Impeccable architecture, top tourist destinations, a tech haven, and global popularity within the entertainment and music industry are just some of the many aspects South Korea is known for. This is why many degree-seeking students imagine themselves living and studying in the country. As this may look ideal, the downside is that many international students are taken aback due to the language barrier. It is challenging enough to be admitted to one of its universities while still requiring students to provide their Korean language proficiency. However, since the country has continually promoted globalization in its higher education, several universities offer 100% English-taught study programs from bachelor, master, and doctoral levels.
Our ranking prioritizes schools that make it realistically possible to earn a full degree in English in South Korea (not just a handful of English classes), and then orders them using these criteria: extent of English-medium instruction across bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. levels, overall academic reputation and research strength, international-student readiness.
| University | City / Campus | English-taught degree levels | Notable English-taught options (examples) |
|---|
| Yonsei University |
Seoul (Sinchon)
+ Incheon (Songdo International Campus)
|
Bachelor’s: English options via UIC
Master’s / Ph.D.: selected English programs
| Underwood International College (UIC): all courses in English; 16 majors
Graduate (English) |
| KAIST |
Daejeon (main campus)
+ Seoul campus
|
Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
| 80%+ courses in English |
| UNIST |
Ulsan (Ulju-gun / UNIST campus)
|
Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
| all academic courses in 100% English |
| Kyung Hee University |
Seoul campus
+ Global campus (Yongin / near Suwon)
|
Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. (English options vary by unit)
| English Track majors for international applicants (e.g., business / hospitality & tourism / international studies) |
| GIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology) |
Gwangju
|
Bachelor’s, M.S., Ph.D., Integrated M.S.–Ph.D.
| 100% courses in English |
Top Universities for English-taught Programs in South Korea
1. Yonsei University
Why it stands out: Yonsei’s Underwood International College (UIC) offers a liberal-arts-style education in Korea with majors taught entirely in English.
Yonsei University is one of South Korea’s top “SKY” universities and a popular choice among international students; for full English-taught degrees, its Underwood International College offers 16 majors across the Underwood Division, Humanities/Arts/Social Sciences, and Integrated Science & Engineering, and Yonsei also runs several English-focused graduate pathways (such as GSIS, the Global MBA, and the Global Institute of Theology) for students who want to study in Korea without switching fully into Korean-medium coursework.
“All classes at Underwood International College, Yonsei University are conducted in English.”
Minh Le (Bachelor’s, Creative Technology Management), Yonsei University Scholar from Vietnam
This is a strong fit if you want an English-medium campus experience in Korea, while still having the option to build Korean skills alongside your degree.
2. Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
Why it stands out: KAIST is a research-intensive STEM university where English has been the main language of teaching for years, making it one of South Korea’s most accessible top-tier options for international students.
KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) is one of South Korea’s most prestigious institutions for science and engineering. Established in 1971 as the country’s first advanced research university, it is internationally recognized for innovative research facilities, competitive programs, and a strong global orientation, plus an English-medium environment that helps international students fully participate without needing Korean fluency.
“Academically speaking, almost all courses offered at KAIST are taught in English. Many advisors encourage their students to conduct lab meetings in English.”
Mhd Anas Al Saidi (Master’s, Data Science), KAIST Global Korea Scholarship recipient from Syria
For English-taught STEM degrees, this means you can join classes, labs, and research discussions from day one, while still using scholarships and campus support services to settle into life in Korea.
3. Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)
Why it stands out: UNIST is a rare South Korean university where 100% of courses are conducted in English, paired with a strong STEM focus and an interdisciplinary, multi-track curriculum.
Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) is a top English-taught school in South Korea and a one-of-a-kind institute where all academic courses are instructed in English, an especially strong fit for international students who want a full English-learning environment while living in Korea. Although it was established in 2007 (and opened in 2009), UNIST has quickly built a reputation alongside Korea’s leading science-and-technology institutions, and it stands out for its interdisciplinary approach: students begin as non-majors and are required to pursue two or more tracks across areas like Engineering, Information & Biotechnology, Natural Sciences, Business Administration, and Liberal Arts.
“Being at UNIST has been both intellectually demanding and challenging, but deeply rewarding.”
Anisatul Aqidah Tagiling (Master’s, Chemistry), UNIST Scholar from Malaysia
For STEM-focused students seeking an English-taught degree in Korea, UNIST combines full English instruction with research intensity and flexible, cross-disciplinary study paths.
4. Kyung Hee University
Why it stands out: Kyung Hee University is a strong option for English-taught study in Korea because it offers dedicated English Track majors (including business, hospitality & tourism, and international studies) alongside robust scholarship pathways for international students.
International students whose interests are in line with business, hotel and tourism, and international studies should look into Kyung Hee’s English-taught options, especially its “English Track” majors for international applicants (including Business Administration, Global Hospitality & Tourism, International Studies, and Asian Studies/Global Korean Studies). Within hospitality and tourism, the university offers study areas such as Hotel Management, Convention Management, and Food Service Management, and at the postgraduate level it also runs specialized graduate units such as the Graduate School of Pan-Pacific International Studies and the Graduate Institute of Peace Studies (noted as fully English-conducted). Tuition varies by program.
“The university provided extensive support services and dedicated centers for English-speaking and international students…”
Uyen Q. Nguyen (Bachelor’s in Business Management – Hospitality/Convention Management), Kyung Hee University Scholar from Vietnam
For students who want an English-first academic path in Korea, especially in business, hospitality, and international fields, Kyung Hee’s structured tracks and international-student support make it a practical, well-rounded choice.
5. Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)
Why it stands out: GIST is one of the few Korean science-and-technology universities where all lectures (including core science and major courses) are offered in English, built around its 3C1P focus (communication, creativity, cooperation, and problem-solving).
GIST is a science-and-technology-focused institution designed to develop “3C1P” capabilities, and it delivers its undergraduate curriculum in English, from foundational science to major coursework. Undergraduate students begin their first year without choosing a major, taking broad fundamentals before moving into a major, double major, or minor from the second year onward. At the graduate level, GIST offers M.S., Ph.D., and integrated M.S.–Ph.D. pathways, with scholarship/financial support information and program details available through its international admissions pages.
FAQs: English-Taught Universities in South Korea
Do I need TOPIK (Korean language proficiency) to study in English in Korea?
Not always. Many English-taught programs do not require TOPIK for admission, but requirements vary by university and department. Even when TOPIK isn’t required, learning Korean can help with daily life and internships. For a practical overview, see this guide.
Are scholarships available for English-taught universities in South Korea?
Yes, many Korean universities and institutes provide scholarships for international students in English-taught programs (merit-based awards, tuition reductions, and external options such as national scholarship routes depending on eligibility). Start with each institution’s scholarship page, for example: Yonsei scholarships, KAIST scholarships, UNIST scholarships, and Kyung Hee scholarships. You can also read real student stories in the “Meet Scholars” sections linked in the article.
How much does it cost to study and live in South Korea as an international student?
Costs depend on the university, degree level, and city (plus your lifestyle). To estimate expenses, review tuition by institution and typical living costs in Korea. Helpful starting points include: Cost of studying and living in South Korea, plus tuition pages like Yonsei tuition, KAIST tuition, and UNIST tuition.
We hope that this article on the Best English-taught Universities in South Korea was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs and Study in Korea pages to learn more information related to studying abroad!
