Cost of Study in South Korea for International Students

The cost of study in South Korea for international students in 2025 depends on several factors, including the university, study program, and city of residence. Given its excellent education system, sophisticated technology, and dynamic cultural experiences, South Korea has quickly become a popular location for overseas students. While cities like Seoul and Busan provide top-notch academic institutions, they also incur more living costs. Smaller cities, though, offer students more reasonably priced choices. Students can effectively control their budget while studying in South Korea with good financial planning, scholarships, and access to part-time employment.

Understanding the financial requirements is crucial for those who plan to study in South Korea. Living costs and tuition charges differ greatly according on the institution and lifestyle choices. Private universities have higher prices; albeit, public ones are usually less costly. Apart from tuition, students should evaluate expenses for housing, food, travel, and other daily necessities. Fortunately, several scholarship programs and on-campus employment can help foreign students. The main costs covered in this blog will help you plan financially and so enable your academic path to study in South Korea to be smooth and rewarding.

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1. Tuition Fees for International Students in South Korea

Tuition fees largely depend on the university and the field of study. Below is an estimated range of costs for 2025:

Undergraduate Programs:

• Public universities: USD 1,500–USD 6,000 per semester
• Private universities: USD 3,000–USD 8,000 per semester
• Courses like medicine or engineering may have higher fees

Postgraduate Programs:

• Master’s programs: USD 2,000–USD 9,000 per semester
• MBA programs: USD 5,000–USD 11,000 per semester

Doctoral Programs:

• Tuition fees range from USD 2,000–USD 7,000 per semester
• Many PhD programs offer tuition waivers or monthly stipends

2. Living Costs in South Korea

Besides tuition, international students must plan for living expenses while they study in South Korea. Here’s a breakdown of the monthly costs:

Accommodation:

• University dormitories: USD 200–USD 600
• Off-campus housing (shared): USD 400–USD 800
• Private studio apartments: USD 600–USD 1,000

Food:

• Groceries: USD 200–USD 300
• Eating out (occasional): USD 100–USD 200

Transportation:

• Public transport pass: USD 40–USD 60
• Taxis (rarely used by students): USD 3–USD 10 per trip

Utilities & Internet:

• Electricity, water, gas: USD 80–USD 150
• Internet & mobile: USD 30–USD 50

Personal Expenses:

• Entertainment, clothing, hygiene: USD 50–USD 100

3. Scholarships and Financial Aid

To ease the cost of study in South Korea, several financial aid options are available:

Government Scholarships:

• GKS (Global Korea Scholarship): Covers full tuition, flight, living allowance, and language training
• Korea Foundation Scholarships: Support for postgraduate humanities and social science students

University Scholarships:

• Offered by top institutions like Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University
• Based on academic merit and/or financial need

Private Scholarships:

• Sponsored by Korean companies and international organizations
• Vary in amount and duration

Part-time Work:

• Students with a D-2 visa can work up to 20 hours/week during semesters
• Full-time work allowed during holidays
• Jobs in cafés, language tutoring, or university offices are common

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4. Tips to Save on Costs

Managing finances while you study in South Korea becomes easier with smart choices:

• Live in university dorms: They are more affordable and often include meals
• Cook meals at home: Groceries are cheaper than frequent take-out
• Use T-money cards: These offer discounted travel across subway and bus lines
• Take advantage of student discounts: On attractions, museums, and restaurants
• Purchase secondhand books and supplies: Facebook groups and university forums offer great deals

5. Currency Exchange & Banking in South Korea

Efficient money management is key when you study in South Korea:

• Currency Exchange: Use platforms like Wise, Revolut, or local Korean banks for better rates
• Open a local bank account: Essential for receiving scholarships, job payments, or paying bills
• Banking apps: Korean apps like Kakaobank and Toss are very popular among students for easy transfers and payments

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International students 2025 study costs in South Korea will depend on program, location, and lifestyle. Seoul could be more expensive, but lesser cities provide just as excellent academic programs at a fraction of the price. The total cost might appear great given tuition ranges from USD 3,000 to 9,000 each semester and monthly expenditures average USD 800–1,200. However, it is quite possible to cheaply live in South Korea given several scholarships, side jobs, and prudent spending patterns.

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