Pursuing higher education in South Korea offers students a unique blend of academic excellence, cutting-edge research opportunities, and cultural immersion. With world-class universities and a focus on innovation, South Korea has emerged as a preferred destination for international students. This guide covers everything you need to know about studying in South Korea, from admissions and visa requirements to tuition costs, scholarship options, and career opportunities. Discover why South Korea is a top choice for those looking to expand their academic and professional horizons.
Why Study in South Korea?
South Korea stands as a key member of the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), renowned for its academic excellence and competitive spirit in global education. Notably, five South Korean universities have consistently ranked among the QS World Top 100: Seoul National University (31), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (53), Yonsei University (56), Korea University (67), and Pohang University of Science and Technology (98).
With a stable economy, South Korea offers reliable career opportunities, ensuring job satisfaction and strong prospects across sectors. According to Numbeo, a comprehensive cost-of-living database, South Korea ranks second globally for quality healthcare, with steady economic growth and rising per capita income further elevating its appeal. As a leading East Asian destination, it combines advanced technology with a high quality of life.
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Top South Korean Universities and In-Demand Courses
Here are the leading universities that draw students worldwide:
- Seoul National University
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
- Yonsei University
- Korea University
- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
- Sungkyunkwan University
- Hanyang University
- Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)
- Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST)
- Kyung Hee University.
Popular Fields of Study
These universities offer highly regarded programs in a variety of fields, including-
Economics, Science and Technology, Business Management, Engineering, Finance, Fashion, International Trade, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Design Media, International Relations, Biotechnology, etc.
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How to Apply for Admission to South Korean Universities
Each South Korean university uses its online portal for admissions, and the timeline and prerequisites can vary. Be sure to check the official website of each institution before applying. Applications are generally submitted at least 3 to 4 months before classes begin. Most institutions offer two main admission periods:
Spring Semester: Starts in March and lasts until June; application season runs from September to November.
Fall Semester: Starts in September and lasts until December; applications are accepted from May to June.
Documents Required for Admission
Basic Documents
- Completed application form
- Passport and passport-size photograph
- Higher Secondary Certificate or equivalent
- English Proficiency (TOEFL, minimum 71; IELTS, minimum 5.5)
- Personal statement
- Financial support statement
- Letter of Recommendation
- CV
- Parent's Passport or National ID
Additional Documents for Masters
- Bachelor’s diploma and transcript
- Relevant work experience (program-specific)
Additional Documents for PhD
- Master’s diploma and transcript
- Master’s thesis or research proposal.
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How to Apply for a Student Visa in South Korea
Upon receiving the admission offer, the next step is applying for a visa. Bangladeshi students typically apply for the South Korea D-2 visa for long-term study, valid for up to 2 years with a single-entry visa validity of 3 months. Begin the visa process on the Korean visa portal at https://www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=1020408, upload all required documents, then print the e-form with the barcode and submit it to the Korean Embassy or Consulate along with hard copies.
Required Documents for Visa Application
- Printed visa application form (e-form)
- Passport-size photograph (taken within 6 months)
- Valid passport (at least 6 months from arrival date)
- Cover letter
- Admission offer letter from a South Korean University
- Birth and Family Relationship Certificates issued by City Corporation or Union Office
- Bank statement of the applicant or his guarantor
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from parents
- Parents' National ID
- Police Clearance Certificate from Bangladesh Police
- Educational certificates and transcripts (These should be notarized by Education and Foreign Affairs Ministries, Bangladesh)
- Tuberculosis test result (from a nationally certified center, within the last 3 months)
- English language certification (TOEFL or IELTS within the last 2 years)
- Korean language proficiency (for Korean-taught programs).
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How to Submit the Visa Application
Before visiting the consulate for visa submission, an online appointment must be scheduled. Create a new account at https://www.g4k.go.kr/cipl/0100/login.do, where you can select a specific date and time for submitting documents. Ensure that the name, phone number, email, passport, or NID provided match exactly with the visa application details. You will be notified of the designated date via phone and email.
Consulate Address: 4 Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh
Document Submission Hours: 3:00 - 4:00 PM, on business days (Sunday to Thursday)
Visa Processing Fee and Visa Collection
The visa decision may take 7 to 15 days. Complicated applications may require additional time, and updates can be checked at https://www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=10301. Once ready, the candidate will be notified via the visa portal, SMS, and email.
Visa Collection Time: 4:00 - 4:30 PM, every business day
Visa Fee: For a single-entry D-2 visa (valid for more than 90 days), the fee is USD 60 or BDT 6,600. According to the South Korean embassy, the fixed exchange rate of the dollar here is BDT 110 per US dollar. This fee must be paid at the time of submission of visa documents at the consulate office.
Study and Living Costs in South Korea
Tuition fees vary by institution, field, and degree level. As per Leapscholar, bachelor courses usually require KRW 4.3 million to KRW 33.9 million. This budget is approximated to BDT. 370,019 to 2,917,125 (KRW 1 = BDT 0.086). For postgraduation, the budget would be KRW 5.07 million to KRW 50.8 million (equivalent to BDT 436,278 to BDT 4,371,385).
Seoul is South Korea’s most expensive city, while costs in Busan and Incheon are comparatively lower.
According to Leapscholar, average monthly living costs (Excluding Rent) in main cities are as follows:
Seoul: KRW 1,550,106 (BDT 133,388)
Busan: KRW 1,347,709 (BDT 115,972)
Jeju: KRW 1,498,778 (BDT 128,971)
Daejeon: KRW 1,610,205 (BDT 138,560)
Incheon: KRW 1,374,787 (BDT 118,302)
Along with these, the budget to be kept for the housing cost is-
Seoul: KRW 1,154,611 (BDT 99,355)
Busan: KRW 572,500 (BDT 49,264)
Jeju: KRW 1,879,743 (BDT 161,754)
Daejeon: KRW 421,666 (BDT 36,285)
Incheon: KRW 525,000 (BDT 45,177)
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Scholarship Benefits in South Korea
South Korea offers a wealth of scholarships that can significantly reduce study and living expenses for international students.
Yonsei University provides full, half, or one-third financial aid per semester for undergraduates.
Korea University also covers partial or full tuition fees for selected students.
Hanyang International Excellence Awards offers 70%, 50%, or 30% tuition fee waivers.
Samsung Global Hope Scholarship Program provides substantial support, covering full tuition and offering KRW 3.9 million (BDT 335,598) per semester for undergraduates, and between KRW 3.5 million to KRW 5 million (approximately BDT 301,178 to BDT 430,254) for graduates.
Global Korea Scholarship offers full financial support at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Part-Time Job Opportunities During Studies
After completing one semester, students are eligible to work part-time, with undergraduates allowed 20 hours per week and graduate students 30 hours per week. Graduate students continuing with thesis work may also work up to 30 hours weekly.
As per Leapscholar, popular part-time jobs and average hourly wages include:
Cashier: KRW 9,000 - 10,000 (BDT 774 - 861)
Sales Associate: KRW 11,000 - 12,000 (BDT 947 - 1,033)
Package Handler: KRW 13,000 - 14,000 (BDT 1,119 - 1,205)
Lecturer: KRW 51,000 - 55,000 (BDT 4,389 - 4,733)
Private Tuition: KRW 26,000 - 28,000 (BDT 2,237 - 2,409)
Research Assistant: KRW 12,000 - 13,000 (BDT 1,033 - 1,119)
Administrative Assistant: KRW 6,000 - 7,000 (BDT 516 - 602)
Final Words
Higher studies in South Korea offer students access to world-renowned universities, known for academic excellence and innovation. Students also benefit from excellent healthcare facilities that support their well-being throughout their studies. Generous scholarships, often covering tuition and living costs, make studying here financially accessible. Additionally, part-time job opportunities allow students to gain valuable experience and offset expenses. With clear documentation requirements, the study visa process is streamlined, ensuring a smooth transition for international students. Altogether, South Korea stands as a premier destination for students aspiring to excel globally in a supportive and dynamic environment.
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