Korea Graduate School Application Guide
Applying for a master's or PhD in Korea is a different process from undergraduate admission — research fit, a study plan, and your supervisor often matter as much as grades. This is an honest walkthrough of how graduate applications generally work for international students in 2026. The exact rules, documents, and deadlines are set by each university and change each cycle, so treat the official admission guides as the final word.
Who counts as an international applicant
Definitions vary, but Korean universities commonly treat you as an international graduate applicant if you hold foreign citizenship — often with parents who also hold foreign citizenship — or if you completed your entire education outside Korea. Some schools also verify your prior university through the UNESCO/IAU WHED database, and ask for an embassy-issued certificate if it is not listed. Confirm your status in each university's admission guide before you apply.
What graduate programs typically look for
- A completed degree. A bachelor's for a master's, and usually a master's for a PhD — with the degree finished before enrollment.
- Language proof. TOEFL or IELTS for English-taught programs, or TOPIK for Korean-taught ones. The required test depends on the language of instruction.
- A study plan or research proposal. This often carries real weight — it shows fit with the department and, for research degrees, a potential supervisor.
- Recommendation letters. Usually one to three, from professors or supervisors who know your work.
- Academic record. Transcripts and a competitive GPA; thresholds differ by program.
How to apply, step by step
- Pick programs and check the language of instruction. Decide whether you want an English-taught or Korean-taught program, and shortlist departments that fit your research interests.
- Contact potential supervisors (for research degrees). For many PhD and lab-based master's programs, reaching out to a professor before applying is common and can matter.
- Read each admission guide. Eligibility, documents, and deadlines differ by university and even by department.
- Prepare your documents. Application form, transcripts and degree certificates, study plan or research proposal, recommendation letters, a language score, and your passport.
- Apply online. Most universities collect applications online first; some channel through the official Study in Korea portal.
- Submit before the deadline. Intakes are usually Spring (March) and Fall (September), with windows several months earlier.
- Sit any interview or evaluation. Some departments interview shortlisted applicants, sometimes online.
- Send post-admission documents. Admitted students are often asked for apostilled or authenticated degree documents and originals by a set date.
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Build your Korean with a tutor on italkiFrequently asked questions
Who qualifies as an international applicant for Korean graduate schools?
Universities commonly treat you as an international applicant if you hold foreign citizenship (often with parents who also hold foreign citizenship), or if you completed your entire prior education outside Korea. Exact definitions differ by school, so check each university's admission guide.
Do I need to speak Korean for a master's or PhD in Korea?
It depends on the program. Many graduate programs, especially in science and engineering, are taught in English and accept TOEFL or IELTS. Korean-taught programs typically require a TOPIK score. Always confirm the language of instruction and required test for your specific department.
What documents do Korean graduate schools usually require?
Typical documents include the application form, transcripts and degree certificates, a study plan or research proposal, recommendation letters, a language test score (TOEFL/IELTS or TOPIK), and a copy of your passport. Admitted students are often asked for apostilled or authenticated degree documents afterward.
When are the application deadlines?
Korean universities generally have two intakes: Spring (March) and Fall (September), with application windows several months earlier. Deadlines vary by university and program, so check each department's current admission schedule.
Can I get funding for graduate study in Korea?
Yes. Options include the government's Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), university merit scholarships, and research or teaching assistantships that can include a stipend. Funding varies widely by school and lab; confirm with the department and the official Study in Korea site.
Last reviewed June 2026.