Students

How to study in South Korea as an international student?

Learn here about how to study in South Korea as a foreigner, the steps, requirements, costs and if it is feasible.

South Korea is a top destination for international students. Its successful education system and top-ranked universities attract thousands each year. The country offers strong academic programmes in areas like technology, business, engineering and the humanities. Korean culture has become globally popular thanks to its modern lifestyle and creative industries. As a result, more people are choosing South Korea for both short- and long-term studies.

If you’re thinking about studying here, this article will help. You’ll learn how to study in South Korea as a foreigner—whether it’s for a university degree, a Korean language course or a specialisation. We’ll explain the key requirements, the admission process, average costs and a step-by-step guide to make your plan a reality.

In this article

Requirements to Study in South Korea as a Foreigner

To study in South Korea as an international student, you’ll need to meet both government and university requirements.

Essential Documents to Study in South Korea

You’ll need the following documents to apply to a Korean university or institute:

A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity
A student visa that matches the type of programme you’re enrolling in. In the visa section, we’ll explain which types are available.
An acceptance letter from an accredited institution in South Korea.
Proof of previous education—such as a high school diploma, bachelor’s or postgraduate degree—depending on the level you’re applying for.
Proof of financial means, showing you can cover tuition and living expenses. Most universities ask for a minimum bank balance of $10,000 to $20,000.
International health insurance, which has been mandatory for foreign students since 2021.
Proof of language proficiency, based on the programme’s language of instruction. Some universities require the TOPIK exam if the course is in Korean. For English programmes, you’ll need TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Payment of tuition or application fees, which vary by university and programme.

Keep in mind: Your chosen university or institute might ask for extra documents. Always check the specific requirements for your selected academic centre.

Steps to Study in South Korea as an International Student

1. Choose a University or Institute in South Korea

The first step is choosing the right university or institute based on the programme you want to study.

Here are some key factors to consider:

Availability of programmes in English or Korean
Tuition fees and cost of living in the city where the institution is located.
Reputation and ranking of the university

Some of the most prestigious universities in South Korea include:

Seoul National University (SNU)
Korea University
Yonsei University
KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)
POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology)

If you’re looking for Korean language courses, some top institutions to consider are:

Yonsei Korean Language Institute (KLI)
Sogang Korean Language Program
SNU Korean Language Education Center

2. Explore Funding Options

If you find that studying in South Korea is costly, there are several scholarships and financial aid options to consider. Some popular funding options include:

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS): This government-funded programme covers tuition, airfare, health insurance and a monthly stipend.
Korean University Scholarships: Some universities, like Yonsei University, offer merit-based scholarships or tuition discounts.
Private Scholarships: International organisations such as KAIST and Hanyang provide financial support for international students.

It’s best to check the specific requirements and deadlines for each scholarship well in advance.

3. Apply to a Study Programme

To apply to a Korean university or institute, follow these steps:

Fill out the application form on the official website of your chosen institution.
Upload all the required documents, including your passport, academic certificates and language test results.
Pay the application fee, which ranges from $50 to $150 depending on the university.
Wait for your acceptance letter—this document is essential for your visa application.

Application deadlines vary depending on the semester you plan to join. South Korean universities typically have two main intake periods:

Spring semester: Apply between September and November of the previous year.
Autumn semester: Apply between May and July of the same year.

4. Apply for a Student Visa for South Korea

Once you receive your acceptance letter, the next step is applying for a student visa.

There are two main types of student visas in South Korea:

D-2 (University Student Visa): For bachelor’s, master’s or PhD programmes.
D-4 (Training or Language Visa): For Korean language courses or technical training programmes.

The visa application process usually requires:

An acceptance letter from your university
Proof of financial means (such as bank statements or a sponsorship letter)
Health insurance
Visa fee payment, which ranges from $50 to $80.

Visa processing time typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.

Staying Connected in South Korea

As an international student, staying connected is essential. From university admin tasks to everyday communication, a stable internet connection is a must. That’s why we recommend Holafly’s services.

Connectivity Options with Holafly Connect

Stay connected from day one in South Korea with an Holafly Connect eSIM. It gives you unlimited data without the need to swap your physical SIM card.

Available plans:

10 GB for $40.93
25 GB for $51.19
Unlimited for $67.90

These plans let you enjoy fast 5G internet in South Korea and over 170 other destinations—with no extra roaming charges.

Studying in South Korea gives you the chance to explore iconic places like N Seoul Tower, located in Namsan Park in the heart of Seoul. @unsplash.

When and How to Validate Your Qualifications in South Korea

If you’re planning to continue your studies in South Korea, you may need to validate your academic degree or certificates. This depends on the level of education and the type of institution you choose.

When Is Degree Validation Required?

For undergraduate or postgraduate studies: If you’re applying for a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD at a Korean university, you’ll need to provide equivalency documentation for your high school transcript, diploma or university degree.
For technical or specialised courses: Some institutions may require prior studies to be validated to confirm you meet the programme’s entry requirements.
To work in South Korea with a foreign degree: If your goal is to study and later work in South Korea, certain regulated professions—such as medicine or law—require official validation of your university degree.

How to Validate a Degree in South Korea

The degree validation process may vary depending on the university or institution requesting it. Here are the most common steps:

Translation and apostille: You must translate your degree and academic certificates into Korean or English using an official translator. Then, have them apostilled in your home country.
Validation by the South Korean Ministry of Education: Some universities may ask you to send your documents to the Korean Council for University Education (KCUE) or the Korean Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation (KICE).
Payment of fees: Depending on the process, validation can cost between $50 and $200.
Processing time: This may take 1 to 3 months, so it’s best to start early.

How much does it cost to study in South Korea as a Foreigner?

The cost of studying in South Korea depends on the university, type of programme and the city you live in. Here’s a breakdown of the main expenses to consider:

1. University Tuition

The institution you choose will affect your tuition fees. Below is a comparison between public and private universities:

Level of education	Annual Cost – Public Universities	Annual Cost – Private Universities
Bachelor’s	$2,000 – $5,000	$5,000 – $12,000
Master’s/PhD	$2,500 – $6,000	$7,000 – $15,000
Korean Language Courses	$1,200 – $2,000 (per term)	$1,500 – $3,000 (per term)

Range of costs of Public universities in South Korea

2. Accommodation

Here are three common housing options for students in South Korea:

Type of Housing	Estimated Monthly Cost
University Dormitory	$200 – $600
Shared Room	$300 – $700
Private flats:	$500 – $1,200

Range of Price of Accommodation in South Korea

Many universities partner with student housing providers offering affordable rooms that include internet and security. Check with your university’s student services office for availability.

3. Transport

South Korea has an efficient and affordable public transport system. Here are some typical costs:

Metro and bus card (T-money): $40–$80/month, depending on usage
Taxis: Minimum fare starts at $3 (more expensive than public transport)
Public bikes (Seoul Bike Ddareungi): Monthly rental from $5

4. Food

Food expenses vary based on whether you cook, eat out or order delivery:

Type of Meal	Average prices:
Meals in a budget restaurant	$5 – $10
Mid-range restaurant menu	$10 – $25
University cafeteria meal	$3 – $6
Monthly Groceries	$150 – $300

Food expenses in South Korea

5. Other expenses

Health insurance: Mandatory for international students, costs $30–$60/month
Leisure & entertainment: Cinema, cafés and outings can cost $50–$150/month
Phone & internet: Mobile plans from $50/month

Summary of estimated monthly living costs

Expenditure	Estimated monthly cost
Accommodation	$300 – $1,200
Food	$150 – $300
Transport	$40 – $80
Phone & Internet	$20 – $50
Medical insurance	$30 – $60
Entertainment & Extras	$50 – $150
Estimated monthly total	$590 – $1,840

Cost of living in South Korea

Note: Prices vary by city Seoul is the most expensive, while cities like Daejeon or Busan are more affordable.

Studying Online in South Korea as a Foreigner

Some Korean universities offer online programmes, though they’re not as widespread as in other countries.

Pros and Cons of Online Education in South Korea

Pros	Cons
No need for a visa	Fewer campus networking opportunities
Lower costs for transport and accommodation	Some programmes require occasional in-person visits
Programmes available in English	Limited access to physical campus resources

Table of the Pros and Cons of Online Education in South Korea

Universities offering online courses include: