Study in South Korea: Admissions

Eligibility Requirements for South Korea Universities

Who can study in South Korea? You need 12 years of school for a bachelor's (or a degree for a master's), proof of Korean (TOPIK) or English for your programme, and a D-2 student visa after you are admitted. Each university sets its own grades and scores.

South Korea University Eligibility Checker

Master's Applicant

Academic Degree

Verified

School leaving certificate (12 years) or bachelor's degree

English Proficiency

Verified

TOPIK for Korean-taught, or an English test for English-taught

Required Documents

In Progress

Apostilled diplomas and transcripts

Financial Proof

Required

Enough money in the bank for one year, often 20,000,000 won (about 15,000 dollars)

Conditional

Key Eligibility Requirements for South Korea

Meeting these core requirements is essential for your successful application to South Korea universities.

Academic Qualifications

High school diploma (12 years education) for Bachelor's or accredited Bachelor's degree for Master's/PhD programs. Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0 for most programs.

Korean Language Proficiency

Korean-taught programmes often ask for TOPIK level 3 or higher. Some universities test you themselves.

English Proficiency

English-taught programmes ask for TOEFL, IELTS or a similar test. Each university sets its own score. From spring 2027, Korea University needs an official test score.

Financial Proof

A bank balance for one year, often 20,000,000 won (about 15,000 dollars), as your university asks.

Additional Documents

Apostilled diplomas and transcripts, a study plan or personal statement, and sometimes reference letters.

Visa Eligibility

After you are admitted, your university sends a Certificate of Admission. You use it to apply for the D-2 visa.

Important Note on Requirements

Requirements vary significantly between universities in South Korea. SKY universities (Seoul National, Korea, Yonsei) have more competitive requirements. GSIS programs may have different criteria than regular programs.

Requirements by Academic Level in South Korea

Requirements vary based on your chosen level of study. Always verify with your target universities in South Korea.

General Requirements by Study Level

1Bachelor's

Completed secondary education (high school diploma or equivalent with minimum 12 years of education).
Good school grades. Each university sets its own level.
Korean (TOPIK) for Korean-taught programmes, or an English test for English-taught ones.
A bank balance for one year, often 20,000,000 won (about 15,000 dollars).
Personal statement, academic transcripts, and 1-2 recommendation letters from teachers or counselors.
Portfolio or entrance examination may be required for specific programs (art, music, design).

2Master's

A bachelor's degree in a related subject.
TOPIK or an English test score, as your programme asks.
Research proposal (1-2 pages) outlining intended study focus and objectives.
2-3 letters of recommendation from academic professors or professional supervisors.
Statement of purpose (500-1000 words) explaining academic goals and career plans.
CV/resume highlighting relevant academic and professional experience.
Some programs may require GRE/GMAT scores or subject-specific entrance examinations.

3Doctoral (PhD)

Master's degree with strong academic performance (GPA 3.0/4.0 or higher preferred).
TOPIK or an English test score, as your programme asks.
Detailed research proposal (3-5 pages) demonstrating clear research objectives and methodology.
3 strong letters of recommendation from academic sources familiar with research capabilities.
Prior research experience, publications, or conference presentations strongly preferred.
Interview (in-person or online) with potential supervisors and admission committee.
Master's thesis or equivalent research project demonstrating independent research ability.

Standardized Testing Requirements for South Korea

Standardized Testing Requirements

Undergraduate Tests

1TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean)

Required for Korean-taught programs. Level 3+ typically required for undergraduate admission, with Level 4+ preferred for competitive programs.

Offered 6 times per year globally. Valid for 2 years from test date.

2University-Specific Entrance Exams

Many universities conduct their own entrance examinations covering mathematics, science, and Korean language proficiency.

SKY universities (Seoul National, Korea, Yonsei) have highly competitive entrance requirements.

3International Qualifications

IB Diploma (minimum 24 points), A-Levels, SAT (1200+), or other national curricula accepted by most universities.

Higher scores may qualify for scholarships or advanced standing.

Graduate Tests

1TOPIK Level 4-6

Required for Korean-taught graduate programs. Level 4+ for Master's, Level 5+ for PhD programs at top universities.

Some programs may waive TOPIK if thesis/research conducted in English.

2GRE/GMAT

Required by some graduate programs, especially MBA and international programs. GRE 310+ or GMAT 600+ typically expected.

KAIST, POSTECH, and international business programs commonly require these tests.

3Subject-Specific Tests

Medical programs require MEET (Medical Education Eligibility Test), law programs may require LEET equivalent examinations.

Engineering and science programs may have additional technical assessments.

Note: Most South Korean universities have their own entrance examinations or accept international qualifications. TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is essential for Korean-taught programs.

English Proficiency Requirements for South Korea

English Proficiency Requirements

As an international student whose first language is not English, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to succeed in an English-language academic environment in South Korea. Most universities accept one of the following tests:

Test	Undergraduate	Graduate	Notes
TOEFL iBT	80-100	90-100	Most widely accepted. Section minimums often required.
IELTS Academic	6.5-7.0	7.0-7.5	Popular alternative to TOEFL. Band scores for each skill.
PTE Academic	58-65	65-73	Computer-based test. Fast results.
Duolingo English Test	110-120	120-130	Online test. Convenient and affordable option.

Important Considerations

Score Validity

Check the test provider’s score validity rules and your university’s requirements.

Section Requirements

Possible Exemptions

You may be exempt from English proficiency requirements in certain cases:

Previous education completed in English-medium institutions
Native speakers from English-speaking countries
Specific program exemptions (check with individual institutions)
Some universities may waive requirements based on academic background

Special Requirements by Field in South Korea

Different academic disciplines often have specific requirements beyond the general eligibility criteria. These specialized requirements ensure you have the necessary background and aptitude for success in your chosen field in South Korea.

Medical & Healthcare Programs

Pre-medical coursework: Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Math.
KSAT (Korean Scholastic Aptitude Test) or equivalent for medical programs.
Clinical experience or medical volunteering (recommended for medical school).
Very good grades. Medicine places for international students are few.
Research experience in biomedical fields (strongly recommended).
Multiple interviews including Korean language assessment.
Foreign degrees require KICES credential evaluation and apostille certification.

Business & MBA Programs

Some MBA programmes ask for GMAT or GRE (tests for business and graduate school).
Many MBA programmes like work experience.
Leadership experience and demonstrated business achievements.
Statement of purpose focusing on Asia-Pacific business goals.
Strong letters of recommendation from supervisors/managers.
Quantitative background for finance/analytics programs.
Interviews may include case studies and Korean business culture knowledge.

STEM Programs (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math)

Strong foundation in mathematics and relevant sciences.
Prior coursework in calculus, linear algebra, physics (field-dependent).
GRE Subject Test scores for competitive graduate programs.
Research experience with Korean or international faculty (PhD programs).
Programming skills in Python, Java, C++ for CS/Engineering programs.
Portfolio for robotics, AI, or technology innovation programs.
Publications in international journals (for PhD/research programs).

Arts, Design & Creative Fields

Portfolio showcasing technical skill and cultural understanding.
Audition for K-pop, traditional music, or performing arts programs.
Statement of artistic purpose including interest in Korean culture.
Resume highlighting exhibitions, performances, or digital media work.
Letters of recommendation from established artists or professors.
Technical proficiency in Korean traditional arts or modern digital media.
Interview assessing cultural sensitivity and artistic vision.

Law Programs

Bachelor's degree from accredited institution with strong GPA.
LEET (Legal Education Eligibility Test) for Korean law programs.
Korean language proficiency (TOPIK Level 5-6) for most law programs.
Personal statement demonstrating understanding of Korean legal system.
Strong analytical writing and critical thinking demonstrated through essays.
Legal internship or experience in international law (preferred).
Letters of recommendation emphasizing academic rigor and legal aptitude.

Looking for Other Fields?

This is not an exhaustive list. Many other academic disciplines have specific requirements. Always check with your target universities in South Korea for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements for your specific program of interest.

Additional Requirements for International Students in South Korea

International students face several additional requirements beyond those for domestic applicants. These ensure that you can successfully transition to studying in South Korea and comply with immigration regulations.

Credential Evaluation

Your diplomas need an apostille (an official stamp that shows a paper is real). If your country does not give apostilles, get a confirmation from the Korean embassy.

KICES credential evaluation for degree equivalency
Apostille certification of all academic documents
Official transcripts with course descriptions and credit hours

Immigration Documentation

After acceptance, you'll need D-2 student visa documentation for South Korea.

D-2 student visa application with Certificate of Admission
A passport that stays valid for your stay
Enough money in the bank for one year, as your university asks (often 20,000,000 won)
University-issued Certificate of Admission and tuition payment receipt

Additional Requirements

International students must complete registration and meet Korean education requirements.

Alien Registration Card (ARC) application within 90 days
Korean language proficiency test (TOPIK) for degree programs
Compliance with Korean immigration and education regulations

Health Requirements

Universities in South Korea require comprehensive health documentation.

National Health Insurance: students join automatically (79,320 won a month in 2026)
Complete medical examination including tuberculosis screening
Vaccination records (Hepatitis B, MMR, influenza)
Mental health assessment for certain programs