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.
To save time searching the web for the list of universities, we’ve listed several leading universities and institutes in South Korea that offer degree programs entirely conducted in English!
Top Universities for English-taught Programs in South Korea
1. Yonsei University
Yonsei University is a top-tier university and an excellent English-taught institution in South Korea. As part of the country’s top three most prestigious schools, it has always been the academic elites’ favored university and a popular choice among international students. The university has set the bar high with students going through a rigorous admissions process and only accepting individuals with outstanding student portfolios.
International degree-seeking students who prefer a learning approach similar to the American-style setting should consider checking the university’s Underwood International College. This is a liberal arts college open to students from all ethnicities and backgrounds across the globe. It offers 16 majors/study programs entirely taught in English. It has five majors under the Underwood Division, eight majors in the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Division, and three majors in the Integrated Science and Engineering Division. You can check their website for the complete list of study programs.
Moreover, the university offers postgraduate study programs to professionals and bachelor’s degree holders seeking to further their studies. Colleges that offer English-taught graduate programs are the Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS), the Graduate School of Business offering a Global MBA program, and the Graduate Institute of Theology (GIT).
2. Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
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, KAIST is internationally recognized for its innovative research facilities, competitive programs, and strong global orientation.
Importantly for international students, the institute delivers nearly all of its undergraduate and graduate-level instruction in English, making it highly accessible. As GKS scholar Mhd Anas Al Saidi notes, “Academically speaking, almost all courses offered at KAIST are taught in English. Many advisors encourage their students to conduct lab meetings in English.”
This emphasis on English-medium teaching, combined with cutting‑edge research and a supportive learning environment, enables international students to fully participate without needing Korean fluency. Students like Anas benefit not only from a world-class academic curriculum but also from scholarships that cover full tuition, stipends, insurance, and Korean language training. The result is a rich, globally oriented educational experience in fields such as data science, engineering, and more, making KAIST a top destination for those seeking an English-friendly, high‑caliber education in Asia.
3. Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology
Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology is a top English-taught school in South Korea and is a one-of-a-kind institute that offers all courses instructed in English. This is an opportunity for international students who aspire to live and study in South Korea. What is more fascinating is that even if it has only been in the industry since 2007, the institute has already had a reputation for being one of the best among other universities in the country, where many of them have been in the industry for decades. Apart from English-taught courses, another key strategy that makes the university unique is implementing interdisciplinary education where it requires all undergraduate students to obtain two concentrations.
Since this is a science and technology institute, the colleges and schools that offer study programs are the College of Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, School of Business Administration, and School of Liberal Arts. All of which provide degree programs from bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. levels. For bachelor’s degree-seeking students, you can visit the institution’s website for the list of comprehensive programs. Professionals and degree holders can check the following websites for postgraduate programs: Graduate Admissions, Graduate School of Technology & Innovation Management Admission, and Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Manage Admission.
4. Kyung Hee University
International students whose interests are in line with business, hotel and tourism, and international studies should look into the study programs offered at Kyung Hee University. One of the university’s goals is to serve as a pathway towards exercising globalization and internationalization in higher education; by doing this, this outstanding university provides comprehensive English track programs distinct for international degree-seeking students.
The university currently has three colleges offering undergraduate programs conducted in English. The College of Hotel & Tourism Management has three study programs offering majors in Hotel Management, Convention Management, and Food Service Management. The College of Management offers a Business Administration program. The College of International Studies offers two bachelor’s degree programs in International Studies and Global Korean Studies. All programs are open to international students starting as freshmen or transfer students. Also, depending on the program, tuition fees should cost around 3,000 to 4,000 dollars per semester.
The university also offers English-taught programs in South Korea at the postgraduate level. The Graduate School of Pan-Pacific International Studies and the Graduate Institute of Peace Studies are two college departments of the university that offer intensive study programs at the master’s and Ph.D. levels.
5. Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
Another science and technology institute in South Korea where all lectures are taught in English is the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology. The university has been nurturing students to become future professionals by equipping them with its 3C1P abilities. 3Cs include desired communication skills, creativity, and cooperation, and 1P for problem-solving skills.
Students in their first year will start with no majors at the undergraduate level. Students are to take fundamental courses/subjects to help them build their abilities and skills in their chosen field of study. Depending on the selected study program, the students will take either a major, double major, or minor in their second to senior years. The curriculum during these remaining years will be solely based on the student’s chosen discipline.
As for postgraduate studies, the institution offers Master of Science programs, Doctor of Philosophy programs, and combined MS and Ph.D. programs. A detailed list of postgraduate programs is currently available on their website.
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!
