Impressive architecture, major tourist destinations, a thriving technology sector, and global influence in entertainment and music are among the many things South Korea is known for. This is why many degree-seeking students imagine themselves living and studying in the country. However, the language barrier can be a concern for international students, particularly because some university programs require applicants to demonstrate Korean-language proficiency. As South Korean universities have expanded the international focus of their higher education programs, several institutions now offer complete English-taught degree pathways at the bachelor’s and/or graduate levels. Availability and language requirements vary by university, department, and admission cycle.
Our ranking prioritizes universities where it is realistically possible to earn a full degree in English in South Korea, rather than institutions that offer only a small number of English-language classes. The universities are ordered using the following editorial criteria: the availability of English-medium instruction at the bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. levels; overall academic and research strength; and support for international students. Leet’s take a look at the top English-taught universities in South Korea.
| University | City / Campus | English-taught degree levels | Notable English-taught options (examples) |
|---|
| Yonsei University |
Seoul (Sinchon)
+ Incheon (Songdo International Campus)
|
Bachelor’s: Underwood International College (UIC)
Master’s / Ph.D.: selected English-taught graduate programs
| Underwood International College: all instruction is conducted in English; 16 majors
Graduate: selected programs at GSIS, the Global MBA, and the Graduate Institute of Theology
|
| KAIST |
Daejeon (main campus)
+ selected facilities and programs in Seoul
|
Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
| English has been used as the main language of instruction since 2008 |
| UNIST |
Ulsan (Ulju-gun / UNIST campus)
|
Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
| UNIST reports 100% English lectures |
| Kyung Hee University |
Seoul Campus
+ Global Campus (Yongin)
+ Gwangneung Campus
|
Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. (availability varies by program and admission cycle)
| Selected undergraduate English Track options; the Graduate School of Pan-Pacific International Studies and Graduate Institute of Peace Studies are listed as conducting all courses in English |
| GIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology) |
Gwangju
|
Bachelor’s, M.S., Ph.D., Integrated M.S.–Ph.D.
| GIST’s international admissions office states that all lectures are conducted in English |
Top Universities for English-taught Programs in South Korea
1. Yonsei University
Why it stands out: Yonsei’s Underwood International College offers a four-year liberal arts education with all instruction conducted in English.
Yonsei University is a popular choice among international students. For a fully English-taught undergraduate degree, its Underwood International College offers 16 majors across the Underwood Division, Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Division, and Integrated Science and Engineering Division. Yonsei also offers selected English-taught graduate pathways. Its official graduate-program directory identifies the Graduate School of International Studies, Global MBA, and Graduate Institute of Theology as English-taught options. Within GSIS, the university currently lists Korean Studies and Global Studies as English-medium programs, while other GSIS programs use different languages of instruction.
“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 for students seeking an English-medium undergraduate experience in Korea while retaining opportunities to study Korean alongside their degree.
2. Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
Why it stands out: KAIST is a research-focused science and technology university where English has been used as the main language of instruction since 2008, making it an accessible option for international STEM students.
KAIST, or the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, is one of South Korea’s leading institutions for science and engineering. It was formally founded in 1971 as the country’s first science and technology university. KAIST now offers undergraduate and graduate study across science, engineering, business, and interdisciplinary fields. Its English-medium environment helps international students participate in classes and research without needing full Korean proficiency, although students should check the language of each course before registering.
“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 students pursuing English-taught STEM degrees, this environment makes it possible to participate in classes, laboratories, and research discussions from the beginning of their studies while using the university’s international-student services.
3. Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)
Why it stands out: UNIST reports that it was the first university in Korea to offer 100% of its lectures in English. It combines this English-medium environment with a strong focus on science, technology, and interdisciplinary research.
Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) provides an English-medium academic environment for students interested in science, engineering, technology, and related interdisciplinary fields. UNIST was founded in 2007 and opened in 2009. Its current undergraduate curriculum is department-based rather than based on the older track system described in some previous materials. Students must choose one primary major beginning in their sophomore year, while a double major or minor is optional.
“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 English-language instruction with research-intensive study and options for interdisciplinary academic work.
4. Kyung Hee University
Why it stands out: Kyung Hee University offers selected English Track and English-medium study options. It also lists the Graduate School of Pan-Pacific International Studies and Graduate Institute of Peace Studies as conducting all courses in English.
Kyung Hee University may appeal to international students interested in international studies, Asian studies, business, hospitality, tourism, engineering, and related fields. Its current academic directory lists programs such as International Studies, Asian Studies, Hotel Management, Convention Management, and Food Service Management. However, students should not assume that every listed program is fully taught in English.
Applicants should confirm the English Track departments available for their intended admission cycle directly with the university. At the graduate level, Kyung Hee’s official directory identifies the Graduate School of Pan-Pacific International Studies and Graduate Institute of Peace Studies as schools where all courses are conducted in English.
“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
Kyung Hee can be a practical option for English-medium study, particularly in international and graduate-level fields, but applicants should verify the teaching language and admission requirements for their exact program and intake.
5. Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)
Why it stands out: GIST’s international admissions office states that all lectures are conducted in English. Its educational approach emphasizes the 3C1P competencies of creativity, cooperation, communication, and problem-solving.
GIST is a science- and technology-focused research institution. Undergraduate students are admitted without declaring a major and choose their field of study after their freshman year. The international undergraduate guide lists 10 majors and notes that Semiconductor Engineering is restricted to Korean students. Double majors and minors are also available. At the graduate level, GIST offers M.S., Ph.D., and integrated M.S.–Ph.D. programs, and graduate students are expected to maintain full-time status until they complete their requirements.
FAQs: English-Taught Universities in South Korea
Do I need TOPIK (Korean language proficiency) to study in English in Korea?
Not necessarily. Some English-taught programs use English-proficiency requirements instead of TOPIK, but each university and department sets its own admission rules. Applicants should check the current admissions guide for their exact program. Even when TOPIK is not required, learning Korean can be helpful for daily life, internships, university services, and activities outside the classroom. For a practical overview, see the TOPIK guide.
Are scholarships available for English-taught universities in South Korea?
Yes. Korean universities and science and technology institutes offer various scholarships for international students, including merit-based awards, tuition reductions, institutional scholarships, and external programs. Eligibility, funding, renewal conditions, and application procedures vary. Start with each institution’s current scholarship information, including Yonsei scholarships, KAIST scholarships, UNIST scholarships, and Kyung Hee scholarships. You can also read student experiences 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, city, accommodation, and personal spending. Tuition and scholarship conditions can also change by academic year. Review the university’s current fee notice before applying. Helpful starting points include the cost of studying and living in South Korea, along with tuition pages for Yonsei, KAIST, and UNIST.
We hope this article on the Best English-taught Universities in South Korea was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students and Study in Korea!
