The ideal study abroad experience exists: world-class education that doesn’t cause crippling debt. This is why South Korea has quickly become one of the most popular overseas study destinations for Indian students over the past two years.
Institutions such as Seoul National University, Korea University, and KAIST are globally recognized for providing inexpensive yet high-quality higher education credentials. You’re not just getting a degree; you’re getting an unparalleled cultural and academic experience.
This comprehensive guide gives Indian students the precise details needed to prepare and successfully plan their application for the 2026 intake into South Korea’s highly competitive yet rewarding higher educational environment.
Why Choose South Korea for Your Higher Education?
South Korea has risen to the top of the table to become one of the top choices for Indian students to pursue an education. There are many benefits of studying in South Korea, such as high-quality education, academic excellence, rich culture, and technological development.
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- Affordable Education: The cost of studying in South Korea is less than what one would expect in the USA or the UK. The public universities in the country are great, and the South Korea education system for international students is amazing.
- Safety and Quality of Life: In 2025, South Korea was ranked 41st in the Global Peace Index, making it one of the safest countries in the world. Its public transport is accessible, the nation’s health facilities are great, and its infrastructure is fully up to date.
- Cultural Experience: There is a mix of traditional and contemporary culture, with everything from K-pop to Korean cuisine. Students will experience a country with a distinctive cultural heritage in one of Asia’s most technologically advanced nations.
- Career Opportunities: South Korea is home to global leaders such as Samsung, Hyundai, and LG. It is a country whose economy is always thriving, and any graduate with a good background will have a high chance of getting employed due to its strong international presence. Foreign wage workers are estimated to have an average yearly wage of KRW 35,000,000 (INR 21,00,000).
Top Universities in South Korea for International Students
South Korea has many great universities. The following is a complete overview of the top universities in Korea:
| University | QS Ranking 2026 | Location | Notable Programs | Typical Tuition (Per Semester) |
| Seoul National University (SNU) | #38 | Seoul | Engineering, Medicine, Business (Globally Renowned) | KRW 2,450,000 - 5,038,000 (₹1.52L - ₹3.13L) |
| Yonsei University | #50 | Seoul | International Studies, Medicine (High Global Mobility) | KRW 4,299,000 - 14,420,000 (₹2.67L - ₹8.97L) |
| Korea University | #61 | Seoul | Law, Business, Humanities (Excellent Business School) | KRW 5,300,000 - 7,100,000 (₹3.30L - ₹4.42L) |
| KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) | #53 | Daejeon | Science, Engineering, Technology (Scholarship Focused) | KRW 3,433,000 (₹2.14L) |
| Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) | #42 | Seoul/Suwon | Engineering, Information Science (Major Samsung Partner) | KRW 3,800,000 - 6,000,000 (₹2.36L - ₹3.73L) |
| POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) | #101 | Pohang | Material Science, Engineering (High Research Output) | KRW 2,500,000 - 3,500,000 (₹1.55L - ₹2.17L) |
Disclaimer: Tuition fees are approximate and may vary by program and university. INR values are based on an exchange rate of 1 KRW = INR 0.062 as of October 2025.
Popular Courses to Study in South Korea
There are many of the cheapest universities in South Korea that provide a wide range of programmes and majors in all areas; however, some universities are more well-known in particular fields that attract students from India.
| Field | Popular Courses and Specializations | Why It's Popular in Korea (Context) |
| STEM Fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) | Computer Science, AI, and Robotics | Korea is a global leader in connectivity, 5G, and gaming development. Top universities (KAIST, SNU) have strong ties to tech giants like Samsung and LG. |
| Semiconductor and Electrical Engineering | As the heart of the global memory chip supply chain, Korea offers unmatched research opportunities, high salaries, and specialized programs in microelectronics and chip design. | |
| Biotechnology and Life Sciences | Strong government funding in bio-health and pharmaceuticals, with major research hubs emerging, particularly around Seoul and Daejeon. | |
| Business and Management | International Business / Global MBA | Seoul is a major financial hub. Programs often focus on East Asian markets and global supply chain management, preparing students for international careers. |
| Economics and Finance | Deep integration with global markets and a high demand for analysts in the highly developed banking and fintech sectors. | |
| Arts and Humanities | Korean Studies and Korean Language | Directly supports the massive global demand fueled by Hallyu (Korean Wave). Essential for working in Korea or for academic specialization. |
| Media and Communication | Focus on digital media, PR, and content creation, directly relevant to the K-Pop, drama, and film industries. Often includes specialized tracks like Global Cultural Content. | |
| Design and Fine Arts (Visual/Industrial) | Excellence in Industrial Design (Samsung, Hyundai) and Visual Arts, with strong faculty specializing in contemporary and new media art. | |
| Medicine and Healthcare | Public Health and Global Health | High quality of healthcare and research in infectious diseases and aging populations. |
| Nursing and Pharmacy | Steady demand and highly respected professions. Admission to core medical and dental schools remains highly competitive for international students. |
Cost of Studying and Living in South Korea for Indian Students
You should think about the total costs of living in South Korea. The total cost can give you a good idea of the cost of the entire degree program. Here is a full breakdown of the total cost of studying in South Korea for Indian students:
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees for state universities usually vary by course and location. The tuition of public universities is lower than that of private universities, but both still offer high-quality education.
| Level | Public Universities (Annual) | Private Universities (Annual) |
| Undergraduate | KRW 4,000,000 - 6,500,000INR 2,44,200 - 4,00,000 | KRW 7,000,000 - 9,000,000INR 4,30,000 - 5,50,000 |
| Graduate (Master's) | KRW 5,000,000 - 8,000,000INR 3,00,000 - 5,00,000 | KRW 9,000,000 - 12,500,000INR 5,50,000 - 7,80,000 |
| Engineering/Medical | KRW 6,500,000 - 10,000,000INR 4,00,000 - 6,00,000 | KRW 10,000,000 - 15,000,000INR 6,00,000 - 9,00,000 |
Disclaimer: Tuition fees are approximate and may vary by program and university. INR values are based on an exchange rate of 1 KRW = INR 0.062 as of October 2025.
Living Expenses
The living expenses in South Korea are about INR 95,050 (approximately KRW 1,530,360) a month, not inclusive of rent. Below is a total of expenses for students who want to study in South Korea:
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (KRW Est.) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
| Accommodation (University Dorm) | KRW 387,000 – KRW 500,000 | INR 24,000 – INR 31,000 |
| Food | KRW 290,000 – KRW 484,000 | INR 18,000 – INR 30,000 |
| Transportation (Metro Pass) | KRW 65,000 – KRW 97,000 | INR 4,000 – INR 6,000 |
| Utilities and Internet | KRW 48,000 – KRW 81,000 | INR 3,000 – INR 5,000 |
| Miscellaneous | KRW 81,000 – KRW 161,000 | INR 5,000 – INR 10,000 |
| Total Monthly | KRW 871,000 – KRW 1,323,000 | INR 54,000 – INR 82,000 |
Disclaimer: The monthly cost mentioned is an estimate. Students are advised to check the university and other pages to get the exact monthly cost.
Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in South Korea
There are numerous South Korea scholarships for Indian students that may decrease the amount of money required to earn an education.
1. Government Scholarships
The South Korean government offers scholarships to international students. This makes it possible for Indian students to study in South Korea at an even lower cost.
a. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
It is possible to make study in South Korea even more affordable with the help of scholarships. The Global Korea Scholarship is one of the top scholarships for international students and is funded by the Korean Government.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Grant |
| Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) | Students must be citizens of one of the eligible countries | Full coverage of the language training fee |
| Full coverage of tuition | ||
| Round-trip airfare | ||
| Those under the age of 40 can apply. | ||
| Monthly allowance of KRW 1,000,000 (INR 60,000) | ||
| Applicants must have maintained a CGPA equal to or higher than 80 per cent. | ||
| Monthly medical insurance of KRW 20,000 (INR 1,239) | ||
2. University-Specific Scholarships
Many South Korean universities offer their own scholarships for both Korean citizens and international students. Here are the scholarship programs of the top universities in South Korea:
| University | Scholarship Name | Coverage | Eligibility | Application Deadline |
| Seoul National University (SNU) | SNU President Fellowship (SPF) | Full tuition for six semesters | Must be a faculty member of a major university in a developing country without a PhD, and newly admitted as a PhD student at SNU. | For Spring 2026: July 7-10, 2025Documents by Aug 31, 2025. |
| monthly stipend KRW 1,500,000 (~INR 92,928) | ||||
| Yonsei University (Underwood International College) | Underwood International College Scholarship | Full or partial tuition for top applicants | International undergraduates admitted to UIC; terms vary. | For Fall 2025, October 17 |
| Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) | KAIST International Student Scholarship / KGPS | Full tuition coverage + monthly stipend (e.g., KRW 1,000,000/month for some programs) | International applicants for Master’s or integrated Master-PhD (or Undergraduate, depending on track) must meet department admission criteria. | Undergraduate Spring 2026 track: September 19 - October 23 |
| Fall Regular track: November 6, 2026 |
How to Apply to South Korean Universities: A Step-by-Step Guide
In addition to the tuition fees the applying to South Korean universities requires advanced planning and submitting to deadlines. Below is a breakdown of how to apply to universities in South Korea:
Step 1: Research Universities and Programs (12-15 months before intake)
- Shortlist 3–5 accredited universities and check course details, rankings, and program language.
Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements (10-12 months before)
- Most programs need TOEFL iBT 80+ / IELTS 6.0+ or TOPIK Level 3; some may waive it.
- Some programs may waive language requirements
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents (8-10 months before)
- Prepare transcripts, certificates, SOP, LORs, and a passport copy.
Step 4: Submit Applications (6-8 months before)
- Submit your applications through the university portals.
- Fall applications typically are in the months of October through November, while Spring applications are in the months of May through June.
Step 5: Track Application Status
- Track emails, submit any additional documents, and once accepted, pay the tuition deposit to secure your South Korea study visa from India.
South Korea Student Visa for Indian Students: Requirements and Process
For studying in South Korea, you must obtain a student visa. Here’s everything about the South Korea student visa requirements that you need to know. There are two visa types, namely, D-2 and D-4, one for students in a program and the other for students who will be studying in the Korean language:
1. D-2 Visa (Regular Student Visa)
The D-2 visa is for students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programmes at recognised South Korean universities. It is typically valid for the duration of the academic programme (usually up to two years) and can be extended if required.
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Certificate of Admission from a Korean university
- Completed visa application form with a recent passport-sized photo
- Academic certificates (high school diploma, bachelor’s, or master’s degree as applicable)
- Medical check-up record for Tuberculosis (mandatory for Indian nationals)
Application Process
- Obtain a Certificate of Admission from your chosen university.
- Gather all required documents.
- Submit your visa application at the Korean Embassy or the VFS Global Centre in India.
- Wait for processing (usually 2–4 weeks).
- Once approved, collect your D-2 Visa and prepare for travel.
2. D-4 Visa (Language Training Visa)
The D-4 visa is designed for students enrolled in Korean language training programmes at accredited institutions. It is valid for up to two years, depending on the programme length.
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Certificate of Admission from a language institute
- Completed the visa application form with a recent passport photo
- Academic certificates (latest educational qualification)
- Medical check-up record for Tuberculosis (mandatory for Indian nationals)
Application Process
- Get into a recognised Korean language institute.
- Compile all required documents.
- Submit the D-4 visa application via the Korean Embassy.
- Wait for visa approval. It takes about 2-3 weeks.
- Receive your D-4 Visa and proceed with travel arrangements.
Part-time Work and Post-Study Opportunities
There are great opportunities for international students to work both while studying and after graduation in South Korea.
Part-Time Work Rules
International students holding D-2 or D-4 visas have a work limit of 20 hours a week. However, they must reside in Korea for 6 months before they are allowed to work, and they must get permission to work from their university.
Post-Study Work Options
After you have completed your studies, you can easily look for jobs in South Korea. Here is what you need to know about the visa options:
- D-10 Job Seeking Visa: International students who complete their studies at a Korean university can apply for a D-10 job-seeking visa, enabling graduates to stay in Korea for six months, extendable up to two years.
- E-7 Employment Visa: Once you secure employment, you can change your D-10 visa to an E-7 job visa. This will allow you to stay in Korea for a period of three years and continue working.
Career Opportunities:
- Multinational companies (Samsung, LG, Hyundai)
- Korean branches of international firms
- Research institutions
- Education sector
- IT and technology companies
Student Life in South Korea: A Glimpse into the Culture
Being an international student in South Korea can provide unique experiences beyond academics. Many study in South Korea consultants in India can help you get a glimpse into the culture. In Korea, it is important to respect the customs. You should remove shoes indoors, bow to elders, and use both hands when offering items. Join university clubs, attend local festivals, visit palaces, and explore K-pop concerts to experience the country’s vibrant student life.
Take the First Step Toward Your Korean Education Journey
Studying in South Korea is an amazing opportunity for Indian students to get a quality education abroad. The low fees, great scholarships, and wonderful opportunities for post-study employment together make South Korea a good choice for studies. Start your application process now. Don’t wait and do your due diligence. You should always do your research on universities, and do not hesitate to phone their admission team in case you need clarification.
Ready to begin your new adventure? Speak with Leap Scholar counsellors today for tailored advice on universities, scholarships, and visa applications.
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to study in South Korea for Indian students?
Total costs range from INR 8-12 lakhs per year, including tuition (INR 2.4-5.5 lakhs) and living expenses (INR 5.5-10 lakhs). Public universities are more affordable than private institutions.
2. Do Indian students need IELTS for South Korea?
Most English-taught programs require IELTS (minimum 6.0) or TOEFL iBT (minimum 80). However, requirements vary by university and program. Some universities may waive this requirement, allowing you to study in South Korea without IELTS if your previous education was in English.
3. What scholarships are available for Indian students in South Korea?
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is the most prestigious, covering full tuition, a monthly allowance of KRW 1,000,000 (INR 50,000), airfare, and insurance. Universities also offer merit-based scholarships covering 30-100% of tuition.
4. How long is the South Korean student visa valid?
The D-2 South Korea study visa from India is valid for up to 2 years and can be renewed as needed for the duration of your program.
5. What are the post-study work options in South Korea?
Graduates can apply for a post-study work visa in South Korea for a D-10 job-seeking visa valid for up to 2 years, allowing them to stay and search for employment. After securing a job, you can convert to an E-7 employment visa.
Frequently Asked Questions on Study in Korea
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1. How much does it cost to study in South Korea for Indian students?
Total costs range from INR 8-12 lakhs per year, including tuition (INR 2.4-5.5 lakhs) and living expenses (INR 5.5-10 lakhs). Public universities are more affordable than private institutions.
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2. Do Indian students need IELTS for South Korea?
Most English-taught programs require IELTS (minimum 6.0) or TOEFL iBT (minimum 80). However, requirements vary by university and program. Some universities may waive this requirement, allowing you to study in South Korea without IELTS if your previous education was in English.
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3. What scholarships are available for Indian students in South Korea?
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is the most prestigious, covering full tuition, a monthly allowance of KRW 1,000,000 (INR 50,000), airfare, and insurance. Universities also offer merit-based scholarships covering 30-100% of tuition.
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4. How long is the South Korean student visa valid?
The D-2 South Korea study visa from India is valid for up to 2 years and can be renewed as needed for the duration of your program.
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5. What are the post-study work options in South Korea?
Graduates can apply for a post-study work visa in South Korea for a D-10 job-seeking visa valid for up to 2 years, allowing them to stay and search for employment. After securing a job, you can convert to an E-7 employment visa.
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