Study in South Korea
Why Study in South Korea?
- Home to Top-Ranking Universities: South Korea boasts several universities that rank among the best in the world.
- Cost-Effective Study Options: Affordable tuition fees compared to Western countries.
- Scholarship Programs: Various scholarships can waive 30-100% of tuition fees.
- Easy Post-Study Work Measures: Streamlined processes for work after graduation.
- High Employment Rate: Strong job market for graduates.
Korea Student Visa (D-2 Visa)
South Korea offers the D-2 Student Visa for those wishing to study full-time for a long-term degree or exchange program. This visa is valid for 3 months and can be renewed after completing a study program.
Benefits of a Korea Student Visa
- Quality Education: Access to world-class institutions.
- Post-Study Work Permit: Easy transition to work after studies.
- Employment Opportunities: Many jobs available for international graduates.
- Part-Time Work: Opportunity to work while studying.
- Global Recognition: Graduate from prestigious universities.
Top Universities in Korea
| QS Ranking (2024) | Korean Universities |
|---|---|
| 41 | Seoul National University |
| 56 | Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology |
| 76 | Yonsei University |
| 79 | Korea University |
| 100 | Pohang University of Science and Technology |
Top Courses to Study in Korea
| Course | Average Tuition Fee (USD) | Average Tuition Fee (NPR) |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics and Electrical Engineering | 4,500 | 5,850,000 |
| Business Administration | 6,000 | 7,740,000 |
| Life Sciences | 4,000 | 5,180,000 |
| Korean Language and Literature | 3,500 | 4,500,000 |
| Political Science and International Relations | 4,000 | 5,180,000 |
Free Korean Language Education
| University Name |
|---|
| Korea University Korean Language Center |
| SKKU Sungkyun Language Institute |
| Konkuk University Korean Education Department |
| Seogang Korean Language Education Center |
| Kyung Hee University Institute of International Education |
| Seoul National University Language Education Institute |
| Dongguk University International Language Institute |
| Yonsei University Korean Language Institute |
| Sookmyung Global Language Institute |
| Ewha Language Center |
| Soongshil University Office of International Affairs |
| Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Center for Korean Language and Culture |
| Hansung University Language Education Center |
| Hanyang Institute of International Education |
Scholarships in Korea
| Scholarship Name | Offered By | Scholarship Award |
|---|---|---|
| Global Korea Scholarship | Korean Government | Covers airfare, insurance, tuition, language courses, research support |
| University Scholarship Type A | Every Korean University | Covers 30% to 100% tuition fees |
| University Scholarship Type B | Every Korean University | Covers 30% to 100% tuition fees |
Korea Intakes
| Semester | Duration | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | March to June | Sept-Nov |
| Fall Semester | September to December | May-June |
Korea Student Visa Eligibility
To apply for a D-2 Student Visa, you must:
- Be enrolled in a full-time degree course or exchange program.
- Meet financial requirements for your study program.
- Meet language proficiency standards.
- Have a letter of acceptance from your university.
Korea Student Visa Requirements
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Original and valid passport
- Certificate of Admission from the university
- Transfer Certificates from previous institutions
- Financial documents (bank statements)
- Proof of scholarship (if applicable)
- Business Registration certificate of the educational institute
- Proof of family relationship (if necessary)
Financial Requirements
| Study Program | Min. Bank Balance Required (USD) | Min. Bank Balance Required (NPR) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD programs in capital | 15,000 | 19,350,000 |
| Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD programs in local region | 13,000 | 16,770,000 |
| Exchange students (less than 12 months) | Enough for entire stay | Varies |
How to Apply for a Korea Study Visa
- Apply for a Certificate of Admission.
- Gather required documents.
- Apply for the D-2 Student Visa.
- Migrate to Korea upon visa approval.
Korea Student Visa Fees
- Visa Fee: Approximately $60-$90 (NPR 7,740 – 11,610).
Korea Student Visa Processing Time
Visa applications are processed within 4 to 10 working days.
Post-Study Work Visas for International Students
- D-10 Visa: Up to 2 years for job search.
- E-7 Visa: For specialized fields.
- H-1 Visa: Working Holiday option.
- F-2 Visa: Points-based residency.
Top 5 Cheapest Universities in South Korea
| University Name | Location | City | Average Tuition Fee (USD) | Average Tuition Fee (NPR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gyeongsang National University | Jinju | Gyeongsangnam-do | 3,000 | 3,870,000 |
| Jeju National University | Jeju Island | Jeju | 3,500 | 4,500,000 |
| Chonbuk National University | Jeonju | Jeollabuk-do | 3,500 | 4,500,000 |
| Kangwon National University | Chuncheon | Gangwon | 4,000 | 5,180,000 |
| Wonkwang University | Iksan | Jeollabuk-do | 4,000 | 5,180,000 |
Most Popular University Among Nepali Students
Yonsei University in Seoul is one of the most popular universities among Nepali students. It is renowned for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and international student support.
Job Market in Korea
- 75% of international students secure jobs within six months.
- Major employers include Samsung and LG.
- Strong sectors: Automobile and Shipbuilding.
- Average salary: $37,000; tech sector can exceed $50,000.
Average Salaries in Korea
| Industry Sector | Average Monthly Salary (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Architecture | 3,610,000 |
| Banking | 4,230,000 |
| Construction | 2,290,000 |
| Engineering | 3,280,000 |
| Factory and Manufacturing | 2,650,000 |
| Health and Medical | 5,800,000 |
| Human Resources | 3,680,000 |
| Public Relations | 3,910,000 |
| Real Estate | 4,400,000 |
| Teaching/Education | 4,120,000 |
How Can Next EduPath Help You?
Next EduPath, the leading educational consultancy in Kathmandu, assists students wishing to study in Korea. Our services include:
- Free counselling for course and university selection.
- Guidance for a successful transition to studying in Korea.
- Course recommendations tailored to your career goals.
- Coaching for IELTS and TOEFL preparation.
- Expert assistance with obtaining a Korea Student Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) by Nepali Students
Korea has two main intakes: Spring (March-June) and Fall (September-December).
For Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs in the national capital region, a minimum bank balance of $15,000 (approximately NPR 2,000,000) is required.
The D-2 Student Visa is valid for the duration of the enrolled program and may be renewed for further studies.
Overstaying is not advisable; generally, you must leave the country by the visa expiration date.
Yes, international students can work part-time during their studies, typically up to 20 hours per week.
Yes, you can renew your D-2 visa if you enroll in another degree or exchange program.
Visa applications are usually processed within 4 to 10 working days.
Accepted tests include TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) and various recognized English proficiency tests.
No, IELTS is not mandatory but may be required by some universities for English-taught programs.
Yes, many international graduates can secure jobs, particularly in technology, engineering, and education sectors.
Requirements include enrollment in a full-time program, financial stability, and language proficiency.
Scholarships include the Global Korea Scholarship and various university-specific scholarships covering 30% to 100% of tuition fees.
Language proficiency tests may be waived in some cases, depending on the university’s policy.
Steps include obtaining a Certificate of Admission, gathering required documents, and submitting a visa application.
Top universities include Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University, among others.