Study in South Korea: Complete Guide to Universities, Programs, and Scholarships

With rising trends, international students are choosing to study in South Korea. It provides good education, brilliant technology, and a great cultural experience. In addition, tuition fees, as well as living expenses, are low which makes it a perfect choice to study in South Korea for Indian students. In this guide, we will cover information about studying in South Korea. We will discuss university rankings, specialties, selection criteria, and scholarships.

Why Study in South Korea?

• Great Universities

South Korea is home to some of the world’s top universities. Seoul National University is ranked 41st in the world. Others that are currently recognized are KAIST in 46th place and POSTECH in 90th place. The country boasts specialty study areas in technology, business, and arts in top-ranked universities in South Korea.

• Lively Culture

South Korea is a country with an active cultural and historical life. The individual can listen to K-pop music, watch Korean dramas, visit traditional temples, and attend festivals. Universities provide courses in English for international students.

• Advanced Technology

South Korea is one of the leaders in the field of technology. It is home to companies such as Samsung and Hyundai. These are good sources for internships and job placements. Cities are developing and technologically advanced, providing students with better research tools and equipment.

• Low Cost

Universities in South Korea are far cheaper compared to Western countries. Undergraduate programs cost between $4,000 and $8,000 for international students per year. Tuition fees for postgraduate programs are between $ 4,000 to $ 10,000. Everyday items cost between $1000 and $1500 a month.

Best Universities in South Korea

• Seoul National University (SNU)

1. • Ranking: 45th (QS World University Rankings 2024)
2. Top Programs: Business, Engineering, Humanities, Natural Science
3. Highlights: Research-Based University. Famous Alumni as Nobel Prize recipients.

• Korea University

1. Ranking: 79th (QS World University Rankings 2024)
2. Top Programs: Politics, Economy, and Law.
3. Highlights: Vast Alumni Network. Popular Law and Business degrees.

• Yonsei University

1. Ranking: 73rd (QS World University Rankings 2024)
2. Top Programs: Intensive International Studies, Medicine, and Business
3. Highlights: Offers multiple programs in English.

• KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)

1. Ranking: 46th (QS World University Rankings 2024)
2. Top Programs: Robotic Systems, Computer Science and Engineering, Bioengineering
3. Highlights: Scientific and Technological Powerhouse. Enjoys extensive Industry Collaboration.

• POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology)

1. Ranking: 90th (QS World University Rankings 2024)
2. Top Programs: Physics, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science
3. Highlights: State of the Art Research Facilities.

Popular Programs

• Engineering and Technology

Engineering and technology are some of the best-rated fields of study in South Korea. Specializations combine mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer engineering. KAIST and POSTECH are at the forefront of these disciplines.

• Business and Management

South Korea is one of the biggest destinations for business education. Interesting programs like business administration, finance, and international business are available. The best business programs are provided by Korea University and Yonsei University.

• Arts and Humanities

South Korea is equally good in arts and humanities. Students can learn Korean culture, literature, and even fine arts. Most of these programs have both traditional and new-age teaching methods, which gives the students a balanced view.

• Medical and Health Sciences

Medical and health sciences programs in South Korea are very competitive and challenging. Popular fields of study include medicine, nursing, and public health. The mix of conventional and emerging medical care models offer an enriching learning experience.

Admission Requirements

• General Requirements

Undergraduate programs require a high school diploma and proof of language fluency. For Postgraduate programs, the minimum academic qualification is a bachelor’s degree. Some programs may also require students to produce SAT or the GRE/GMAT scores. Additionally, you will need a resume, letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.

• Application Process

1. Choose Your Program: Choose a program and university that matches your goals.
2. Check Requirements: Check for the admission requirements for your choice of program.
3. Prepare Documents: Keep your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose ready.
4. Submit Application: Apply online, via the university’s portal. Most deadlines are between January and June for the fall semester.
5. Interview/Exam: Some programs may need you to attend an interview, or take an entrance test.
6. Receive Admit: Once you receive an admission letter, continue with your visa application.

• Language Requirements

Many programs are taught in Korean; therefore, you may have to show your proficiency in the Korean language through the TOPIK test. However, many universities do offer courses in English, especially for postgraduate programs. For these programs, you will need to prove your English proficiency through standard tests such as TOEFL (minimum of 80) or IELTS (minimum score of 6. 5).

Scholarships and Financial Aid

• Government Scholarships

The Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) is one of the prestigious scholarships. It covers:

1. Tuition Fees: $4,000 each year
2. Monthly Stipend: About $1,500
3. Airfare: Round-trip ticket
4. Korean Language Training: Full coverage

KGSP offers scholarships to both undergraduate and postgraduate students and is very competitive. Approximately 1000 scholarships are offered.

• University Scholarships

Some of the South Korean universities provide scholarships to international students:

1. SNU Global Scholarship: Fully funds the tuition fees and provides a monthly allowance of $1,200.\
2. Korea University Global KU Scholarship: Up to $2500 per semester based on merit.
3. Yonsei University Underwood International College Scholarship: Between $50 and $3,000 per year for outstanding students.

These scholarships can help lighten your financial load and most of them are merit or need-based.

• External Scholarships

There are various scholarships provided by external organizations for students wishing to study in South Korea:

South Korea Scholarship: Up to $5,000 yearly can be allocated for research and other academic functions.

ADB – Japan Scholarship Program: Covers up to $15,000 each year. These include the tuition cost, food, transport, and other necessities.

Student Life in South Korea

• Accommodation

Universities offer various housing options:

1. On-Campus Housing: A dormitory is between $200 and $500 per month. They offer lodging and food facilities.
2. Off-Campus Housing: Specifically, type A facilities are apartments and homestays. The rents range from $500 to $1,200 per month. Depending on the quality of the service that the host families provide, the price per month ranges between $ 400 and $ 700.

• Cultural Activities

South Korea has a vibrant cultural scene:

1. Festivals: Enjoy festivals like Chuseok, Seollal, United States Thanksgiving, and the Seoul Lantern Festival among others.
2. K-pop and Entertainment: Visit concerts and sites associated with K-dramas.
3. Historical Sites: Tourist attractions include visiting ancient temple structures, palaces, and world heritage sites.

Most universities organise cultural fairs and educational visits for the students to learn about the history of South Korea.

• Student Organizations

Joining student groups is a great way to connect with others:

1. Academic Clubs: Read on subjects like engineering, business, and language conveniently.
2. Cultural Clubs: Participate in dance, music, and artwork of the people of South Korea.
3. Sports Teams: Play Soccer, basketball, Taekwondo, and hiking, among other activities.
4. Support Groups: Search for international student networks to access information if you need assistance.

Visa and Immigration

• Student Visa Requirements

If you wish to study in South Korea, you will need to obtain a student visa (D-2).

1. Acceptance Letter: Proof of admission to any of the universities of South Korea.
2. Visa Application Form: It can be acquired either at the South Korean Embassy or at the South Korean Consulate in the given state.
3. Passport: The documentation must be valid for at least six months.
4. Financial Proof: Evidence that the sponsor has sufficient funds to pay for the tuition fee and other expenses of living in the UK.
5. Passport-Sized Photos: Photocopy of recent passport-size photographs as per the requirement.

• Visa Application Process

1. Visa Application: Apply at the nearest South Korean embassy or consulate.
2. Visa Process: Usually takes between 2-4 weeks due to delays during the winter period. Your embassy may also request additional documents or be required to go for an interview.
3. Receive Your Visa: Upon approval, you can extend your visa as per your course. You should always have a copy of your visa and other related documents.

Post-Graduation Opportunities

• Job Search

You can look for a job for up to six months after graduation with the help of the D-10 visa. South Korea has a good employment outlook, particularly in sectors such as information technology, business, and teaching.

• Employment

Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and many other big organizations recruit international graduates. A strong economy and commitment to technological advancement are some of the reasons that generate many demands for employment.

• Further Studies

If you wish to further study in South Korea, they have several master’s and PhD courses for you to pursue. Its academic strength makes it a good place for advanced learning.

Conclusion

It is an exciting opportunity to study in South Korea for Indian Students for an intense experience in education and enjoy a culturally beautiful country. South Korea is perfect for international learners because of its great universities and colleges, relatively cheap tuition fees, and numerous scholarships. If you are passionate about engineering, business, and art then South Korea has something special for you. Learn more about the opportunities, follow the guide below and prepare to launch your journey in this lively country!

In this journey, Manya – The Princeton Review can provide a lot of information on your chosen country. Our expert advisors will guide you in understanding various factors regarding studying in South Korea.