South Korea University Application Deadlines
South Korea has two times a year when new students start: the spring semester (classes start in March) and the fall semester (classes start in September). A semester is half of the school year. Each university sets its own dates.
Application Timeline
Spring 2027 bachelor's applications
Korea University and Yonsei took spring 2027 applications in August and September 2026. These are closed.
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) graduate applications
For master's and doctoral study.
Fall 2027 applications at Korea University
Korea University plans to take fall 2027 applications in March 2027. The exact dates are still to be announced.
Key Deadlines
Fall 2027 applications
March 2027 (Korea University)
Spring semester applications
August to September
There are two start times a year, spring and fall. Universities open applications months before classes start.
- Each university sets its own dates.
- For spring 2027, Korea University took applications from 3 August to 31 August 2026. Results come on 27 November 2026.
- For spring 2027, Yonsei took applications from 1 to 17 September 2026. Results come on 4 December 2026.
Classes start in March
Korea University and Yonsei took applications in August and September 2026. These are closed.
Classes start in September
Korea University plans applications in March 2027 and results in June 2027.
Checklist for International Applicants
Before applications open
- Choose your universities and read each guide.
- Take TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) or an English test. Your score must be valid on the deadline.
In the university's window
- Apply online and pay the fee.
- Post original papers if the university asks.
After the result date
- Pay tuition (the fee for your classes) in the registration period.
- Get your Certificate of Admission (CoA, the letter that says the university accepts you) and apply for the D-2 student visa (the visa for degree students).
Check each university
Korean universities start new students twice a year.
Application Deadlines
Key Advantages
- One of Korea's two start times.
- Results come before the end of the year.
Important Notes
Each university sets its own dates.
Application Deadlines
Key Advantages
- Suits students who finish school in India or Pakistan in spring.
Important Notes
Each university sets its own dates.
What Happens After You Apply
| Application Type | Typical Application Deadline | Decision Released | Student Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korea University (spring 2027) | 31 August 2026 | 27 November 2026 | Register and pay tuition in January 2027 |
| Yonsei University (spring 2027) | 17 September 2026 | 4 December 2026 | Register and pay tuition in January 2027 |
| Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), master's and doctoral, international students (spring 2027) | Closed | Under review 6 October to 17 December 2026 | - |
Dates change every year. Check your university's own guide for your start.
Dates differ between universities and between bachelor's and master's and PhD rounds.
Deadlines by University Tier
Universities in Seoul and Daejeon
Typical Deadlines
- • Spring semester: August to September
- • Fall semester: Korea University: March 2027
Key Characteristics
- • Many apply, so start early.
- • Most ask for a TOPIK or English test score.
Example: Korea University spring 2027 applications closed on 31 August 2026.
Typical Windows
| Program Type | Typical Deadlines | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's (spring) | August to September | Results come in late November and early December 2026. |
| Bachelor's (fall) | Korea University: March 2027 | Each university sets its own window. |
| GKS graduate | February to March | Final results in June. |
Program-Specific Deadlines
To find the most accurate and up-to-date deadlines for your target universities and programs:
University admissions page
Look for the international admissions guide for your start.
Study in Korea
Study in Korea is the Korean government website. It shows the GKS dates.
List each university and its dates. Set reminders a few weeks before each one.
Time Management Strategy
Application Checklist
Early
- List your universities and their dates.
- Book TOPIK or an English test.
Before you apply
- Get a stamp on your papers (an apostille or a Korean embassy confirmation) so Korea accepts them as real.
- If you post papers, they must arrive by the deadline. Korea University and Yonsei go by the arrival date.
Strategic Application Tips
Spring starts in March, fall in September.
If you want the Global Korea Scholarship, its windows come before many university rounds.
Your Timeline
Fall 2027Fall semester
- Apply:Korea University: March 2027
- Results:Korea University: June 2027
Spring 2028Spring semester
- Prepare:Spring 2027
- Apply:Watch each university's notices
Use this as a guide. Always follow your university's guide.
Things to Do
Do:
- Apply well before the deadline.
- Use tracked post for papers.
Don't:
- Do not wait for the last day. The online form closes at a fixed time in Korea Standard Time (KST).
Plan for papers, the visa, housing and scholarships too.
Two GKS windows to plan for.
Key Financial Deadlines
| Type | Typical Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Global Korea Scholarship (bachelor's) | Embassy track (you apply through the Korean embassy): September. University track (you apply through a Korean university): September to November | Pakistan: the 2027 round ran from 15 to 30 September 2026. |
| Global Korea Scholarship (graduate) | February to March | Final results in June. |
Scholarships
After admission you get your Certificate of Admission (CoA), then apply for the D-2 visa.
Student Visa Timeline
Get your CoA
After you pay tuitionYour university sends it.
Apply for the D-2 visa
Right after you get your CoAAt the embassy or consulate that covers where you live.
Allow enough time
Other Deadlines
Tests
Important: Make one list with every date: applications, posted papers, results, tuition and visa.
India and Pakistan
Tips
Document Preparation
- Ask early for the apostille or the Korean embassy confirmation of your papers. It can take time.
- Some papers must be posted and must arrive by the deadline.
Communication Strategy
- Check the admissions website often. Korea University gives results online only.
Complete Guide to South Korea
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