South Korea is rapidly becoming one of Asia’s most popular study destinations, combining world-class universities (KAIST #47 QS, Seoul National University #41) with the global appeal of K-culture, some of the world’s fastest internet, and affordable costs. The Korean Government Scholarship (GKS/KGSP) is one of the world’s most generous, covering full tuition, KRW 900,000/month living allowance, airfare, and Korean language training.
Why Study in South Korea? Key Facts for 2026
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | KRW 3,000,000–7,000,000/year (~$2,200–5,200) |
| Living Costs | KRW 800,000–1,200,000/month (~$600–900) |
| Student Visa | D-2 Student Visa |
| Language | Korean TOPIK II (+ growing English programs) |
| Academic Year | September/October start (some: February/March) |
Source: OECD Education at a Glance 2024, official government immigration websites, QS World University Rankings 2026. Last updated: February 2026.
What Are the Top Universities in South Korea?
| University | Best For | Global Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| KAIST | Engineering, Sciences, IT, Business | #47 QS |
| Seoul National University | Medicine, Law, Sciences, Business | #41 QS |
| Yonsei University | Medicine, Business, Liberal Arts | #56 QS |
| Korea University | Business, Law, Engineering | #74 QS |
| POSTECH | Engineering, Sciences | #146 QS |
What Scholarships Are Available in South Korea?
| Scholarship | Details |
|---|---|
| GKS (KGSP) Scholarship | Full tuition + KRW 900,000/month + Korean language + airfare |
| Korean University Scholarships | 50–100% tuition waiver; merit-based |
| Bilateral Exchange Scholarships | Country-specific; through Korean embassies |
| POSCO TJ Park Foundation | For Asian students in STEM |
How Do You Apply to Universities in South Korea?
- 1. Apply for GKS scholarship (March deadline for embassy track; September for university track)
- 2. Take TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) if required, or prepare English test
- 3. Apply directly to universities via their international offices or Global University Admissions platform
- 4. Receive acceptance letter and prepare D-2 visa documents
- 5. Apply for D-2 student visa at Korean embassy/consulate (2–4 weeks processing)
- 6. Complete pre-arrival Korean language program if GKS recipient
- 7. Register at university, get Alien Registration Card (ARC) at immigration office
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GKS (Korean Government Scholarship)?
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), also called KGSP, is Korea’s most prestigious scholarship for international students. Benefits: full tuition waiver, KRW 900,000/month living stipend (master’s/doctoral), 1-year Korean language training, airfare, health insurance, and settlement allowance. Two application tracks: embassy (March) and university (September).
Do I need to speak Korean to study in South Korea?
For most undergraduate programs, Korean TOPIK Level 3 or higher is required. Master’s and doctoral programs increasingly offer English-medium instruction (EMI), particularly in STEM fields at KAIST, POSTECH, and the SKY universities (Seoul National, Yonsei, Korea). GKS recipients receive 1 year of intensive Korean language training before beginning their academic program.
How affordable is South Korea for international students?
South Korea is notably affordable compared to Western study destinations. Tuition: KRW 3,000,000–7,000,000/year ($2,200–5,200). Monthly living costs: KRW 800,000–1,200,000 ($600–900) including rent, food, and transport. Seoul is more expensive than other cities (Busan, Daejeon, Pohang). A student can live comfortably on $800–1,000/month total.
What is the student visa for South Korea?
The D-2 visa is for regular academic study (undergraduate, graduate). Required: university acceptance letter, financial proof, valid passport, application form, fee. A D-4 visa is for language study programs. Processing takes 2–4 weeks at Korean embassies. Visa holders can apply for a D-10 job-seeker visa after graduation (6 months to find employment).
What are the SKY universities in South Korea?
SKY is an acronym for Seoul National University (서울대학교), Yonsei University (연세대학교), and Korea University (고려대학교) – South Korea’s three most prestigious universities, equivalent in status to the Ivy League in the USA. All three are in Seoul and dominate Korean graduate hiring at Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and top law firms.
What is it like to live in Seoul as an international student?
Seoul is one of the world’s most exciting cities – ultra-modern, safe, with world-class transport (T-money card), food (K-food), entertainment, and nightlife. Internet speeds are the world’s fastest (average 290 Mbps). Cost of living is moderate by global standards. English is increasingly widely spoken. The K-hallyu (Korean Wave) culture – K-pop, K-drama, Korean beauty – makes Seoul genuinely exciting for many international students.
Information on this page is compiled from official government immigration sources, OECD data, and university websites. Last verified: February 2026.