Study in South Korea

Why study in South Korea?

South Korea (Republic of Korea) is one of Asia's fastest-growing study destinations, with 253,434 international students in 2025 (Study in Korea / NIIED). It is home to globally recognised universities such as Seoul National University, KAIST, POSTECH, Yonsei, Korea University, SKKU and strong national universities like Pusan National University. Korea is a world leader in semiconductors, electronics, automobiles, shipbuilding, AI and biotechnology, so engineering, IT and science graduates have direct links to companies such as Samsung, LG, Hyundai and SK.

WHY BANGLADESHI STUDENTS CHOOSE KOREA • Affordable tuition: average annual tuition is about ₩6.5 million at universities (Study in Korea, 2025) – national universities can be as low as ₩2–3 million per semester. • Fully funded scholarships: the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) covers tuition, airfare, Korean language training, medical insurance and a ₩1,000,000 monthly allowance for graduate students; most universities also offer 30–100% tuition waivers. • Work while studying: up to 10 hours/week without Korean proficiency, and up to 30 hours/week (35 for graduate students) on weekdays with TOPIK, with no weekend/vacation limit once permitted. • Stay after graduation: graduates of Korean universities can switch to the D-10 job-seeker visa – now up to 3 years total – then move to an E-7 work visa. • Many English-taught programmes, especially at master's/PhD level and in engineering and business. • Safe, clean, modern country with excellent public transport, healthcare via National Health Insurance, and growing halal food options and mosques in Seoul, Busan and other cities. • Visa applications are now made in Dhaka at the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC), opened 2 September 2026.

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU DECIDE • Korean language matters: daily life, part-time jobs and many undergraduate programmes need TOPIK 3–4; learning Korean before or during your degree greatly improves job prospects. • Strong visa scrutiny for Bangladesh: a 6-month bank statement, income tax proof, police clearance, TB test and Ministry of Education + Ministry of Foreign Affairs attested certificates are required. • Part-time work needs prior permission from Immigration and a GPA of at least 2.0 – working without permission can lead to visa cancellation. • Cold winters (below 0°C) and a competitive, fast-paced academic culture. • Private universities in Seoul cost more (about ₩4.5–9.3 million per semester).

IS KOREA RIGHT FOR YOU? Korea suits Bangladeshi students who want a high-quality, technology-focused degree at moderate cost, are interested in scholarships such as GKS, and are willing to learn Korean to build a career in Korea or with Korean companies worldwide.

Highlights

• Fully funded GKS scholarship — Korean Government Scholarship covers tuition, airfare, language training and a ₩1,000,000 monthly allowance (graduate)
• Affordable tuition — Average ~₩6.5 million/year; national universities from ~₩2–3 million per semester
• 3-year job-seeker visa — Korean-university graduates can stay on a D-10 visa for up to 3 years to find work, then move to E-7
• Work while you study — 10 hrs/week without TOPIK; up to 30 hrs (35 for grad students) with TOPIK, no weekend/vacation limit
• Global tech hub — Study near Samsung, LG, Hyundai and SK – leaders in semiconductors, AI, EV and shipbuilding
• English-taught programmes — Many master’s/PhD and engineering/business courses taught in English (IELTS 5.5 / TOEFL 80 typical)
• University scholarships — Tuition waivers of 30–100%, TOPIK awards and merit scholarships at most universities
• Safe and modern — Very low crime, excellent public transport and National Health Insurance coverage for students

Key facts

• Popular intakes: March (Spring – main intake), September (Fall)
• Average tuition fees: ₩4,000,000 - ₩18,000,000 per year (national universities cheaper; medicine/integrated tech higher)
• Cost of living: ₩750,000 - ₩1,300,000 per month (dormitory, food, transport, phone, insurance)
• Post-study work visa: D-10 job-seeker visa for Korean university graduates – up to 3 years total (1-year extensions); then E-7 work visa
• Dependents allowed: Yes – spouse and children can apply for F-3 dependent visa (mainly for graduate students; F-3 holders cannot work)
• Part-time work: 10 hrs/week without TOPIK; 30 hrs/week (undergrad, TOPIK 3–4+) or 35 hrs/week (graduate) on weekdays, unlimited weekends/vacations – Immigration permission required
• Application processing time: At least 14 working days after submission at Korean Embassy / KVAC Dhaka

Universities in South Korea

• Woosong University — Daejeon

Popular study areas

• Business & Management (7)
• Data Science & AI (6)
• Hospitality & Tourism (5)
• Art & Design (2)
• Social Sciences (2)
• Communications & Media (1)
• Education (1)
• Engineering (1)
• Marketing (1)

Frequently asked questions

How many universities can I choose from in South Korea?

UnifinderAi lists 1 partner university in South Korea, with 26 courses between them.

How much does it cost to study in South Korea?

Average tuition fees in South Korea: ₩4,000,000 - ₩18,000,000 per year (national universities cheaper; medicine/integrated tech higher). Cost of living: ₩750,000 - ₩1,300,000 per month (dormitory, food, transport, phone, insurance).

When can I start studying in South Korea?

Popular intakes: March (Spring – main intake), September (Fall).

Can I work after studying in South Korea?

Post-study work visa: D-10 job-seeker visa for Korean university graduates – up to 3 years total (1-year extensions); then E-7 work visa.

Can international students work part-time in South Korea?

10 hrs/week without TOPIK; 30 hrs/week (undergrad, TOPIK 3–4+) or 35 hrs/week (graduate) on weekdays, unlimited weekends/vacations – Immigration permission required.

What can I study in South Korea?

Popular study areas include Business & Management, Data Science & AI, Hospitality & Tourism, Art & Design, Social Sciences and Communications & Media.