Reasons to Study in South Korea

Korea has become one of the most popular destinations for international students studying in Asia over the last ten years. It is appealing, trendy, and offers plenty for newcomers to enjoy and explore. With the growing popularity of K-pop, Korean dramas, and Korean fashion, we are witnessing a ‘Korean Wave,’ a global phenomenon. Aside from pop culture, Korea is a dominant force in the digital technology industry, being one of the most innovative countries with a highly internet-connected society.

Education System: To enter tertiary education at universities and colleges in Korea, students must complete 12 years of schooling, including primary school (6 years), middle school (3 years), and high school (3 years). Like in the United States, universities offer four-year bachelor’s degrees, two-year master’s, and doctoral programs. There are also vocational schools and junior colleges with lower admission requirements.

Internationally Recognized Degree: Many recognize and value South Korean universities globally for providing world-class education. There are several prestigious institutions, most of which are located in Seoul, as it is the capital and also a study hub for students.

Seoul National University (SNU), KAIST, Yonsei, POSTECH, Korea University, and SKKU are among the top 100 universities in the world. They have a global reputation due to high-quality teaching and cutting-edge infrastructure.

With hundreds of educational institutions, South Korea has a diverse academic profile. It includes degrees in various popular fields such as economics, science, technology, management, engineering, finance, fashion, and social science, to name a few.

South Korea is one of the top OECD countries regarding academic achievement and competitiveness. It is also ranked highly in intellectual skills and educational accomplishment indexes.

Affordable Education: Private universities cost more than public universities. Medical and engineering programs are more expensive than humanitarian programs. Newly enrolled students must pay a one-time entrance and enrollment fee at the program’s start. Typically, students pay once or twice a year.

Annual tuition for undergraduates ranges from 4,000 to 20,000 USD, depending on universities and programs, with an average of 11,000 USD. Universities and government agencies primarily provide scholarships. These scholarships prove to be highly beneficial for students.

Living Expenses are cost effective: Because of the relatively low living costs for food, transportation, and lodging, study in Korea is feasible and practical. School canteens serve inexpensive, high-quality meals for a few dollars. Supermarket groceries are not only plentiful but also reasonably priced. If you are a bit generous with your money, a monthly food budget of USD 300 is reasonable.

Large cities such as Seoul and Busan have excellent public transportation systems that are efficient, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly. Public transportation is affordable; if you live in the city where you study, you can get by on a few dollars per day. Internet and mobile service are both fast and inexpensive. Medical insurance for international students is necessary.

Scholarship Opportunities: Many universities offer scholarship opportunities for international students enrolled in their degree programs. These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic achievement. For example, Konkuk University provides scholarships based on your TOPIK score in the first semester of their degree programs.

If you have achieved TOPIK level 3, you will receive a 30% tuition fee scholarship, and the scholarship will increase by 10% for each higher TOPIK level, up to 60% of the tuition fee for TOPIK 6. Students with a GPA between 3 and 4 from the previous semester are eligible for scholarships ranging from 20% to 100% of the tuition fee beginning in the second semester.

Part-time Job Facilities: In addition to tuition, there are numerous fixed and recurring lifestyle expenses. To cover their living expenses, students must work off-campus. As a result, many students attempt to find work to support themselves while studying. As an international student, you can look for a part-time job to help fund your education in South Korea.

If you have the time and a valid D2 study visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week and indefinite hours during holidays. South Korea’s economy is very stable, so there are plenty of job opportunities for college students who want a financially secure future.

Quality of Life: South Korea is one of the friendliest and safest countries for international students. Korea has made significant advances in living conditions over the years. As a result, it is an excellent location for studying, living, traveling, and working.

It is a country worth living in with a high life expectancy, low crime rates, rising per capita income, consistent economic growth, universal healthcare, A-class education, and technological advancement.