stand out for their strong ties with industry, well-funded laboratories, and generous scholarships for master’s and doctoral students, often conditional on active participation in research projects.
Specialized universities and business schools
Several Korean universities target specific niches: Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) is a major player in linguistic and regional studies, offering 45 languages; Korea National University of Arts (K-Arts) focuses on visual arts, music, film; Ewha Womans University is a major women’s university with a strong international orientation.
Several major South Korean business schools offer BBA and MBA programs in English with an Asian focus. These include SolBridge International School of Business, SKKU Global School of Business, KAIST College of Business, Sogang Business School, as well as the GSIS (Graduate School of International Studies) at Yonsei and Korea University. These programs often focus on areas like international business, finance, or technology management. Some, like SolBridge, even require graduates to master Korean or Chinese upon completion to be immediately employable.
Regional universities and more affordable options
Not all ambitions go through Seoul. Regional national universities like Chonnam National University in Gwangju, Pusan National University in Busan, Jeonbuk National University, or Kangwon National University offer solid programs, particularly in science, agriculture, engineering, or humanities, with tuition fees and a cost of living significantly lower than in Seoul.
Chonnam National University, for example, is often cited as one of the most affordable universities for international students, while offering recognized programs and a pleasant campus.
Language of instruction and language requirements
For an international student, the language issue is central. Korea has significantly developed its English-taught programs, especially at the master’s and doctoral levels. In science and technology universities (KAIST, POSTECH, GIST, UNIST) and many business and international studies programs, English is now the primary language of instruction. Typical admission requirements often range from TOEFL iBT 80 to 90 or IELTS 5.5 to 6.5.
TOPIK level 5 is the threshold from which the benefits of university scholarships increase significantly.
Even for students admitted based on their English skills, daily reality requires a minimum of Korean. Research shows that many foreign students, surprised by the limited level of English in everyday life, quickly run into the language barrier for administrative procedures, university websites, part-time jobs, shopping, or social life. Those who arrive with a prior interest in Korean language and culture, and a foundation in Korean, generally experience a smoother adaptation and establish relationships more easily.
Student visas and administrative procedures
To pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in South Korea, the primary visa is the D-2. Language study or non-degree programs fall under the D-4 visa. Within D-2, sub-categories exist (D-2-2 for undergraduate, D-2-3 for master’s, D-2-4 for doctorate, D-2-6 for exchange, D-2-8 for short summer or winter programs).
To obtain a D-2 student visa for Korea, you must first be admitted to a recognized university, which will provide you with a Certificate of Admission (CoA). The consulate application requires: a valid passport, the official form, a recent passport photo, this admission letter, your diplomas and transcripts, as well as proof of financial resources covering the first year of study.
Exact amounts vary, but a frequent requirement is around 20,000,000 KRW in an account (or equivalent in scholarship, loan, etc.), corresponding to estimates of tuition and living expenses for one year. Consular application fees depend on the country and visa type (generally between 40 and 90 USD for single or multiple entry).
Students from certain nationalities must provide a tuberculosis test certificate and legalized diplomas. Processing times vary (from a few days to several weeks), so it is imperative to apply two to three months before the semester begins.
Once in Korea, any student staying more than 90 days must apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) at an immigration office, within 90 days of entry. This card is essential for many procedures: opening a bank account, getting a phone subscription, enrolling in national health insurance, signing certain types of housing contracts. Issuance fees are around 30,000 KRW.
Tuition fees and study budget
Tuition fees in South Korea vary considerably depending on the type of institution (public or private), the discipline (sciences and engineering often cost more than humanities), and the level (undergraduate, master’s, doctorate). The following typical ranges per semester are usually distinguished:
| Level of study | Average range per semester (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 2,400,000 – 6,500,000 |
| Master’s | 3,270,000 – 7,500,000 |
| Doctorate | 4,000,000 – 8,500,000 |
As a reference, public universities often range between 2,000,000 and 5,000,000 KRW per year, while major private universities can easily reach 6,000,000 to 15,000,000 KRW annually, or more for certain MBAs. An undergraduate semester in Seoul at a public university averages around 4,000,000 KRW.
Average cost of a trimester of Korean language courses at a university center in Seoul, in US dollars.
To these fees, add living expenses: housing, food, transportation, health insurance, entertainment, school supplies. It is common to estimate a student’s monthly budget between 800,000 and 1,500,000 KRW, excluding tuition. In the first months, expenses can climb to 1,500,000 – 3,000,000 KRW due to security deposits, setup, basic equipment, and phone.
A comparative overview by city illustrates the diversity of costs:
| City | Estimated monthly budget (KRW) – including housing |
|---|---|
| Seoul | 1,310,000 – 2,500,000 |
| Busan | 1,020,000 – 1,800,000 |
| Daegu | 890,000 – 1,600,000 |
| Gwangju | 680,000 – 1,380,000 |
| Daejeon | 710,000 – 1,455,000 |
| Incheon | 1,020,000 – 1,480,000 |
Seoul is about 30% more expensive than the rest of the country according to some estimates, while regional university towns offer more flexible financial conditions without sacrificing teaching quality.
Student housing: options and costs
The housing issue is one of the main challenges for international students in Korea. A cited survey even indicates that finding housing is perceived as a major problem after arrival. The market is varied, with options suitable for almost all budgets, but often at the cost of compromises on space, contract duration, or living rules.
University residences
University dormitories represent the most economical and simplest option for a large number of international students. Monthly rents are generally between 350,000 and 1,000,000 KRW, often with utilities (water, electricity, heating, internet) included. Some universities charge per semester, with typical prices ranging from 500,000 to 2,000,000 KRW depending on room type (single, double, triple).
Concrete example of student housing available on campus, with facilities and price ranges.
Furnished rooms with kitchen access, common rooms, gym, and laundry. Semester price: approximately 780,000 KRW for a male triple room bed.
Furnished rooms with kitchen access, common rooms, gym, and laundry. Semester price: nearly 2,000,000 KRW for a single room.
Reduced rates available for summer or winter sessions across all residences.
The advantages of dorms are proximity to campus, the presence of other international students, a secure environment, and predictable costs. Drawbacks can include strict rules (curfews, guest control), limited space, and sometimes a certain cultural segregation in room assignments, which limits interactions with Korean students.
Goshiwon and very economical housing
Goshiwon (고시원) are tiny private rooms, often located near universities and originally intended for exam candidates. They offer a very cheap solution: between 300,000 and 800,000 KRW per month, sometimes with utilities, Wi-Fi, and even free rice and kimchi. Most do not require a security deposit, avoiding a large initial investment.
In return, the area is often limited to a few square meters, without a proper kitchen or private bathroom (shared facilities). For a student on a tight budget or on a short stay, this can still be an effective option.
Share houses and room shares allow sharing an apartment or house with other students, Korean or foreign. Rents typically range from 350,000 to 500,000 KRW per month (utilities often included), with a deposit equivalent to one or two months’ rent. The setting is often more friendly, lease terms more flexible, and the language barrier lower in housing specifically targeting foreigners.
Studios (one-room, 원룸) and officetels (오피스텔) offer more comfort and autonomy, but at a higher cost. A studio starts around 500,000 KRW per month and can go beyond 1,500,000 KRW in central Seoul neighborhoods. Officetels, modern and well-equipped, often range from 700,000 to 1,200,000 KRW per month, with deposits of several million won.
The Korean rental market is primarily based on two systems. The most common combines a security deposit (보증금, key money) and a monthly rent (월세), where a higher deposit allows for negotiating a lower rent. The other system, jeonse (전세), requires a very large deposit (often tens of thousands of dollars) in exchange for a very reduced or no rent, but it is generally inaccessible to students.
Beyond rent, you must include the cost of utilities and setup. Electricity, gas, water, and waste bills range between 100,000 and 250,000 KRW per month depending on the season; high-speed internet costs 25,000 to 40,000 KRW; a mobile plan with data is between 30,000 and 60,000 KRW. Furnishing an unfurnished place may require an initial budget of 500,000 to 2,000,000 KRW.
Strategies for finding housing
Students can rely on several channels: university housing services, real estate apps (Zigbang, Dabang, Peter Pan), agencies (부동산) that charge a commission, Facebook groups like “Housing in Seoul,” platforms specialized for foreigners like Enkostay, or help from student associations and foreigner centers.
It is recommended to start searching 2 to 3 months before arrival, always visit the place before signing, and, if possible, be accompanied by a Korean speaker to avoid contractual misunderstandings. Authorities also remind of the obligation to report any address change to immigration within 14 days, failing which fines may apply.
Cost of living, transportation, health, and leisure
Once housing is settled, the most significant expense category is food. A reasonable monthly budget for a student varies between 200,000 and 650,000 KRW, depending on whether they cook a lot or eat out frequently. A meal at a simple restaurant costs on average 8,000 to 12,000 KRW, while university cafeterias offer meals between 5,000 and 15,000 KRW. Street food—tteokbokki, kimbap, hotteok, etc.—remains very affordable, often between 2,000 and 4,000 KRW per serving.
The minimum cost of a subway or bus ride in Seoul, in Korean won.
For outings and leisure, you must also budget. A movie ticket costs 12,000 to 15,000 KRW, a noraebang (karaoke) session between 5,000 and 20,000 KRW per hour, a gym membership 50,000 to 90,000 KRW per month. K-pop concerts, depending on the artist and seating category, generally start from 150,000 KRW and can go much higher.
A summary of the main monthly expense categories, excluding housing, can be presented as follows:
| Expense category | Monthly range (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Food & groceries | 200,000 – 650,000 |
| Transportation | 40,000 – 150,000 |
| Utilities (electricity, gas, water) | 100,000 – 250,000 |
| Internet | 25,000 – 40,000 |
| Mobile plan | 30,000 – 60,000 |
| Health insurance (NHIS) | Approx. 70,000 – 120,000 |
| Entertainment & outings | 100,000 – 200,000 |
In total, a student living frugally in a medium-sized city might sometimes manage on around 800,000 KRW per month, while a student in Seoul in private housing will easily exceed 1,500,000 KRW.
Mandatory health insurance and medical coverage
A point often unknown before departure concerns health insurance. For a few years now, all international students staying in South Korea for more than six months are automatically enrolled in the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) once their alien registration is finalized. Enrollment is automatic once the ARC is issued; it cannot be avoided by claiming to have private insurance from the home country, except in very special cases (bilateral agreements with certain countries, international civil servants, etc.).
The monthly premium for students is generally 70,000 to 80,000 KRW, although temporary calculations based on income can increase it. Bills are sent monthly and must be paid before the deadline to avoid penalties, coverage suspension, and complications for visa renewal.
In return, students benefit from the same rights as Korean citizens for covered healthcare: general medicine, hospitals, basic dental care, traditional medicine, periodic health check-ups, pregnancy and childbirth follow-up, etc. The system works on a co-payment basis: for an outpatient visit, the insured pays a portion (30 to 60% of the cost depending on the type of facility) and NHIS pays the rest; for hospitalization, the co-pay is generally 20%, reduced to 5-10% for certain cancers and rare diseases.
The ARC (Alien Registration Card) necessary to access NHIS (national health insurance) takes 6 to 8 weeks to be issued. During this period, the student is not covered. Therefore, it is highly recommended to purchase travel or private insurance for the first 2-3 months. Some universities offer low-cost group insurance for this period (e.g., about 50 to 110 USD for 6 months).
Failure to pay NHIS premiums leads to serious consequences: suspension of reimbursements, inability to extend the student visa, and even asset seizure in the long term. Full payment of arrears is the only way to restore rights, and healthcare expenses incurred during a period of non-payment are not reimbursed retroactively.
Scholarships and financial aid
South Korea, aware of international competition to attract the best profiles, has established a range of scholarships for foreign students. The cornerstone of this system is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), also known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP).
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
The GKS is a scholarship fully funded by the Korean state and managed by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED). It covers undergraduate, master’s, doctoral programs, as well as a research component. For the 2024 cohort, the government has allocated about 2,200 spots, divided between undergraduate and graduate tracks, although these quotas vary slightly by source and year.
This scholarship is particularly attractive because it covers almost all expenses: round-trip airfare, full tuition waiver, monthly allowance of 900,000 to 1,100,000 KRW depending on level, costs of Korean language training (often a mandatory year before entering the academic program), health insurance, and sometimes a settlement allowance, research allowance, coverage of TOPIK fees to encourage language learning.
Applications for the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) are submitted via two tracks: the ‘Embassy’ track (through the Korean embassy in your country) and the ‘University’ track (through a partnered Korean institution). The embassy track allows you to choose up to three universities, with a distribution between type A and B institutions. To be eligible, you must be of non-Korean nationality (as well as your parents), be under 25 for undergraduate or under 40 for master’s/doctorate, and have a cumulative GPA of at least 80%.
A bonus is awarded to candidates with TOPIK level 3 or higher, direct descendants of Korean War veterans, or those choosing scientific and engineering disciplines. The selection is very competitive, but the prospects offered—free education, long-term immersion, alumni network—make it one of the most sought-after programs by foreign applicants.
University and foundation scholarships
Beyond GKS, most major Korean universities offer their own scholarship programs for international students, sometimes upon admission, sometimes based on academic performance. These scholarships can cover 30% to 100% of tuition and include monthly stipends, subsidized housing, or insurance coverage.
Among the many programs, there are the Global KU scholarships from Korea University, the SNU Global Scholarship at Seoul National University, international scholarships from KAIST, POSTECH, GIST, or UNIST for master’s and doctoral students, Ewha scholarships for international female students, or TOPIK-dependent scholarships from Konkuk or Kyung Hee University. At Sogang University, top candidates admitted under the “Admissions Scholarship I” category can be offered eight full semesters of tuition.
Foundations and large corporations complement this landscape: the POSCO TJ Park Foundation awards scholarships to dozens of Asian master’s or doctoral students, the Korea Foundation supports Korean studies students, the Samsung Dream Scholarship Foundation, the Daewoong Foundation, or various municipal foundations also offer targeted aid. In some master’s programs in international studies, like at Korea University GSIS, scholarships can cover 50% to 100% of tuition depending on the application.
For an applicant, the strategy often involves combining several sources: a main government or university scholarship, occasional aid (conferences, research projects), and, possibly, part-time job income.
Part-time work during studies
The D-2 student visa allows part-time work under conditions. It is not an automatic right: the student must obtain permission from their university (often via the international affairs office or a Global Services Center) and then validation from the immigration office. The application relies on a specific “Part-Time Work of Foreign Student” form signed by the employer, accompanied by an employment contract, transcripts, language proof, and copies of the employer’s identification.
To be eligible, you generally need to demonstrate sufficient class attendance, a minimum GPA close to C (2.0/4.0), and not exceed a defined number of enrolled semesters. Korean language skills, attested by a TOPIK test, may be required to obtain a higher course hour quota.
Hour limits depend on the level of study and language proficiency. In many cases, an undergraduate student can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester, while master’s or doctoral students can go up to 30 hours. Weekends, holidays, and vacation periods often are not subject to a strict limit, allowing full-time work during summer or winter. However, working without permission or exceeding limits can lead to fines, or even visa cancellation and deportation in case of repeat offenses.
The hourly wage minimum for many skilled student jobs in South Korea, such as English tutoring, starts from 11,000 KRW.
Nevertheless, part-time work generally does not suffice to fully fund studies and living costs, especially in large cities. It should be considered as a supplement and a lever for linguistic and cultural integration, rather than the sole financial pillar of a study project.
Living and adapting: cultural challenges and available support
Empirical studies on international students in South Korea show that the experience is often marked by alternating phases. An initial period of euphoria, driven by the excitement of discovery, can give way to a more or less pronounced “culture shock“: language barrier, intense academic pace, loneliness, difficulty creating bonds with Korean students, sometimes subtle discrimination.
Language barriers concretely impact daily life (shopping, using university websites in Korean, understanding notices, finding part-time jobs). Many students find that Korean society is less English-speaking than expected. Furthermore, students from non-Western countries more frequently report experiences of differential treatment, whether in transportation, in class, or when searching for housing or employment.
The Korean university system itself is marked by a strong hierarchy, significant respect for authority, and a very demanding work pace, symbolized by the famous “ppalli-ppalli” (hurry-hurry). Some doctoral students mention long lab hours, constant pressure to produce research results, and reduced sleep time, which increases stress and psychological fatigue.
Universities offer various support services: psychological counseling, buddy/mentoring programs, adapted Korean language courses (including hierarchical nuances and politeness registers), intercultural communication workshops, and social clubs. Interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy are also recommended to manage stress and anxiety.
For a future student, preparing in advance is a key success factor: carefully reading pre-departure materials provided by the university, exchanging with former students, using Korean learning apps (Duolingo, Drops, etc.), learning about social norms (use of honorifics, codes of politeness, group dynamics) can significantly cushion the initial shock.
After graduation: career prospects and post-study visas
Obtaining a degree in South Korea does not necessarily mean immediately returning to one’s home country. The Korean government expresses its desire to retain a certain number of foreign graduates to support its economy and mitigate the effects of demographic aging. Specific visa pathways exist for job searching and more long-term settlement.
The D-10 visa, or ‘Job Seeker Visa,’ allows you to stay in Korea after your studies to search for a job or prepare an entrepreneurial project. With an initial duration of 6 months renewable (up to 2 years maximum), its allocation is based on a points system. Criteria evaluated are age, level of education, work experience, Korean proficiency (TOPIK score), participation in integration programs (KIIP), and previous study experience in Korea. Recent graduates of a Korean university graduate program with a good TOPIK level have a significant advantage.
Once a job is found, the transition is to an E category work visa (E-1 for professors, E-2 for foreign language instructors, E-3 for research, E-5 for skilled professions, E-7 for “special talents” in specialized fields, etc.). The E-7 is particularly sought after by skilled professionals in technology, engineering, finance, or management.
After a certain period, it is possible to apply for a residence visa (F-2) or permanent residence (F-5). Conditions include a required number of years of stay, sufficient income level, a good points score (for some F-2 visas), and often proof of Korean language level (KIIP or TOPIK). Permanent residence offers great professional freedom, the possibility to start a business, and certain local civic rights after a few years.
Career opportunities for international graduates are numerous: large industrial and technological groups, start-ups, research centers, universities, cultural and creative sector (music, film, video games), tourism and hospitality, international organizations based in Korea. In practice, Korean proficiency remains a decisive asset for most positions, except for a few very international work environments where English dominates.
Building a realistic study project in South Korea
Studying in South Korea, therefore, involves articulating several dimensions: intellectual and cultural appeal, academic rigor, careful management of a significant budget, administrative constraints, the effort of linguistic integration, and medium-term prospects.
Concretely, a solid project is based on a few key points:
To succeed in your university experience in South Korea, meticulous preparation is essential. First, choose your field and university based on your profile, your level in English or Korean, your financial resources, and your professional goals. Anticipate all real costs, beyond tuition fees: housing (including security deposits), setup, health insurance, transportation, study materials, travel, and unexpected expenses. Systematically explore all available scholarships (governmental like GKS, university-based, or from private foundations and companies) while respecting their criteria and deadlines. Prepare your Korean learning in advance, even for an English-taught program, to gain autonomy in daily life and increase your chances in the local job market. Inquire about support services for international students offered by your university (psychological counseling, mentoring programs, Korean courses, career services) and do not hesitate to use them. Finally, consider the “day after” from the start (returning home, pursuing a doctorate, professional integration in Korea or elsewhere) and choose your program (academic or professional, thesis type, specialty) accordingly.
South Korea, through the combination of its high-performing universities, cutting-edge technologies, scholarship offerings, and the vitality of its culture, has become a serious option for students seeking a truly global study experience. Provided one understands its requirements and enters with a clear and well-prepared plan, pursuing higher education abroad in South Korea can be a powerful lever for an international career and lasting cultural openness.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
