Studying in Korea is distinguished by being the best educational institution in the continent of Asia. Many international students prefer to study there because it offers them a good and distinguished life, in addition to the famous and distinguished universities in teaching many medical and technical academic specializations, as well as many programs taught in the English language.
Korea includes modern cities such as Seoul, which is considered one of the advanced places full of international students to study and enjoy social life.
The Korean government plans to attract many, many students by providing appropriate facilities for study.
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Recognition of South Korean certificate
If you decide to study in South Korea, three major universities for Korean students are Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University, which offer strong programs and very high graduate employment rates.
These universities have gained international recognition, but universities such as the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and Sungkyunkwan University are also considered very strong.
Read also: The best schools to learn Korean
The cost of studying in South Korea
Study costs in Korea are actually very low compared to the US or UK, which is good news.
1- The costs of studying in Korea at private universities
At these universities, it ranges from $2100 to $4300 per semester for a bachelor's degree, and $2600 to $5000 per semester for a graduate degree.
Prices usually vary depending on the type of degree, whether it is a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate, as humanities cost less than science or medicine.
2- The costs of studying in Korea at public universities
The costs of public universities are less expensive than private universities. The costs of studying for a bachelor’s degree in these universities range from $1100 to $3000 per semester, and for a master’s degree, they range from $1700 to $3600 per semester.
There are also additional costs that you are likely to encounter when planning your studies in South Korea: application fees (which usually cost from $35 to $105), housing, transportation, and internet fees.
Other costs you should know about
Housing costs
The average amount expected to be spent on a room in a shared apartment is about 500 Korean Won (equivalent to 380 euros) per month.
But in South Korea, there is another option for housing that is considered more common and less expensive, which is accommodation in Goshiwon, similar to off-campus accommodation. In this case, the student expects to pay an amount ranging between 200 and 250 thousand Korean won per month ($150-190), in addition to fees. Additional to cover other fixed costs.
Transportation pricing
International students in Korea who live far from their place of study resort to purchasing a card Korean Pass Which allows unlimited travel via railways throughout the country.
For people between the ages of 13 and 25, you can get a 20% discount, which allows you to save some money and spend it elsewhere.
There you will find two types of these cards, the first allows travel on consecutive days and the second on non-consecutive days that can be specified in advance.
health insurance
Foreign students who plan to stay in South Korea for more than 6 months must register for national health insurance, so an international student can expect to spend 678 South Korean Won annually (522 euros) to obtain this health insurance.
Read also: Free Korean language courses
Registration in Korean universities
When applying to study in South Korea at Korean universities, each university asks students to apply directly from their website
Required Documents :
- A letter of recommendation and a letter of reference
- a copy of the passport
- A certificate of facts stating entry and exit issued by Korean government agencies
- University application plus statement of personal interest
- Proof of language, whether Korean or English, based on the specialty you intend to study
The correct way to apply for the Korean scholarship
Read also: Best engineering universities in Korea
Recommended universities in South Korea
Among all the universities in South Korea, learn about the top 5 universities:
1- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology KAIST
It is located in the research and technology center in the city of Daejeon, and it is the first university in South Korea according to the new ranking, and it was also ranked 40th in the world university rankings. Founded in 1971 as the country's first research-oriented science and technology institution, KAIST has achieved some of the highest scores in papers per faculty and citations per faculty indicators. It is a group of high-tech research institutes, government agencies and commercial companies.
2- Seoul National University
Ranked second in South Korea and ranked 36th in the world, Seoul National University (SNU) was founded in 1946 by merging 10 institutions, making it the country's first national university. It scores highest in South Korea on academic reputation indicators, with university graduates making up one in four CEOs of the top 100 South Korean companies.
3- Korea University
Ranked third in South Korea's university rankings and 86th globally, Korea University (KU) was founded in 1905 and currently has about 37000 students enrolled across two campuses. It ranked first in the country for its international research network, and was also ranked second for the proportion of international students, with about 11 percent of students coming from outside the country.
4- Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
Ranked fourth in South Korea's university rankings and joint 100th in the world, Sungkyunkwan University is the country's oldest university, with its roots dating back to 1398 when it was opened by royal decree during the Joseon Dynasty. The university is proud of its long-term cooperation with industry leader Samsung,
5-Yonsei University
Ranked fifth in this year's South Korea rankings and 107th in the world, Yonsei University received a perfect score for its proportion of incoming exchange students. Founded in 1885, making it one of the oldest universities in the country, the university now has about 38569 students enrolled and its main campus in Seoul and secondary campus in Wonju, including 4647 international students.
Read also: How to register for the South Korea scholarship
Study visa in South Korea
Anyone who wishes to apply to study in Korea must obtain a study visa before entering Korea. The visa application process is not difficult, but it is important that you have all the necessary documents.
The university will likely assist you in the visa process, so ask the international office about your next steps to obtain an entry visa after you obtain university admission!
Types of study visa in South Korea:
- D-2: Regular Education Program Visa
- D-4: General Training Visa
Documents required to apply for a study visa in Korea
- A valid passport
- Visa application, based on the type of visa
- University admission
- Proof of financial support
- Copies of school certificates
- As for the visa costs, for both visas they range from £20 to £35.
Read also: Working as a doctor in South Korea
Study in South Korea for free
Choosing to study in South Korea has become increasingly prevalent in recent times. Not only does one get to explore and learn about different cultures and beliefs, but someone who has knowledge of an additional language or understanding of a different environment is expected to have additional advantages when it comes to searching for a job.
While studying abroad may seem like an expensive affair reserved primarily for those from affluent backgrounds, you may be surprised to find that there are many ways in which you can finance your studies abroad even if you were not exactly born with a silver spoon in your mouth and do not. You happen to have millions in your bank account.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the ways you can keep the cost of studying in Korea to a minimum, or even better, how you can study in Korea for free!.
1. Prepare to meet the application requirements for Korean universities
The best way to get an education abroad without any financial burden is to get a scholarship. Make sure to check available scholarships and their requirements before applying for one.
In general, most scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit. This means that your chance of receiving a scholarship increases if you have excellent academic records, test scores, or GPA. Highlighting these things in your applications is a must.
If possible, supplement your applications with your extracurricular achievements and awards to help you stand out in the crowd of applicants, thus increasing your chance of receiving a scholarship.
If you are asked to submit a statement of purpose or self-introduction, having a great, well-written cover letter will likely give you an advantage over other applicants. We recommend starting your application early and spending some time carefully crafting your application.
To help you with this process, we've created a guide about How to apply for the Korean scholarship . If you want to know the application requirements, visit the article.
2. Prepare your Korean university application early
Preparing your application in advance will allow you more time to gather all necessary information or documents, address any concerns you may have, and reduce the possibility of making errors in your applications. In return, this will increase your chances of successfully getting a scholarship for yourself!
3. Search for Korean scholarships
The best way to study in Korea for free is to get a fully funded scholarship in Korea. Some schools will automatically consider applicants for scholarships offered by the schools, while some will require students to apply themselves. Be sure to research and read about available financial aid and requirements on the university's website so that you do not miss out on any financial aid you may be eligible for.
Some universities, such as Yonsei University, may have a variety of scholarships available for undergraduate and graduate students. Other universities, such as Seoul National University, may provide financial support to international students through external scholarships.
Funded by the Korean Ministry of Education, the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) is one of the well-known financial aid programs for international students. Those who wish to pursue a 4-year undergraduate program at a Korean university can apply for this scholarship.
Beneficiaries of this scholarship will not only receive full tuition support, but will also receive a monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, and insurance.
4. Get scholarships from your government
You can also check if there are any study abroad scholarships offered by the government in your country. For example, the United States government has many study abroad programs.
Getting a scholarship from your government is an ideal way to study in Korea for free.
5. Look for external scholarships in Korea
Some organizations or companies may also offer scholarships or financial aid to students to fund their studies abroad.
Some of these scholarships may come with conditions. For example, you may be asked to work for the company after graduation. Remember to read the terms and conditions of these finances before applying!
6. Find affordable universities in Korea
Don't worry if you are not eligible for any scholarship. You can still pay for your education in Korea by keeping your costs low.
One way to study in Korea for free is to apply to national or public universities instead of private universities.
Depending on the program you choose, you may require an average of $3000 or less per semester for a bachelor's degree program at a national university. The same program may cost you about 50% more at a private university.
Take a look at the list Cheapest universities in South Korea . If you study at one of these affordable universities, you can study in Korea for free by doing extra things like getting scholarships and working while you study.
7. Apply to Korean universities
After you get the necessary information about different universities and financial aid, it's time to submit your applications! Make sure you meet the requirements before submitting your application.
8. Work while studying in Korea
Working while studying in Korea is another way you can study in Korea for free. In Korea, international students are allowed to work part-time while pursuing their higher education at a Korean university. If you hold a D-2 student visa or a D-4 Korean language training visa, you can apply for a part-time work visa at the immigration office.
This permit, known as the S-3 visa, will allow you to work 25 hours per week as an undergraduate student or 30 hours per week as a research, master's, or doctoral student. Make sure to check out the part-time jobs you can work at. Please refer to the Korea Immigration Service website For more information.
9. Reduce the cost of living
On average, an international student will need about $700 per month to cover their living expenses. Choose to live in student accommodation or a dormitory because the cost is generally lower than a rented apartment. You can also reduce your spending by preparing your meals at home instead of eating out.
Of course, this does not mean that you have to live without social interactions or be excruciatingly frugal. There are still activities and places you can enjoy and visit without being under significant financial pressure. Anyone can have an unforgettable studying and living experience in Korea!
Here is the list of top scholarships in South Korea:
1- Seoul University Scholarship
Seoul University offers fully funded scholarship in South Korea for a wide range of academic fields consisting of humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business administration, agriculture, life sciences, education, human ecology, public administration, environmental studies, international studies, engineering, medical sciences, arts scholarship etc. SNU is open to all nationalities.
2- Korean Government Scholarship
The Korean government offers a number of scholarships to provide international students with real opportunities to study bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs at universities in Korea, with the aim of strengthening Korea's foreign relations.
3- Scholarship from Kyung University
This is a valuable opportunity for you. Kyung Hee University offers scholarships to brilliant international students in South Korea. The scholarship is available to those outstanding candidates who wish to study in Korea for a bachelor’s degree at the university. While studying at this university, candidates can benefit from one-on-one coaching sessions and a platform for continuous advancement in business.
We wish you all the best on your study trip to South Korea
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Scholarships in South Korea