Not many know about the best Korean Universities for international students, but the country’s popularity comes as no surprise.
It boasts amazing food like Korean barbeque with fresh kimchi and a massive range of Korean beauty and skincare products.
It is also home to the most popular K-Pop groups like LE SSERAFIM, TXT, (G)I-DLE and of course, NewJeans.
Best of all, they offer affordable degrees for international students, starting from US$1,800 a semester.
South Korea is becoming a hotspot for international students as it plans to significantly expand its foreign enrolment through the next few years.
A plan by the South Korean government combines incentives such as scholarships, lowered language and visa requirements, and easier pathways to permanent residency for master’s and doctoral students.
The country requires high-skilled workers, and due to the rapidly declining birth rate, high school-aged cohorts are decreasing in number.
South Korea intends to join the frontlines of countries eager to take in best international students, and become one of the world’s top 10 study-abroad destinations by 2027.
South Korea’s government has been spending billions of dollars to try and reverse declining birth rates as the population continues to shrink. Source: AFP
Korean universities for international students: Changes made in 2024
In 2024, the Korean government has further endeavoured to recruit top-performing international students.
They aim to address the issue of illegal immigration and further enhance the internationalisation capabilities of Korean higher education institutions.
This is measured via an annual evaluation of colleges and universities’ capacity and performance, with respect to international students.
International students will be able to enjoy certain benefits at certified universities.
There are relaxed visa screening criteria, and a permit to work up to an additional five hours of part-time per week.
Universities that fail to meet the evaluation standards will undergo investigation, and may have to deal with enhanced visa screening procedures, or halt recruitment of international students entirely.
Thankfully, there are around 18 universities that are qualified to receive these additional benefits. The complete list of certified universities and language programmes is available here.
Take a look at our top 10 picks, with fully-fleshed out programmes available in English for international students.
Top 10 Korean universities for international students with English programmes
Korea University
Korea University (KU) stands out as one of the top Korean universities for international students.
It’s the nation’s first university funded and administered solely by Koreans, and is now home to over 37,000 students from all over the globe.
The university was established in 1905 by Lee Young-Ik, Treasurer of the Royal Household, and is currently ranked 79th in the world (QS World University Rankings).
International students flock to KU as over 70% of courses are taught entirely in English.
The school offers hundreds of undergraduate courses, such as business administration, engineering, biological sciences, health sciences, international studies and more.
They are also known for their professional schools of Law, Medicine, Engineering, and Business Administration, and even have a fine teaching hospital to train doctors and nurses while providing excellent care.
Konkuk University
Konkuk University (KU) is recognised as one of the top 20 universities in South Korea, according to Times Higher Education.
The institute boasts a sizable international student population, with 500 courses taught in English every semester.
Their renowned faculty includes approximately 70 international members from all around the world.
The subjects available in English include business, engineering, English literature, Korean language, and political science.
KU also offers additional academic opportunities for international students, such as internships where they can gain hands-on experience tutoring English to Korean students and receive a certificate in exchange.
The university also offers a variety of exchange student programmes for those who wish to stay short-term.
Pusan
Pusan National University is certainly one of the best Korean universities for international students.
The Department of Global Studies is the university’s most recent addition as part of its efforts in internationally-focused education.
The department offers undergraduate students an academic experience similar to American and European universities.
This includes an entirely English curriculum taught almost exclusively by native speakers.
You can choose from a wide range of programmes, such as law, international relations, history, economics, political science, human rights and religion.
The university also offers comprehensive student exchange programmes for those interested in a semester or two.
Exchange students also get to enjoy Korean language courses for free!
Korea is home to the most popular K-Pop groups like BTS, LE SSERAFIM, TXT, and (G)I-DLE. Source: AFP
University of Seoul
Established in 1918, the University of Seoul (UOS) is widely regarded as one of the top public universities in South Korea.
Their Office of International Affairs plays a central role in developing and promoting various overseas exchange programs at UOS, hosting nearly 2,000 international students a year.
The university offers a comprehensive list of courses taught in English.
Exchange students can take up to 20 credits for a regular semester in spring or fall, and up to eight credits for summer school.
Students who study in a partner university and do not qualify for an exchange programme can opt for the Visiting Student Programme, which allows them to spend a year at UOS in South Korea.
Ewha Womans University was founded in 1886, and it’s the first modern school for women in the country. It is one of the best Korean universities for international students. Source: AFP
Ewha Womans University
Ewha Womans University is Korea’s first educational institute for women.
It’s the first ever government-accredited four-year university and is now one of Korea’s most prestigious schools, as well as the world’s largest university for women with over 25,000 students.
More than 30% of courses at Ewha are taught entirely in English.
Students can choose from social sciences, fine arts, international studies, business, sciences, fashion, sports management and more.
Although it’s an all-female institution, it opens its doors to international students of all genders for their exchange programme.
Seokyeong University
A top-ranked private university in Seoul, Seokyeong University (SKU) has an extensive history spanning half a century.
The university is home to a number of research institutes and offers several undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
The university is eager to take on the challenge of globalisation.
They recently established the Department of Military Studies, Department of Global Business Administration, Department of Economics and Finance, and Division of Public Human Resources.
Programmes in these departments – especially business administration – are mostly conducted in English.
As one of the best Korean universities for international students, Chung-Ang University has a reputable list of famous alumni. This includes Song Hye-kyo, known for her titular work in Netflix’s revenge hit “The Glory”. Source: AFP
Chung-Ang University
Chung-Ang University (CAU) aims to become a prestigious global university by 2030.
The school offers unique international programmes that delve into diversity and culture and is widely recognised as the centre of the ‘Korean culture wave’ of Asia.
CAU is known as one of the nation’s best in the fields of pharmacy, culture and art education.
It offers a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes, as well as law, global MBA, and medical programmes.
Over 700 courses are offered in English, and exchange students can take additional introductory Korean language and culture courses.
Hanyang University
Hanyang University started out as Korea’s first private engineering institute.
Now, the university is known for its diverse selection of high-level engineering and business courses, with alumni dominating the top ranks of Korean-owned businesses as CEOs.
Students from all over the globe flock to Hanyang University, eager to join its prestigious ranks.
The university welcomes over 7,400 international students each year.
It even offers an English Track programme for undergraduates interested in engineering and management, with international professors conducting courses in English.
Students can opt to spend their entire degree learning in English there or opt to register for their exchange programme for a couple of semesters.
Keimyung University is located in Daegu. Source: AFP
Keimyung University
Located in Daegu, Keimyung University (KMU) is the perfect study-abroad option for international students.
KMU proudly offers a variety of programmes in English for local and international students.
The university was actually one of the first in Korea to initiate a full-scale globalisation programme.
Today, there are over 100 international faculty members who teach over 75 courses in English to students from across the globe.
Besides academics, KMU offers a rich cultural experience for international students.
Young individuals interested in learning about traditional Korean culture can enjoy the university’s free culture classes and field trips and explore a traditional village available right on campus.
Kyung Hee University
International students whose interests align with business, tourism and hospitality will find Kyung Hee University the best place to pursue a degree.
The university has an ambitious goal – it wishes to serve as a pathway to globalisation and internationalisation in higher education and does so by providing comprehensive courses taught entirely in English.
Kyung Hee University has three colleges offering undergraduate programs conducted in English.
Students can apply to the College of Hotel & Tourism Management, the College of Management or the College of International Studies.
Postgraduate programmes in English are also available, making it one of the best Korean universities for international students.