Korea University (KU), established in 1905, stands as one of South Korea’s most prestigious private institutions. Situated in the vibrant city of Seoul, KU is renowned for its academic excellence, rich history, and beautiful campus. It is a member of the esteemed “SKY” universities, a group comprising Korea University, Seoul National University, and Yonsei University. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, Korea University is ranked #189 globally, reflecting its strong academic reputation and research output.
Korea University (KU) offers a diverse range of programs across various disciplines, including humanities, sciences, engineering, business, and law. The university’s commitment to innovation and global engagement makes it a top choice for students seeking a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience.
University Details
- Location: Seoul, South Korea
- Ranking: Top 100 globally (QS World University Rankings)
- Available Programs: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD in Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Humanities, Law, and more
- Program Duration:
- Bachelor’s: 4 years
- Master’s: 2 years
- PhD: 3–4 years
- Application Time:
- Spring Intake: September
- Fall Intake: March
Study Areas: Program List
Korea University covers a broad range of disciplines. Some popular fields include:
- Business Administration
- International Studies
- Media & Communication
- Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, etc.)
- Computer Science & AI
- Law and Public Policy
- Life Sciences and Biotechnology
- Economics
- Languages and Literature
- Korean Studies
- For More Details, Visit Schools
Many programs, especially at the graduate level, are offered in English.
Admission Requirements at Korea University
Undergraduate:
Eligibility Requirements:
- Both the applicant and their parent(s) must be non-Korean citizens.
- The applicant must have completed regular primary and secondary education (Grades 1-12) in Korea or abroad and plan to graduate before August 2025.
- Citizenship status is determined at the time of application submission.
- Applicants with multiple citizenships, including Korean, are not eligible.
- If the applicant and their parent(s) renounced Korean citizenship:
- They must have obtained another country’s citizenship before high school.
- Official documents (e.g., Declaration of Loss of Nationality, Family Relations Certificate) must be provided as proof of renunciation.
- Submitting an application for renunciation is not valid proof.
- Adopted applicants must have obtained a foreign citizenship before Grade 1 and provide proof of loss of Korean citizenship.
- Applicants whose parent with legal custody is remarried to a Korean citizen are not eligible.
- Completion of GED, homeschooling, online courses, or language schools is not equivalent to regular primary and secondary education.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Submit proof of one of the following:
- Completion of an entire secondary education curriculum in Korean at a recognized overseas school.
- Certification from an IEQAS university (degree program or language training program).
Korean Language Proficiency Levels and Enrollment Restrictions:
- Level 5 or Higher:
- No Korean language training required.
- No restrictions on major course enrollment.
- Level 4:
- One semester of mandatory Korean language training.
- Enroll in up to 6 credits of major courses per semester (max 19 credits including general education).
- Level 3 or Lower:
- Two semesters of mandatory Korean language training.
- No major course enrollment allowed (can take up to 19 credits including general education).
Additional Notes:
- Intensive language training provides 3-6 academic credits as electives.
- Exemption from language training may apply for students with high English proficiency.
Graduate Eligibility:
1. International Student Eligibility:
- Both the applicant and their parents must be non-Korean citizens.
- Applicants with multiple citizenship, including Korean citizenship, are not considered international students.
- If the applicant and their parents renounced Korean citizenship, proof of the loss of Korean citizenship (e.g., Declaration of Loss of Nationality, Family Relations Certificate) must be submitted.
- Adopted applicants can apply if they obtained citizenship from a country other than Korea and submit proof of loss of Korean citizenship.
- Applicants whose parents are remarried to a Korean citizen are not eligible for international student status.
2. Overseas Korean (+16 years):
- Must have completed primary, secondary, and higher education equivalent to the Korean system abroad.
3. Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Korean Language Proficiency Requirements:
- TOPIK Level 3 or higher (for most programs)
- Global Korean Language and Culture Studies: TOPIK Level 5 or higher
- Business Analytics (BA): Korean language proficiency mandatory
- Humanities and East Asian Cultural Industry: TOPIK Level 5 or higher
- Creative Writing: TOPIK Level 6
- English Language Proficiency Requirements:
- TOEFL iBT: 71 or higher (Home Edition not accepted)
- New TEPS: 326 or higher
- CEFR: B2 or higher
- Business Administration majors (Management, Finance, etc.): English proficiency mandatory
- Exemptions from English Proficiency Requirement:
- Native English speakers (refer to the official list)
- Degree completed in an English-speaking country
- Degree completed in Korea
- Major in Korean Language overseas
- Degree completed 100% in English
- Department recommendation with a letter confirming language ability
4. Application Information:
- Specific majors (e.g., Marketing, Business Analytics) have intake restrictions.
- Some programs require approval from academic advisors before applying (e.g., Medicine, Public Health).
- Applicants for certain medical programs must have a background in medicine or dentistry.
Required Documents to Apply at Korea University
Undergraduate Documents
- Online Application Copy: Completed and printed from the application system.
- Statement of Purpose: Personal essay explaining your motivations and goals.
- Consent for Personal/Identifiable Information: Agreement for data collection.
- Photocopy of Passport: Includes passport information (photo) page for both the applicant and parents. If parents don’t have valid passports, submit official ID with notarized translation.
- Family Register/Relationship Certificate:
- Chinese applicants: Notarized Hukoubu and family relationship certificate.
- Other applicants: Birth certificate or family relationship certificate (translated and notarized).
- Proof of Language Proficiency:
- English (TOEFL, IELTS) or Korean (TOPIK).
- If you completed high school in Korean or English, submit a transcript and confirmation letter.
- Official Transcript of High School:
- Must have apostille or consular authentication.
- Chinese applicants must submit verified reports from CHSI.
- Official Graduation Certificate of High School: Include apostille or consular authentication if not original.
- Portfolio and Statement of Verification: For Art & Design applicants (max. 10 items).
- Optional Documents: Additional materials such as school profile, test scores, or certificates since high school.
- All documents must be in English or Korean with notarization where required.
Graduate Documents
- Online Application: Sign the printed documents after submission. Provide two valid email addresses (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.).
- Information Release Form: Fill in accurately with two email addresses.
- Recommendation Letter: Mandatory for certain departments (e.g., Business, Korean Studies, Life Sciences). Professors should send via email to grad_recommendation@korea.ac.kr using their university email.
- Graduation Certificates & Transcripts:
- Bachelor’s: Official or expected graduation certificate with apostille or consular authentication.
- Master’s/PhD: Official or expected graduation certificate and transcript.
- Study Plan: No specific form required.
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae: No specific form required (self-introduction forms are not accepted).
- Proof of Language Proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, TOPIK, etc. Required for specific programs.
- Financial Proof: Bank balance of KRW 20,000,000 (Seoul campus) or KRW 16,000,000 (Sejong campus), or equivalent in home country’s currency.
- Passport Copy: Provide photocopy of passport information (photo) page of applicant and parents.
- Family Register/Relationship Certificate:
- Chinese Applicants: Hukoubu (户口簿) or family relationship certificate.
- Other Applicants: Birth certificate, family register, or relationship certificate.
- Portfolio: For design-related applicants (e.g., Architectural Planning). Use A4 format with each sheet containing a single piece of work.
- All documents must be in English or Korean and notarized. Only original copies (issued within the last 3 months) are accepted.
- The maximum size of the file is limited to 40MB.
Tuition Fees for International Students
Tuition varies by major, but here’s an average range per semester:
Undergraduate Tuition
* as of 2025 academic year / per semester
| KRW | USD | Note Criteria | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humanities & Social Sciences | Approx. 5,300,000 | Approx. 3,700 | |
| Natural Sciences | Approx. 6,200,000 | Approx. 4,300 | |
| Engineering | Approx. 7,000,000 | Approx. 5,000 | |
| Art | Approx. 7,100,000 | Approx. 5,000 | |
| Miscellaneous Fees | Approx. 30,000 | Approx. 22 | Optional |
* subject to change
Graduate Tuition fees (Academic Year of 2025) (Monetary Unit:KRW)
| Area | Degree | Entrance Fee | Tuition Fee | Student Fee (optional) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humanities and Social Sciences | Master’s | 1,142,000 | 5,237,000 | 37,500 | 6,416,500 |
| Doctoral | 1,142,000 | 5,237,000 | 37,500 | 6,416,500 | |
| Natural Science and Physical Education | Master’s | 1,142,000 | 6,339,000 | 37,500 | 7,518,500 |
| Doctoral | 1,142,000 | 6,339,000 | 37,500 | 7,518,500 | |
| Engineering and Art | Master’s | 1,142,000 | 7,392,000 | 37,500 | 8,571,500 |
| Doctoral | 1,142,000 | 7,392,000 | 37,500 | 8,571,500 | |
| Health Science | Master’s | 1,142,000 | 6,866,000 | 37,500 | 8,045,500 |
| Doctoral | 1,142,000 | 6,866,000 | 37,500 | 8,045,500 | |
| Medicine | Master’s | 1,206,000 | 9,267,000 | 37,500 | 10,510,500 |
| Doctoral | 1,206,000 | 9,267,000 | 37,500 | 10,510,500 | |
| Pharmacy | Master’s | 1,142,000 | 8,340,000 | 37,500 | 9,519,500 |
| Doctoral | 1,142,000 | 8,340,000 | 37,500 | 9,519,500 | |
| Others | Master’s | 1,206,000 | 6,731,000 | 37,500 | 7,974,500 |
| Doctoral | 1,206,000 | 6,731,000 | 37,500 | 7,974,500 |
1. Tuition fee for Business Analytics(BA) is KRW 13,399,000 per semester.
2. Tuition fee for Mathematical Data Science is KRW 8,452,000 per semester.
3. Natural Science and Physical Education include the departments of psychology, Digital Management and Applied Statistics for the purposes of above table.
4. The above table is subject to change.
Living Expenses
Living in Seoul is manageable but requires budgeting. Here’s an estimate:
- Monthly Living Costs: $800–$1,200 USD
- Housing: $300–$600
- Food: $200–$300
- Transportation & Other: $100–$300
Korea University offers dormitories, which help reduce costs.
Why Do You Choose Korea University
Korea University combines academic prestige, world-class faculty, and a dynamic global community. The university emphasizes innovation, leadership, and global citizenship, making it ideal for students seeking high-quality education in Asia. Its beautiful campus, strong alumni network, and strategic location in Seoul make it even more appealing.
Suggestions for International Applicants
- Apply early and triple-check document requirements.
- Prepare for cultural adaptation – Korea is welcoming but fast-paced.
- Join international student groups to build connections.
- Polish your personal statement – KU values character and goals.
- Learn some basic Korean, even if your program is in English.
Available Scholarships for Interested Students
Korea University offers several scholarships for international students, such as:
- KU Global Leader Scholarship (up to 100% tuition waiver)
- Korea University Scholarship for International Students (KUSIS)
- Graduate School Scholarships (full/partial tuition + stipend for research students)
- Government Scholarships:
- KGSP (GKS – Global Korea Scholarship)
- POSCO Asia Fellowship
Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, potential, and need.
FAQ about Korea University
Q1: Do I need to speak Korean to study at Korea University?
A: No, many programs—especially graduate ones—are offered entirely in English.
Q2: How competitive is Korea University for international students?
A: Quite competitive, especially for popular programs like business and international studies. A strong GPA and personal statement help.
Q3: Can international students work part-time in Korea?
A: Yes, with a D-2 student visa, students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters.
Q4: Does KU offer student housing?
A: Yes, both on-campus dormitories and off-campus housing support are available.
Q5: How can I improve my chances of getting a scholarship?
A: Maintain excellent grades, submit a strong statement of purpose, and demonstrate leadership or extracurricular achievements.
