How International Students Can Study at a University in South Korea

South Korea offers several study options for international students. A student may enter a Korean university as a full-time degree student, attend for one or two semesters as an exchange student, or study Korean at a university-affiliated language institute before applying for a degree program.

The admission requirements, tuition, language qualifications, and visa procedures vary by university and nationality. Students should always check the latest requirements published by the university and the Korean embassy or consulate responsible for their place of residence.

1. Main Study Options

International students generally have three main options.

Option A: Full-Time Degree Program

This option is for students who want to earn a Korean university degree.

Available programs include:

• Associate degree

• Bachelor’s degree

• Master’s degree

• Doctoral degree

• Integrated master’s and doctoral degree

Students admitted to degree programs normally apply for a D-2 student visa. The specific visa category depends on the level of study.

Option B: Exchange Student Program

An exchange student remains enrolled at a university in their home country while studying temporarily at a Korean partner university.

Exchange programs usually last:

• One semester

• Two semesters

• Approximately six months to one year

Students normally receive credits from the Korean university and transfer those credits back to their home university. Exchange students generally use the D-2-6 visa category.

Option C: University-Affiliated Korean Language Institute

Students who are not ready to enter a Korean-language degree program may first enroll in a Korean language institute operated by a university.

These programs teach:

• Speaking

• Listening

• Reading

• Writing

• Grammar and vocabulary

• TOPIK preparation

• Korean culture

Long-term students attending a university-affiliated Korean language program generally apply for a D-4-1 Korean Language Training visa.

2. Applying for a Bachelor’s Degree

General Academic Qualifications

A first-year international applicant normally needs to have completed an education equivalent to Korea’s 12-year elementary and secondary education system.

This usually means that the applicant must have:

• Graduated from high school, or

• Be expected to graduate before university enrollment

• Completed an educational curriculum recognized as equivalent to Korean high school education

Common international admission categories include applicants whose parents are both non-Korean citizens and applicants who completed their full primary and secondary education outside Korea. Each university defines its international admission categories separately, so nationality and education-history requirements must be checked carefully.

Korean-Language Qualifications

For degree programs taught mainly in Korean, TOPIK Level 3 is a common minimum standard. However, some universities or majors may require:

• TOPIK Level 4

• TOPIK Level 5

• TOPIK Level 6

• Completion of a university Korean-language program

• An interview conducted in Korean

Korean proficiency requirements can be higher for majors that require advanced reading, writing, presentations, or professional communication. Some universities may admit a student conditionally and require additional Korean-language study before or during the degree program.

English-Taught Programs

Universities that offer courses or degree programs in English may request an English-language test instead of TOPIK.

Possible tests include:

• TOEFL

• IELTS

• TOEIC

• Other university-approved English tests

Some universities may waive an English test for applicants who completed their previous education in English. This policy is determined by each university.

Common Application Documents

A bachelor’s degree application commonly requires:

• Online application form

• High school graduation certificate

• Official high school transcripts

• Personal statement

• Study plan

• Copy of passport

• Passport-style photograph

• TOPIK or English-language test score

• Documents proving the applicant’s nationality

• Documents proving the parents’ nationality

• Family relationship certificate

• Proof of financial ability

• Application fee

The Korean government’s Study in Korea portal lists the application form, graduation certificate, transcripts, study plan, language certificate, passport, and family documents among the common university admission documents.

Documents issued in languages other than Korean or English may need a certified translation. Many universities also require foreign academic documents to receive an apostille or Korean consular authentication. The exact authentication method depends on the issuing country and the university’s policy.

3. Applying for a Graduate Degree

Master’s Program

An applicant for a master’s degree must normally hold, or expect to receive, a bachelor’s degree before enrollment.

Doctoral Program

An applicant for a doctoral degree must normally hold, or expect to receive, a master’s degree before enrollment.

Master’s programs commonly last at least two years, while doctoral programs normally last three years or longer. Graduate schools may require coursework, examinations, research, and a thesis or dissertation.

Graduate-School Language Requirements

Graduate schools may require:

• TOPIK for Korean-taught programs

• TOEFL or IELTS for English-taught programs

• Proof that the applicant’s previous degree was taught in English

• An interview with the department

• Approval or interest from a prospective academic adviser

Requirements differ significantly by department. Science, engineering, and research-based programs may place greater emphasis on academic background, research experience, publications, and communication with a professor.

Common Graduate Application Documents

Graduate applicants may need:

• Application form

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree certificate

• Official university transcripts

• Statement of purpose

• Research proposal

• Curriculum vitae

• Recommendation letters

• Language-test scores

• Passport copy

• Financial documents

• Portfolio or writing sample

• Publications or research records

Some departments require applicants to contact a professor before applying, while others prohibit applicants from contacting faculty during the evaluation period. The department’s official instructions should be followed.

4. Applying as an Exchange Student

An exchange program is usually available only when the student’s current university has an exchange agreement with the Korean university.

The basic eligibility requirement is enrollment at a partner university. The Korean government’s Study in Korea portal describes exchange programs as generally lasting one semester to one year.

Typical Exchange Student Qualifications

A student generally needs to:

• Be currently enrolled at their home university

• Be nominated by the home university

• Maintain satisfactory academic standing

• Meet the Korean university’s minimum GPA requirement

• Demonstrate sufficient Korean or English ability

• Have completed at least one or two semesters before departure

• Remain enrolled at the home university during the exchange period

The exact GPA and language requirements differ by university.

Exchange Application Procedure

Step 1: Contact the Home University

The student should first contact the study-abroad or international office at their current university.

The office will confirm:

• Whether a partnership exists

• Which Korean universities are available

• Nomination deadlines

• Scholarship opportunities

• Credit-transfer rules

Step 2: Receive a Nomination

The home university usually nominates selected students to the Korean partner university.

Direct applications may not be accepted unless the Korean university also offers a separate visiting-student or self-funded program.

Step 3: Submit the Korean University Application

The student may need to provide:

• Exchange application form

• Passport copy

• University enrollment certificate

• Official university transcript

• Study plan

• Recommendation or nomination letter

• Language-proficiency certificate

• Financial proof

• Health information

• Dormitory application

• Photograph

Step 4: Obtain Course Approval

Before departure, the student should ask the home university which Korean courses will receive transferable credit.

Course availability can change, and some classes may be restricted to particular majors or degree levels. Written pre-approval can help prevent problems after returning home.

Step 5: Receive Admission and Apply for the Visa

After acceptance, the Korean university issues the admission documents required for the D-2-6 exchange-student visa.

5. Enrolling in a University Korean Language Institute

University-affiliated language institutes are a popular choice for students who want to improve their Korean before entering a degree program.

General Eligibility

A long-term language-program applicant will commonly need:

• A high school diploma or equivalent qualification

• A valid passport

• The ability to pay tuition and living expenses

• A genuine intention to study Korean

• A record that satisfies the university’s immigration and admission review

Previous Korean-language ability is generally not necessary because most institutes offer beginner through advanced levels.

Typical Program Structure

A regular university language term commonly consists of:

• Approximately 10 weeks

• Around 20 classroom hours per week

• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels

• Four terms per year at many institutions

The Study in Korea portal gives an approximate tuition range of ₩1.2 million to ₩1.8 million per 10-week term, although fees vary by university.

Common Language Institute Documents

Applicants may need:

• Online application

• Personal statement or study plan

• High school or university graduation certificate

• Academic transcript

• Passport copy

• Passport photograph

• Proof of financial ability

• Family relationship documents

• Application fee

• Dormitory application

• Apostilled or authenticated academic records

The standard process is to apply to the language institute, pay the required tuition, receive a standard admission letter, apply for the appropriate visa, and then enter Korea.

Some universities require D-4-1 applicants to register and pay for more than one term in advance. This depends on the university, the student’s nationality, and immigration requirements.

6. Student Visa Categories

The main student visa categories are:

• D-2-1: Associate degree

• D-2-2: Bachelor’s degree

• D-2-3: Master’s degree

• D-2-4: Doctoral degree

• D-2-5: Research program

• D-2-6: Exchange student

• D-4-1: Korean language training

Degree and exchange students generally use a D-2 visa, while university Korean-language students generally use a D-4-1 visa.

General Visa Application Procedure

Step 1: Receive Admission

The student must first be formally admitted by the Korean university or language institute.

Step 2: Receive the Standard Admission Letter

The university issues a standard admission letter and other institutional documents needed for the visa.

Step 3: Prepare the Visa Documents

Common D-2 visa documents include:

• Visa application form

• Passport

• Recent passport photograph

• Standard admission letter

• University registration document

• Proof of highest education

• Proof of financial ability

• Family relationship documents when using a parent’s financial records

• Tuberculosis test result when applicable

D-4 applicants may also need a training or study plan. Additional documents may be required based on nationality, university, and consular jurisdiction.

Step 4: Apply Through a Korean Embassy or Consulate

The student normally applies through the Korean embassy or consulate responsible for the applicant’s legal place of residence.

A student should not assume that admission automatically guarantees visa approval. The university makes the admission decision, while the Korean immigration authorities make the visa decision.

7. Financial Qualifications

Universities and immigration authorities may require proof that the student can pay tuition and living expenses.

Acceptable evidence may include:

• Bank balance certificate in the student’s name

• Parent’s bank balance certificate

• Scholarship certificate

• Financial sponsorship letter

• Proof of the sponsor’s employment or business

• Family relationship documents

The required bank balance is not identical for every applicant. It may depend on:

• Degree or language program

• Length of study

• University location

• Nationality

• Korean diplomatic mission

• Whether tuition or housing has already been paid

Students should obtain the exact required amount and the required bank-statement period directly from the university and Korean consulate.

8. Tuition and Living Expenses

The Study in Korea portal reports average annual tuition of approximately ₩6.8 million for four-year universities. National and public universities average less, while private and metropolitan universities generally average more. Actual tuition varies considerably by university and major.

Programs such as medicine, engineering, art, music, and laboratory-based studies may have higher tuition or additional fees.

The government’s Study in Korea portal estimates average living expenses at approximately ₩750,000 to ₩1 million per month, including housing, food, transportation, communication, and other basic costs. Actual expenses can be higher in Seoul or when living alone off campus.

Students should budget separately for:

• University application fees

• Tuition

• Dormitory deposit and housing

• Meals

• Transportation

• Mobile phone and internet

• Textbooks

• Health insurance

• Visa and document authentication

• Airfare

• Personal expenses

9. Scholarships

Global Korea Scholarship

The Global Korea Scholarship, commonly called GKS, is a Korean government scholarship for qualified international students.

Depending on the scholarship category, support may include:

• Tuition

• Korean-language training

• Monthly living allowance

• Airfare

• Settlement allowance

• Medical insurance or related support

• Research-related assistance

Applications may be submitted through a Korean embassy or through a participating Korean university, depending on the scholarship track. Eligibility, participating countries, universities, deadlines, and benefits are announced separately for each annual selection. The Korean government published separate 2026 GKS undergraduate application guidelines through the Study in Korea portal.

University Scholarships

Many universities provide scholarships based on:

• Admission results

• GPA

• TOPIK level

• English-language scores

• Research performance

• Financial need

• Continued academic achievement

Scholarships may cover part or all of tuition, but students should not assume that admission automatically includes financial support.

Exchange Scholarships

Exchange students should ask both institutions about:

• Home-university scholarships

• Korean university housing support

• Government exchange scholarships

• Travel grants

• Tuition-waiver agreements

Under many exchange agreements, the student continues paying tuition to the home university and receives a tuition waiver from the Korean host university. However, the agreement must be checked because policies differ.

10. Requirements After Entering Korea

Residence Registration

Foreign students who plan to stay in Korea for more than 90 days must generally complete foreign-resident registration within 90 days of entry.

The university’s international office normally provides instructions regarding:

• Immigration appointments

• Required documents

• Residence Card application

• Address registration

• Visa extension

• Changes in school or residence

The Study in Korea portal states that foreign nationals staying for more than 90 days must complete registration within 90 days after entering Korea.

Health Insurance

International students may become subject to Korea’s National Health Insurance system depending on their visa and registration status. Coverage rules and enrollment timing differ between D-2 and D-4 students.

Students should also check whether the university requires private insurance for the period before national coverage begins. The National Health Insurance Service provides guidance for foreign residents and students.

Maintaining Student Status

Students must comply with university and immigration requirements, which may include:

• Maintaining enrollment

• Paying tuition

• Attending classes

• Maintaining acceptable grades

• Reporting address changes

• Extending the visa before expiration

• Reporting changes of university or program

• Avoiding unauthorized employment

Poor attendance can be especially serious for language-program students because the university may be required to report attendance problems to immigration authorities.

11. Can International Students Work Part-Time?

A D-2 or D-4 visa does not automatically give a student unrestricted permission to work.

Students generally need:

• Approval or confirmation from their university

• A qualifying employment contract

• Sufficient academic or attendance status

• Required Korean-language ability

• Advance permission from immigration

The permitted hours and types of work depend on the visa, degree level, academic standing, Korean proficiency, university accreditation status, and academic calendar. Students must receive permission before beginning employment.

Students should never rely only on information from an employer. They should confirm eligibility with the university international office or the Korea Immigration Contact Center before accepting work.

12. Recommended Application Timeline

Twelve to Nine Months Before Enrollment

• Decide between a degree, exchange, or language program

• Research universities and majors

• Check language requirements

• Estimate tuition and living costs

• Begin preparing for TOPIK, TOEFL, or IELTS

• Research scholarships

Nine to Six Months Before Enrollment

• Request transcripts and graduation certificates

• Obtain recommendation letters

• Prepare a personal statement and study plan

• Arrange apostilles or document authentication

• Contact potential graduate advisers when appropriate

• Apply for exchange nomination through the home university

Six to Three Months Before Enrollment

• Submit university applications

• Attend interviews

• Submit financial documents

• Apply for housing

• Receive the admission decision

• Pay required tuition or deposits

Three to One Months Before Enrollment

• Receive the standard admission letter

• Apply for the student visa

• Purchase insurance when necessary

• Arrange accommodation

• Book airfare

• Prepare certified copies of important documents

After Arrival

• Attend university orientation

• Complete residence registration

• Open a bank account when eligible

• Obtain a Korean phone number

• Register for courses

• Complete health-insurance procedures

• Learn the university’s attendance and immigration rules

13. Which Option Is Best?

Choose a Degree Program When:

• You want to earn a Korean associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree

• You can meet the academic and language requirements

• You are prepared for several years of study

• You can demonstrate sufficient financial support

Choose an Exchange Program When:

• You are already enrolled at a university outside Korea

• Your university has a partnership with a Korean institution

• You want to study in Korea for one or two semesters

• You want your Korean credits transferred to your home degree

Choose a Korean Language Institute When:

• You want to learn Korean intensively

• Your Korean is not yet sufficient for a degree program

• You want to prepare for TOPIK

• You want to experience university life before applying for a degree

• You are considering future study or employment in Korea

Final Advice

The most important step is to choose the correct program before preparing a visa application.

A student should contact three organizations during the process:

1. The international admissions or language institute office of the Korean university

2. The international or study-abroad office of the student’s current university, for exchange applicants

3. The Korean embassy or consulate responsible for the student’s residence

University admission and immigration approval are separate processes. Requirements can change according to the university, program, nationality, and year of admission.

For immigration questions inside Korea, international students may contact the Korea Immigration Contact Center at 1345. From outside Korea, the numbers listed by Hi Korea include +82-2-1345 and +82-2-6908-1345~6.