Cost of Studying in Korea
What does it really cost to study in Korea? The honest answer is "it depends" — on whether your university is public or private, which city you live in, and the exchange rate. Below are realistic ranges drawn from commonly cited figures, so you can build a budget. Treat every number as a ballpark and confirm the exact tuition on your university's official page.
Tuition per semester (rough ranges)
| Type | Per semester (commonly cited) |
|---|---|
| National / public university | ~2,000,000–5,000,000 KRW |
| Private university | ~4,000,000–8,000,000 KRW |
| Language institute (per ~10-week term) | ~1,500,000–1,860,000 KRW (Seoul) |
Medical, dental, and engineering programs tend to sit at the top of these ranges. A scholarship like the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) can remove tuition from the equation entirely.
Living costs by location (monthly, rough)
- Seoul: commonly cited near 800,000–1,200,000 KRW per month.
- Busan / Daejeon / Daegu: often lower, around 500,000–800,000 KRW per month.
- Housing is the biggest swing — dormitories are usually cheaper than private rooms, which need a deposit (보증금).
Other costs to budget for
- Health insurance (NHIS): mandatory for students, with a monthly premium commonly cited around 40,000 KRW.
- Transit: a monthly transport budget (a transit pass is often cited near 55,000 KRW).
- Initial setup: one-time costs for bedding, supplies, a phone plan, and a housing deposit.
- Textbooks and fees: course materials and an application or admission fee.
Visa financial proof
For the D-2 student visa, you typically need to show you can support yourself. A commonly cited threshold is bank statements showing around 15,000–20,000 USD (roughly 20,000,000 KRW), though the exact figure depends on your nationality and the embassy. Confirm with the Korean embassy or consulate that handles your application.
Budgeting tip: learning Korean before you arrive can cut early costs and stress. You can book a 1-on-1 tutor on italki.
Prep your Korean with a tutor on italkiFrequently asked questions
How much is tuition per semester?
Public and national universities are commonly cited around 2,000,000–5,000,000 KRW per semester, and private universities around 4,000,000–8,000,000 KRW, with medical and engineering at the higher end. Figures vary — verify on the official tuition page.
What are monthly living costs?
Seoul is commonly cited near 800,000–1,200,000 KRW per month, while Busan, Daejeon, or Daegu are often lower (around 500,000–800,000 KRW). Housing is the biggest variable.
How much money do I need for the visa?
For the D-2 visa, a commonly cited threshold is around 15,000–20,000 USD (about 20,000,000 KRW) in bank statements, but the exact amount depends on your nationality and the embassy.
Is health insurance required?
Yes. International students are generally required to enroll in Korea's National Health Insurance (NHIS), with a monthly premium commonly cited around 40,000 KRW.
Can students work part-time?
Many international students can work part-time with permission from immigration, typically with an hourly cap during the semester and more during vacation. Rules change, so confirm current immigration policy.
Last reviewed June 2026.