South Korea University Fees for International Students: Admission Requirements & Process
For students searching “South Korea university fees for international students,” this comprehensive guide provides exact costs for undergraduate, master’s and PhD programs. We’ll break down tuition fees, living expenses, visa financial requirements, and how IELTS scores can significantly reduce your cost to study in Korea.
1. Undergraduate Program Costs in South Korea
When researching “Korea university tuition fee undergraduate,” you’ll find most programs follow this structure:
Key Requirements:
- 12 years prior education
- Maximum age: 25
- IELTS 5.5 minimum
Tuition Fees (2025 Rates):
- First semester (refundable): ₨670,000-700,000
- Regular semesters: ₨1,000,000-1,100,000
- Annual cost: ₨2,000,000-2,200,000
Total 4-Year Investment: ₨8,000,000-8,800,000
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) | Amount (PKR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester Fees | 2,300–2,300–2,500 | 670,000 – 700,000 PKR | 100% refundable if admission is denied. |
| Full Fees (No Waiver) | 3,500–3,500–4,000 per semester | 1,000,000 – 1,100,000 PKR | Covers tuition & basic university charges. |
2. Master’s Degree Fees at Korean Universities
For those comparing “Korea university tuition fee master” costs:
Program Details:
- 2 year duration
- Maximum age: 38
- Same IELTS requirements
Cost Breakdown:
- Identical per-semester fees to undergraduate
Total program cost: ₨4,000,000-4,400,000
Tuition Fee Structure
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) | PKR Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester Fees | 2,300−2,300−2,500 | 670,000-700,000 PKR | 100% refundable if admission denied |
| Full Semester Fees (No Waiver) | 3,500−3,500−4,000 | 1,000,000-1,100,000 PKR | Standard tuition per semester |
3. PhD Program Fees & Requirements
Eligibility
- Education: 18 years (Master’s degree)
- Age Limit: Maximum 40 years
- Study Gap Accepted: Up to 12 years
- IELTS Requirement: Minimum 5.5 (Academic)
Tuition Fees (Per Semester)
Same as undergrad/master’s:
-
- 3,500–3,500–4,000 per semester
Total 3–4 Year Cost: ~21,000–21,000–32,000
Cost Breakdown:
| Component | Amount (USD) | PKR per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 3,500−3,500−4,000 | 1-1.1 million |
| First Payment | 2,300−2,300−2,500 | 670,000-700,000 |
4. English Language Proficiency Requirements
Mandatory IELTS Scores:
- Minimum Overall Band Score: 5.5 (Academic)
- Korean Embassy Requirement: All student visa applicants must meet this minimum
- University Variations: Some programs may require higher scores (6.0-6.5)
5. IELTS-Based Tuition Fee Waivers
South Korean universities offer significant discounts based on IELTS scores:
| IELTS Score | Tuition Waiver | Savings Per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| 5.5 | 20–30% | $700–700–1,200 |
| 6.5 | 40–50% | $1,400–2,000 |
| 7.0+ | 60–70% | $2,100–2,800 |
6. Financial Requirements for Student Visa (2025)
To obtain a South Korean student visa, you must prove financial stability:
Bank Statement Requirements
- Minimum Balance: ₨4,000,000 PKR (≈ $14,300 USD)
- Maintenance Periods:
- June 2025: Must show balance for 2 days
Visa Application (July 10 – August 10, 2025): Maintain balance for 30 days
8.Conditional Permanent Residency (PR) – F2-R Visa
Validity: 3 years residence card (Extendable till PR)
• 2 years study visa status
• Korean Language Level 3 Certificate required
After 1 Year of F2-R Visa:
• Eligible for Permanent Residency (F5 Visa)
• Requirements: 12-month tax record (1-year GNI) & Korean Language Level 5 Certificate
After 1 Year of F5 Visa (PR):
• Eligible to apply for Korean Nationality (Passport)
• Requirement: Korean Language Level 6 Certificate
Conclusion:
For international students researching South Korea university fees for international students, this guide has covered everything from program costs to smart savings strategies. Whether you’re comparing undergraduate or graduate options, understanding South Korea university fees for international students is crucial for budgeting your education abroad. By leveraging IELTS waivers and preparing financial documents early, you can make your Korean academic journey both affordable and successful. Start planning today to turn your study abroad dreams into reality!