Study in Korea (Republic of)

Explore universities and programs in Korea (Republic of) for international students.

Find programs that match your goals quickly and easily using our advanced search filters

A famous cityscape or landscape of Korea (Republic of) featuring iconic elements of Korea (Republic of)'s natural beauty or architectural landmarks.

Key facts

  • Currency
    South Korean Won (KRW)
  • Student population
    360,000
  • Languages
    Korean, English
  • Universities
    400

Why study in Korea (Republic of)?

Korea offers a strong technical education environment, especially in technology and engineering fields closely tied to its manufacturing and electronics industries. The education system places a significant emphasis on discipline and academic rigor, which suits students prepared for structured study routines. However, students should consider that teaching is often conducted primarily in Korean, limiting options in English for some programs.

Illustration of famous landmarks and cultural items from Korea (Republic of), interconnected on a map-like layout with trees and clouds.

Where can you study in Korea (Republic of)

Seoul is the main study hub, home to the largest number of universities and institutions offering a broad choice of programs. Outside Seoul, cities like Busan and Daegu provide fewer but well-established universities. Choosing a location outside Seoul may reduce program variety and international student services, which are more developed in the capital region.

Universities in Korea (Republic of)

What is the cost of study in Korea (Republic of)?

Tuition fees depend on the institution and program language. Public universities typically charge between KRW 3,000,000 and KRW 7,000,000 per semester, while private universities can be higher. Living costs vary by city; Seoul is generally more expensive for accommodation and daily living. International students should budget for health insurance and potential language course fees.

Illustration representing studying costs, featuring symbols like a calculator, stacks of money, and hands exchanging cash, all surrounded by a building resembling a university, books and a diploma scroll.

What is the cost of living in Korea (Republic of)?

Category Cost  (in South Korean Won)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre₩765,206Range: ₩450,000 to ₩1,500,000
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre₩543,441Range: ₩316,456 to ₩1,000,000
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)₩264,700Range: ₩177,727 to ₩361,250
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)₩31,088Range: ₩20,000 to ₩50,000
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)₩53,361Range: ₩23,000 to ₩69,000
Monthly public transport pass₩63,500Range: ₩60,000 to ₩90,000
Monthly grocery basket₩297,279Range: ₩154,180 to ₩516,125
Coffee shop drink₩5,154Range: ₩3,000 to ₩7,000
Cinema or cultural event ticket₩15,000Range: ₩13,000 to ₩16,000
Gym membership₩74,577Range: ₩30,000 to ₩130,000

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).

What are the requirements to study in Korea (Republic of)?

Qualifications

For undergraduate entry, completion of upper secondary education comparable to Korea’s high school diploma is expected. Foreign qualifications often need to be validated or attested according to Korean educational standards, which may involve additional verification steps at Korean consulates or education offices.

English language tests

English proficiency tests are relevant primarily for programs offered in English, which are fewer. Many courses are in Korean, so Korean language proficiency is often more critical. Consequently, for studying in English, presenting scores from recognized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS is usually required, but this depends on the institution and program.

Korea (Republic of) student visa

Students generally apply for a D-2 visa, which requires a full acceptance letter and proof of funds. Visa conditions may include restrictions on part-time work and require maintaining enrollment status. Because the process can vary, students should check the latest guidance from their university and the relevant consulate or immigration authority before applying.

Illustration representing travel planning and visa approval process, featuring a globe, an airplane, a calendar, documents including passport and ID card, and a stamped approval document.

How to study in Korea (Republic of)?

Find out how to study abroad with Studee. We help students, schools, and university partners compare options, understand requirements, and plan next steps together.