Study in Korea
Why choose Korea to study
Popular Courses of Nepalese students in Korea
Cost to study in Korea from Nepal
Studying in South Korea can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to understand the associated costs. Here’s a general breakdown of expenses for Nepali students:
|
Expenses
|
Estimated Cost Range (₩)
|
|---|---|
|
Living Expenses:
|
₩800,000 - ₩1,500,000 per month
|
|
Tuition Fees
|
₩2,000,000 - ₩7,000,000 per semester (undergraduate)
₩3,000,000 - ₩8,000,000 per semester (postgraduate) |
|
Overseas Student Health Cover
|
₩100,000 - ₩150,000 per year
(National Health Insurance for International Students) |
|
Study Materials and Additional Costs
|
Varies based on course requirements and personal choices
|
Admission Requirements for Studying in Korea
Admission requirements for South Korean universities vary depending on the course and institution. Generally, they include:
Academic
Qualifications:
Students must have completed a recognized high school diploma or its equivalent to apply for undergraduate programs. For postgraduate courses, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field is required. Some programs may specify prerequisite subjects or prior experience.
English Language
Proficiency:
For programs taught in Korean, students must demonstrate proficiency through the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK). Most universities require TOPIK Level 3 or higher for undergraduate studies and Level 4 or higher for postgraduate studies. Programs taught in English typically require IELTS (5.5 to 6.5), TOEFL (80 to 100), or equivalent.
Statement of
Purpose:
A statement of purpose is required, allowing students to articulate their academic interests, career goals, and reasons for choosing the specific university and program. This document plays a vital role in showcasing the applicant’s motivations and future aspirations.
Letters of
Recommendation:
Universities often ask for one or more letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or employers. These letters should highlight the applicant's strengths, academic achievements, and suitability for the chosen field of study.
Resume/
CV:
Applicants must submit a detailed resume or CV outlining their educational background, work experience, accomplishments, and relevant extracurricular activities. This helps universities assess the applicant’s overall profile and suitability for the program.
Health
Insurance:
Enrollment in South Korea’s National Health Insurance (NHI) is mandatory for international students. Proof of insurance coverage is often required during the application or visa process to ensure students have adequate healthcare during their studies.
Visa
Requirements:
Students need a D-2 (Student) Visa, requiring a valid passport, Certificate of Admission from a South Korean university, financial documents, and academic transcripts. Visa fees and forms must be submitted as part of the application.
Portfolio:
For applicants to creative programs such as art or design, universities may request a portfolio showcasing previous work. This portfolio helps evaluate the student’s skills and readiness for the program.
Document Requirements
When applying for your South Korea student visa to study in South Korea, you will generally need:
- Certificate of Admission (CoA) issued by the university confirming your acceptance into the program.
- A valid passport with at least six months validity
- Visa application fee and proof of payment must be provided
- Your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
- Medical examination report
- Copies of your transcripts, certificates, and degrees from previous education or employment records
- Evidence of financial ability
- Language proficiency test scores(TOPIK, IELTS, TOEFL)
- Details of your health insurance policy(NHI)
Language requirement
Most South Korean universities require international students to demonstrate proficiency in either Korean or English, depending on the medium of instruction. Commonly accepted language tests include:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
For English-taught programs, a minimum overall score of 5.5 to 6.5 is generally required, with individual band scores typically no lower than 5.0, depending on the program.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
A common minimum score for TOEFL is around 70 to 100 on the internet-based test, varying by the institution and course requirements.
TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean)
For Korean-taught programs, most universities require a TOPIK score of Level 3 or higher for undergraduate studies and Level 4 or higher for postgraduate studies.
Scholarships to Study in Korea
For Nepalese students considering higher education in South Korea, evaluating the financial aspects of this decision is crucial. Along with tuition fees and living expenses, other associated costs must also be accounted for. Fortunately, South Korea offers a variety of scholarships to ease the financial burden. Here is a list of scholarships available in South Korea:
Intakes Available to Study in Korea
South Korea typically provides two primary intakes for international students:
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Semester's
|
Timeframe
|
Application Period
|
|---|---|---|
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Spring Intake (Main Intake)
|
March
|
September to November of the previous year
|
|
Fall Intake (Second Intake)
|
September
|
May to June of the same year
|
Consultancy to Apply for study in Korea
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the language requirements to study in South Korea?
Most universities in South Korea offer programs in both Korean and English. For Korean-taught programs, students are generally required to have a TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) score of Level 3 or higher. For English-taught programs, universities typically accept IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic scores, with requirements ranging from 5.5 to 6.5 for IELTS or a TOEFL score of 70 to 100, depending on the program.
How much does it cost to study in South Korea?
Tuition fees for international students in South Korea typically range from ₩2,000,000 to ₩7,000,000 per year for undergraduate programs, and ₩3,000,000 to ₩8,000,000 per year for graduate programs. Living expenses can range from ₩600,000 to ₩1,500,000 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle.
Are there scholarships available for international students in South Korea?
Yes, South Korea offers several scholarship opportunities, including the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), university-specific scholarships, and various private scholarships. Many universities also offer financial aid for undergraduate and graduate programs based on academic merit or need.
Can I work while studying in South Korea?
Yes, international students in South Korea can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and 40 hours per week during vacation periods. Many students find part-time work in areas like tutoring, customer service, and retail. Some universities also offer on-campus job opportunities.
How can I apply for a student visa to study in South Korea?
To study in South Korea, you need to apply for a D-2 Student Visa. The application requires proof of acceptance into a recognized university, evidence of financial support, a valid passport, and a medical checkup. The visa process typically takes a few weeks, so it’s important to apply early.
Top Places to Study in South Korea for Nepali Students
Seoul
Busan
Gyeonggi
Incheon
Daejeon
Recent Visa Update for South Korea
Podcast on Studying in South Korea
South Korea Student Visa (D-2) Process
- Choosing the preferred course and institution
- Submitting an application to the institution
- Getting and accepting an offer letter
- Receiving the Certificate of Admission
- Paying the required fees
- Applying for the D-2 Student Visa
- Submitting biometric data (if required)
