Do you want to study in South Korea? With over 370 educational institutions, South Korea is an interesting place for international students to study abroad. Most of the overseas students want to live in Seoul Korea as Seoul is Korea’s capital city and one of the largest and best places to study and live in Korea.
South Korea is an ideal destination for aspiring students including those from Bangladesh looking to study abroad with its impressive range of universities and programs. If you want to take your higher education master’s degree from a top-rank university, then studying in South Korea will be your career-secured decision.
Contents
- 1 Interesting Facts About South Korea
- 2 Why Study in South Korea?
- 3 Popular Universities in South Korea
- 4 What are the Requirements for Studying in South Korea?
- 5 How Much Does It Cost to Study in South Korea?
- 6 How to Apply to the Universities in South Korea?
- 7 Final Words
- 8 FAQ
- 8.1 How much does it cost to study in South Korea?
- 8.2 Does South Korea accept IELTS?
- 8.3 How much does it cost to study in South Korea from Bangladesh?
- 8.4 How much bank balance is required for a South Korean student visa?
- 8.5 Is it difficult to get a Korean student visa?
- 8.6 How much GPA is required to study in Korea?
- 8.7 How much can a student earn in South Korea?
Interesting Facts About South Korea
South Korea, officially called The Republic of Korea, is an independent state in East Asia, covering the southern part of Korea. The country is fenced in by the Yellow Sea and the Sea of Japan, the closest neighboring countries are China, North Korea, Taiwan, and Japan.
- Writing someone’s name in red ink in South Korea means that the person is dead or will die soon.
- In 1999, South Korea made a law that said all online shopping and banking must use Internet Explorer. This rule is still in effect, so they might miss out on many deals.
- At South Korean weddings, people usually wear red clothes, which symbolize good luck.
- When taking a photo, South Koreans say “kimchi” instead of “cheese.”
Why Study in South Korea?
South Korea is an East Asian country. From top-ranked engineering schools to innovative business programs, South Korean universities offer various options for master’s degrees. Moreover, the country’s vibrant culture and friendly people make it an excellent place to live and study for international students. Let’s explore the benefits of studying in South Korea.
- For students from developing countries looking to study abroad, South Korea should be at the top of their list.
- One of the most significant advantages of studying in South Korea is affordable tuition fees. The cost of education in South Korea is substantially cheaper than that of other countries such as the USA, UK, or Australia, making it an attractive destination for international students.
- Moreover, scholarships are available for international students who meet specific requirements.
- Another reason why studying in South Korea is a good idea is because of its excellent education system.
- According to QS World University Rankings, nine Korean universities rank among the top 200 globally.
- Students also have access to modern facilities and state-of-the-art technology that make learning more comfortable in South Korea.
Popular Universities in South Korea
According to the QSWUR, many universities in South Korea have ranked at the top. Here is a list of top-ranked universities in South Korea.
- Seoul National University
- KAIST – Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology
- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
- Korea University
- Sungkyunkwan University
| University | QS World Ranking 2025 |
| Seoul National University | 31st |
| Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology | 53rd |
| Pohang University of Science and Technology | 98th |
| Korea University | 67th |
| Sungkyunkwan University | 123rd |
Seoul National University
Seoul National University, the first national university in South Korea, was founded in 1946. Seoul National University is one of the three prestigious SKY universities and provides research-led education to around 28,378 students from undergraduate to PhD level. According to data collected by the Korean Educational Development Institute, Seoul National University spends more on its students per capita than any other Korean university with more than 10,000 students.
KAIST – Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology
KAIST is a public research university, situated in Daejeon. With a current student population of just over 10,000, KAIST was established as the nation’s first research-led science and engineering institution. The majority of programs at KAIST are within STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, and the university ranks among the world’s top 100 universities in 13 subjects.
Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
Pohang University of Science and Technology is another university offering a science and technology-focused curriculum. POSTECH is a private research university with a vast 378-acre smart campus, located 20 minutes’ drive from downtown Pohang.
It includes not only all the usual facilities – student accommodation, student cafes, and so on but also a digital library, a sports multiplex, beautiful gardens and water features, a sculpture park, and a pub called the Log Cabin, which, true to its name, is built entirely from logs. There are also the infamous “78 stairs of horror”, which must be climbed to get from the dormitories to the lecture rooms. It is one of the best universities to study in South Korea.
Korea University
The third private research institution included in the SKY is Korea University has a long-held rivalry with Yonsei University which is reflected in the many competitive sporting events. Korea University currently has a student body of around 37,000, and, of its faculty of 1,700, over 95 percent hold a PhD or equivalent field.
Sungkyunkwan University
Sungkyunkwan University is another private institution that has two main campuses, a Humanities and Social Sciences campus in Seoul and a Natural Sciences campus further south in Suwon. The university has a long history dating back to its founding in 1398 by the Joseon Dynasty, and today has around 34,700 international students enrolled.
What are the Requirements for Studying in South Korea?
South Korea is famous for its technology, entertainment, and media. It’s a great place to be creative and come up with new ideas. It also has a long and interesting political history, which makes it a fascinating place for people who love studying society and history. Are you eligible to study in South Korea? Let’s explore the requirements for studying in South Korea.
Take Preparation Courses
These courses help students get ready before starting their Master’s degree or other advanced programs. You can try pre-M.B.A., pre-law, pre-medicine programs, or any other preparation courses to help you get into the degree program you want to study in South Korea.
Improve Your English with Prep Courses
If you’re going to study in South Korea, you need to show that your English is good enough for classes and lectures. These courses will also help you prepare for the English tests that universities require.
English Tests
To study in South Korea, you need to prove your English skills with a certificate. The accepted certificates are:
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
Documents Required to Study in South Korea
If you want to study for a Master’s degree at a university in South Korea, you need to gather the right documents to show you meet the university’s requirements. Here are the documents required to study in South Korea.
- Birth certificate
- Recent photos
- Your passport or national identity card
- One or more reference letters from past employers or teachers
- Copies of past diplomas or certificates, including your graduated Bachelor’s degree
- Academic transcripts
- Letter of intent
- Curriculum Vitae
- Some form of proof that you can support your stay in the country during your studies.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in South Korea?
South Korea has lower tuition costs compared to the US, the UK, and other Western countries. International students pay the same fees as local students and can apply for scholarships to help with costs. Here is a breakdown of the cost to study in South Korea.
- At public universities, the average tuition fee for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses is $4,350 per semester.
- At private universities, the average tuition fee for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses is $5,800 per semester.
Living Expenses in South Korea
South Korea can be expensive for students, with average living costs of $900–$1,400 per month. However, there are many ways to save money and budget while you’re there. Here is a breakdown of living expenses in South Korea:
- Accommodation (university dormitory): $600–$1,400 per semester
- Accommodation (private rent): $300–$400 per month plus a security deposit ($3,000–$5,000)
- Food and groceries: $300–$500 per month
- Medical insurance: $20 per month
- Monthly transport pass (train, metro, bus): $40
- 3-course meal for 2 at a midrange restaurant: $34
- Milk: $2.10
- Loaf of bread: $2.45
- Cappuccino: $3.80
How to Apply to the Universities in South Korea?
South Korea is a popular choice for students from around the world, including Bangladesh, who want to continue their education. If you are a study abroad aspirant and want to study in South Korea, here are some things to follow while applying for a university in South Korea:
- Research the universities: Look into the universities in South Korea that offer courses that match your interests and career goals. You can also talk to former or current students to get a better idea of what studying there is like.
- Meet the requirements: Make sure you meet all the requirements to study in South Korea. This includes having a valid passport, a student visa, and possibly passing an English test like IELTS or TOEFL if needed.
- Tuition fees: Make sure you have enough money to pay for your tuition and living expenses. In South Korea, international students pay the same fees as local students.
- Look for scholarships and financial aid: There are many scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs available for international students. Research these options and apply them early to improve your chances of getting support.
- Prepare for accommodation: Check out different housing options, such as on-campus dorms or off-campus apartments. Learn about their costs and how to apply. Make arrangements early so you have a comfortable place to stay when you arrive.
Intakes and Application Deadline in South Korea
The deadlines for applying to a Master’s in South Korea are usually in the summer (June-July) or winter (January-February). Some universities don’t have specific deadlines, so you can apply whenever you’re ready. To avoid delays or missed deadlines, send your required documents well in advance.
Final Words
These days, South Korea is very popular with international students—and for good reason! If you want to study at a university in South Korea, you’ll find many options that focus on research and technology. Plus, living and studying in South Korea is affordable for most people. So, studying in South Korea means you’ll enjoy beautiful surroundings, make interesting friends, and get great value for your money. To get more information about studying in South Korea, stay tuned to abroaddiggers.
FAQ
How much does it cost to study in South Korea?
Ans: At public universities, the average tuition fee in South Korea for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses is $4,350 per semester.
Does South Korea accept IELTS?
Ans: To study in South Korea in English, you need to take the TOEFL or IELTS test. Here are the minimum scores you need: for undergraduate and master’s programs: TOEFL 71 or IELTS 5.5. For PhD programs: TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6.
How much does it cost to study in South Korea from Bangladesh?
Ans: To study in South Korea from Bangladesh, you can spend between 4 to 20 lakhs each year, depending on your subject, college choice, and grades. However, the average cost is about 11 lakhs per year.
How much bank balance is required for a South Korean student visa?
Ans: For BA, MA, and PhD students: You need to provide your bank statements for the last 6 months, showing at least $15,000 (about £9,500) if you are studying at universities in the national capital region. If you are studying at universities in other areas, you need at least $13,000 (about £8,200).
Is it difficult to get a Korean student visa?
Ans: The process is not hard, but it’s important to have all the necessary documents. Your university can help you with the visa process, so check with your international office to find out what to do next after you have been accepted.
How much GPA is required to study in Korea?
Ans: To study in South Korea, you’ll need a GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0 is generally considered good enough for admission to many universities, including Korea University.
How much can a student earn in South Korea?
Ans: You’ll get many part-time and full-time jobs to study in South Korea. The estimated total pay for a graduate student in South Korea is about ₩1,283,333 per month, with an average salary of ₩1,200,000 per month.
