Why choose South Korea for your studies? The reasons are endless. From its internationally renowned pop culture to its serious commitment to global education, the country covers a lot of bases. So, if you are considering coming to Seoul, Busan or Daegu for university, you have much to explore. Get started now with our guide to life and studying in South Korea.
Demand for international students
This year, the South Korean government established a plan to bring 300,000 international students to the country by 2027. If successful, the Study Korea 300K Project would make the country one of the world's top 10 destinations for studying abroad.
The chances of this happening look good. In the last academic year, 207,125 international students were enrolled in the country, representing a 17.6 per cent rise on the year before. This reflects a long-standing upward trend. When you consider that South Korea had less than 15,000 international students in 2005, and just under 100,000 in 2019, it is clear just how much things are changing.
A range of incentives have helped draw students to South Korea for their studies. For example, international students can work up to 25 hours in term time, and for unlimited hours during holidays. Tuition fees, meanwhile, are the same for all students, including those who are studying abroad – something that can not be said in many of the world's other popular study destinations.
Want to know more about the cost of studying in the country? Read our guides to tuition fees in South Korea and living costs in South Korea.
Unique culture
From its boundary-busting music to its renowned cinema, Korean popular culture attracts many international students. But of course, it's not all Blackpink and Park Chan-wook. While the capital city, Seoul, has grown into a bustling, modern metropolis, it maintains many notable features of its long and storied past. You can visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city, including the 14th-century Changdeokgung palace.
No matter where you decide to study in South Korea, though, you will have an incomparable cultural experience. With the help of the country's highly developed transport system, new sights, sounds and ways of life will never be too far away. Travel between sprawling cities, mountainous villages, and volcanic islands will prove to be both manageable and memorable.
If you'd like more inspiration, take a look at these five things to do in South Korea.
World-class universities
Five universities in South Korea feature in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings 2024, which is the second-highest total of all countries in Asia.
| University | QS Rank |
| Seoul National University | 41 |
| Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) | 56 |
| Yonsei University | 76 |
| Korea University | 79 |
| Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) | 100 |
Within the country, the three most prestigious universities are known by the acronym SKY: Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University. Each boast strong programmes and high graduate employment rates.
However, other institutions should not be overlooked. The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) is ranked second-highest in the country by QS, and is one of 14 Korean universities in the world's top 500.
Interested in studying at one of these great universities? Learn exactly how to apply to study in South Korea.
Strong economy
Known in the world of finance as one of the Asian Tigers, South Korea has Asia’s fourth-largest economy. As such, it offers plenty of opportunities for graduates looking to find work after university.
South Korea’s largest industries include electronics, telecommunications, chemicals and vehicle manufacturing, with many world-famous companies calling it home. Samsung, Hyundai and LG are just a few of these household names.
Notably, if you are an English-speaking student, you may have an advantage when it comes to getting a top graduate job. South Korea always needs more people who know the language to aid its international affairs.
Many such students stay in Korea after graduation to teach English as a foreign language. Aside from being a lot of fun, this is a great way to immerse yourself in the country while developing valuable skills.
Discover more about post-study work as we explain how to find a graduate career in South Korea.
Proximity to other Asian countries
If you want to study abroad, you may well be interested in doing some travelling during your course. For this, South Korea is ideally located, with good access to other Asian countries such as Japan and China. You could take a simple two-hour flight from Seoul to Tokyo and experience a whole other culture and lifestyle.
Even if you restrict your travels to inside South Korea, though, you will have a lot to see. While Seoul is home to more than half of the population, there are many other cities and regions with much to discover. Plus, as the country isn't particularly big, short trips need not affect your university attendance.
Has that increased your interest in studying in South Korea? Learn more about the country's higher education system and student accommodation. Alternatively, you can begin finding the right study programme for you with our simple Course Matcher tool.
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