Types of Schools
If you are considering studying in Korea,
explore various universities and academic programs to find the best fit for you.
Universities and Colleges
Korean universities generally include 4-year universities (6 years for specialized fields such as pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine). The structure of departments and colleges varies depending on the characteristics and educational goals of each university. Students can choose a department that aligns with their interests and career goals to receive specialized education.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to a university or college, the following requirements must be met.
Special Eligibility Requirements for International Students
- International students whose parents are both non-Korean citizens.
- International students who have completed their entire 12-year elementary, middle, and high school education outside Korea.
Language Proficiency
Generally, a TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) level 3 or higher is required. However, the required proficiency level may vary depending on the university.
Average Annual Tuition Fees for 4-Year Universities
General universities in Korea are categorized into national, public, and private institutions.
The national average tuition is approximately 6.8 million KRW, with national/public universities averaging about 4.3 million KRW and private universities averaging 7.6 million KRW.In
metropolitan areas, the average is 7.7 million KRW, while non-metropolitan areas average about 6.3 million KRW.
- National Average
- 6,820,243.8 KRW
- National/Public Average
- 4,265,841.8 KRW
- Private Average
- 7,625,335.6 KRW
- Metropolitan Average
- 7,654,029.5 KRW
- Non-Metropolitan Average
- 6,316,884.6 KRW
Source : http://www.academyinfo.go.kr
Academy Info Analysis based on 193 four-year universities and colleges of education, and 130 associate degree institutions.
Required Documents
- Application Form
- Certificate of (Expected) High School Graduation
- Official Transcripts from All High School Years
- Personal Statement and Study Plan
- Certificate of Korean Language Proficiency
- Copy of Passport
- Copy of Alien Registration Card (if applicable)
- Family Relation Certificate or Household Register (to verify parents' nationality)
Admission Process
Generally, the admission process consists of the following steps, and some universities may require examinations or interviews as part of their admission screening.
-
Step 1. Choose
a University and Major.
-
Step 2. Admission Application
-
Step 3. Obtain
an Admission Letter.
-
Step 4. Prepare
Visa-Related Documents.
-
Step 5. Apply
for and Obtain a Visa.
Important Notes
- Since admission requirements and required documents may vary by university, it is essential to check the website of the university you wish to apply to.
- Some universities may grant admission on the condition of completing a Korean language course.
- Prepare for financial ability verification if required by the university.
University Transfer System
Transferring refers to entering a 4-year university to earn a bachelor’s degree (usually starting as a 2nd or 3rd-year student) after graduating with an associate degree or completing part of a 4-year program.
Admission Requirements
To transfer into a bachelor’s program, applicants must meet one of the following conditions:
- Foreign students whose parents and themselves are all foreigners, and who have completed at least 2 years at an accredited 4-year university in Korea or abroad.
- Foreign students who have completed a full primary and secondary education equivalent to Korea’s curriculum abroad, and at least 2 years at an accredited 4-year university.
- Graduates (or expected graduates) of associate degree programs.
Transfer Admission Periods
- Transfers are generally available for the Spring semester (March) and the Fall semester (September).
- Applications are typically accepted from September to November for Spring transfers, and from April to June for Fall transfers.
Selection Process
- Most universities select students through document screening.
- Some universities may require additional interviews or exams.
Required Documents
- Transfer Application Form
- Certificate of Final Academic Background and Official Transcripts
- Korean Language Proficiency Documents (e.g., TOPIK scores)
- Other Documents Required by the University
Important Notes
- Transfer requirements and procedures vary by university. It is recommended to directly contact the international office or admissions office of the university you wish to apply to.
- Some universities may have Korean language proficiency requirements, so preparing for exams such as TOPIK may be necessary.
Explore Information on Universities and Majors.
Graduate Schools
Korean graduate schools are divided into general graduate schools, which focus on academic research, and professional graduate schools, which emphasize practical training.
Master’s programs typically last 2 years, and doctoral programs last 3 years or more. Many universities offer various scholarship programs for international students.
Students can choose their school and type of study abroad based on their goals.
Admission Requirements
- Master’s Program : Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualifications recognized by law.
- Doctoral Program : Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent qualifications recognized by law.
Admission and Application Periods
The application deadlines may vary by university. Check the exact deadlines on the website of the university you wish to apply to.
Admission
- Spring Semester (March)
-
Fall Semester (September)
※ Some graduate schools may also admit students in June or December.
Application
- For Spring Semester (March): September to November of the previous year.
- For Fall Semester (September): April to June of the same year.
Degree Programs
Master’s Program
- Course Duration: 2 years or more, for holders of a bachelor’s degree.
- Credit Requirements: Typically requires completion of at least 24 credits.
- Degree Requirements: Completion of required credits, Passing examinations, Submission and successful defense of a thesis.
Doctoral Program
- Course Duration: 3 years or more, for holders of a master’s degree.
- Credit Requirements: Typically requires completion of at least 36 credits.
- Degree Requirements: Completion of required credits, Passing comprehensive exams, Submission and successful defense of a dissertation.
Integrated Master’s and Doctoral Program: Offered by some universities.
Language Proficiency
Most graduate schools require scores from the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) or English proficiency tests (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.). Specific requirements vary by university.
Admission Process
-
Step 1. Choose
a University and Major.
-
Step 2. Admission Application
-
Step 3. Obtain
an Admission Letter.
-
Step 4. Prepare
Visa-Related Documents.
-
Step 5. Apply
for and Obtain a Visa.
Important Notes
- Application deadlines vary by graduate school. Check the website or admissions office of your desired university for accurate schedules.
- Some graduate schools may conduct rolling admissions, so keep this in mind as well.
Explore Information on Universities and Majors.
Associate Degree Programs
Korea offers 2- to 3-year associate degree programs, with some universities providing hybrid 2- to 3-year programs.
Admission Requirements
- Applicants must have completed the entire primary and secondary education curriculum in their home country (12 years).
- Proof of Korean language proficiency (e.g., TOPIK scores).
- Proof of financial capability.
Admission Process
-
Step 1. Choose
a University and Major.
-
Step 2. Admission Application
-
Step 3. Obtain
an Admission Letter.
-
Step 4. Prepare
Visa-Related Documents.
-
Step 5. Apply
for and Obtain a Visa.
Required Documents
- Application Form
- Certificate of Graduation
- Official Transcripts
- Proof of Korean Language Proficiency (e.g., TOPIK scores)
Language Proficiency
- Since admission requirements and required documents may vary by university, it is essential to check the website of the university you wish to apply to.
- If your Korean language proficiency is insufficient, some universities may require you to complete a Korean language training program first.
Explore Information on Universities and Majors.
Other Programs
Korean language courses and various short-term academic programs are available, providing excellent opportunities to improve your Korean language skills and experience Korean culture firsthand.
Most universities offer programs ranging from 3 months to 1 year, with courses available from beginner to advanced levels.
Features of Korean Language Program
Enhance comprehensive language skills in the four major areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, along with vocabulary.
Some Korean Language Institutes also operate diverse programs for international students, including Korean cultural experience activities.
Specialized classes for preparing for the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) are also available at certain Korean Language Institutes
Considerations for Language Program
- Whether you have completed education equivalent to or higher than high school graduation.
- Select a program that matches your Korean language proficiency level.
- Consider the duration of the program and your budget.
- Check the location of the university and its surrounding environment.
- Review accommodation options (e.g., availability of dormitories).
Required Documents
- Online Application Form
- Study Plan or Personal Statement
- Official Transcript or Certificate of Graduation from the Last School Attended
- Copy of Passport
- Application Fee (varies by program)
Admission Process
-
Step 1. Apply
for Admission to a Korean Language Institute.
-
Step 2. Pay
Tuition Fees.
-
Step 3. Receive
a Standard Admission Letter.
-
Step 4. Apply
for a Visa.
-
Step 5. Enter
Korea and Obtain an Alien Registration Card.
Short-Term Programs
Exchange Students
- Eligibility for application : Students enrolled at a partner university of the desired Korean university.
- Years required of graduation : One semester to one year.
Short-Term Self-Funded Study
- Eligibility for application : Students utilizing their home university's study abroad program, or international students or graduates enrolling in a Korean university.
- Years required of graduation : One semester to one year.
Seasonal Programs for Foreign Students
- Eligibility for application : Foreign university students participating in Korean language and Korean studies programs during vacation periods.
- Years required of graduation : 2 to 3 months.
Explore Information on Universities and Majors.
Korean Language Institutions
Korean language institutes provide Korean language education to foreigners and international students staying in Korea.
Various Korean language courses are offered to meet diverse needs, such as Korean for university admission and business Korean.
University-Affiliated Language Institute Programs
With over 211 university-affiliated language institutes in Korea, these programs aim to prepare international students for studying in Korea.
Check whether your desired university offers a language institute.
Program Overview
If you need to study Korean before enrolling in a degree program in Korea, you can learn speaking, listening, reading, and writing systematically through university-affiliated Korean language institutes. This method is particularly popular among those planning to pursue higher education in Korea.
- Program Hours and Duration: 20 hours per week, 10 weeks.
- Program Types: Introductory, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Intensive.
- Tuition Fees: Approximately 1.2 to 1.8 million KRW.
- Application Method: Apply through the language institute application page on each university’s website.
- The above information represents averages and may vary slightly by university.
- Foreign nationals entering Korea to attend university-affiliated language institutes must obtain the necessary visa (commonly D-4 or D-4-1) from the Korean embassy or consulate.
- To obtain a visa, you will need documents such as the admission letter from the language institute, a letter of guarantee, or financial proof. Visa requirements may vary by nationality, depending on the Korean embassy in your country, so consult thoroughly before registering for a language institute.
- If you plan to transfer to another language institute mid-term, ensure you check the refund policy before paying tuition fees.
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