Top English University Programs in South Korea

Korean universities have programs taught in English

In order to compete in the globalized world, South Korean universities have increased their numbers of programs available in English.

In an effort to create a more globally connected community, Korean universities are welcoming more and more international students every year, offering programs taught entirely in English. Whether you are aiming for a bachelor’s or a masters degree in Korea, check out some of the top English-language university programs in South Korea and why Korea is a great place to study.

Top 5 Reasons to Study in South Korea

1. Academic Excellence: South Korea’s universities consistently rank among the best in Asia. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, Seoul National University ranked =38th globally, with Yonsei University at =50th and Korea University at =61st — placing South Korea fourth in Asia for university representation on the global list.

2. Affordable Tuition: Compared to English-speaking countries like the United States, the UK, or Australia, South Korea offers competitive tuition rates and a lower cost of living. Many universities also offer generous scholarships for international students, with some programs offering full tuition waivers.

3. English-Friendly Environment: English is widely taught and spoken throughout Korea, making it easier for international students to participate in campus life and explore the country independently.

4. Career Opportunities: South Korea boasts a dynamic job market with annual employment exhibitions helping foreign students find part-time and full-time positions. The country’s major industries — from tech and automotive to fashion and entertainment — provide a wide range of internship and employment prospects.

5. Innovation Powerhouse: According to the WIPO Global Innovation Index 2025, South Korea ranked 4th globally — its highest-ever position — leading the world in human capital and research. Immersing yourself in this innovation ecosystem gives students a distinct advantage in any career.

We’ve compiled a curated guide to universities in Korea for international students. Discover English-taught programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels across some of Seoul’s most respected institutions.

Top English University Programs in South Korea

Business Programs (6)

International Studies – Graduate Programs (5)

Other Programs (4)

Business

KAIST College of Business

KAIST College of Business develops global business leaders capable of innovation and real-world problem-solving. By strengthening its faculty and diversifying its student body, KAIST ensures an enriching student experience both during and after graduation.

Area of Study:
Business and Technology Management

Programs:

• Techno MBA – Technology-based business leadership
• Finance MBA
• Impact MBA – Social innovation focus

Tuition: Not listed (graduate tuition: approx. W4,082,000 per semester for most programs)
Scholarships available | On-campus job opportunities available

Seoul National University: College of Business Administration

Seoul National University (SNU) believes in developing creative and socially responsible global leaders. The SNU College of Business Administration, founded in 1946, ranks among Korea’s most storied and well-connected business schools, with a strong network of alumni in the global community.

Undergraduate Area of Study:
Business Administration
Tuition: Approx. W2,620,000–W5,789,000 per semester (varies by program)
Scholarships available, including the SNU Global Scholarship (full tuition + monthly stipend)

Graduate Programs:

• Global MBA – 12 months, fully conducted in English
  Tuition (2025–2026): W40,000,000 total
• SNU MBA – 16 months; bilingual (Korean & English)

Scholarships available

Sogang University: Sogang Business School

Sogang Business School (SBS), grounded in Jesuit education principles, provides outstanding education and fosters students who become responsible leaders in the global marketplace. SBS encourages students to study abroad through partnerships with universities across Europe and the USA.

Undergraduate:

• Business Administration
  Approx. 1/3 of courses conducted in English

Graduate Programs:

• SMBA (Sogang MBA) – 1 year (3 semesters), intensive full-time program

Specializations: Finance, Venture, Digital Innovation
Mandatory courses taught in English; electives may be in Korean
Admission: every March and September
Scholarships available

SolBridge University: International School of Business

SolBridge prepares students to become the next generation of Asian Thought Leaders. With a curriculum focusing on both “hard” and “soft” skills, graduates are well-equipped to enter the dynamic Asian business world.
*Students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in Korean or Chinese upon graduation.

Undergraduate:

BBA – Bachelor of Business Administration
Tuition (2025): $5,139 per semester

Admissions scholarships available | Part-Time job opportunities available

Graduate:

MBA
Total tuition (2026): approx. $28,164
Per semester: $7,041 (Spring or Fall)

Admission scholarships available | Part-time job opportunities available

Sungkyunkwan University: Global School of Business

With a mission to advance business knowledge in a multicultural environment, SKK GSB draws on its global curriculum and diverse student body to create a world-class learning experience. The school consistently prioritises career development and alumni networking.

Note: Ranked No. 1 MBA in Korea for 14 consecutive years (2012–2025) according to the Financial Times.

Undergraduate Areas of Study:

• Global Business Administration – W5,410,000 per semester
• Global Economics – W4,839,000 per semester
  Samsung Scholarship available | Other scholarships available

Graduate Programs (2025):

• Full-Time MBA – 1 to 1.5 years, daytime; W53,000,000 total
• Professional MBA – 2 years, evening; W53,000,000 total
• Executive MBA (Kelley-SKK GSB) – 1.5 years, weekend; W95,000,000 total
  (Dual degree with Indiana University Kelley School of Business)
• Business Analytics MBA – 2 years, Saturday
• AI MBA – 2 years, Saturday

All courses except AI MBA conducted 100% in English
Scholarships available according to program

Yonsei University: School of Business

Yonsei School of Business has a renowned reputation as Korea’s first and best business school. Founded in 1915, it has over 100 years of business education history. The Global MBA program, launched in 1998 as Korea’s first English-only MBA, continues to be recognised among the nation’s best.

Graduate:

Global MBA – 18 months
Tuition (2025–2026): W49,841,000 (~$35,000) total, payable over 3 semesters
Merit and need-based scholarships available for all students including international applicants

International Studies – Graduate Programs

These schools offer some of the most popular options for a masters degree in Korea if you want to focus on international studies and global careers.

Ajou University: Graduate School of International Studies

Ajou University’s GSIS was established in 1996 to meet the growing global demand for an international academic institute. The diverse student body represents Korea and over 30 other countries, where students develop communication, technology, and decision-making skills.

Areas of Study:

• International Business: MBA
  
• International Trade: MA
• NGO / Civil Society Studies: MA
• International Development and Cooperation: MA
• Korean Studies: MA (requires Korean language proficiency)

Tuition (as of January 2026):

• MA programs: W6,130,000–W6,556,000 per semester
  50% scholarship waivers available for qualifying students
• MBA (International Business): W6,681,000 per semester

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies: Graduate School of Area Studies

HUFS GSIAS was established to equip students with research capability and linguistic competence in a specific world region. Originally offering five foreign languages, HUFS now offers instruction in 45 languages — one of the most diverse language programs in Asia.

Areas of Study:

• Indian and ASEAN Studies
• Middle East and African Studies
• European Union Studies
• US and Canadian Studies
• Latin American Studies
• International Development Studies
• U-PEACE: International law & human rights, peace & conflict studies, sustainable development
  (Offered in partnership with the UN-affiliated University for Peace)

Tuition: Not listed | Scholarships available

Ewha Womans University: Graduate School of International Studies

Ewha GSIS trains global professionals through specialized coursework and interdisciplinary research. In the K-Universities Global Excellence Rankings 2026 (Korea Times), Ewha ranked 8th overall in Korea.

Areas of Study:

• International Business
• International Trade
• International Relations
• Development Cooperation
• Teaching Korean as a Foreign Language (courses in English and Korean)
• Korean Culture (courses in English and Korean)

Tuition (2024–2025): Approx. W7,000,000–W7,500,000 per semester
GSIS scholarships available, including the EGPP (full tuition + housing + stipend) and Sun Scholarship (half tuition)

Seoul National University: Graduate School of International Studies

GSIS at SNU prepares students for leading roles in local and international communities. Divided into a core curriculum and various electives, GSIS students develop expertise in their major while broadening perspectives through interdisciplinary coursework.

Areas of Study:

• International Commerce
• International Cooperation
• International Area Studies (language of instruction may vary)
• Development Cooperation Policy
• Korean Studies (courses in English and Korean)

Tuition: Approx. $6,500 per year (estimated academic year cost: $20,000 including books, housing, and living)
GSIS scholarships available, including the SNU Global Scholarship (full tuition for international students)

Sogang University: Graduate School of International Studies

The Sogang GSIS program places great emphasis on study abroad, with partnerships across 50+ countries. Small class sizes and high-quality lectures maintain strong student satisfaction. The program encourages students to enrich their studies at partner universities worldwide.

Areas of study: Two Years
– International Relations (including national intelligence and security track)
– International Trade
– International Finance
– Korea and East Asia
Tuition (2026): W6,999,000 per semester
(Admission fee W1,145,000 + orientation fee W100,000 charged in 1st semester only)
Scholarships from Sogang GSIS and private companies available)

Yonsei University: Graduate School of International Studies

Yonsei’s GSIS was established in 1987 in response to the growing global demand for international education. Recognised by the Ministry of Education as a “university to produce international leaders,” the rigorous curriculum equips students with the knowledge and skills to excel globally.

Areas of Study:

• Master of Arts in Korean Studies
• Master of Global Affairs & Policy
• Master of Global Economy and Strategy

Tuition (Spring 2025): W7,476,000 per semester
Scholarships available, including the Global Leader Fellowship (100% tuition + stipend) for high-achieving GSIS applicants

Other Programs

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies was founded in 1954 with a mission to produce talented individuals who could further Korea’s modernisation and contribute to world peace. HUFS encourages individuality and leadership, offering one of the most linguistically diverse curricula in Korea.

Undergraduate Areas of Study:

• English Linguistics
• English Literature and Culture
• English for International Conference and Communication
• International Economics and Law
• Business Administration
• International Studies

Graduate Areas of Study (GSIAS):

• Indian and ASEAN Studies | Middle East and African Studies
• European Union Studies | US and Canadian Studies
• Latin American Studies | International Development Studies
• U-PEACE: International law & human rights, peace & conflict studies, sustainable development

Undergraduate Tuition: approx. W3,360,500–W4,000,000 per semester
Scholarships available

KAIST: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

Established in 1971, KAIST was Korea’s first science and technology university focused on research. It consistently ranks among South Korea’s top universities — holding the #2 position nationally and =70 globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. KAIST fosters hands-on, collaborative learning in science, technology, and business.

Undergraduate Areas of Study:

• College of Natural Sciences
• College of Life Science & Bioengineering
• College of Engineering
• College of Business

All admitted international undergraduate students receive a full KAIST Scholarship covering 100% of tuition, a monthly living allowance of W350,000, and national health insurance.

Graduate Areas of Study:

• Natural Science
• Life Science & Bioengineering
• Engineering
• Liberal Arts & Convergence Science
• Business

Graduate Tuition: W4,082,000 per semester (excluding Business programs)
Refer to Graduate Admissions Guideline for full details

*Scholarships available

University of Ulsan

Founded in 1970, the University of Ulsan (UOU) is built on the principles of truth, free will, and service. As one of Korea’s major industrial cities, Ulsan provides UOU students with strong connections to global companies in automotive, shipbuilding, and engineering. The university now offers newly launched English-taught Master’s programs, fully supported by the Korean government (from September 2025), making it one of the newest options for a masters degree in Korea delivered entirely in English.

Undergraduate Areas of Study:

• Business Administration
• Mechanical & Automotive Engineering
• Electrical & Electronic Engineering
• Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering

Undergraduate Tuition: W2,878,000–W4,029,000 per semester
Admission scholarships available

Graduate Areas of Study:

• Business: Economics, Public Administration, Business Administration
• Natural Sciences: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Sports Science, Food and Nutrition
• Engineering: Most fields except aerospace engineering
• Medicine

Graduate Tuition: W3,647,000–W6,339,000 per semester
Tuition and research scholarships available
New government-supported English-taught Master’s programs (launched 2025) include full tuition coverage, dormitory with meal plan, and a W800,000 monthly living allowance

Yonsei University

Yonsei University is dedicated to educating future leaders committed to the principles of “truth and freedom.” Founded in 1885 as Korea’s first western-style hospital, Yonsei has grown into one of South Korea’s most prestigious and internationally recognised universities. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, Yonsei ranked =50th globally.

Undergraduate Areas of Study:

• College of Business | College of Human Ecology
• College of Engineering | College of Liberal Arts
• College of Science | College of Social Science
• College of Theology | College of Law
• Underwood International College (taught entirely in English)

Undergraduate Tuition (2025): W4,299,000–W8,712,000 per semester (varies by college and year)
Scholarships available

Graduate Areas of Study:

• Liberal Arts | Business | Science | Engineering
• Social Sciences | Law | Music | Medicine
• Select courses taught in English every semester

Graduate Tuition: Approx. W5,200,000–W8,000,000 per semester depending on program
Scholarships available — refer to Yonsei Scholarship Guide

Updated May 2026

*Tuition figures are current estimates for 2025–2026 (as of April 2026); check university sites for latest updates.

If you’re looking for primary and secondary schooling options in Seoul, check out International Schools in Seoul: Top 10 in 2024!

Also have a closer look at these Scholarships for International Students in Korea!