South KoreaFully funded
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
Korean government scholarship covering tuition, living allowance, language training and airfare.
Asia · Study Destination New
Study in South Korea
Study where tomorrow’s technology is built
Overview
Why study in South Korea?
Home to global brands in technology, automotive and entertainment, South Korea pairs high-quality education with a vibrant student life. Universities offer English-taught degrees, Korean language pathways and the fully funded Global Korea Scholarship (GKS).
- Globally ranked universities with strong industry links
- Fully funded Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for international students
- Korean language programmes as a pathway into degree study
- Part-time work allowed for eligible students
Student life
Fast, high-tech and safe, with excellent public transport, affordable student dormitories and a lively campus culture.
Popular student cities
Popular courses
Costs
What it costs to study in South Korea
Tuition fees
Approx. USD 4,000 – 10,000 per year
Living costs
Approx. KRW 800,000 – 1,200,000 per month
Also budget for visa fees, health insurance, flights, accommodation deposits and your first month’s expenses. Your counsellor will prepare a full cost breakdown for your chosen university.
Requirements
Admission requirements
Academic
- Bachelor’s: Intermediate / FSc / A-Levels
- Master’s: recognised bachelor’s degree
- GKS: minimum CGPA requirements and recommendation letters
English / language
IELTS / TOEFL for English-taught programmes; TOPIK level 3–4 or higher for Korean-taught programmes.
Documents for your application
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Valid passport
- English test result or accepted alternative
- Statement of purpose / motivation letter
- Updated CV
- Reference letters (programme dependent)
Student Visa
The South Korea student visa process
D-2 (degree) or D-4 (language training) visa
- 1
Receive your admission letter and certificate of admission
- 2
Prepare financial documents to meet the embassy requirement
- 3
Apply for a D-2 (degree) or D-4 (language) visa at the Korean Embassy
- 4
Travel to Korea
- 5
Apply for your Alien Registration Card within 90 days
Typical visa documents
- Passport
- Visa application form and photo
- Certificate of admission
- Bank statement / financial guarantee
- Academic certificates (apostilled/attested)
- Tuberculosis test result where required
Work & Stay
Working during and after your studies
Part-time work while studying
D-2 students can work part-time with permission from immigration, usually around 20 hours per week during term (more during vacations), depending on language level and study stage.
After graduation
Graduates can apply for a D-10 job-seeking visa, then switch to an employment visa (such as E-7) with a job offer.
Universities
Universities in South Korea
Examples of institutions students apply to — your counsellor will build a shortlist that fits your profile.
Hanyang UniversityPrograms on request
Fees, requirements & compareKAISTPrograms on request
Fees, requirements & compareKorea UniversityPrograms on request
Fees, requirements & comparePOSTECHPrograms on request
Fees, requirements & compareSeoul National UniversityPrograms on request
Fees, requirements & compareSungkyunkwan UniversityPrograms on request
Fees, requirements & compareYonsei UniversityPrograms on request
Fees, requirements & compareScholarships
Scholarships for South Korea
FAQs
Studying in South Korea: your questions
What are the intakes for studying in South Korea?
Main intakes are: March (Spring) & September (Fall). We recommend starting your application 6–10 months before your chosen intake.
How much does it cost to study in South Korea?
Typical tuition is Approx. USD 4,000 – 10,000 per year. Living costs: Approx. KRW 800,000 – 1,200,000 per month.
Which student visa do I need for South Korea?
You will need: D-2 (degree) or D-4 (language training) visa. LeadX prepares your complete file and guides you through each step.
Can I work while studying in South Korea?
D-2 students can work part-time with permission from immigration, usually around 20 hours per week during term (more during vacations), depending on language level and study stage.
Can I stay in South Korea after graduation?
Graduates can apply for a D-10 job-seeking visa, then switch to an employment visa (such as E-7) with a job offer.
What English level do I need for South Korea?
IELTS / TOEFL for English-taught programmes; TOPIK level 3–4 or higher for Korean-taught programmes.
Fees, intakes, work rights and visa rules are indicative and change regularly. Your LeadX counsellor will confirm the latest official requirements for your chosen university and programme.
Ready to study in South Korea?
Book a free consultation and get a personalised plan: universities, costs, scholarships and visa steps.
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