South Korea is a country in East Asia best known for its unique culture, picturesque scenery, and iconic entertainment. However, most people do not know that it is also on the leading edge of medical scholarship and is a top choice for international students to study pre-med.
If you are an international student seeking to study pre-med in the highly challenging environments of prestigious universities with world-class programs, South Korea might just be the place for you. As a country that highly values the medical profession, they are on a constant quest to ensure that the programs, standards, facilities, and curriculum of its medical universities are up to international standards.
South Korean medical universities are also acknowledged as leaders in research that pushes the frontiers of medicine forward, making them a highly desirable choice for international students who wish to be at the center of the action.
In this article, let’s talk about the best pre-med schools in South Korea! This will help you weigh your options as we discuss these institutions.
Do Pre-Med Schools in South Korea Accept International Students?
Yes. Pre-med schools in South Korea accept international students. As with most universities in the world that accept international students, you will be expected to comply with the required documentation before you can begin studying pre-med in South Korea. You will need to have a passport, a student visa, original or certified true copies of your previous educational history, and university application paperwork which may vary among universities. You also be required to take a Korean language proficiency test as well as IELTS or TOEFL to minimize the language barrier, especially if you were previously in non-English schools.
Top Pre-Med Schools in South Korea
1. Seoul National University – College of Medicine
Seoul National University is the top-rated choice for international students who want to study pre-med in South Korea. The SNU College of Medicine Pre-Medical Department offers undergraduate programs for the first two years of the six-year medical program, studying introduction to medicine, physiology, anatomy, pathology, and new techniques for medicine.
Tuition rates are similar for local and international students, which are estimated at USD 6,000 per semester. As a state university, SNU is touted to offer the best education at relatively low prices.
2. Yonsei University – College of Medicine
Yonsei University is a private institution with a longstanding history that can be traced back to Christian missionaries in 1885. Its College of Medicine has a vast array of medical programs for international students to choose from, spread across its Basic Science, Clinical Science, and Humanistic Science departments. As a student in this top Korean pre-med school, you’ll have the chance to gain various academic opportunities in the field.
Because it is a private university, tuition rates are expected much higher than state institutions. It is, in fact, recognized as the university with the highest tuition rates in the country at about USD 8,000 per semester. This heavy cost is offset by the prestige of studying at a top university with a highly-recognized medical program.
3. Sungkyunkwan University – School of Medicine
If Yonsei is historic, Sungkyunkwan University is much more so. Founded by a royal decree during the Joseon Dynasty in 1398, SKKU anchors its prestige on its heritage and its highly acclaimed modern programs. The pre-med school of this top Korean university will surely give students the skills and knowledge in their chosen medical field.
International students will undergo a two-year pre-medical phase before continuing to their medical studies, where they will be studying humanities skills, basic medical science, and natural science, as well as research abilities. Tuition rates range from USD 4,000 – 7,000, with many options for scholarships to help budget-challenged students.
4. University of Ulsan – College of Medicine
Despite not being in the capital, the University of Ulsan is still highly recognized as an excellent choice for traditional medical education. They pride themselves on providing a very strong foundation in pre-med, giving international students broad learning and research opportunities.
To the tune of about USD 5,550-9,000 per year, international students can study at this university which is widely known for producing South Korea’s highest-acclaimed contemporary medical practitioners.
5. Korea University – College of Medicine
One of the best Korean universities with the most attractive programs for international students who seek to study pre-med in South Korea is Korea University. While studying general and basic medical education for two years, international students can take advantage of the university-wide buddy program and language partner program to help them acclimate to the Korean language and culture in the university.
While tuition rates of almost USD 8,000 per semester may seem heavy, about 89% of international students are awarded scholarships of 60%-100% based on GPA.
6. Catholic University of Korea – School of Medicine
The Catholic University of Korea or CUK is a unique entry in this list, as it is a private Roman Catholic university that includes Catholic values in the formation of its students. But spiritual considerations aside, CUK is recognized as one of the top-performing medical schools in South Korea and has continuously produced eminent and notable alumni.
For the relatively modest rate of about USD 5,900 per semester, international students will experience a pre-med program that is proactive but flexible for individual approach, with emphasis on research and practice and a side benefit of experiencing missionary work.
7. Kyungpook National University – School of Medicine
Kyungpook National University or KNU is known as one of the first modern pre-medical universities in South Korea and continues to be an excellent choice for international students to this day. Their pre-med program is a rigorous 2-year period of studying general education and medical school basics to prepare students for the rest of the six years of medical school. What sets KNU apart is its passion for innovation, vibrant student activities, and an environment that fosters intellectual growth.
International students may find a finance-friendly choice at KNU with an average tuition rate of USD 3,800. On top of that, they also offer financial aid programs to those who truly deserve it.
Studying pre-med in South Korea is a viable and exciting choice for international students who seek to broaden their academic and cultural horizons. With the country’s high standards for medical education, students are assured of getting world-class and cutting-edge knowledge on their journey to becoming medical professionals.
We hope this article about the Best Pre-Med Schools in South Korea for International Students was informative and helpful. Feel free to visit our Study in Korea page for more information about the different universities and scholarship opportunities in the country! Also, check out our open courses page for available programs!
