Education System in South Korea

Key Takeaways

• Number of universities: 200 universities in South Korea
• Graduate schools (2022): 1,167 graduate schools as of 2022
• Proof of funds for visa: Approximately $10,000 per year (D-2 student visa)
• Estimated living costs: $800–$1,200 per month
• Main academic intakes: Fall intake (applications Mar–May), spring intake (applications Sep–Nov)

Degree Structure and Credential Types

• Higher education follows national pre-university schooling of 6+3+3 years.

• Main credential types:

• Associate degree: typically 2–3 years at junior colleges.
• Bachelor’s degree: conferred by universities (standard undergraduate degree).
• Master’s degree: postgraduate study at graduate schools.
• Doctoral degree (PhD): advanced research degree at graduate schools.

• Durations noted in sources:

• Junior college programs: 2–3 years for associate degrees.
• Graduate education: 1,167 graduate schools operate as of 2022 (for master’s and doctoral training).

• Language and delivery:

• Many programs are taught in English. Check individual program listings for instruction language.

Types of Higher Education Institutions (with Examples)

• Main institution types listed in sources:

• Universities (general and specialized)
• Junior colleges (associate programs)
• Cyber colleges (online institutions)
• Polytechnic colleges (vocational and technical training)

• Scale and counts from sources:

• About 200 universities in total.
• 134 junior colleges.
• 9 national public (institution count stated in source data).

• Examples of named universities (from source list):

• Seoul National University
• KAIST
• Yonsei University
• Korea University
• POSTECH

• Notes on examples:

• The named schools above appear in the source list of major universities. Confirm governance type (public/private) directly with the institution or the Ministry of Education if you need that classification.

Academic Calendar and Intakes

• Two main intakes exist in the national cycle:

1. Fall intake (term starting in March): typical application window Mar–May.
2. Spring intake (term starting in September): typical application window Sep–Nov.

• National exam timing relevant to admissions:

• CSAT (College Scholastic Ability Test) is held annually in November. This affects domestic admissions timing.

• Practical notes for planning:

• Apply during the stated application windows for each intake.
• Check course timetables and semester start dates with your chosen university, since exact semester calendars may vary by school.

Admissions, Visa and Student Costs

• Typical application requirements (from source data):

• Online application form.
• Academic transcripts.
• Proof of language proficiency (program-dependent).
• Proof of admission to a recognised institution for visa application.

• Visa and finance figures:

• Student visa: D-2 visa required for international students.
• Proof of funds: roughly $10,000 per year required for visa processing.
• Health insurance: estimated $500–$700 per year.

• Living and tuition costs:

• Estimated living expenses: $800–$1,200 per month.
• Tuition varies by institution: private universities generally charge more than national/public institutions.
• Scholarships available: Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) and university-specific awards.

• Steps to apply and prepare financially:

1. Choose programs and confirm language of instruction.
2. Prepare transcripts and test scores.
3. Submit online application during the intake window.
4. If admitted, apply for D-2 visa with admission letter and proof of funds.
5. Arrange health insurance and housing before arrival.

Grading, Credits and Academic Performance Measures

• Source data on national assessment and completion:

• CSAT is a national exam used for university admission; held in November each year.
• Higher education completion rates: 51.7% for ages 25–64 and 69.3% for ages 25–34.

• Credit and grading notes from sources:

• The provided material does not specify a single national credit conversion (such as ECTS) or a universal grade scale.
• Junior college program lengths are given (2–3 years), which implies structured credit requirements at those schools.

• How to verify grading and credits for your application:

• Check the specific university’s website for grade scale, GPA calculation, and credit-to-hour rules.
• Ask admissions or the international office for official conversion guides if you need to translate grades for your home institution or scholarship body.

How the System Compares Internationally

• Hard comparisons from source data:

• Completion rates in South Korea exceed OECD averages: 51.7% (ages 25–64) and 69.3% (ages 25–34).
• South Korea hosts about 200 universities and 1,167 graduate schools (2022), indicating a large tertiary sector.

• Institutional links and governance:

• The Ministry of Education regulates higher education policy.
• Six universities from South Korea are active members of the ASEAN+3 University Network (per source).

• What this means for you:

• The sector is large with many graduate options and international links. Confirm program recognition and credit transfer rules early if you plan to move between systems.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to study in South Korea?

Estimate living costs at $800–$1,200 per month. Visa proof of funds is about $10,000 per year. Tuition varies by institution; private universities typically charge more than public ones.

When are the main application deadlines for Korean universities?

Main intakes use two windows: fall intake applications run March–May, and spring intake applications run September–November. CSAT takes place in November and affects domestic admission cycles.

What visa do international students need for study?

You need a D-2 student visa and an admission letter from a recognised institution. Immigration typically requires proof of funds (~$10,000/year) and health insurance (about $500–$700/year).

How long are associate and graduate programs?

Junior college associate programs are typically 2–3 years. Graduate programs are offered across 1,167 graduate schools as of 2022; durations vary by master’s or doctoral track and by institution.

Are there English-taught programs in South Korea?

Yes. Many programs are available in English. Check each university and specific program for language of instruction before you apply.

Explore more

• Study in South Korea
• Cost of studying in South Korea
• Student visa for South Korea
• Student life in South Korea
• Scholarships in South Korea