Computer science is a broad field that includes software development, computer systems, artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, graphics, and other areas. A computer science degree can lead to careers in software engineering, research, data analysis, cybersecurity, visual computing, and related fields.
If you are looking to earn a computer science degree in South Korea, the universities below are strong options to consider. Let’s take a look at the top computer science universities in Korea
| University (program link) | City | Why it stands out for Computer Science | English-friendly? |
|---|
KAIST
School of Computing
| Daejeon | Broad undergraduate and graduate computing education, an active research environment, and institution-wide use of English as the main teaching language. | High, although students should verify the language of individual courses. |
Seoul National University (SNU)
Computer Science & Engineering
| Seoul | Undergraduate and graduate CSE programs covering both theoretical and applied computing within a major research university. | Limited to moderate. SNU states that most of its courses are taught in Korean. |
Korea University
Computer Science and Engineering
| Seoul | A broad curriculum with practicums, laboratory internships, interdisciplinary study, and facilities such as VR and 3D-printing rooms. | Varies by course; check the current course catalog and department guidance. |
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
Computer Science and Engineering
| Suwon | Research groups in systems and networks, artificial intelligence, and computer engineering and theory, with internships and industry-academic projects. | Varies by course; confirm the current language of instruction with the department. |
Yonsei University
Computer Science and Engineering
| Seoul | A broad CSE department covering algorithms, systems, networks, security, data science, artificial intelligence, graphics, and human-computer interaction. | Varies. The regular CSE major should not be assumed to be fully taught in English. |
Top Schools Offering Computer Science in South Korea
1. Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Why it stands out: KAIST’s School of Computing combines broad computer science education, an active research environment, and an institutional policy that uses English as the main language of teaching.
KAIST is a research-focused science and technology university in Daejeon. Its School of Computing offers undergraduate and graduate education across foundational and applied areas of computing. KAIST states that English has been used as its main teaching language since 2008, although applicants should still review the language listed for individual courses.
“I met brilliant students from all over the world, which broadened my perspective on science and engineering.”
Biniyam Aschalew (Bachelor’s in Computer Science), KAIST scholar from Ethiopia
Biniyam’s experience illustrates the international and research-oriented environment that some undergraduate computer science students encounter at KAIST.
2. Seoul National University
Why it stands out: Seoul National University’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering offers undergraduate and graduate study in theoretical and applied computing within a large research university in Seoul.
Seoul National University offers Computer Science and Engineering at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The department covers computer hardware, operating systems, application software, algorithms, and other theoretical and applied areas. International applicants should not assume that the regular degree is fully taught in English: SNU’s admissions FAQ states that, although English-taught courses are available, most courses at the university are taught in Korean, and language expectations can differ by program.
3. Korea University
Why it stands out: Korea University’s Computer Science and Engineering program combines a broad curriculum with practicums, laboratory internships, interdisciplinary study, and facilities designed for hands-on learning.
Korea University offers undergraduate and graduate study in Computer Science and Engineering. The undergraduate department identifies human-centered computing, software-platform design, and large-scale data processing and knowledge engineering as core curriculum competencies. Its official program page also describes six required courses, more than 50 electives, practicums, laboratory internships, startup support, and facilities that include a VR experience room and a 3D-printing room.
4. Sungkyunkwan University
Why it stands out: SKKU’s Computer Science and Engineering department offers laboratory and project-based opportunities alongside research groups in systems and networks, artificial intelligence, and computer engineering and theory.
Sungkyunkwan University offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs through its Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the Natural Sciences Campus in Suwon. The department identifies systems and networks, artificial intelligence, and computer engineering and theory as major research-group areas. Its official admissions information also describes industry-cooperation projects, software-company internships, overseas training opportunities, and research participation for eligible upper-year undergraduates.
“It’s been great. The research environment is collaborative, and the facilities are excellent.”
Muhammad Omer (graduate studies in medical image processing), SKKU scholar from Pakistan
Muhammad’s comments describe his individual graduate research experience. Facilities, funding, and working arrangements can differ by laboratory and supervisor.
5. Yonsei University
Why it stands out: Yonsei University’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering covers a wide range of fields, including algorithms, systems, networks, security, data science, artificial intelligence, graphics, and human-computer interaction.
Yonsei University houses its regular Computer Science and Engineering department in the College of Computing. Its official department page lists research and teaching fields that include algorithms, computer architecture, operating systems, programming languages, networks, security, databases, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, graphics, and human-computer interaction. Information and Interaction Design is offered separately through Underwood International College and should not be presented as a specialization within the regular CSE degree. International applicants should also verify the language of each course instead of assuming that the regular CSE program is fully taught in English.
6. Pusan National University
Why it stands out: Pusan National University’s School of Computer Science and Engineering offers undergraduate and graduate education in computer hardware, software, and related theoretical and practical fields.
Pusan National University operates its School of Computer Science and Engineering at the Busan campus. The university’s official description states that the school provides education in computer hardware and software and combines academic theory with professional and practical skills. Its current curriculum includes computer engineering and artificial intelligence pathways. International applicants should check current course listings carefully because PNU advises that some departments may offer few or no courses in English during a particular semester.
“I participate in cutting-edge research with access to world-class labs, NVIDIA GPUs, and seminars with global experts.”
Tesfahunegn Minwuyelet Mengistu (Ph.D. in Computer Engineering), Pusan National University scholar from Ethiopia
This quotation reflects Tesfahunegn’s individual research experience. Access to particular equipment, laboratories, seminars, and funding depends on the student’s research group, project, and supervisor.
7. Ewha Womans University
Why it stands out: Ewha’s Computer Science and Engineering department offers undergraduate and graduate education, an extensive range of research laboratories, and an industry-university curriculum focused on educating women in software and computing.
Ewha Womans University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Computer Science and Engineering in Seoul. The department reports operating 48 courses and lists laboratories in areas such as networks, databases, bioinformatics, distributed systems, computer graphics, and embedded software. Ewha also offers the Ewha Global Partnership Program (EGPP) to selected applicants from developing countries who apply through the special international admissions process and demonstrate female leadership potential. The current scholarship provides full tuition, including the admission fee, a housing fee for dormitory residents, and a stipend for the specified award period, subject to the university’s conditions.
“Ewha’s Computer Science program allows students to start from the basics.”
Nunnalin (“Nalin”) (Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering), Ewha Womans University scholar from Thailand
Nunnalin also reported that her program was taught in Korean and that only a limited number of courses were available in English. Prospective international students should therefore verify both admissions-language requirements and the language of the courses needed for graduation.
8. UNIST
Why it stands out: UNIST’s Computer Science and Engineering program combines undergraduate and graduate study with a university-wide policy under which courses are conducted in English.
Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) offers undergraduate and graduate study in Computer Science and Engineering. Its research areas include computer architecture, systems software, embedded systems, distributed processing, databases, programming languages, networks, security, artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, and human-computer interaction. UNIST states that its courses are conducted in English, making it one of the clearest English-medium options on this list.
“I studied Computer Science and Engineering at UNIST (Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology) in South Korea, where I received a full scholarship that covered tuition, a monthly stipend, and even free meals.”
Alambek (Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering), UNIST scholar from Kyrgyzstan
Alambek’s quotation describes his individual scholarship package. Under UNIST’s current undergraduate policy, all freshmen receive a full tuition waiver for their first semester. Continued full or partial tuition waivers and living scholarships depend on credit-completion and GPA conditions.
FAQS About Studying Computer Science in South Korea
Are Computer Science programs in South Korea taught in English?
It varies considerably. UNIST states that all courses are conducted in English, while KAIST uses English as its main teaching language. At other universities, the availability of English-taught courses can be limited. Seoul National University states that most of its courses are taught in Korean, and an Ewha Computer Science and Engineering student reported that her program was taught in Korean. Check the current course catalog and ask the department whether enough required courses are available in English before applying.
Do I need TOPIK (Korean language proficiency) to study Computer Science in Korea?
Not in every case. Language requirements depend on the university, degree, admissions route, and language of instruction. An English-medium program does not necessarily mean that every Korean-language or graduation-related requirement is waived. Consult the current international admissions guide and department rules for your intended intake.
What are the typical admission requirements for CS programs in South Korea?
There is no single requirements list for all universities. International applications may request academic transcripts, proof of graduation or expected graduation, identity and nationality documents, Korean or English language evidence, a personal statement or study plan, recommendations, and department-specific materials. Use the official admissions guide for your degree level and intake because required documents and language thresholds can change.
Do these universities have strong labs and facilities for computing (GPUs, research seminars, etc.)?
The listed departments advertise research laboratories or research groups across multiple computing fields, but access to particular equipment depends on the laboratory, project, supervisor, and funding. A Pusan National University scholar reported: “I participate in cutting-edge research with access to world-class labs, NVIDIA GPUs, and seminars with global experts.” — Tesfahunegn Minwuyelet Mengistu (Ph.D. in Computer Engineering). This is an individual student account rather than a guarantee for every student.
Are internships and industry connections common for CS students in Korea?
Opportunities are available at some universities, but they are not guaranteed for every student. Korea University officially lists practicums and laboratory internships, while SKKU lists software-company internships, overseas training, industry-cooperation projects, and research opportunities for eligible upper-year students. Check eligibility, language, visa, and application requirements for each opportunity.
Is it possible to study Computer Science in Korea with a full scholarship?
Yes, but eligibility and renewal conditions vary. UNIST currently gives all freshmen a full first-semester tuition waiver, with later benefits tied to credit and GPA requirements. Ewha’s EGPP can cover full tuition, dormitory housing fees for residents, and a stipend for selected applicants from developing countries who meet its admissions and leadership criteria. One UNIST scholar shared: “I received a full scholarship that covered tuition, a monthly stipend, and even free meals.” — Alambek (Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering). His package should not be interpreted as an automatic award for every applicant.
We hope this list has helped you narrow down your options for studying Computer Science in South Korea. Make sure to also check out the Available Computer Science Programs and Study in Korea!
