Korea's Education System
Korea’s higher education system consists of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs offered by universities and vocational colleges,
as well as university-affiliated Korean language training programs.
Korea’s Education Structure
The Korean education system consists of a 16-year curriculum: 6 years of primary education, 6 years of secondary education (3 years of middle school, 3 years of high school).
Higher education institutions that international students can attend include 4-year universities, 2- to 3-year associate degree programs, and graduate schools offering master’s and doctoral
programs lasting 2 years or more.
Higher Education (University and Graduate School Programs)
- university
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4 years
(except for medical schools, Oriental medicine schools, dental schools, veterinary medicine schools, and pharmacy schools, which have 6-year programs).
- Industrial College
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No limitation on study period.
- Teacher's College
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4 years.
- Associate Degree
-
-
Associate Degree Programs : 2years
(3 years for certain fields such as nursing, radiology, clinical pathology, physical therapy, dental technology, dental hygiene, occupational therapy, fishery, and marine engineering). - Advanced Associate Degree Programs : 2 years or more.
-
Associate Degree Programs : 2years
- Distance University/College
-
- Associate Degree Programs : 2 years.
- Bachelor’s Degree Programs : 4 years.
- Industrial University/College
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- Associate Degree Programs : 2 years.
- Bachelor’s Degree Programs : 2 years.
- Graduate Schools
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- Master’s Degree Programs : 2 years or more.
- Doctoral Degree Programs : 2 years or more.
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Integrated Master’s and Doctoral Programs : 4 years or more,
but the total duration must equal or exceed the combined duration of the master’s and doctoral programs.
Admission Requirements
To enter a university, applicants must have graduated from high school or hold an equivalent level of education as recognized by law.
※ For admission to an associate degree program at a technical university, applicants must meet the above conditions and have at least 6 months of work experience in an industrial field. For admission to a bachelor’s degree program at a technical university, applicants must have graduated from an associate degree program or hold an equivalent level of education as recognized by law, along with at least 6 months of industrial work experience.
To enter an integrated bachelor’s and master’s program, applicants must have graduated from high school or hold an equivalent level of education as recognized by law, or be enrolled in a
university and meet the criteria set by the university’s regulations.
To enter a master’s degree or integrated master’s and doctoral program at a graduate school, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent level of education as recognized by law.
Education Programs for International Students
Regular Programs
"Regular programs" refer to academic courses identical to those typically undertaken by Korean students. Admission to a regular program is available to those who meet the previously mentioned admission requirements (completion of the prior stage of education, possession of equivalent academic qualifications as recognized by law, and fulfillment of the school’s admission criteria). Example : To enter a university in Korea, applicants must have graduated from high school or hold an equivalent level of education as recognized by Korean law.
※ Not all regular programs are open to international students. Broadcast universities, correspondence universities, broadcast and correspondence universities, and cyber universities, which are established as distance learning institutions, do not permit international students to enroll.
Short-Term Programs
"Short-term programs" refer to completing only part of a regular program, typically over one or two semesters, or during seasonal sessions held during vacation periods. Short-term programs are often pursued through exchange arrangements, rather than direct applications to the host school. These arrangements are made between the home school (the school the student is attending in their home country) and a domestic school in Korea with an academic exchange agreement (hereinafter referred to as “partner schools”). Schools with academic exchange agreements often provide benefits such as simplified admission processes, credit transfer, and scholarships. Students interested in short-term programs should check whether their home school has a partner school in Korea.
Korean Language Training Programs
Korean language training programs are designed for foreigners and aim to teach the Korean language. These programs are generally divided into long-term courses lasting 10 weeks or more, and short-term courses lasting 4 weeks or less. Students can choose the program that best suits their needs and apply accordingly.
Source : https://easylaw.go.kr/ Ministry of Legislation
