- Population: 51.78 million
- Currency: South Korean won (KRW)
- University Students: 1.94 million
- International Students: 152,000
- English-taught Programs: 700+
Over the last two decades or more, there has been a significant shift in the nature of international student mobility. Asian students used to rush to the West for higher education, but that trend has faded. However, the situation is swiftly changing. As fees rise and post-study employment restrictions become more restrictive, students are becoming more concerned about their return on investment than ever before. Students have a lot to gain by moving to South Korea. You will learn everything you need to know about studying in South Korea as an International student in this post.
The cost of living in Korea is normally lower and the weather is often milder than other countries. It’s a terrific approach to get out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in a completely different culture as the value of global talents and international mind-sets rises. Cost-conscious students flock to this place because of its proximity to India while still allowing them to participate in an international college. It is preferred by South Korean institutions that all students and new applicants apply directly to their respective universities using an online application process.
OVERVIEW STUDY IN KOREA
In the Asian continent, South Korea is the most developed country. Among other countries, it boasts one of the most educated labour forces. Education in South Korea has been praised for a variety of reasons, including its role in guiding the country’s economic development, which has one of the highest percentages of residents with a postsecondary degree. Increasing the number of overseas students studying in South Korea has been a priority for the government in the previous decade, and they have had increasing success luring them to their educational institutions.
National and private universities with state-of-the-art research facilities in various burgeoning scientific domains can be found in Korea at this time. Known as “education fever” because of the country’s emphasis on education, the country is renowned for its emphasis on education.
Education is of high quality
Korean education is widely praised by international students, according to numerous surveys. For South Korea’s rise to 11th-largest economy and 4th-largest economy in Asia, investment in education and research has been a key factor. If you’re thinking about going to a college in South Korea, you have a wide range of options. However, for International students in South Korea, arts, science, and business-related courses are the most gratifying.
Cost Effectiveness
In comparison to Western countries, tuition and living costs are quite low. About $6,500 a year is the average cost of living for a foreign student studying in Korea.
Since 2017, South Korea has seen a surge in the number of Indian students enrolling in its colleges, making it one of the most popular Asian destinations. There are more English-language lectures in graduate programmes than in undergraduate courses. Students have an advantage because just a few universities offer courses taught entirely in English.
UNIVERSITIES IN KOREA
South Korean universities only accept students who have a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences and Engineering or Master’s degree in a humanities topic from a Korean institution in order to work full-time in the country after graduation. Please contact your university’s international office if none of these experiences apply to you, as it may be difficult to get a work placement.
University applications are normally accepted from January through March because the academic year begins in March. For each university’s application dates, students should check if they need extra documents in addition to the ones listed above before applying for admission. Many classes begin in August and September, so keep that in mind while planning your schedule. Top courses to study in South Korea include the humanities and social sciences as well as business and economics studies and engineering and natural sciences.
South Korea’s undergraduate, graduate, and research programmes have been attracting a large number of overseas students. Some universities provide cutting-edge research facilities for a variety of new and growing scientific topics, and there are around 400 national and private institutions in the country.
About 30 percent of lectures at universities geared toward overseas students are given in English. There are more English-language lectures in graduate programmes than in undergraduate programmes. The language of instruction is English at various universities. Taking a Korean language course before the school year begins is an alternative option.
TUITION FEES IN KOREA
There is a wide range in the cost of education depending on the subject of study, for example, the Humanities field of study is more affordable than the medical sector. For undergraduate classes at a public university, you may anticipate to pay between USD $3,000 and USD $7,000 every semester. As a result, International-ranked universities’ annual tuition expenses are projected at USD $9,800
When calculating the cost of studying abroad, this is the most significant factor to take into account. Tuition rates vary depending on the sort of university you attend, whether private or public, as well as the type of study you pick. Medicine, law, and other specialised fields of study are often more expensive than those in the humanities and arts.
Undergraduate Course costs $1,600 to $10,000. Postgraduate Program costs nearly $1,100-$10,000 per year. For an Associate degree, $1,500-$2,600 is charged as tuition fees.
SCHOLARSHIPS IN KOREA
For International students, there are numerous scholarship programmes that can be accessed straight from their university’s website. Scholarships for international students are also frequently available from particular universities, and they can pay up to 100% of tuition costs. International students who learn the Korean language before beginning their degree programme are eligible for considerable scholarships from the Korean government, including complete tuition fees, travel, and a monthly living allowance. Students in the humanities and social sciences receive 2.1 Lakh INR per semester, while those in the scientific and mechanical sciences receive 2.4 Lakhs INR.
For full scholarships and jobs following your studies in Korea, learning the Korean language is a must. Candidates fluent in the Korean language are desired by Korean organisations because their headquarters are located in Korea and they must frequently connect with the Head Office.
Scholarships for International students studying in South Korea are plentiful. In order to expand the number of international students studying in South Korea, the country offers a variety of scholarships to encourage more students to apply.
COST OF LIVING IN KOREA
The cost of living in South Korea, is on the rise. One-room flats start at $300 in other parts of South Korea where university students can find cheap lodging. The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment for a student is approximately $450. There are some basic housing alternatives for international students in South Korea, dorms, one-room flats, and share houses.
If you’re looking for a cheap location to stay, there are plenty of options to choose from. The price of food is a significant contributor to the overall cost of living. Students who shop for their own food at home should budget $30-$70 per week. Additionally, a single lunch at a restaurant might easily cost you between $3 and $20.
Living Costs
When calculating the cost of studying in South Korea, it is important to keep in mind that each and every student will have to pay for basic necessities while they are away from home. Books, food, clothing, insurance, and other incidental expenses are examples of these costs.
One of the most crucial considerations for students applying to study abroad is the cost of living in the nation of their choice. There is a wide range of costs associated with studying, depending on where you go and what type of course you take. Compared to other countries, South Korea’s educational costs are lower for students. If you’re trying to figure out how much it will cost to go to school in South Korea, keep this information in mind while making your calculations.
Accommodations
Most colleges and universities allow international students to live on campus, which is a handy and economical alternative, but acquiring a space can be difficult. It requires a lot of planning ahead of time. Sharing an apartment with other students or renting an apartment on your own are two other alternatives available to students. It all comes down to how much money you have to work with.
INTERNSHIPS & COMPANY PLACEMENTS IN KOREA
During your time in Korea, take advantage of any work-study possibilities that may arise. Take some internship, a Korean language course or sign up for language classes to improve your proficiency in the language. Connect with others whenever possible. It’s all about making relationships in the employment market. Check ahead of time if your employment credentials from a different nation are accepted in Korea.
If you’d like to experience a whole new way of life and work, consider moving to a new country. South Korea has a lot to offer an intern, from the bustling city of Seoul to the beach resort of the same name.
Interning in South Korea will expose you to the fascinatingly complicated structure of Korean business culture, which is also prevalent in countries like Japan and China. You may visit Buddhist monasteries during the day while strolling around the neon-lit city at night.
It is one of the richest countries in the world, ranked 12th in GDP and one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. South Korea is an important Asian commercial hub because of its strong economy and expanding market. South Korea’s lack of natural resources has prompted the country to focus on research and technology. A large shipbuilding industry is also a big part of Korea’s manufacturing sector.
Internships in South Korea’s electronics and gaming industries, or in information technology and telecommunications, may be of interest to students. Internships in South Korea’s human rights sector, particularly those working with North Korean defectors, are becoming increasingly popular.
A large number of organisations are searching for English-speaking interns to assist with marketing and communications, as well as web development and design. It’s possible to work as an intern at a rural South Korean public school as well. For the most part, internships are located in Seoul, which is South Korea’s capital. Interns might find a wide range of business prospects in Seoul, a large metropolis. If you’d prefer a more laid-back, beachside atmosphere while working as an intern, Busan may be the place for you.
South Korea has less opportunities for internships than other East Asian nations such as China and Japan. The pay for interns is significantly lower than that of a typical English teacher, so you’ll want to save up some money before you go. In spite of the fact that securing an internship in South Korea can be challenging, the country offers numerous unique chances in the domains of technology and human rights. Once you’ve arrived in South Korea, it’s a good idea to attend career fairs held by local institutions. September and October are the busiest months for employment fairs.
WORKING IN KOREA
Being able to study in another country has its perks. You’ll also benefit from learning the Korean language while you’re here in a number of ways. As a bonus, studying in Korea has numerous other advantages for one’s professional life. South Korea has a low unemployment rate. It’s a terrific moment to find a job in Korea right now, since the country’s economy has been continuously increasing. Students from other countries are also encouraged to work in Korea by the country’s government.
Part-time employment for international students is permitted in Korea. Students can work up to 20 hours per week while enrolled in school and an unlimited number of hours during breaks with the appropriate Visa. After six months, language students can apply for a D4 visa, which allows them to work 20 hours a week. Immigration must be contacted by students interested in working while in school.
With a suitable degree from a local university and a decent command of Korean, your international background may prove to be an asset in the job market. There are a lot of Indians working in the IT and medical industries. As India and South Korea strengthen their political and social relations, students should expect improved job opportunities. IT and Software Engineers have a median annual salary of $46,980. The typical income for a research scientist and a business manager is $74,500. Salary levels, however, are influenced by a person’s work history and abilities.
APPLYING FOR A STUDENT VISA TO STUDY IN KOREA
Students who want to study in South Korea will need a study visa. Students enrolled in Bachelors, Master’s, or Ph.D. programmes are eligible for a D-2 visa, and the visa application procedure can take up to a minimum of 10 days to complete. Students should make timetables that reflect this.
South Korea’s government has instituted stricter visa requirements for international students after a rise in the number of students who overstayed their visas in recent years. As a result, you must keep a close eye on your employment search.
FAQ:
Is it hard to get into Korea University?
For students, getting into Korea University is incredibly difficult. It is estimated that Korea University’s acceptance rate for international undergraduate students will be about 25%. According to estimates, just around half of all graduate students are accepted.
Is Korea safe for international students?
Korea is a safe destination for international students even if it’s out of your comfort zone. There are risks in every country, and students should be aware of these risks before making the decision to study abroad, but in general, Korea is a fairly safe place for international students.
Can I study in Korea without knowing Korean?
If you plan to study in Korea for an extended period of time, we recommend that you begin with studying the Korean language, even if you plan to pursue a degree in English. Your life in Korea will be better if you learn the language. If you want to stand out in the job market, learning a foreign language is a terrific method to do it. Besides that, there are further advantages. When learning another language, you’ll be able to expand your intellectual and mental horizons, both of which are benefits of bilingualism.
Is studying in Korea worth it?
For those that study in South Korea, they will have access to a wide selection of employment options. Employers all across the world prize Korean university grads for their skills and expertise. The South Korean economy is also very safe, ensuring that you will have a stable financial future after graduation.
Can a foreigner study in Korea?
Yes foreign students can easily study in Korea. International students can select from the following choices to pursue a degree in Korea: One or two semesters of English-taught study abroad (if you are enrolled in a university in your home country). Programs in the Korean language Korean institutions offer brief summer classes or semester programmes lasting from ten to sixty weeks.