South Korea is clearly on international students’ mind: enrollments have increased by 45% over the past two years. This growth is the result of targeted government strategies to attract and retain global talent. What do these strategies look like in practice, and how do they shape the real experience of studying in South Korea?
In this article, we explore:
- What makes South Korea an attractive study destination
- The costs of studying in the country, and how the government supports international students
- What student life looks like and which cultural differences you may experience
- Which visa is required, and how easy is it to work while studying
Here’s what we found.
Why is South Korea an attractive study destination right now?
South Korea is very popular among international students.
In fact, the number of international enrollments reached 300,000 last year as part of the Study Korea 300K Project, a government initiative launched in 2023 to attract 300,000 international students to the country by 2027. This milestone, however, was achieved two years ahead of schedule.
The country’s goal to rank among the top ten destinations for international students worldwide has led to more English-taught programmes, increased government support, and scholarships to help reduce tuition fees. There are also global exchanges between universities and international student networks that encourage collaboration between talented individuals around the world.
Korea is heavily investing in AI, robotics and semiconductors, which means these fields are currently in high demand. Moreover, leading figures in AI are highly optimistic about the country’s future in the field.
For instance, Sam Altman, the founder of ChatGPT, said that
“Korea has all the ingredients to be a global leader in AI: incredible tech talent, world-class infrastructure, strong government support, and a thriving AI ecosystem.”
The country’s efforts to integrate international students go beyond the classroom.
Korea also facilitates employment and long-term settlement. For example, the K-work platform was developed to connect international graduates with job openings at Korean companies through an online matching system.
The government has also streamlined the visa process by introducing fast-track visas for science and technology talents and expanding visa options for those seeking employment, including residency benefits for their spouses.
Who wants to study in South Korea?
The largest numbers of international students in Korea come from China and Vietnam, but students from Nepal, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia also come here to pursue Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees.
The number of students from North America and Europe is also increasing. Beyond affordable tuition, exchange opportunities, and top programmes, many are also motivated by the chance to experience a vibrant, unique, and very different culture.
Asia is already playing a leading role in the global economy, and Korea stands out as an attractive study destination. It is more affordable than Singapore in terms of tuition and cost of living, offers more varied English-taught programmes than Japan, and is attracting international students at a faster rate than China.
The percentage of postgraduates who remain in Korea after completing their studies is twice as high as that of those who return to their home countries.
According to a 2023 Immigration survey conducted by the Ministry of Justice, 63% of international postgraduates stay in Korea after finishing their degree. More than half of those remaining do so for employment opportunities, whilst others opt for advanced degrees in the country.
How much does it cost to study in South Korea?
Tuition fees are affordable compared to Singapore or the US.
The national average tuition for undergraduates is around $4,700 and can increase depending on the program. For Medicine, annual tuition fees can reach $6,700.
To put it in perspective, tuition at universities in Singapore can reach $38,700, while that at American universities can jump over $50,000 per year.
Medicine, Engineering, Arts and Physical Education are the most expensive departments in Korean universities.
Luckily, plenty of scholarships are available through the Global Korean Scholarship Program (GKS), developed to support international students. Also, most universities provide scholarships covering 30-100% of tuition fees based on academic performance.
What is student life like in South Korea?
Student life in South Korea may be very different from what you imagine.
Even though experiencing a completely different culture is a life-changing experience that will make you more adaptable and open-minded, there are still some cultural shocks you might encounter at the beginning. For instance, students are strictly separated by gender in student dorms.
Korea is a very hierarchical society, and this is reflected in its universities as well.
Professors are seen as the highest authority figures, and students usually engage in class only when asked. Korean students are under great pressure to achieve perfect academic results, which can create a very competitive environment, but also a more reserved approach to expressing personal opinions. This may feel like a cultural shock if you’re used to speaking more freely in classrooms.
The hierarchical nature of Korean society is also visible between students of different academic years, with senior students being treated with respect by juniors.
Students can choose to attend international branch campuses, a strong alternative for those concerned about language barriers, teaching style or cultural shock.
Institutions like State University of New York, Ghent University from Belgium and University of Utah from the USA operate in the Incheon Free Economic Zone in Korea, offering fully English-taught programmes, western-style instruction, and the same diploma and curriculum as their home institutions, but at a lower cost.
What visa do you need to study in South Korea?
When applying for a university in South Korea, international students need a visa or a sajeung in Korean, depending on the program they are enrolled in:
- D-2 visa for students enrolled in degree programs (Bachelor’s Degree, Master's, Doctoral, Research and exchange programs)
- D-4 visa for students enrolled in non-degree programs such as training institutions, companies or organizations
The D-2 visa allows students to stay up to 2 years, with possible extensions depending on the program type.
Can you work while studying in South Korea?
A D-2 visa also allows students to work part-time, but there are several restrictions to keep in mind.
- For instance, students must have a certain level of Korean language proficiency and obtain permission from the local immigration office.
- Non-graduate students are allowed to work up to 30 hours per week, while graduate students may work up to 35 hours. There are no restrictions during weekends and vacation periods.
- Students are not eligible for part-time work if they did not graduate on time or if were granted a special permit to remain in Korea to complete their studies.
There is also another type of visa called the D-10 (Job-Seeking visa), which allows graduates to stay in Korea for up to three years to find a job or an internship. Those who obtained or are expected to obtain their diploma can apply to D-10.
- It is also important to note that if a person voluntarily resigns during an employment contract period within the past year, without any fault on the part of the employer, they are not eligible to apply again for D-10 status.
Once a student has obtained their master's degree and secured a job at a Korean company, they can apply for residency. The process is based on a point system, and simply having a job doesn’t guarantee the residency will be granted.
Final thoughts: is it worth studying in South Korea?
There are many rules to consider, but overall, Korea can be an excellent idea if you’re looking for:
- Top engineering and technology programmes
- English-taught degrees at renowned universities
- Access to a world class STEM research opportunities
- Affordable tuition and scholarships opportunities
- A strong economy, ranked 4th in Asia
- A unique cultural experience
Like any other country, not speaking the local language can make integration more challenging. Korean society is extremely hierarchical, which may be a downside for students who prefer a more flexible and informal academic environment.
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