Find out about the best international universities in Korea for study,
including their strengths, tuition costs, and expected living expenses.
Students are increasingly choosing South Korea as a fun and exciting
study abroad destination. Even though it's a fantastic way to get to know
people from other countries, meet new people, and explore your host country,
studying abroad is also, of course, about the academics.
Discover all the top-ranked colleges that accept students from abroad
like you in South Korea, which fortunately, has it all.
Why Study Abroad in South Korea?
Here are some of our top recommendations for why international students
should consider studying in South Korea.
• Tuition is Affordable
Although studying in South Korea doesn't have to significantly strain
your budget, college is expensive. Trust us, it's very affordable. We go into
more detail below
• A lot of courses are taught in English
Universities in Korea, a popular choice for international students from
all over the world, offer a good selection (including entire degrees in
English).
• Welcoming to students from abroad
International students should consider studying in South Korea.
Universities are happy to welcome international students and provide a lot of
resources to help them succeed.
•It’s safe
Violence-related crime is uncommon in South Korea. In addition, the
government is stable, and the common Korean is not overly concerned about the
state of affairs despite the ongoing tensions with North Korea.
• Delicious food
Korean cuisine includes bibimbap, kimchi, and Korean barbecue. Just a few
of the mouthwatering dishes to sample while studying in Korea are listed above.
• Laughable pop culture
(K-pop and K-dramas, anyone?) South Korean pop culture has become wildly
popular all over the world. Hallyu, also known as the Korea Wave or K-wave, is
a term that describes the widespread international distribution of South Korean
TV, music, and movies.
In South Korea, How Much Does it Cost to Attend School?
In contrast to the cost of living and tuition in the US, studying abroad
in South Korea is very affordable.
Depending on the university and the courses you're taking, the cost of a
semester abroad in South Korea with direct enrollment can range from $1,800 to
about $6,000. Seoul has the highest cost of living, which ranges from $1,100 to
$1,600 per month and covers expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and
other living costs. You will be in charge of locating housing, either on- or
off-campus, as a direct enrollment student.
You can pay as little as $11,000 or as much as $21,000 in fees through a
program provider. These program fees typically cover everything from tuition to
housing to support to weekend excursions and possibly even meals. For students
who want all the details handled for them, this is a good choice.
Can I Get Free Education in Korea?
As you've read above, Korea does require tuition payments, unlike nations
like Germany, which only charge a small amount for fees to international
students each semester. However, financial aid like grants and scholarships can
significantly lower your tuition costs.
Top 8 Universities in South Korea for International Students
For a small nation like Korea, having 6 universities in the top 100
globally, 5 of which are on this list, is a significant accomplishment and
speaks to the caliber of education you can expect as an international student.
These universities were chosen based on a number of criteria, including
their rankings, acceptance and support of international students, reputation
among students, program quality, and social life.
The cost of tuition is set for the academic years 2022 and 2023 but is
liable to change. All figures are in U.S. dollars.
Yonsei University is best for a student's experience.
Best for Student Support: Korea University
Location: Seoul
Average tuition for a semester: $5,000-$6,000
Cost of living: $1,100-$1,600
QS World Ranking: 74th
The welcoming environment and programs that Korea University offers to
both domestic and international students are among its greatest strengths. They
provide services like English-language mental health counseling as well as
academic and accessibility support for students with physical and learning
disabilities.
Both degree-seeking and study abroad students are eligible to benefit
from individualized academic mentoring and support.
Korea University offers highly regarded programs in the physical
sciences, life sciences, and engineering if these are your areas of interest.
Best for Top-ranked Education: Seoul National University
Location: Seoul
Average tuition for a semester: $4,600-$5,800
Cost of living: $1,100-$1,600
QS World Ranking: 29th
Seoul National University, known as South Korea's Harvard, holds the
29th-best academic program ranking in the world. Seoul National University will
be a great fit if attending a prestigious university with a solid reputation
abroad is important to you.
SNU recruits the top talent from all over the world, including its
professors. Nearly 97 percent of the faculty, according to the university, hold
doctoral degrees from renowned international institutions.
SNU graduates have excellent employment prospects, and many go on to
become CEOs and judges on Korea's supreme court. Your resume will definitely
stand out if you spend a semester or year at SNU studying abroad.
Best for Student Life: Yonsei University
Location: Seoul
Average tuition for a semester of direct enrollment: $3,000-$5,500
Monthly cost of living including housing: $1,100-$1,600
QS World Ranking: 73rd
If you love being involved in campus life, Yonsei University, which is
situated in northwest Seoul, is a fantastic choice. There are numerous student
clubs and organizations at the university, as well as occasions to celebrate
holidays and take part in sporting events.
They have a dedicated freshman dorm that organizes events that will get
you out and about, making new friends, and taking advantage of all the exciting
things the city has to offer.
Yonsei University has a strong reputation in the academic fields of
business, psychology, social sciences, and health.
Korea University is the best for providing for students.
Best for affordable Tuition: Chonnam National University
Location: Gwangju
Average tuition for a semester: $1,800-$2,400
Cost of living: $800-$1,100
QS World Ranking: 751st-800th
Chonnam National University is reputed to be the most cost-effective
institution of higher learning in South Korea for foreign students if you're a
study abroad student on a tight budget. In addition to having low tuition in
comparison to other universities in the nation, the city also has lower living
expenses than crowded Seoul.
A stunning region of Korea known for its historical sites, picturesque
mountains, and long-standing culinary tradition is Gwanju, which is only about
5 hours south of Seoul by bus. At Chonnam National University, you can save
money while getting a taste of life outside of Seoul.
Best for English-taught classes: Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST)
Location: Daejeon
Average tuition for a semester: $2,675 for all subjects
Cost of living: $900-$1,100
QS World Ranking: 42nd
The majority of classes are taught in English at the Korea Advanced
Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). It is additionally regarded as a
major research university and a member of a global consortium of engineering
and business schools. Students at KAIST can rest easy knowing they're receiving
a top-notch education while they're studying abroad because the university is
ranked 42nd in the world.
The provincial capital of South Chungcheong, Daejeon, is located in
central-western South Korea. Both in the city and the surrounding wilderness,
there are many things to do. What better way to relax after a long week of
studying than in an area known for its hot springs, hiking trails, forests, and
lakes
Best for Campus Amenities: Kyung Hee University
Location: Seoul
Average tuition for a semester: $4,000-$5,400
Cost of living: $1,100-$1,600
QS World Ranking: 270th
Look no further than Kyung Hee University if having a beautiful campus is
important to you. The university has three museums, numerous dining halls, and
dorm options, and is regarded by students as having one of the most beautiful
campuses in South Korea.
You'll also have access to a bank and gym in its own little
self-contained community. You won't have to leave campus to find everything you
need during a hectic week of classes!
When it comes to academics, Kyung Hee University's computer science,
business, economics, and engineering programs are especially strong.
Best for Culture and Language Immersion: Sogang University
Location: Seoul
Average tuition for a semester: $3,200-$4,200
Cost of living: $1,100-$1,600
QS World Ranking: 457th
Students who are eager to advance their knowledge of Korean should begin
their search at Sogang University. They have one of the best Korean language
learning facilities in the nation.
Cultural activities will play a significant role in your studies and
serve to support learning. You will undoubtedly advance significantly while in
Seoul thanks to the Sogang University program's emphasis on speaking.
Best for International Networking: Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
Location: Seoul
Average tuition for a semester: $3,500-$7,000
Cost of living: $1,100-$1,600
QS World Ranking: 99th
The oldest university in Korea is Sungkyunkwan University, or SKKU for
short. On campus, there are numerous historic structures that date back to the
fourteenth century.
Major corporations like Samsung, which give students internship and
employment opportunities, have many professional ties to SKKU. If you want to
live and work abroad after graduation, this is a fantastic way to expand your
global network! Students concentrating in other fields will find excellent
teaching in all subject areas at SKKU, which is highly ranked for its
engineering, health, and business programs.
How can I Study Abroad in South Korea?
There are several ways to begin your South Korean study abroad program.
There are three primary ways to study abroad:
• Direct enrollment is possible
By way of the university, you enroll directly. Although you have to
handle every little thing yourself, you will typically save money this way.
• Third-party provider
A study abroad organization, like those on GO, will organize your
enrollment and handle your tuition after you pay them a fee. Frequently, extras
like lodging and meals are included in your program fee.
• Programs or exchanges run by universities
It might be possible to join an instructor-led program or take part in an
exchange where you and a Korean student switch places for a semester or year if
your university has a reciprocal agreement with a Korean university.
Final thoughts
Whichever university you select, South Korea will not let you down as a
study abroad location. As our list demonstrates, there is something for
everyone, so you are certain to find the best fit.
Find out more about how to make your South Korean study abroad experience
a reality.
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