Having split from North Korea in 1948 into a separately governed country, South Korea has since diverged considerably from its neighbor, developing into an internationally recognized Asian powerhouse in the fields of technology, education and tourism, to name but a few of its strengths.
Embracing both tradition and modernity, South Korea is a region of diverse cultures and lifestyles, influenced heavily by the western world, and notably by the US, while firmly holding onto the region’sown rich history and way of life.
Seoul, home to approximately 10.5 million people, is South Korea’s chaotic yet vibrant capital city, a must-see destination for many travelers and students alike.However, despite being so full of people, Seoul is still relatively easy to explore, thanks to the excellent transport infrastructures put in place to keep this high-tech industrial nation moving.
Applying to universities in South Korea
The admissions process differs from school to school but, in general, you can apply directly to your chosen university by post or online. Be aware that the South Korean academic year begins in March, although many schools take on new students twice a year, also in September. Deadlines for March applications are typically set between September and November, while for September entry, deadlines are often set from May to June. Most universities in South Korea have just two terms, with a summer break from July to August and a winter break from December to February.
Although proficiency in the Korean language is advantageous, as much as 25% of courses at Korean universities are taught in English. This, along with the fact that English proficiency is growing nationwide, works to break down the perceived language barrier for international students. A desire to learn the basics of the Korean language is a definite bonus however, as it will allow for a much fuller integration into Korean society and culture. In either case, foreign students must prove their proficiency in the language the course will be conducted in.
Visas to study in South Korea
For entry into South Korea as an international student, you will require a ‘D-2 visa’, to be gained from a local South Korean embassy or consulate in your home country. Typically, as well as proficiency in English or Korean, you will be asked to provide your passport, a certificate of your most recent school record, confirmation of your acceptance at a South Korean university andproof of sufficient finances.For your D-2 visa you will be required to pay a processing fee of about US$30 (for single entry) or US$50 (for multiple entry).
Fees and funding
One of the good things about studying in South Korea is that tuition fees are the same for domestic and international students, as part of the national plan to bring more international students to the country. However, tuition fees vary depending on the course and university. According to government guidelines for international students, an undergraduate course at a public university costs from US$2,000 to US$4,400 per semester (with humanities subjects at the lower end and medicine at the top). At a South Korean private university, fees are estimated between US$3,000 and US$6,000 per semester.There are two semesters in each school year, and South Korean undergraduate programs typically last four years (or six years for subjects like medicine and dentistry).
Scholarships for international students are widely available from individual institutions, covering between 30% and 100% of tuition fees.In addition, a number of governmental scholarships are available, which may also cover air fares and living expenses. One such governmental program is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS).
Recent government deregulations of scholarships, dormitories, part-time jobs and employment after graduation aims to make it easier for foreign students studying in South Korea to afford living costs,and also to stay and seek work in the country after graduation.