Yonsei University, established in 1885, is one of South Korea’s most prestigious private universities and a member of the elite “SKY” universities (along with Seoul National University and Korea University). Located in Seoul, it is renowned for its strong academic programs, global partnerships, and vibrant campus life.
Yonsei University consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide, with the 2024 QS World University Ranking placing it at #76. The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with its Underwood International College (UIC) providing English-taught courses designed for global students. Yonsei is also home to innovative research centers and a highly active student community.
University Summary
- Location: Seoul, South Korea
- Ranking: Consistently among the top universities globally
- Available Programs: Undergraduate and graduate degrees across disciplines such as Liberal Arts, Business, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Program Duration: Typically
- 4 years for bachelor’s degrees;
- 2 years for master’s degrees
- Application Time: Varies by program; for Underwood International College, deadlines are:
- Spring 2025 Entry: Application by October 11, 2024; documents by October 18, 2024
- Fall 2025 Entry: Application by April 4, 2025; documents by April 11, 2025
Study Areas: Program List
Yonsei University encompasses numerous colleges and schools, offering programs in:
- Liberal Arts
- Business
- Economics
- Science
- Engineering
- Life Science and Biotechnology
- Theology
- Social Sciences
- Law
- Music
- Human Ecology
- Education
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Korean Culture
For a comprehensive list of majors available each academic year, refer to the Undergraduate Program, Graduate Program
Yonsei University Admission Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree:
First-Year Students
- International Students Track
- Must be non-Korean with non-Korean parents.
- Not eligible if the student or a parent has dual citizenship with Korea.
- Korean Students Track
- Must have finished/will finish high school and hold/will hold a high school diploma before entering Underwood International College (UIC).
- Open to students who graduated or expect to graduate from high school in Korea or overseas.
- Those who passed the Korean high school qualification exam are also eligible.
- Overseas Korean Students Track
- 12-Year Track: Completed elementary, middle, and high school abroad (Korean foreign schools & language institutes abroad are not recognized).
- 3-Year Track: Lived abroad with both parents, completed at least 3 years of middle/high school, including 1 year of high school abroad.
Transfer Students
- International Students Track
- Must be non-Korean with non-Korean parents.
- Korean citizens with dual nationality are not eligible.
- Korean Students Track
- General Transfer:
- Completed 2nd year (4 semesters) at a 4-year university in Korea or overseas.
- Hold or expect to earn a degree from a technical/community college.
- Bachelor’s Degree Transfer:
- Hold or expect to earn a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in Korea or abroad.
- Education must be equivalent to a university degree under Korea’s Regulation for Credits Recognition.
Master’s and Ph.D. Degrees:
- Master’s Program: Requires a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited institution.
- PhD Program: Requires a master’s degree (or higher) from an accredited institution.
- Academic Performance: A strong undergraduate record with a GPA above 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Non-Korean Citizenship: The applicant and both parents must not be Korean citizens.
- Ethnic Koreans with Foreign Citizenship: Must provide proof of renouncing Korean citizenship and acquiring a new nationality.
- Korean Citizenship Cases: If the applicant or parents have Korean citizenship, check International Admission II or Korean Admissions guidelines.
- English Proficiency: Minimum scores of TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6.5.
Required Documents for Yonsei University
General Upload Guidelines:
- Upload all documents online in PDF or JPG format.
- Documents must be original or notarized copies in Korean or English (or translated and notarized).
- Combine required documents into one file per section before uploading.
Documents to Upload
- Academic & Language Documents (One File)
- Personal Statement & Study Plan (Form 1 or free format)
- Bachelor’s degree diploma or certificate of expected graduation
- Academic transcript
- Language proficiency proof (Valid TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, Duolingo, TOPIK, or HSK, depending on the program)
- GPA conversion document (if GPA is not on a 4.0/4.3/4.5 scale)
- Identity & Family Documents (One File)
- Passport or ID copy (applicant & parents)
- Proof of Family Relationship (Chinese applicants need translated & notarized Kinship Certificate + Household Register)
- Release of Student Information (Form 5)
- PhD Applicants Only (One File)
- Master’s diploma or certificate of expected graduation
- Master’s transcript
- Research proposal (min. 3 pages)
- Writing sample (min. 40 pages)
- International Admission II Applicants Only (One File)(For those with Korean citizenship but studied abroad)
- Education Summary (Form 7)
- Elementary/Middle/High school records
- Certificate of Entry & Exit (from birth to application date)
- Certificate of Family Relations
Tuition Fees for International Students
2025 Undergraduate Tuition Fees for International Students (KRW)
- College of Liberal Arts, Theology, Education (Year 1): 4,513,000
- College of Social Sciences, Education (Years 2-8): 4,299,000
- Physical Education (Year 1): 5,212,000 | Sport Industry Studies (Years 2-8): 4,998,000
- College of Commerce & Economics (Year 1): 4,545,000 | School of Business (Years 2-8): 4,331,000
- College of Science (Year 1): 5,212,000 | (Years 2-8): 4,998,000
- College of Engineering & School of Computing (Year 1): 5,879,000 | (Years 2-8): 5,665,000
- School of Integrated Technology (Year 1): 8,712,000 | (Years 2-6): 8,498,000
- College of Life Science & Biotechnology (Year 1): 5,545,000 | (Years 2-8): 5,331,000
- College of Music (Year 1): 6,561,000 | (Years 2-8): 6,347,000
- College of Human Ecology (Year 1): 5,212,000 | (Years 2-8): 4,998,000
- Underwood International College (Year 1): 8,163,000 | (Years 2-8): 7,949,000
- College of Pharmacy (Year 1): 6,787,000 | (Years 2-12): 6,573,000
- Global Leaders College (Year 1): 6,982,000 | (Years 2-8): 6,768,000
- College of Nursing (Year 1): 5,212,000 | (Year 2): 4,998,000 | (Years 3-8): 5,024,000
- Pre-Medicine/Pre-Dentistry (Year 1): 7,569,000 | (Years 2-4): 7,355,000
- Regular Course: 7,355,000 per year
Graduate School Tuition & Admission Fee for International Students (KRW)
- Admission Fee (All Fields): KRW 1,028,000 (except Industrial Pharmaceutical Sciences)
- Tuition Fees by Field:
- Liberal Arts & Social Sciences: KRW 5,169,000 – 5,261,000
- Business & Economics: KRW 5,197,000
- Life Science, Human Ecology, Sports, Nursing: KRW 6,240,000
- Music: KRW 7,965,000
- Engineering: KRW 7,275,000
- Integrative Biotechnology: KRW 6,240,000
- Medicine & Dentistry: KRW 8,299,000
- Pharmacy: KRW 7,054,000
- Industrial Pharmaceutical Sciences: KRW 7,328,000 (No admission fee)
- Science & Technology Policy, Bioindustrial Eng., Biomedical Eng.: KRW 7,153,000
- Innovation: KRW 7,476,000
- Innovative Science & Engineering: KRW 8,008,000
- IT Convergence Eng. (before 2023 entry): KRW 9,644,000
Living Expenses
- Estimated Annual Expenses:
- Tuition: Approximately $12,000
- Dormitory: Approximately $3,500
- Food: Approximately $3,500
- Personal Expenses: Approximately $3,000
- Total: Approximately $22,000 per year
Undergraduate Miscellaneous Fees
Why Choose Yonsei University
Yonsei University offers a rich history, a diverse academic environment, and a vibrant campus life in the heart of Seoul. Its global reputation and extensive alumni network provide students with unparalleled opportunities.
Suggestions for International Applicants
- Early Preparation: Begin gathering required documents and preparing for language proficiency tests well in advance.
- Understand Visa Requirements: Familiarize yourself with South Korea’s student visa process to ensure timely application.
- Engage with the Community: Participate in orientation programs and student clubs to immerse yourself in campus life.
Available Scholarships for Interested Students
- Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP): Offers full tuition, living expenses, and a monthly stipend to exceptional international students.
- Yonsei University International Student Scholarship: Provides partial tuition waivers to international students with outstanding academic records.
- Global Leadership Scholarship: Targets high-achieving international students enrolled in Yonsei’s Global Leaders College programs.
- For More Details, Visit Scholarships
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the application deadlines for international students?
- For Underwood International College:
- Spring 2025 Entry: Application by October 11, 2024; documents by October 18, 2024
- Fall 2025 Entry: Application by April 4, 2025; documents by April 11, 2025
- For Underwood International College:
- What is the tuition fee for undergraduate international students?
- Approximately KRW 7,949,000 per semester
- What are the estimated living expenses for international students?
- Estimated annual expenses total around $22,000, including tuition, dormitory, food, and personal expenses
- Does Yonsei University offer scholarships for international students?
- Yes, various scholarships are available; applicants should consult the university’s official website for detailed information
- What programs are available for international students?
- A wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines such as Liberal Arts, Business, Engineering, and Life Sciences
