Top 8 Universities in South Korea for International Students in 2026
Discover the top universities for international students to study abroad in Korea in 2026!
Key Takeaways 🔑
- South Korea has 6 universities in the global top 100, led by Seoul National University — often called the Harvard of South Korea.
- A semester of direct enrollment costs just $1,800–$6,000, significantly lower than comparable US or UK programs.
- KAIST teaches the majority of its courses in English, so you don’t need to be fluent in Korean to enroll.
- SKKU has direct industry ties to Samsung, making it the best university for networking and corporate career pathways.
- Watching your budget? Public national universities like Chonnam National, Kangwon National, and Pusan National often cost half of what private schools charge (see our cheapest-universities breakdown below).
Thinking about studying abroad in Korea? We’ve ranked the eight best universities in South Korea for international students — from powerhouse names like Seoul National to under-the-radar picks with rock-bottom tuition — based on academic reputation, cost, and how well they support students from abroad. Four of these schools currently sit in the QS World University Rankings’ global top 100, and if affordability is your top priority, we’ve got a section just for you below.
How we picked these universities: These universities were selected based on a variety of factors including their rankings, student support, popularity among international students, quality of programs, and their campus social scenes.
1. Yonsei University
Best for student life
- Location: Seoul
- Percent international students (undergrad): 12%
- Top majors: business, engineering, social sciences
- QS university ranking: 42
Yonsei University, located in northwestern Seoul, is a great choice if you’re someone who loves getting involved in campus life. The university has a large variety of student clubs and organizations, festivals to celebrate, and sporting events to both watch and participate in. Their dedicated freshman dorm sponsors activities that will have you out and about, meeting new friends and experiencing the exciting things the capital has to offer.
2. Korea University
Best for student support
- Location: Seoul
- Percent international students (undergrad): 8%
- Top majors: marketing, modern languages, social sciences
- QS university ranking: 52nd
Korea University prides itself on its supportive atmosphere and programming for domestic and international students alike. They offer services like mental health counseling in English as well as academic and accessibility support for students with learning differences and physical disabilities. Students can take advantage of personalized academic mentoring and guidance is available for both degree-seeking and study abroad students.
3. Seoul National University
Best for top-ranked education
- Location: Seoul
- Percent international students (undergrad): 15%
- Top majors: engineering, life sciences, computer science
- QS university ranking: 38th
Considered the Harvard of South Korea, Seoul National University ranks 38th in the world for its academic programming. If attending a top-notch university with an international reputation is important to you then Seoul National University will be a great fit. SNU attracts the best talent from around Korea and the world, including its professors. The university estimates that nearly 97% of the faculty members have doctoral degrees from prestigious global universities. SNU graduates have great job prospects, with many going on to be CEOs and Supreme Court judges in Korea. A study abroad semester or year at SNU will make your resume stand out.
4. Chonnam National University
Best for affordable tuition
- Location: Gwangju
- Percent international students (undergrad): 7%
- Top majors: agriculture, life sciences, natural sciences
- QS university ranking: 851-900th
If you’re a study abroad student on a budget, Chonnam National University is known as the most affordable university in South Korea for international students. Not only is the tuition low compared to other universities in the country, but the cost of living is more affordable than the bustling Seoul. Gwanju, only about 5 hours south of Seoul by bus, is a beautiful part of Korea known for its historic sites, picturesque mountains, and long-running culinary tradition. Save money and experience life outside of Seoul at Chonnam National University.
5. Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST)
Best for English-taught classes
- Location: Daejeon
- Percent international students (undergrad): 11%
- Top majors: engineering, natural sciences, computer science
- QS university ranking: 65th
At Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST), most classes are taught in English. What’s more, it’s part of a worldwide consortium for engineering and business schools and is considered a major research university. KAIST sat out the QS rankings for a year following a reputation-survey investigation, but it’s back for 2027 at 65th in the world.
Daejeon is a city in west central South Korea and the capital of South Chungcheong province. There are plenty of things to do both in the city and the great outdoors that surround it. The area is known for its hot springs, hiking trails, forests, and lakes – what better way to unwind after a long week of studies?
6. Kyung Hee University
Best for campus amenities
- Location: Seoul
- Percent international students (undergrad): 10%
- Top majors: hospitality and tourism, nursing, modern languages
- QS university ranking: 309th
If studying at a beautiful campus is important to you, look no further than Kyung Hee University. Regarded by students as one of the most beautiful campuses in South Korea, the university boasts 3 museums, various dining halls, and dormitory options. Its own self-contained little community, you’ll also have access to a bank and gym. During a busy week of classes, you won’t need to leave campus to find everything you need!
7. Sogang University
Best for culture and language immersion
- Location: Seoul
- Percent international students (undergrad): 17%
- Top majors: modern languages, economics, arts and humanities
- QS university ranking: 494th
Students enthusiastic about improving their Korean language skills should start their search at Sogang University. Their Korean Language Education Center is among the top places to learn Korean in the country. During your studies, cultural activities will be a major cornerstone that help to reinforce learning. Sogang University’s program also focuses on speaking so you will be sure to improve by leaps and bounds while in Seoul.
8. Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
Best for international networking
- Location: Seoul
- Percent international students (undergrad): 14%
- Top majors: library science, materials science, social sciences
- QS university ranking: 108th
Sungkyunkwan University, also known as SKKU for short, is the oldest university in Korea. Dating back to the 14th century, many historic buildings are still standing on campus. SKKU has many industry ties to major companies like Samsung which provide employment and intern opportunities for students. This is a great way to develop your international network, especially if you want to live and work abroad after graduation!
Why study abroad in South Korea?
South Korea is a fantastic place to study abroad for international students! Here’s why:
- Tuition is affordable. College is expensive, but studying in South Korea doesn’t have to add a considerable burden to your budget.
- Many programs are taught in English. As a destination for international students from all over the world, universities in Korea offer a good variety — including entire degrees — in English.
- International students are welcome. South Korea is a great place for students coming from abroad.
- It’s safe. South Korea has low levels of crime, including violent crime.
- Great food. Kimchi, bibimbap, Korean barbeque — just a few of the delicious dishes to try while studying in Korea.
- Fun pop culture. South Korean pop culture has taken the world by storm (K-pop and K-dramas, anyone?).
How much does it cost to study in South Korea?
Studying abroad in South Korea is very affordable compared to tuition and living costs in the US.
- Direct enrollment: Tuition for a direct enrollment semester abroad in South Korea ranges from $1,800 to around $6,000, depending on the university and subjects you’re studying.
- Third-party programs: Fees for a semester through a third-party program provider run from as low as $5,000 to as high as $21,000.
- Living costs: Cost of living is highest in Seoul, averaging $1,100–$1,600 per month, including housing, food, transportation, and other expenses.
Can I study in Korea for free?
Unlike countries like Germany that only charge international students a low amount for fees each semester, as you’ve read above, Korea does require tuition payments. However, scholarships and grants can help fund your tuition costs considerably.
The cheapest universities in South Korea for international students
If cost is your deciding factor, skip the big-name private schools and look at Korea’s public national universities instead. Places like Chonnam National, Kangwon National, and Pusan National routinely charge international undergrads $1,100 to $2,500 per semester — less than half what you’d pay at a private university like Yonsei or Korea University, and well below even the low end of the direct-enrollment range above.
| University | Est tuition per semester | Why it’s a strong budget pick |
|---|---|---|
| Chonnam National University | $1,400–$1,900 | Already our top pick for affordability (see #3 above) |
| Kangwon National University | $1,100–$1,800 | One of the lowest sticker prices among Korea’s national universities |
| Chungnam National University | $1,400–$2,000 | Strong sciences and engineering programs at public-school pricing |
| Pusan National University | $1,550–$2,400 | Major public university in Korea’s second-largest city |
| Seoul National University of Science & Technology (SeoulTech) | $1,800–$2,600 | Public, tech-focused, and based in Seoul proper (not to be confused with Seoul National University, above) |
| University of Seoul | $1,850–$2,550 | City-run public university right in the capital |
Want it for even less? The Korean government’s Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) covers full tuition (up to ₩5,000,000 per semester), a monthly stipend (₩900,000 for undergrads), and round-trip airfare for a select group of international students each year. It’s competitive to land, but it’s about as close to a free ride as you’ll find in Korean higher ed.
How can I study abroad in South Korea?
You have several options to get started studying abroad in South Korea. The three main ways to study abroad include:
- Direct enrollment: you enroll directly through the university. You will generally save money this way but you have to take care of all the details yourself.
- Third-party provider: you pay a fee to a study abroad organization, like those on GO, and they organize your enrollment and pay your tuition. Your program fee often includes extras like housing and meals.
- University-led programs or exchanges: if your university has a reciprocal agreement with a Korean university, it may be possible to join an instructor-led program or participate in an exchange where you and a Korean student switch places for a semester or year.
Experience South Korea through study abroad in 2026!
Whichever university you choose, South Korea as a study abroad destination will not disappoint. There is something for everyone as our list shows, so you are bound to find the right fit for you. Take your studies abroad in 2026!
Learn more about how to make your study abroad in South Korea happen:
