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 globalized community, Korean universities are attracting more and more international students every year, offering programs taught in English entirely. Check out some of the top English university programs in South Korea and why Korea is a great place to study below.
Top 5 Reasons to Study in South Korea
1. According to the World Economic Forum (2015-2016), South Korea ranked 23/140 countries regarding its higher educational competitiveness. This means Korea offers a higher level of educational services to students coming from abroad.
2. compared to other English-speaking countries, Korea has a low cost of studying and low cost of living. There are no additional fees for foreign students and many universities offer scholarships for foreign students.
3. English is widely taught and spoken throughout Korea, so it is easy for foreigners to participate in daily Korean life and travel around Korea.
4. Employment Exhibitions are held every year to assist foreign students’ employment (part-time and full time) in Korea.
5. Ranked first on Bloomberg’s Global Innovation Index (2014), immersing students in the most dynamic technological power in the world gives students an immediate advantage in the modernizing world.
We compiled just for you a list of University in Korea for international students. Follow our special guide to discover Korea University English programs as well as undergraduate and graduate school in Korea for foreigners.
Top English University Programs in South Korea
Other Programs (4)
Business
KAIST College of Business strives to develop global business leaders capable of innovation and real-world problem-solving. By strengthening the quality of faculty and diversifying the student body, the student experience during, and after KAIST, is a priority.
Area of study:
Business and Technology Management
Tuition: not listed
Areas of Study:
Techno MBA: technology-based business leaders
Finance MBA
Tuition (2015): refer to page 10 of Admissions Guideline
Techno MBA: W12,360,000 per semester
Finance MBA: W15,600,000 per semester
*Scholarships available
*On-campus jobs available
Seoul National University: College of Business Administration
Seoul National University (SNU) believes in developing creative and socially responsible global leaders. By supporting research, both domestic and international, and reinforcing social responsibility through a creative curriculum, SNU graduates are thriving in the global community. The SNU College of Business Administration ranks among the top in Korea because of its age (founded in 1946) and well-developed programs.
Area of study:
Business Administration
Tuition: W2,620,000 per semester
*Scholarships available
Areas of Study:
Global MBA: 16 months
SNU MBA: 16 months. Course languages: Korean & English
Tuition: W3,300,000
(refer to page 19 of Admissions for Graduate Guidebook)
*Scholarships available
Sogang University: Sogang Business School
Sogang Business School (SBS), grounded in Jesuit education principles, strives to provide outstanding education and to create responsible students that become leaders in the global marketplace. As a Korean university with its own English programs, SBS also encourages students to study abroad and is partnered with 5 other universities in Europe and the USA.
Area of study:
Business Administration (separate description here)
*1/3 of courses conducted in English
Tuition: not listed
Area of Study:
SIMBA: one year and four months intensive MBA program
Tuition (2016):W40,212,000
*Scholarships for international students available
SolBridge University: International School of Business
SolBridge prepares students to be the Next Generation of Asian Thought Leaders in our fast-growing Asian economy. With a curriculum focusing on “hard” and “soft” skills, graduates are well equipped to enter the dynamic Asian business world.
*Students are expected to be fluent in Korean or Chinese upon graduation.
Area of Study:
BBA: Bachelor’s of Business Administration
Tuition:
Total first year: $15,057
Total second year: $14,174
*Admissions scholarships available
*Part-Time job opportunities available
Tuition:
Total first year: $17,433
Total second year: $16,500
*Admission scholarships available
*Part-time job opportunities available
Sungkyunkwan University: Global School of Business
With a mission to advance business knowledge in a multicultural learning environment, Sungkyunkwan University’s GSB draws on its global curriculum and diverse student body to create a multicultural learning environment. This university offers opportunities to study abroad and prioritizes the career development of MBA students.
Comments: No.1 MBA in Korea from 2012-2016 according to the Financial Times.
Areas of study:
Global Business Administration
Global Economics
Tuition:
Global Business Administration: W5,410,000 per semester
Global Economics: W4,839,000 per semester
*Samsung Scholarship available
*Other scholarships available
Tuition (2015):
Full-Time MBA: W47,000,000
Professional MBA: W43,500,000
Executive MBA: W90,000,000
Areas of study:
Full-Time MBA: 18 months accelerated program
Professional MBA: for those studying and working
Executive MBA: Courses taught at SKKU and Indiana University Kelley School
Tuition (2015):
Full-Time MBA: W47,000,000
Professional MBA: W43,500,000
Executive MBA: W90,000,000
*Scholarships available according to the area of study
Yonsei University: School of Business
Yonsei School of Business has a renowned reputation as Korea’s first and best business school. Founded in 1915, Yonsei School of Business has more than 100 years of history in business education and a strong network of alumni provides students with generations of connections. The Global MBA program, launched in 1998, is the nation’s first English-only program and has since then been one of the best.
Comments: Yonsei Global MBA ranked #1 by The Economist (2011-2014)
Area of study:
Global MBA: 18 months
Tuition (2015-2016): W51,750,000 or $49,000 per year
*Scholarships available
International Studies – Graduate Programs
Ajou University: Graduate School of International Studies
Ajou University’s GSIS program was established in 1996 to meet the growing global demand for an international academic institute. The diverse student body represents various parts of Korea and 30 other countries. Students collaborate and develop communication, technology, decision-making, and teamwork skills.
Areas of Study:
– International Business: MBA
– International Trade: MA
– NGO Studies: MA
– International Development and Cooperation: MA
– Korean Studies: MA (requires Korean Language proficiency)
Tuition (2014):
MBA W5,682,000 or $4941
MA W4,624,000 or $4021
*Scholarships available
Hankuk University of Foreign Studies: Graduate School of International and Area Studies
The HUFS Graduate School of International Studies was established in 1996 with the purpose to equip students with research capability and linguistic competence in a specific region. Originally offering only five foreign languages, this institution now offers instruction of 45 languages to live up to its mission.
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
Tuition: not listed
*Scholarships available (bottom of page)
Ewha Womans University: Graduate School of International Studies
Areas of Study:
– International Business
– International Trade
– International Relations
– Development Cooperation
– Teaching Korean as a Foreign Language: courses taught in English and Korean
– Korean Culture: courses taught in English and Korean
Tuition (2021): W6,500,000~7,000,000 per semester
*GSIS scholarships available
Seoul National University: Graduate School of International Studies
GSIS at Seoul National University prepares students to take on leading roles in all areas of the local and international community. Divided into a core curriculum and various electives, GSIS students develop expertise in their major programs while broadening their perspectives with electives.
Areas of Study:
– International Commerce
– International Cooperation
– International Area Studies: language instruction may vary
– Development Cooperation Policy
– Korean Studies: courses in English and Korean
Tuition: $6,500 per year
*GSIS scholarships available
Sogang University: Graduate School of International Studies
The Sogang GSIS program places great emphasis on study abroad. Having partnerships with universities in 50 other countries, Sogang University’s GSIS program and faculty highly encourage students to take courses in foreign universities. Small class sizes and high-quality lectures, leads to a high level of satisfaction among many students.
Areas of study: Two Years
– International Relations (including national intelligence and security track)
– International Trade
– International Finance
– Korea and East Asia
Tuition (2016): W7,632,000
*Scholarships within program available
*Scholarships from private companies and institutions available
Yonsei University: Graduate School of International Studies
Yonsei’s Graduate School of International Studies was established in 1987 in response to the growing global demand for international education. Earning the distinction of being a “university to produce international leaders” by the Ministry of Education, the dynamic and rigorous curriculum equip 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 (2015): W7,020,000 per semester
*Scholarships available
Other Programs
Hankuk University of Foreign Studies was founded in 1954 with a mission to produce talented individuals who could further Korea’s modernization and cause for world peace. HUFS encourages the development of students’ individuality and leadership, and as a result, contributes educated individuals to the Korean community and the global community.
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
Tuition: not listed
Areas of study:
– English Linguistics
– English Literature and Culture
– English for International Conference and Communication
– International Economics and Law
– Business Administration
– International Studies
Tuition (2016): W3,360,500 per semester
*Scholarships available
Listed above: Hankuk University of Foreign Studies – GSIS
KAIST: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Established in 1971, KAIST was founded to support and contribute to the industrialization economic plan. KAIST focuses on fostering a learning environment with access to resources in science and technology. The university supports and encourages faculty research and provides opportunities for students to collaborate with faculty and each other to learn through hands-on experiences.
Areas of Study: Refer to Undergraduate Admissions Guideline
– College of Natural Sciences
– College of Life Science & Bioengineering
– College of Engineering
– College of Business
Tuition: not listed
KAIST was the nation’s first science and technology graduate school focused on research.
Areas of Study: Refer to Graduate Admissions Guideline
– Natural Science
– Life Science & Bioengineering
– Engineering
– Liberal Arts & Convergence Science
– Business
Tuition: W4,082,000 per semester, excluding Business
(page 10 of Graduate Admissions Guideline):
Founded in 1970, UOU has based its education in the principles of truth, free will, and service; taking the initiative to innovate and achieve success. With the vision of improving practical education, UOU strives to contribute highly skilled and intelligent people to the community, and induce a sense of unity among university members within and beyond UOU.
Areas of study
– Business Administration
– Mechanical & Automotive Engineering
– Electrical & Electronic Engineering
– Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering
Tuition range: W2,878,000 – W4,029,000 per semester
*Admission scholarships available
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
Tuition: W3,647,000 – W6,339,000 per semester
*Tuition scholarships available
*Research scholarships available
Yonsei University is dedicated to educating future leaders and is committed to the principles of “truth and freedom.” Founded in 1885 as Korea’s first western hospital, Yonsei has developed its science and medical fields, as well as expanded into other areas.
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
Tuition range: W3,537,000 – W8,246,000
Areas of study:
– Liberal Arts
– Business
– Science
– Engineering
– Social Sciences
– Law
– Music
– Medicine
*Select courses taught in English every semester
Tuition(2016): W5,882,000 – W8,821,000
*Scholarships available – refer to Seoul Campus Scholarship Guide (English, PDF)