How to Study Abroad in South Korea as an International Student in 2026

Let’s face it: South Korea is just plain cool. K-pop, K-dramas, soju, kimchi and BBQ, and fabulous skin care products are only a few of the things this awesome country has given the world. If you’d love to have a chance to live the dream in South Korea, why not attend one of their world-class universities as a study abroad student? No really, it’s easier than you think! 

Read on to find out how to study in South Korea as an international student in 2026.

To determine where you should study, think about your educational and language goals, hobbies, and lifestyle preferences. Get started by exploring the top cities in South Korea for foreign students:

• Seoul: Studying in South Korea’s busy capital gives you over 30 universities to choose from and you'll enjoy the benefits of big-city life.
• Busan: A port city on the southeastern coast, Busan is known for its beaches and ability to delight foodies with fresh seafood and local dishes. The laid-back beachy vibes will calm any stressed student.
• Gwangju: The smallest city on our list, Gwangju still has a population of around 1.4 million and is anything but sleepy. Students can enjoy the varied culinary scene and street markets or hop a bus or train out of the city to enjoy some nature in Mudeungsan National Park.
• Daejeon: Known as Asia's Silicon Valley, Daejeon is a tech and science city renowned for its research centers, including those at top-ranked KAIST, Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology. 

In general, bigger cities have more amenities and events but can make you feel lost in a crowd. Closer proximity to other English speakers can also hinder your Korean learning. However, if you’re prone to homesickness, a little familiarity may be what you need.

 There are three main ways to attend university in Korea as an international student:

• Program provider: Study abroad program providers are private organizations that you attend independently from your university but can transfer credits back. They tend to be all-inclusive and help you with paperwork for enrollment and visas. For example, for a semester with CIS Abroad in Seoul, your fees will cover tuition, housing, airport pickup, medical insurance, visa assistance, events and excursions, and 24/7 support. Even though program providers are often the pricier option, they are with you from start to finish.
• University-led: If your university has a partnership with one or more Korean universities, you may be able to participate in a university-led or even a semester exchange program. You will pay tuition to your home university while attending the program abroad. Transferring the credits you earned abroad is very easy.
• Direct enrollment: This is potentially the most affordable way to study abroad in Korea but it also takes the most legwork from you. You will need to handle all the logistics of applying directly to a Korean university, securing housing, and handling the transfer of credits back to your home university. If you’re more independent, this option is a great way to save money.

There are pros and cons to every option so you’ll have to weigh them to determine what’s right for you.

Whether you’re an enthusiastic Korean language student or are simply curious about the culture, you can find classes to match your abilities and fulfill requirements at your home university.

Yes, you can study abroad in South Korea in English! While some knowledge of Korean can improve your overall experience, if you’re an absolute beginner, you can find classes conducted in English. 

Third-party program providers usually run study abroad programs in Korea for all students, regardless of language ability, and offer classes covering Korean culture, introductory language studies, and the arts and sciences.

Korea is home to some of the world’s top universities. Education is taken seriously here so wherever you choose, you’re bound to have a fantastic learning experience. Start by exploring this list of the best universities chosen by international students in Korea.

Read more: Top 8 Universities in South Korea for International Students.

Generally speaking, studying in Korea is more affordable than university in the US. A semester at a Korean university will cost you between $1,800 to $6,000 in tuition fees if you enroll directly. 

However, studying abroad through a program provider will cost anywhere from $9,000 to $19,000 USD. These fees are higher because they generally include tuition, housing, insurance, support, visa assistance, some added excursions, student events, and more. 

While South Korean universities are not free for international students, the tuition fees are very reasonable when compared with US universities. To reduce your overall cost, apply for as many scholarships and grants as you are eligible for. You can also consider a university exchange program, where you pay your home tuition and swap places with a Korean student for a semester.

• Student loans: You can use your federal student loan money for study abroad! Whether you do a program through your university, go with a private program provider, or enroll directly for a semester or year, your loan money can be applied to overseas tuition costs.
• Scholarships and grants: Opportunities for merit-based or needs-based scholarships and grants for study abroad exist if you know where to look. GO’s scholarship hub has a wealth of information to peruse including articles about study abroad scholarships you can apply for today. Fastweb is another website that helps match students with scholarships.

This is probably the least fun step but it’s one of the most important! You’ll need to be super organized and on top of deadlines to make sure you get everything done in time. If you study abroad through a program provider, they will help you through the process and double check you have everything in order. 

Students who enroll directly in a Korean university or do a university-led program will need to be a little more independent. Here’s what you can expect at this step in your study abroad journey!

Deadlines will differ depending on how you choose to study abroad. Korean universities, like the US, have fall and spring semesters although the dates slightly differ. 

Application deadlines by semester

Application fees vary based on the method you choose to study abroad. Not all universities or organizations have application fees but for the ones that do, here are the average costs:

• Program provider: Not all program providers require prospective participants to pay to apply but for the ones that do, you can expect to pay between $50-$100 USD.
• University-led: Some universities may charge students an application fee between $10-$150 USD to apply for student abroad programs.
• Direct enrollment: Korean universities often require an application fee between $40-$200 USD.

As always, requirements will depend on the program or university you choose, but as a general guide, students will need to meet the following:

• Minimum of 2.5 GPA
• Sophomore standing
• If taking classes in Korean, proficiency at a level of at least TOPIK 5 (advanced)

Now that you’re ready to put your study abroad application together, here are the documents commonly needed.

• Completed application form
• University transcripts
• Letter(s) of recommendation from your professors
• Personal statement
• Language proficiency test results (if applicable)

Program providers tend to require less documentation at the time of application.

If applying through a program provider, the initial application process can be as simple as filling out an online form with basic information, paying an application fee, and submitting it! An advisor will then reach out to you to begin helping you with the next steps. They will ensure you have the right documents and will submit them on your behalf. 

Direct enrollment and university-led students will need to complete the application packet online and upload the above documents often in the university’s application portal. Direct enrollment students will need to handle mailing original documents and official transcripts to their Korean university.

Depending on your nationality and length of study, you may need to apply for a student visa to study in Korea as a foreigner. US citizens can study in South Korea for up to 90 days without a student visa so if you’re planning to attend a summer program, you’re in luck. Anyone studying for a semester or academic year will need to apply for a D-2 Study Abroad visa.

To apply for the D-2 visa as a US citizen, you’ll need to gather the following documents:

• Printed and completed online application form
• Passport
• One 2x2 ID photo
• Bank statements showing funds covering cost of living while in Korea
• University transcripts demonstrating proof of enrollment
• Recommendation letter from your university
• Certificate of Admission (CoA) from your Korean university
• Your Korean university’s Certificate of Business Registration

If you’re studying abroad through a program provider or your university, they will give you a list of the exact documents needed as well as advice on how to obtain them.

Application fees vary by country but can cost anywhere from $40-$250 USD depending on your nationality and number of entries allowed on the visa. US citizens are only required to pay $45 regardless of whether the visa is single or multiple entry.

Once you gather all of your documents, you’ll need to submit them (along with your passport) to your nearest South Korean consulate in your home country. Some require you to make an appointment and attend in person to hand over your application.

Others may allow you to mail the packet to the consulate with a prepaid and self-addressed envelope so they can return your passport with the included D-2 student visa to you.

Packing is the most exciting part for some people and a complete nightmare for others. Here are some tips to make packing for your study abroad in Korea a breeze!

• Make a list: Sitting down and making a list of the things you want and need to bring will make things a bit less chaotic. Have separate lists for your checked luggage and carry-on/personal item. Cross items off as they’re stowed away to be sure you don’t miss anything!
• Use packing cubes: These things really work! Not only do they compress clothes into a tidy package, but you can group similar items like tops, socks and underwear, and pants to stay organized.
• Don’t bring items you can buy in Korea: Skip the full-size bottles of shampoo, toothpaste, lotion, and other personal care items. Korea is famous for its amazing health and beauty products – it’ll be fun to try new things!
• Mix and match: To avoid overpacking, try to pick clothes that can be mixed and matched to make a variety of outfits. Do the same with shoes. You’ll probably want to go shopping while you’re there and pick up some new outfits anyway. The exception to this is if you’re very tall or wear a larger US size in which cases, clothes and shoe shopping can be tricky.
• Bring some small mementos from home: Being able to decorate your dorm or student apartment with some small familiar and beloved items will make it feel more like a home away from home. Think pictures, small statues, artwork, or even a favorite stuffed animal.

Is studying abroad in South Korea worth it? 

Yes — between the affordability, the growing number of English-taught programs, and the culture shock (the good kind), most students come back saying it was worth every won. You'll build independence and confidence you just can't get from a semester at home, on top of a resume line that actually stands out.

Why study abroad in South Korea? 

Korea gives you big-city energy, K-culture, and genuinely world-class universities — all at a fraction of what you'd pay in the US, UK, or Australia. It's also one of the friendliest countries out there for English speakers, so you get the immersion without feeling completely lost.

How much does it cost to study abroad in South Korea? 

It depends on your path: direct enrollment runs about $1,800–$6,000 per semester, while a full-service program provider (tuition, housing, insurance, and visa help included) runs $9,000–$19,000. Scholarships, grants, and exchange agreements can bring either option down significantly.

Can I study abroad in South Korea for free? 

Not entirely free, but close — Korea offers some of the most generous scholarship options in Asia for international students, including university-specific awards and government-funded programs. Pair one of those with an exchange agreement through your home school and your out-of-pocket cost can drop dramatically.

What GPA do I need to study abroad in South Korea? 

Most programs ask for a 2.5 GPA minimum and sophomore standing, though direct enrollment at competitive schools like Seoul National University or KAIST may expect more. If you're taking Korean-language courses, you'll also need TOPIK level 5.

Do I need to speak Korean to study abroad in South Korea? 

Nope — you can absolutely study in English, especially in Seoul and Busan, where plenty of programs and even full degree tracks are taught entirely in English. That said, picking up a few Korean phrases will make ordering coffee (and making friends) a lot easier.

What's the difference between a program provider, a university-led program, and direct enrollment? 

A program provider handles everything for you — tuition, housing, insurance, visa support — for a higher price tag. A university-led program is run through your home school with more built-in structure. Direct enrollment means applying straight to the Korean university yourself, which is the most affordable route but puts more of the logistics on you.

How do I get a student visa to study in South Korea? 

If your program runs longer than 90 days, you'll need a D-2 Study Abroad visa, which costs $45 for US citizens and requires your passport, a passport photo, bank statements, transcripts, a recommendation letter, and your Certificate of Admission from the Korean university. Programs under 90 days for US citizens don't require a visa at all.

South Korea is becoming an increasingly popular study abroad destination as more students discover the incredible things the country has to offer. Choosing to study in Korea as an international student is likely going to be an experience of a lifetime and not one you’ll soon forget. 

Start planning your study abroad today!