How to Apply for University in Korea (for International Students)

A Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Studying in Korea as a Foreigner


1. Why Study in Korea? Is It Worth It?

Korea is home to top-ranked universities, vibrant city life, and a growing international student community.

Benefits include:

  • Globally respected degrees (especially from SKY universities)

  • Affordable tuition compared to the U.S./U.K.

  • Scholarships for foreigners

  • Easy access to Korean culture and job opportunities

📚 Popular schools include Seoul National University (SNU), Yonsei, Korea University, KAIST, and more.

2. General Requirements for International Applicants

Every university may have its own process, but these are common requirements:

  • Completed high school diploma or equivalent

  • Valid passport

  • TOPIK score (Korean language proficiency) or English test (TOEFL/IELTS)

  • Academic transcripts (translated into Korean/English)

  • Letters of recommendation (usually 1–2)

  • Personal statement or study plan

  • Application fee (varies by school)

📝 Some programs are entirely English-taught, while others require TOPIK level 3–6 for Korean-medium courses.

3. Choose the Right University and Program

Types of programs:

  • Undergraduate programs – 4 years, Korean or English

  • Graduate programs – Master’s or PhD

  • Exchange or short-term programs – 1–2 semesters

Use these websites to explore universities:

  • Study in Korea – run by the Korean government

  • University websites (e.g., SNU, Yonsei, Korea U.)

  • QS World University Rankings (for English-friendly universities)

📌 Tip: Look for Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) or school-specific international student scholarships.

4. Application Timeline (Typical Calendar)

Semester Application Opens Semester Starts
Spring (March) September – November March
Fall (September) March – May September

🗓 Always check the school’s website for exact dates and deadlines.

Late applications are rarely accepted.

5. Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Choose your school and program

  2. Prepare all required documents

  3. Apply online via the university’s international portal

  4. Pay the application fee

  5. Wait for the admission result (usually 4–6 weeks)

  6. If accepted, receive your Certificate of Admission (CoA)

  7. Apply for your D-2 student visa at a Korean embassy

✈️ Once your visa is approved, book your flight and prepare to move!

6. Scholarships and Financial Aid

Types of support:

  • GKS (Global Korea Scholarship)

    • Covers tuition, living expenses, flight, and language training

    • Apply through the Korean embassy or directly to the university

  • University-specific scholarships

    • Based on grades, language skills, or financial need

    • Often cover 30% to 100% of tuition

  • Private foundation grants and Korean language scholarships (for TOPIK holders)

💡 Apply for scholarships early—they are competitive and fill up fast.

7. Useful Korean Phrases and Application Tips

  • “입학 지원하고 싶어요.” — I want to apply for admission.

  • “장학금 신청 가능한가요?” — Can I apply for a scholarship?

  • “입학 요강은 어디 있나요?” — Where is the admissions guide?

  • “TOPIK 점수는 필수인가요?” — Is a TOPIK score required?

📱 Use Papago to read application instructions on Korean university websites.

#태그

#StudyInKorea #KoreanUniversityApplication #GKS2025 #KoreaForInternationalStudents #D2VisaGuide #GlobalScholarships

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