Study in Korea: A Guide for International Students
Thinking about studying in Korea? This is a plain-English overview of how it actually works in 2026 — the degree and language-school paths, what applications and scholarships look like, rough costs, and the student visa. We point you to official sources for the details that change every year, and we don't promise admission or pretend any one school is best for you.
The two main paths into Korea
Most international students take one of two routes. Knowing which one you're on shapes everything else — the school you apply to, the visa, and whether you need Korean.
- Degree path (university). A bachelor's, master's, or PhD at a Korean university. You usually need TOPIK Level 3+ for Korean-taught programs, or no TOPIK for English-taught ones. The visa is normally the D-2.
- Language path (어학당 / university language institute). Intensive Korean study, often as a stepping stone to a degree later. Typically the D-4 visa. No TOPIK required to enroll.
A realistic step-by-step
- Pick your path and language of study. Decide between an English-taught degree, a Korean-taught degree, or a language program first.
- Shortlist schools. Use the official Study in Korea portal and individual university international-office pages.
- Check the language requirement. Korean-taught degrees commonly ask for TOPIK Level 3+; English-taught ones may ask for IELTS/TOEFL instead.
- Prepare documents. Transcripts, diplomas, language scores, financial proof, and often a study plan and recommendation letters.
- Apply within the admission window. Spring intake (March) and Fall intake (September) are the two main cycles, with deadlines months earlier.
- Consider scholarships. The government-run Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) and university scholarships can change the math significantly.
- Receive your Certificate of Admission (CoA). The university issues this once you're accepted; it's central to the visa.
- Apply for the student visa. Usually D-2 for degrees (D-4 for language-only) at a Korean embassy or consulate, with proof of finances.
- Plan your budget and housing. Tuition, living costs, insurance, and a deposit for a dormitory or apartment.
- Build basic Korean before you arrive. Even for English-taught programs, survival Korean makes daily life far easier.
What it tends to cost
Numbers move with exchange rates, the university, and the city, so treat these as rough ranges and confirm on official pages. National/public university tuition is 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 top end. Monthly living costs in Seoul are often cited near 800,000–1,200,000 KRW, and lower in cities like Busan, Daejeon, or Daegu. See our cost of studying in Korea breakdown.
Want a head start on Korean before you go? You can book a 1-on-1 trial lesson with a Korean tutor on italki.
Prep your Korean with a tutor on italkiFrequently asked questions
Can I study in Korea without knowing Korean?
Yes, for some programs. Many universities offer English-taught bachelor's and master's degrees, especially in business, engineering, and international studies, that require no TOPIK score. Korean-taught programs typically require TOPIK Level 3 or higher. Requirements vary by school and year.
What is TOPIK and do I need it?
TOPIK is the Test of Proficiency in Korean. Korean-taught degree programs usually require TOPIK Level 3+ for admission and Level 4+ for graduation, while English-taught programs may not require it. Confirm with the specific university.
Is there a scholarship for international students?
Yes. The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), run by the Korean government through NIIED, is a fully funded option covering tuition, a monthly allowance, airfare, and a year of Korean language training. Many universities also offer their own scholarships.
How much does it cost?
Public university tuition is often cited around 2,000,000–5,000,000 KRW per semester and private 4,000,000–8,000,000 KRW, with Seoul living costs commonly near 800,000–1,200,000 KRW per month. Figures vary — verify with official sources.
What visa do I need?
Full-time students generally apply for the D-2 student visa using a Certificate of Admission, plus proof of finances. Language-school-only students often use a D-4 visa. Requirements vary by nationality and embassy.
Last reviewed June 2026.