PhD in South Korea: Comprehensive Guide to Programs, Admission, and Funding

If you want to pursue a PhD in South Korea, you will get the opportunity to take advantage of its ultramodern cities and technical innovation. South Korea highly values education, with a significant number of international students attending its prestigious institutions each year. This article will provide all the essential information for international students planning to pursue a PhD in South Korea. We cover universities, application processes, funding and scholarships, student visas, and more.

Why Pursue a PhD in South Korea?

You are most likely reading this article on a display device designed and developed in South Korea. Your stereo, possibly your mobile phone, and maybe even your car are likely the product of Korean know-how and skill. Beyond question, its universities are exemplars of excellence.

Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and Kia have achieved phenomenal success on the world market, and South Korea has risen in the world university rankings. Not to mention that South Korea hosts a few of the highest-placed universities both in Asia and within the world. Seoul was also picked as one of Times Higher Education’s top university cities, hand-chosen.

There has never been a better time to consider studying for a PhD in South Korea! Generous government scholarships to study in South Korea as an international student are available through the prestigious Global Korea Scholarships, covering tuition fees, living costs, flights, and more.

Several universities in South Korea feature among the world’s top 100, showing just how world-class they are. In addition, South Korea is not joking about innovation, with the country featuring some of the fastest internet speeds globally.

Cities like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon contrast well with modern culture while at the same time maintaining great heritage sites. These ancient-traditional cities are bustling with life, with a lot to be seen.

Study in South Korea

Top Universities in South Korea for PhD Programs

Study in South Korea- PhD Programs and Research Areas

PhD in South Korea- Important Intakes

1. The academic year has been divided into two semesters in Korean universities. Apart from that, there are two breaks: from July to August and from December to February. And this long winter break is quite comfortable for going back home and visiting family on holidays, or even traveling around South Korea itself. PhD studies in South Korea have three stages:
   First, you shall be obliged to attend research training and taught courses amounting to 36 credits, which is approximately 72 ECTS Credits, depending on your master’s level qualification.
2. Second, you shall be obliged to undergo and pass an appropriate written examination, known as the “comprehensive examination”.
3. Finally, you shall engage in a thesis under the guidance of one or more appointed supervisors.

Once you have submitted your thesis, at least five examiners will examine your work. You are not always required to orally defend your work, as long as it is up to the standards of the examiners. Contact your institution of interest for details of what is required to complete your PhD.

Eligibility to Study in South Korea

1. Applicants must have a relevant master’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited university. In exceptional cases, candidates with a bachelor’s degree and an exceptionally good academic record may be directly admitted for a PhD.
2. You are supposed to provide a research proposal about the area you intend to study, your research objectives, methodology of study, and potential contribution towards the same area. This is important so it can be ascertained that you have the necessary potential in research and that your interest will be relevant to the faculty’s interest and research expertise at the university.
3. Most of the international PhD programs taken in South Korea require a person to be proficient in the English language. Evidence of proficiency in the English language will, therefore, have to be availed through standardized tests like TOEFL or IELTS. Some universities have specific minimum score requirements.
4. Transcripts of official academic records from previous academic institutes that include undergraduate and postgraduate degrees earned to date are required to show good academic standing and to indicate relevant course work in the major area.
5. Most PhD programs require letters of recommendation from academic professionals who have a history with you and who can speak to your qualifications, research abilities, and potential to succeed in a PhD program.
6. Some universities may require you to write entrance exams or hold interviews with the applying candidates as part of their shortlisting process. Such assessment may look at your subject knowledge, aptitude for research, and suitability to join the program.

Documents Requirement to Study PhD in South Korea

1. Application Form
2. Statement of Purpose
3. Curriculum Vitae
4. Academic Transcripts
5. Letters of Recommendation
6. Research Proposal
7. English Language Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
8. Passport Copy
9. Application Fee
10. Other Supporting Documents as per the requirement of the University

Funding and Scholarships

• Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)

It covers scholarships for international students who want to pursue PhD degrees in Korean universities. It includes tuition fees, living expenses, round-way airfare, and training in the Korean language. An application is usually organized by the Korean Embassy or designated universities.

• Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies Scholarship

The KFAS scholarship is available for application to all international students who wish to pursue a doctoral degree in fields like science, engineering, and business, among many others. This scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and research-related costs.

• Seoul National University Scholarships

There are many scholarships at Seoul National University for which one can consider joining an international PhD program; among them, the SNU Global Scholarship for Graduate Students will be discussed. It covers tuition, living, and research expenses for the students.

• KAIST Scholarship

KAIST has different scholarships for international PhD students that include tuition fees and living expenses, such as the KAIST Graduate Scholarship and the KAIST International Student Scholarship, in addition to other benefits such as research assistantships.

• Scholarships from POSTECH

There are several scholarships for international PhD students available at POSTECH, which include the POSTECH Graduate Fellowship and the POSCO Asia Fellowship which cover tuition, living expenses, and research expenses.

• GIST Scholarships

In addition, the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology provides its international students with scholarships in the form of GIST International Scholarship and GIST Fellowship, for which tuition fees will be covered, with assistance to live on campus, plus additional benefits.

• Scholarships by the University

Many universities in South Korea might offer further scholarships or opportunities to pursue PhDs, which might cover all or part of the tuition fee, cost of living, and research work. For more detailed scholarship schemes from the university, please explore university websites.

Fees to Study in South Korea

1. It is relatively expensive to study in South Korea; however, it has different scholarships and financing opportunities open for international students.
2. International students in South Korea pay the same tuition as domestic students.
3. The fee structure is not uniform and fluctuates from one university to another whether private or national.
4. Engineering and Medicine courses are normally the most expensive, while humanities disciplines normally have cheaper tuition.
5. Graduate programs in South Korean Universities could be around USD 1,550 – USD 12,230 for every semester.
6. Apart from the tuition fee, the other expenses include an application fee, language courses, and National Health Insurance, often included as part of your residency. Some examples include language courses, which can be expected to hit approximately USD 800 for an intensive three-week course or USD 1,400 for a ten-week program.
7. The estimated cost for NHI (National Health Insurance) is approximately (USD 20) per month, in addition to accommodation and living expenses.