Study in South Korea for Indian Students: Top Universities, Scholarships & Tips

Last Updated on October 24, 2024

Did you know that Korea, like the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries, is becoming a popular destination for international students seeking to study abroad? Studying in Korea may be a fascinating trip combining ancient traditions and modern lifestyles. It’s a place where you may attend elite institutions and learn about other cultures.

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Korea is famed for its technological advancements and rich history. Whether you want to study in a huge metropolis like Seoul or a historical site like Gyeongju, In this blog, we will guide you through all you need to know to begin your adventure to study in Korea.

Key Highlights For Study in South Korea For Indian Students

This is a summary of everything you learn about the Study in South Korea for Indian students.

Top 5 Universities to Study in South Korea For Indian Students

To Study in South Korea, the educational leader extends far beyond its remarkable national school system. The country’s booming higher education sector attracts international students to its world-class colleges.

Moreover, when you choose to Study in South Korea, the top Five South Korean universities are among the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2025, a highly regarded international benchmark. This achievement exemplifies South Korea’s solid educational standards.

The following is a list of the top five South Korean universities for Indian students to Study in South Korea that can help them to boost up their overall academics. At the same time choose to Study in South Korea from these top universities;

Here is the brief description of the top universities to Study in South Korea For Indian Students:

1. Seoul National University

Study at Seoul National University (SNU), a prestigious Korean university established in 1946. Choose from 85+ courses, including a double major. SNU has a stunning campus, excellent amenities, housing, and free transportation. Join clubs, enjoy sports, and visit the art gallery. It’s a fun and supportive setting for your academic journey.

Top Study in South Korea Programs at SNU

• Economics
• Political Science
• Engineering
• Business Administration
• Korean Studies

2. KAIST – Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology

Established in 1971, KAIST (previously Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) is South Korea’s foremost science and engineering institution. Despite its youth, it is well-known for its world-class research, such as the electric transportation system under development.

Recently, the institution has added internationally accredited business programs, as well as dual degrees with premier colleges throughout the world.

Top Korea Study Abroad Programs at KAIST

• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Life Science

3. Yonsei University

Yonsei University, established in 1885, is Seoul’s premier university with a rich history. It has about 38,000 students and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs on four locations. The institution focuses on medical, engineering, and social sciences, with research centers addressing global issues such as climate change.

Top Courses Offered

• Business Administration
• Economics
• Korean Literature
• Communication
• International Relations

4. Korea University

Korea institution, founded in 1905, is Korea’s first private institution. With almost 33,000 students, it provides programs in Humanities, Engineering, Medicine, Law, and Business. Its attractive campus, located in central Seoul, with sophisticated facilities.

Top Courses Offered

• Business Administration
• Economics
• Law
• Medicine
• Engineering

5. Pohang University of Science And Technology (POSTECH)

Consider studying at POSTECH, a top science and technology institution established in 1986. POSTECH, founded to prepare future tech leaders, provides undergraduate degrees in science and engineering, with a heavy emphasis on research.

Their modern campus features a 5:1 student-faculty ratio for personalized learning, world-class labs, and Korea’s sole synchrotron radiation facility.

Top Courses Offered

• Chemical Engineering
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Life Science
• Ocean Engineering

General Admissions Requirement to Study in South Korea For Indian Students

Did you know that South Korean institutions have an acceptance rate of 85% for overseas students? If you want to join the ranks of students who get into their desired universities, you should pay close attention to the admissions process.

The application process for Indian students to study in South Korea includes submitting specified documents and tests determined by the universities.

Do not fear, this guide will supply you with all of the knowledge you need to finish this step successfully.

Here’s a breakdown of the admission requirements for international students to study in South Korea

• Background in Education
  • Undergraduate Programs: Known as “10+2,” you will have finished 12 years of primary and secondary education.
  • Postgraduate Programs:
    • Master’se: A Bachelor’s degree is required.
    • PhD Degree: A Master’s is needed.
• Language Proficiency
  • Programs taught in English require valid TOEFL (71+) or IELTS (5.5+) scores.
  • Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) scores of 80 or higher are necessary for programs taught in Korean.
• Additional Documents
  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Other program-specific requirements may apply.

Necessary: You are advised to visit the university’s official website or inquire with the administration about any extra requirements they might have.

Intakes in South Korea

South Korea is a popular destination for overseas students, with numbers predicted to increase from over 2,000 in 2023 to over 3,000 by 2027. Understanding the admissions process is critical to gaining a position at a South Korean university.

Here are the key things to remember to Study in South Korea for Indian Students:

• Applications are normally submitted three to four months before the start of the semester, so plan ahead of time and keep in mind the dates established by your chosen universities.
• Many colleges have specific semesters when international students can enroll. Investigate these intake times to ensure you apply during the appropriate timeframe.

How do you obtain a Student Visa to Study in South Korea For Indian Students?

South Korea’s status as a prominent education hub is drawing an increasing number of overseas students, including more than 13,000 Indians, by 2023.

You will require a student visa to study here to join this rising trend. The visa application process includes typically submitting several documents to the South Korean embassy or consulate in India.

Here’s a list of documents that you will need to apply for a South Korean study visa.

• Application form (for visa)
• Passport, and one copy of the passport ID page (the page with your photo)
• Passport size photo (3.5cm×4.5cm with white background; must be taken within the past six months)
• Certificate of Admission (issued by the International Education Team at Korea University)
• Application fee of INR 5K to INR 7.5K ($60 – $90)
• ID card (personal ID in residing country)
• Certificate of Korean language proficiency
• Certificate of English language proficiency
• Tuberculosis Test Certificate
• Academic Transcripts (high school mark sheet, bachelor’s)
• Financial Proof of a minimum of INR 17L ($20K) in your bank account
• Tuition fee payment receipt

Since the processing time may vary depending on the volume of applications, you are advised to begin the visa application process well in advance.

Major Scholarships Available to Reduce the Cost of Study in South Korea

Study in South Korea can be a rewarding experience, but it is critical to consider the financial implications. Tuition costs can range from ₹3.4L to ₹19L (500K KRW to 28 Million KRW annually).

This can be a significant investment, particularly for Indian students. However, don’t be discouraged by the initial numbers! Scholarships established exclusively for Indian students Study in South Korea might significantly lower their financial burden.

With some research and work, you may be able to uncover scholarship options that would allow you to pursue your ambition of studying in Korea.

Here is a list of prominent Korean scholarships that can help with the expense of Study in South Korea.

Cost of Living in South Korea for Indian Students

South Korea’s growing popularity coincides with rising living costs, particularly in Seoul, a popular destination for overseas students. However, Seoul remains reasonably priced compared to large US cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco.

Seoul costs 33.7% less than New York, 20.6% less than Washington, D.C., and 27.3% less than San Francisco.

South Korea’s strong tech and business sectors frequently result in better income, which may offset living expenses.

Remember that South Korea uses the South Korean Won (₩), which can be challenging to get outside East Asia. If you cannot exchange Won before your travel, bring US dollars or Chinese Yuan to exchange upon arrival.

Here’s a breakdown of the average living expenditures in Seoul:

Career Opportunities in South Korea

Did you know that more than 1.4 million foreigners live in South Korea, with more than 64% employed?

The following is a list of the top occupations available for graduates in South Korea.

Read also:

Study in Canada for Indian Students

Study in UK for Indian Students

Study in USA for Indian Students

Study in Australia for Indian Students

Study in Germany for Indian Students

Study in Ireland for Indian Students

Final Insights!!

South Korea is a popular destination for Indian students seeking higher education due to its booming education sector. Five South Korean universities are among the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2025, offering world-class colleges and programs. These include Seoul National University (SNU), KAIST, Yonsei University, Korea University, and Pohang University of Science And Technology (POSTECH). With an acceptance rate of 85%, Indian students must submit specific documents and tests, including a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, and language proficiency. With a projected increase in student numbers, obtaining a student visa requires several documents.

FAQs

How much does it cost to study in South Korea for Indian students?

The cost of Study in South Korea for Indian students ranges from $4,000 to $20,000 annually, depending on the university and program. Living expenses typically vary between $300 and $800 per month. Scholarships help reduce overall costs for international students.

Is Studying in South Korea worth it?

Yes, Study in South Korea is worth it. With top-ranking universities, affordable tuition, and modern facilities, it offers excellent education and global career opportunities. The country also provides a rich cultural experience and advanced technological infrastructure.

How to go to Korea after the 12th?

To study in South Korea after 12th, students must apply to a Korean university, submit academic transcripts, and meet language proficiency requirements in English or Korean. After acceptance, they must obtain a student visa and arrange financial proof.

Is Study in South Korea worth it?

Study in South Korea is a valuable opportunity due to its robust education system, affordable fees, and international recognition. The vibrant culture and career prospects make it an attractive destination for students worldwide.

Kanishka Garg

Kanishka Garg specializes in crafting informative content on study abroad education. Her passion lies in simplifying the journey for students through SEO-optimized articles and blogs. Kanishka’s commitment to clear communication and her deep understanding of international admissions processes make her blogs essential for students aiming to gain insights into top universities worldwide. With Kanishka’s blogs, students can confidently get solutions to the complexities of applying to their dream universities and achieve their academic aspirations abroad.