If you are deciding to study master’s abroad then South Korea can be an equitable destination to opt for as the country offers around 370 official higher education providers. South Korean universities provide authentic high-quality education to both their national and international students which includes fields like management, arts, science, and a lot more courses that can eventually provide your career a kick start and open a gate to bright opportunities.
Course Overview
There are about 376 universities that provide master’s degrees in South Korea; the oldest amongst all is Sungkyunkwan University. There are about 87 thousand international students in South Korea. The duration of a Master’s degree in South Korea is usually between 1 to 3 years long. The average fees of pursuing a master’s in South Korea are $1,100 to $20,900. The academic year takes place between March to February.
Why Study in South Korea?
South Korea is a popular destination for international students as it should be for so many reasons. Students from all over the world come to pursue their Master’s and Bachelor’s degree programs at a range of universities and programs, as the quality of education provided in South Korea is very high. Plus, for most people, living and studying in South Korea is relatively inexpensive. As a result, a trip to South Korea would provide spectacular scenery, intriguing friends, and excellent value. Not only studying in South Korea is very affordable and if someone still finds the tuition fees hard to cover you need not worry as the South Korean government and universities got you covered as they provide plenty of scholarships to its students.
Eligibility Criteria for MS Program in South Korea
Every South Korean university has its own procedures of admission that are mentioned on its websites. After choosing the university the candidate is required to visit the universities website and submit their applications as required by the university.
Candidates who are applying to study for a master’s in South Korea are required to give an English language test as proof of their English proficiency. The certification that is accepted by the South Korean universities are:
- TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language
- IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System
- PTE Academic stands for Pearson Test Of English
- C1 advanced proficiency or C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English Qualifications
Academic Year
The academic year in South Korean universities is divided into 2 semesters. Most of the universities have long breaks that are from July to August and from December to February. This can be relieving news for you as you can visit your country during this break.
Intakes and Application Details for MS in South Korea
- Most of the universities begin their academic sessions in the month of March (these applications are usually accepted between September and November) while some also begin in September (these applications are usually accepted between May and June)
- Applications from candidates have to be applied directly to the respected universities online.
- Candidates should fill the application in the correct way.
-Application form must include a Letter of recommendation, Statement of Purpose, Parent’s passport copy along with candidate’s passport copy, Medical statement, Academic Record, and Proof of proficiency in Korean or English as required by the program.
MS Course Duration in South Korea
Masters in South Korea are usually a 2-year program. The content and the subjects will depend upon the universities and the course you choose. A student will be expected to complete at least 24 credits during the duration of his/ her course. After completing the course a student is expected to research and submit a thesis that should be accepted by 3 or more examiners. The student will receive the degree once his/her thesis gets accepted.
Language Requirements in South Korea
With the aim of attracting more and more international students, South Korean universities have started teaching courses wholly or partially in English. Some courses, however, may still require Korean expertise, so you should check ahead of time to see what language requirements your Master’s program has. You may be requested to take a Korean Proficiency Test if necessary. In these circumstances, a Level 3 or a higher score is usually required.
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Tuition Fees for MS in South Korea
One of the advantages of studying in South Korea is that tuition fees are the same for both domestic and international students, as part of a government strategy to attract more international students. Depending on the subject and university, these fees will vary.
A public university undergraduate course costs roughly $4,350 per semester. Fees at a private institution in South Korea are projected to be around $5,800 per semester. The average annual tuition rate for undergraduate students at Seoul’s universities is US$6,500.
Universities in South Korea are often eager to attract high-quality overseas students and may provide whole or partial fee waivers. However, given South Korea’s educational philosophy, these may still be quite competitive, so you should inquire early.
Tuition fees for MS in South Korea will vary depending upon the university you choose, your course, and the duration of your course. Usually, the tuition fees range from 1500USD to 21,000 USD.
Popular Fields to Study for MS in South Korea
Following are some famous courses for master degree in South Korea for international students:
- Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc) Program – Auditing and Assurance
- Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc) Program – Taxation
- Master in Mechanical Engineering
- Master in Chemical Engineering
- Master in Electrical Engineering
- Master in Electricity
- MS in International Business Management
- Technology Management MBA (TMMBA)
- Master in Materials Science and Engineering
- MS in International Business Management
- Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence
- Master of Music
Usually International opt for a master’s degree in the following sectors in South Korea.
- Languages degrees in South Korea
- Civil Engineering degrees in South Korea
- Business Administration degrees in South Korea
- Music degrees in South Korea
Why Choose South Korea for MS
Affordable Tuition Fees in South Korea
Tuition fees of South Korean universities are the same for both National and International students. You do not have to pay an extra amount to study abroad. And the tuition fees of South Korean Universities are very affordable if we compare them with the tuition fees of universities in the US, UK, or Canada.
High-quality Educational System in South Korea
The South Korean educational system is one of the most advanced and best in the world. South Korean universities attain global rank.
Scholarships in South Korea
There are a number of Scholarships that are provided to international students studying in South Korea by the South Korean government. The criteria required for the scholarships vary from one to another. But mostly they are provided on an academic basis.
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Applying for Masters in South Korea
The admissions process varies by school, but in general, you can apply directly to your desired university via mail or the internet. Keep in mind that the South Korean academic year starts in March, but many schools accept new students twice a year, in March and September. March application dates are usually set between September and November, while September application deadlines are usually set between May and June. In South Korea, most universities have only two terms: a summer break from July to August and a winter break from December to February. For Applying for a master’s degree there are some criteria that you have to meet having an undergraduate degree is at the top.
Some other requirements are:
- The application form
- Letter of Recommendation
- CV
- Proof of your Nationality
- Proof of English Proficiency
- Academic Records
- Proof of financial support
Top Universities for MS in South Korea
KAIST – Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology
Kaist University established in 1971 is the nation’s first research-oriented science and technology institution also it is located at the research and technology hub of Daejeon. Ranked 1st in South Korea holds 40th rank in the world university ranking.
Seoul National University
Seoul National University was established in 1946 as the most prestigious university with 17,000 undergraduate students and 11,000 graduate students. Ranked 2nd in South Korea holds 60th rank in the world. This university is the country’s strongest alumni network. One in the four of the CEOs of top 100 companies in South Korean companies. Seoul National University has partnerships with over 289 universities in 58 countries.
Korea University
Korea University was established in 1905. It has around 29,757 students which include 21,165 undergraduates and 8,592 postgraduates. Ranked 3rd in South Korea, Korea University holds 86th rank in the world. Its international research network was ranked number one in South Korea. Korean university is known for its Business and management, Chemical engineering, Mechanical engineering, and modern languages.
Sungkyunkwan University
Sungkyunkwan University was established as a college in 1946. It has around 25,951 students which include 19,108 undergraduates and 6,843 postgraduates. Ranked 4th in South Korea, Sungkyunkwan University holds the 100th rank in the world. Sungkyunkwan University is globally known for material science, information management, and mechanical engineering.
Yonsei University
It was established in 1957. It has around 30,277 students which include 18,927 undergraduates and 11,350 postgraduates. Ranked 5th in South Korea, Yonsei University holds 107th rank in the world. Yonsei University is known for hospitality and leisure management, Dentistry, and social policy. Yonsei University has 4,647 international students.
University Rankings
S. No. | World Rank | Institution |
---|---|---|
1 | 36 | Seoul National University |
2 | 41 | Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology |
3 | 74 | Korea University |
4 | 79 | Yonsei University |
5 | 81 | Pohang University of Science and Technology |
6 | 97 | Sungkyunkwan University |
7 | 156 | Hanyang University |
8 | 212 | Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology |
9 | 264 | Kyung Hee University |
10 | 305 | Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology |
Average Median Salaries for MS Graduates
- Civil Engineer – $61,245
- Finance Manager – $47,890
- Marketing manager – $51,160
- Pharmacist – $47,851
- IT manager – $38,935
- Business Analyst – $34,230
- Web Developer – $34,860
Top Industries to Choose MS in South Korea
- Applied Sciences
- Business and Management
- Computer Science and IT
- Engineering and Technology
- Medicine and Health
- Social Science
- Law
Top South Korean Employers
- Samsung (semiconductors)
- Hyundai (vehicle manufacturing)
- LG Electronics (electronics)
- KPMG (professional services)
- ExxonMobil (chemicals)
Post Study Stay Back Options in South Korea
D-10 Visa
This visa is for international students who have completed a degree from South Korean universities.
These students can apply for this visa and start looking for jobs or even plan to start a business. This visa is based on a point system; the student applying for this visa must earn at least 60 points and should receive at least 20 points in the basic requirement section. This visa is valid only for 6 months. Candidates must apply or switch to another visa before the expiration of his/her current visa. The job you do must be related to the degree program that you have done. You must not violate the immigration act.
After getting the job you must switch to the visa category that is appropriate to the field you’re working in (E1-E7)