Posted by Korea’s higher education system is renowned for its rigorous academic standards, innovative research opportunities, and commitment to fostering global perspectives.
Korean universities typically offer a range of support services for international students, including orientation programs, language courses, counseling services, and cultural activities. These services are designed to help you succeed academically and personally during your time in Korea.
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Why Study in Korea?
Seoul is known for its Michelin-recommended restaurants, street food, meat lovers, and desserts like shaved ice cream and bingsu. Seoul is one of the safest big cities in the world, with a low crime rate and a high quality of life.
Students can leave their belongings in the streets and enjoy convenience stores and fast delivery services. Students can also enjoy a high quality of life by enjoying a picnic and ordering fried chicken beside the Han River. Korean universities also have lower tuition and living costs compared to the United States or Australia.
Korea has some of the best universities in Asia and the world, with five of them ranked among the top 20 Asian universities by QS.
The average annual tuition fee for a university program in Korea is about 6.8 million KRW (about 5,800 USD), which is lower than the fees in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. The cost of living in Korea is also reasonable, with an average monthly expense of about 1.5 million KRW (about 1,300 USD) for a student.
Popular Courses in Korea
Below is a list of popular courses offered in Korea:
- Engineering and Technology
- Business Administration
- Languages
- Music
- Arts and Humanities
- Education
- Law
- Medicine
- Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences
Criteria Used for Selecting the Best Universities in Korea for International Students
1. Academic Excellence
2. Program Diversity
3. Language Options: Language of instruction played a pivotal role, especially for non-Korean-speaking students. Universities offering a substantial number of programs in English or providing strong language support were highlighted.
4. International Student Support Services: The availability and quality of support services tailored to international students, including visa assistance, orientation programs, and academic counseling, were integral to the evaluation process.
5. Research Opportunities: For those interested in research, we assessed the presence of research centers, labs, and opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in research projects.
6. Employability and Alumni Success: The employability of graduates and the achievements of alumni were considered indicators of a university’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers.
List of the Best Universities in Korea for International Students
Below is a list of the best universities in Korea for international students:
- Seoul National University
- Yonsei University
- KAIST
- Sungkyunkwan University
- Korea University
- Hanyang University
- Kyung Hee University
- Pohang University of Science and Technology
- Kyungpook National University
- Chung-Ang University
- Pusan National University
- Ewha Womans University
- Inha University
- Konkuk University
- Chungnam National University
- Sejong University
- Ajou University
- Sogang University
- Kangwon National University
- Dankook University
- Dongguk University
- Yeungnam University
- Chonnam National University
- Pukyong National University
- Chungbuk National University.
25 Best Universities in Korea for International Students
1. Seoul National University
- Founded: 1946
- Location: Gwanak District, Seoul, South Korea
- Ranking: 2023 QS World University Rankings (#36)
- Accreditation: Ministry of Education of South Korea
- Financial aid: SNU offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Courses: SNU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including the arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, medicine, and business.
Seoul National University (SNU) is a national research university located in Seoul, South Korea. It is the highest-ranked university in South Korea and one of the most prestigious universities in Asia.
Here are some additional information about SNU:
- SNU has over 27,000 students, including over 2,000 international students.
- SNU has 15 colleges and 12 professional graduate schools.
- SNU has a strong research focus and is home to some of the leading research institutes in South Korea.
2. Yonsei University
- Founded: 1885
- Location: Seoul, South Korea
- Ranking: QS World University Rankings 2023 (115th)
- Accreditation: Ministry of Education of South Korea
- Financial aid: Yonsei University offers a variety of financial aid programs for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Courses: Yonsei University offers a wide range of courses in a variety of fields, including business, engineering, medicine, law, and the humanities.
Yonsei University is a private research university in Seoul, South Korea. It is one of the three most prestigious universities in South Korea, along with Seoul National University and Korea University.
3. KAIST
- Founded: 1971
- Location: Daejeon, South Korea
- Ranking: QS World University Rankings (105th)
- Accreditation: KAIST is accredited by the Ministry of Education of South Korea.
- Financial aid: KAIST offers a variety of financial aid options to students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Courses: KAIST offers a wide range of courses in engineering, science, technology, and the humanities.
KAIST is a research university located in Daejeon, South Korea.
Here are some additional information about KAIST:
- The university has over 15,000 students and 2,000 faculty members.
- KAIST is a member of the Global Alliance of Leading Universities (GALA).
- The university has a strong focus on research and innovation.
4. Sungkyunkwan University
- Founded: 1398
- Location: Seoul and Suwon, South Korea
- Ranking: 170th in the world (THE World University Rankings 2023)
- Accreditation: Ministry of Education of South Korea
- Financial aid: SKKU offers a variety of financial aid programs for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Courses: SKKU offers a wide range of courses in a variety of disciplines, including engineering, business, medicine, humanities, and social sciences.
SKKU is a private research university in Seoul and Suwon, South Korea. It was founded in 1398, making it the oldest university in South Korea.
Here are some additional details about SKKU:
- The university has two campuses: the Humanities and Social Sciences Campus in Seoul and the Natural Sciences Campus in Suwon.
- SKKU has over 30,000 students, including about 1,500 international students.
- The university has a strong research focus and is home to over 100 research institutes.
- SKKU is a member of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU).
5. Korea University
- Founded: 1905
- Location: Seoul, South Korea
- Ranking: QS World University Rankings 2023 (301-350)
- Accreditation: Ministry of Education of South Korea
- Financial aid: Korea University offers a variety of financial aid programs for both domestic and international students.
- Courses: Korea University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, sciences, engineering, business, law, medicine, and other fields.
Korea University is a private research university located in Seoul, South Korea.
It was founded in 1905 and is one of the SKY Universities, a popular acronym referring to Korea’s three most prestigious universities.
6. Hanyang University
- Founded: 1939
- Location: Seoul and Ansan, South Korea
- Ranking: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 (401-500)
- Accreditation: Ministry of Education of South Korea
- Financial aid: Hanyang University offers a variety of financial aid programs for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Courses: Hanyang University offers a wide range of courses in a variety of fields, including engineering, business, medicine, law, and the arts.
7. Kyung Hee University
- Founded: 1949
- Location: Seoul and Suwon, South Korea
- Ranking: 42nd in the world in the 2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings
- Accreditation: Kyung Hee University is accredited by the Ministry of Education of South Korea.
- Financial aid: Kyung Hee University offers a variety of financial aid options for international students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Courses: Kyung Hee University offers a wide range of courses in a variety of fields, including business, engineering, medicine, law, and the arts.
Kyung Hee University is a private research university in South Korea with campuses in Seoul and Suwon. It was founded in 1949 and is widely regarded as one of the best universities in South Korea.
8. Pohang University of Science and Technology
- Founded: 1986
- Location: Pohang, South Korea
- Ranking: QS World University Rankings 2023 (71st)
- Accreditation: Ministry of Education of South Korea
- Financial aid: POSTECH offers a variety of financial aid programs for both domestic and international students.
- Courses: POSTECH offers undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, science, and the humanities.
POSTECH is a private research university in Pohang, South Korea. It was founded in 1986 by POSCO, a steel company.
9. Kyungpook National University
- Founded: 1946
- Location: Sangju.
- Ranking: KNU is ranked 101-150 in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
- Accreditation: KNU is accredited by the Ministry of Education of South Korea.
- Financial aid: KNU offers a variety of financial aid options for international students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Courses: KNU offers a wide range of courses in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and law.
Kyungpook National University (KNU) is a public research university located in Daegu, South Korea.
10. Chung-Ang University
- Founded: 1918
- Location: Seoul, South Korea
- Ranking: QS World University Rankings (494)
- Accreditation: Ministry of Education of South Korea
- Financial aid: Chung-Ang University offers a variety of financial aid programs for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Courses: Chung-Ang University offers a wide range of courses in the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and medicine.
Chung-Ang University is a private research university in Seoul, South Korea. Chung-Ang University is known for its strong programs in the arts and humanities, as well as its pharmacy school.
11. Pusan National University
- Founded: 1946
- Location: Busan, South Korea
- Ranking: Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU); 401
- Accreditation: Ministry of Education of South Korea
- Financial aid: Scholarships for international students are available.
- Courses: PNU offers a wide range of courses in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and art.
Pusan National University (PNU) is a national university located in Busan, South Korea. It is one of the ten Flagship Korean National Universities in South Korea and the second-highest public university in South Korea.
12. Ewha Womans University
- Founded: 1886
- Location: Seoul, South Korea.
- Ranking: Ewha Womans University is ranked 121st in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023.
- Accreditation: Ewha Womans University is accredited by the Ministry of Education of South Korea.
- Financial aid: Ewha Womans University offers a variety of financial aid programs to students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Courses: Ewha Womans University offers a wide range of courses, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Some of the popular courses offered at Ewha Womans University include business, law, medicine, engineering, and education.
Ewha Womans University is a private research university for women located in Seoul, South Korea. It is the largest female university in the world and one of the highest-ranked universities in South Korea.
13. Inha University
- Founded: 1946
- Location: Incheon, South Korea
- Ranking: QS World University Rankings 2024 (691-700)
- Accreditation: Ministry of Education of South Korea.
- Financial aid: Inha University offers a variety of financial aid programs for both domestic and international students.
- Courses: Inha University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including engineering, business, medicine, and the arts.
Inha University is a private research university located in Incheon, South Korea. It was founded in 1946 and is one of the leading universities in the country.
14. Konkuk University
- Founded: 1946
- Location: Seoul, South Korea
- Ranking: QS World University Rankings 2023 (701-750)
- Accreditation: Korean Ministry of Education.
- Courses: The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including arts and humanities, business, engineering, law, medicine, and social sciences
Konkuk University is a private university in Seoul, South Korea. It was founded in 1946 and has over 30,000 students.
15. Chungnam National University
- Founded: 1952
- Location: Daejeon, South Korea
- Ranking: 701 in QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
- Accreditation: National Commission for the Evaluation of Educational Assessment
- Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs are available to students who qualify.
- Courses: CNU offers a wide range of courses in the arts, sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences, and medicine.
Chungnam National University (CNU) is a public university located in Daejeon, South Korea. It was founded in 1952 and is one of the ten Flagship Korean National Universities.
16. Sejong University
- Founded: 1940
- Location: Seoul, South Korea
- Ranking: 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings (801-1000)
- Accreditation: Ministry of Education of South Korea
- Financial aid: Sejong University offers a variety of financial aid options for international students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Courses: Sejong University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including business, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.
Sejong University is a private university located in Seoul, South Korea. It was founded in 1940 and is known for its standing in hospitality and tourism management, dancing, animation, and rhythmic gymnastics.
17. Ajou University
- Founded: 1973
- Location: Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
- Ranking: Times Higher Education World University Rankings; 701-800 (2023)
- Accreditation: Ministry of Education of South Korea
- Financial aid: Ajou University offers a variety of financial aid programs for international students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Courses: Ajou University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including engineering, medicine, business, and the humanities.
Ajou University is a private research university located in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It was founded in 1973 by Park Changwon.
18. Sogang University
- Founded: 1960
- Location: Seoul, South Korea
- Ranking: US News & World Report Best Global Universities; 601-650 (2023)
- Accreditation: Ministry of Education of South Korea.
- Financial aid: Scholarships, Loans, and grants available for international students.
Sogang University is a private research university in Seoul, South Korea. Sogang University is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International and the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
19. Kangwon National University
- Founded: 1947
- Location: Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, South Korea
- Ranking: Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU); 801
- Accreditation: Association of University Leaders for Internationalization (AIU)
- Financial aid: KNU offers a variety of financial aid opportunities for international students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Courses: KNU offers a wide range of courses in the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and medicine.
Kangwon National University (KNU) is a public university located in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, South Korea. It was founded in 1947 as Kangwon Provincial Chuncheon Agricultural College and became a comprehensive university in 1978. KNU is one of the 10 Flagship Korean National Universities.
20. Dankook University
- Founded: 1947
- Location: Yongin and Cheonan, South Korea
- Ranking: QS World University Rankings 2023 (751-800)
- Accreditation: Ministry of Education of South Korea.
- Financial aid: Dankook University offers a variety of financial aid options for international students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Courses: Dankook University offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including business, engineering, medicine, and humanities.
Dankook University is a private research university in Yongin and Cheonan, South Korea. The university is known for its strong engineering programs and its research in the fields of biotechnology and robotics.
21. Dongguk University
- Founded: 1906
- Location: Seoul, South Korea
- Ranking: QS World University Rankings 2023 (801-1000)
- Accreditation: Ministry of Education of South Korea.
Dongguk University is a private university in Seoul, South Korea. It was founded in 1906 and is one of the oldest universities in the country.
22. Yeungnam University
- Founded: 1967
- Location: Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang, South Korea
- Tuition fee: Undergraduate (1,500 – 8,000 USD per semester)
- Ranking: 754th in the world (CWUR 2022-2023)
- Accreditation: Ministry of Education of South Korea
Courses
Yeungnam University offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including:
- Arts and humanities
- Business
- Engineering
- Law
- Medicine
- Natural sciences
- Social sciences
Yeungnam University is a private research university located in Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang, South Korea. It was founded in 1967 and has over 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
23. Chonnam National University
- Founded: 1952
- Location: Gwangju, South Korea
- Ranking: QS World University Rankings 2023 (851-900)
- Accreditation: Ministry of Education of South Korea
- Financial aid: CNU offers a variety of financial aid programs for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
Courses
CNU offers a wide range of courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including:
- Agriculture
- Arts and Humanities
- Business
- Engineering
- Law
- Medicine
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
Chonnam National University (CNU) is a public research university located in Gwangju, South Korea. It is one of the top national universities in South Korea and is known for its research in agricultural studies, life sciences, computer sciences, robotics, engineering, and medical sciences.
24. Pukyong National University
- Founded: 1946
- Location: Busan, South Korea
- Ranking: QS World University Rankings 2023 (801-1000)
- Accreditation: Ministry of Education of South Korea
- Financial aid: PKNU offers a variety of financial aid programs for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
Courses
PKNU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including:
- Engineering
- Business
- Humanities
- Social sciences
- Natural sciences
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Education
- Law
- Public administration
Pukyong National University (PKNU) is a public research university located in Busan, South Korea. It was founded in 1946 and is one of the largest universities in South Korea.
25. Chungbuk National University
- Founded: 1951
- Location: Cheongju, South Korea
- Ranking: Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University; 701 (2023)
- Accreditation: Ministry of Education of South Korea and CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation)
Chungbuk National University (CBNU) is a public university located in Cheongju, South Korea. It was founded in 1951 and is one of the ten Flagship Korean National Universities.
FAQs on the 25 Best Universities in Korea for International Students
Are there scholarships available for international students in Korean universities?
Yes, many Korean universities offer scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships can cover tuition, living expenses, and even research opportunities. Check with individual universities for details on their scholarship programs.
What are the language requirements for studying in Korea?
While some programs are offered in English, others may require proficiency in Korean.
How do I apply for a student visa in Korea?
To study in Korea, you'll typically need a D-2 student visa. You can apply for this visa at the nearest Korean embassy or consulate in your home country. Make sure to check the specific requirements and application process for your country.
What is the cost of living for international students in Korea?
The cost of living varies depending on the city and your lifestyle. On average, you can expect to spend around $800 to $1,200 per month on accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses.
How can I adapt to Korean culture and lifestyle as an international student?
Korean universities often offer cultural integration programs to help international students adapt.
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Conclusion
Choosing the right university depends on your academic goals, program of interest, location preferences, and other personal factors.
Research each university’s offerings, visit their websites, and consider factors like location, language of instruction, and available scholarships to make an informed decision.
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