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
Top Schools Offering Computer Science in South Korea
1. 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.
2. 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.
Biniyam’s experience illustrates the international and research-oriented environment that some undergraduate computer science students encounter at KAIST.
What Current Students / Alumni of Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Medhavi Mishra
M.S. in Mobility; Ph.D. in Mobility
Research focus: computer vision and AI for autonomous mobility | After completing her master’s, she continued into doctoral research on autonomous mobility systems using computer vision and AI for intelligent transportation. | She describes a welcoming environment with orientation, counseling, and peer mentoring, while noting that Korean helps with daily life outside campus. |
Raad Rafian Ahmed
Bachelor’s in Industrial Systems Engineering and Business Technology Management
Minor in Computer Science | His Computer Science minor strengthened his algorithmic background, complementing study in data science, mathematical modeling, and optimization through Industrial Systems Engineering. | He enjoys the campus setting and international community, including cultural performances and food festivals, and describes KISA as welcoming. |
May Myat Thwe
M.Sc. in Computer Science
Research focus: cybersecurity for system-of-systems | Her master’s research focused on cybersecurity for system-of-systems. She also describes research-assistant experience in AI for sustainable development. | She participated in international community initiatives and student ambassador activities; Korean was needed for day-to-day communication outside class. |
Rahul Agrawal
Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Business and Technology Management
Double major | Exploring courses across departments helped him combine Computer Science with Business and Technology Management. After graduating, he worked as an AI engineer at BOOKEND, a KAIST-born startup. | He participated in sports, volunteering, and leadership clubs, and says international student services helped him settle in and build connections through social and cultural events. |
Omer Tariq
Integrated Master’s and Ph.D. in Computer Science
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
2022–2025 | He reports 11 publications from his doctoral research in machine learning and AI, including two in the IEEE Internet of Things Journal. He describes his research experience as competitive and largely independent, with poor work-life balance. | He perceived KAIST as a prestigious institution with a highly competitive atmosphere. |
Mhd Anas Al Saidi
Master’s in Data Science
Research focus: AI in the livestock industry | His research applied AI to the livestock industry; looking back, he wished he had developed deeper industry knowledge to make the work more focused. He struggled with the program’s pace and graduated one semester later than planned. | He describes an international campus community and support from ISSS and KISA for orientation, visas, clubs, and everyday welfare. |
3. 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. International applicants should also verify the language of each course instead of assuming that the regular CSE program is fully taught in English.
4. 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.
5. 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.
Muhammad’s comments describe his individual graduate research experience. Facilities, funding, and working arrangements can differ by laboratory and supervisor.
What Current Students / Alumni of Sungkyunkwan University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Asiye Baran
Bachelor’s in Software (Computer Science and Engineering) | She conducts research on an AI-based chatbot intended to reduce international students’ anxiety while adapting to Korea. She found major courses more demanding than expected and reports using both English and Korean in them. | She finds local and international students approachable and participates in clubs and events; Samsung’s connection to SKKU and its perceived reputation influenced her choice. |
Muhammad Omer
Graduate studies in Medical Image Processing
SUINT Lab | He joined SUINT Lab for research aligned with his interests in AI and medical image processing, describing a collaborative environment and mostly English classes and lab meetings. He recommends checking a lab’s research fit before contacting its professor. | He says international-office help with visas and housing, along with cultural programs, eased his adjustment; everyday Korean remained challenging. |
6. Hanyang University
Hanyang University offers computer science education at its Seoul campus through the department presented in English as the Department of Computer Science. Its Korean academic pages use Computer Software for the undergraduate and graduate units. This Seoul-based program should be distinguished from Hanyang’s separate computing departments at the ERICA campus in Ansan.
The department confirms an undergraduate degree pathway covering computer science and computer engineering. Its academic environment brings together specialists in computer systems, databases, networks, algorithms, artificial intelligence, and image processing. The department also describes corporate agreements providing scholarship and employment support for undergraduate and graduate students, although individual awards and partnership opportunities have their own eligibility conditions.
Graduate study includes master’s, doctoral, and integrated master’s–doctoral pathways in Computer Software. Research groups investigate topics such as operating systems, embedded computing, hardware–software co-design, distributed databases, and data mining. These examples show the range from systems research to intelligent data processing. Graduate applicants can therefore compare laboratories by research topic rather than treating the department as exclusively focused on artificial intelligence.
What Current Students / Alumni of Hanyang University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Alejandrina
Bachelor’s in Electronic Engineering | During her undergraduate studies in Korea, she developed a foundation in programming, digital systems, and research methods that prepared her for later graduate study in Computer Science at Rochester Institute of Technology. | — |
7. 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.
What Current Students / Alumni of Pusan National University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Camila Painefilo
Master’s in Management Information Systems | Her thesis combined deep learning, machine learning, and QCA to examine how review text and images affect e-commerce review helpfulness. Most major classes were in Korean, with only one in English, which made study harder. | She felt supported by orientations and staff assistance with visas, residence cards, and everyday procedures. |
Tesfahunegn Minwuyelet Mengistu
Ph.D. in Computer Engineering
Connected Intelligence Systems Lab
Doctoral research from 2023 | He describes research in federated learning, medical imaging, and assistive technologies, with access to NVIDIA GPUs and expert seminars at PNU. His account includes publications on federated learning in IoT-edge systems and machine learning for breast-cancer stage identification. | He enjoys Busan’s markets, seaside, and diverse communities, and highlights Ethiopian student networks alongside cultural orientation and mental-health support. |
8. 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.
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.
What Current Students / Alumni of Ewha Womans University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Dr. Nishat I Mowla
Master’s and Ph.D. in Communications and Network Security with Applied Machine Learning
Master’s completed 2016; Ph.D. completed 2020 | Her graduate studies combined machine learning with communications and network security. She took both English and Korean classes and received extra support and English lectures in Korean courses. | She describes Ewha as a second home and wishes she had spent more time enjoying university life. |
Nunnalin (Nalin)
Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering | She entered without coding experience and appreciated that the Computer Science curriculum began with the basics. Her program was taught in Korean with few English course options, and technical vocabulary, accents, and fast lectures remained challenging despite TOPIK Level 5. | She enjoys Ewha’s Sinchon location and describes a supportive atmosphere where she feels welcomed; international-student staff help students organize social events. |
9. Chonnam National University
Chonnam National University is a national university based in Gwangju, South Korea, with an additional campus in Yeosu. At Gwangju, Computer Engineering and Information Communication combines software, hardware, networking, and artificial intelligence. The program’s academic structure makes it relevant to computer science students interested in both software systems and the technologies supporting connected devices.
The undergraduate curriculum progresses from programming, Linux systems, computer architecture, and data structures to operating systems, computing algorithms, artificial intelligence, and capstone design. Advanced subjects include cloud computing, computer networks, information security, and big data systems. The department identifies computer software, computer hardware, information communication, and artificial intelligence as study tracks within its broader program.
The 2026 graduate admissions directory confirms master’s, doctoral, and integrated master’s–doctoral study in Electronic and Computer Engineering, including Computer Science and Computer Information Communication specializations. It also lists an interdisciplinary Software Engineering program at these levels. These graduate routes have broader departmental titles than Computer Science alone, so students should distinguish the chosen specialization from the department’s electronics-oriented options.
What Current Students / Alumni of Chonnam National University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Tran Ngoc Ly
Master’s in Data Science
Research focus: Medical AI | Her thesis applies multi-task deep learning to medical-image classification and segmentation, with a resulting paper under review when she shared her story. She describes intensive graduate research and mostly Korean instruction and academic interaction, with English permitted in some courses and presentations. | She finds Gwangju comfortable and less hectic than Seoul, with an arts and culture scene that complements graduate life. |
10. Konkuk University
Konkuk University provides computer science education at its Seoul campus through Computer Science and Engineering in the College of Engineering. Its computing research includes distributed systems, cloud computing, machine learning, and natural language processing. These Seoul-based offerings should be distinguished from programs at the university’s GLOCAL campus in Chungju.
The established undergraduate route is Computer Science and Engineering. Konkuk’s 2026 international admissions materials additionally introduce a separate Computer Software program taught entirely in English. That program emphasizes practical software development, fundamental computer science, and languages such as Python, Java, and JavaScript, with applications in web, mobile, cloud, and artificial intelligence. Its English-track status should not be extended automatically to Computer Science and Engineering.
Graduate qualifications include a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science and Engineering. Departmental laboratories provide more specialized research settings; examples include cloud and networked systems, machine learning, and language models. These laboratory interests describe possible research topics within the department and should not be interpreted as separate degrees or guaranteed openings for every admissions cycle.
What Current Students / Alumni of Konkuk University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Henni Folåsen
Master’s in Artificial Intelligence
Research focus: deepfake detection | She conducts deepfake-detection research and has published conference work, but initially struggled with a program that emphasized independent lab research over structured coursework. Courses and group discussions were in Korean, while her individual advisor discussions were usually in English; academic Korean remained difficult even after advanced language study. | Many of her close friendships formed with fellow lab members through socializing outside research, helping her feel connected in Korea. |
11. 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.
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.
12. Soonchunhyang University
Soonchunhyang University is located in Asan, South Korea, and offers computing education through separate Computer Engineering and Computer Software Engineering departments. Their academic interests span embedded systems, databases, computer vision, distributed computing, and artificial intelligence. The university’s computing environment also includes applications in healthcare and intelligent information systems.
The Computer Engineering undergraduate curriculum includes operating systems, programming languages, networks, databases, compilers, computer graphics, and artificial intelligence. Later subjects cover embedded software, computer security, deep learning, and reinforcement learning. Published practical components include capstone design and internship courses. Computer Software Engineering provides another undergraduate route, with departmental expertise in software systems, cloud security, mobile computing, and graphics.
Official graduate information lists master’s and doctoral options in Software Convergence, and computing laboratories advertise opportunities for both degree levels. Research examples include mobile and networked computing, distributed systems, machine learning, and computer graphics. Graduate program names therefore differ from the undergraduate departments, and applicants should match their intended research area with the relevant graduate program and supervisor rather than assuming an identical degree title at every level.
What Current Students / Alumni of Soonchunhyang University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Erenza
Undergraduate degree in AI and Big Data | She has studied programming, statistics, machine learning, data visualization, and real-world AI applications. Most classes were in Korean, although some professors provided English exam questions when asked in advance. | She values friendships with Korean and international students despite the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and has helped other students as a Global Supporter. |
13. Kumoh National Institute of Technology
Kumoh National Institute of Technology is a national university in Gumi, South Korea. Its School of Computer Engineering brings together Computer Engineering, Software, and Artificial Intelligence Engineering. The school’s stated curriculum combines computing theory with practical projects, covering programming, algorithms, operating systems, networks, databases, and machine learning.
Computer Engineering offers advanced study areas in systems software and application software, supported by projects and industry placements. The Software major organizes its curriculum into Web/SI, IoT/Mobile, and Artificial Intelligence/Metaverse tracks. Students complete shared foundations before progressing into specialized and advanced applications. These tracks belong to the Software major and should not be presented as independent bachelor’s degrees.
Graduate options include master’s and doctoral study in Computer·AI Convergence Engineering and Software Engineering. The former combines computer engineering with artificial intelligence, emphasizing advanced technical training at master’s level and original academic and technical contributions at doctoral level. Published graduate curricula include advanced software engineering, computer graphics, and thesis research, providing further pathways in both computing systems and software-focused research.
What Current Students / Alumni of Kumoh National Institute of Technology Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Nakayiza Hope Leticia
Master’s research student
Internet of Vehicles, Blockchain, and Metaverse
Started March 2024 | Her research examines security and privacy in Web3 technologies, including the Internet of Vehicles, blockchain, and the metaverse. She selected her laboratory by reviewing its publications and contacting professors whose work matched her interests. | — |
14. Hoseo University
Hoseo University delivers its principal computer engineering programs at its Asan campus in South Korea. Undergraduate education is organized through the School of Computer Engineering, while the graduate department uses the English name Computer Science and Engineering. The programs connect broad computing foundations with software development and applied research.
The undergraduate curriculum includes C programming, probability and statistics, computer hardware and software theory, algorithms, software engineering, computer networks, databases, and artificial intelligence. This breadth gives students a foundation across several computing fields before pursuing more specialized interests. The university also offers a linked bachelor’s–master’s route that can reduce the combined study period from six years to five.
The graduate department offers master’s, doctoral, and integrated degree pathways. Its published master’s curriculum requires four semesters and 24 credits, while the doctoral curriculum lists five semesters and 36 credits. Research laboratories cover software engineering and DevOps, information retrieval and natural language processing, embedded systems, blockchain platforms, and AI-based image processing. Industry research projects form part of the department’s approach to connecting practical development with academic research.
What Current Students / Alumni of Hoseo University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Tanzina Nizam
M.Sc. in Data Science | She describes studying machine learning, AI, and big-data analytics in a program combining theory with projects, labs, and industry-linked assignments. She says students are encouraged to work with real datasets and apply computing methods beyond textbooks. | She describes personal growth and broader perspectives through cross-cultural interactions while adapting to life in Korea. |
15. Namseoul University
Namseoul University is located in Cheonan, South Korea. Its computing education is centered on Computer Software, with current undergraduate university pages also displaying the name Artificial Intelligence Software. The graduate Computer Software department emphasizes the combination of computing theory, practical development, and projects connected to industry needs.
Official undergraduate admissions materials list Computer Software as a degree program within the university’s software and AI academic structure. This provides a software-focused route into computing rather than a program formally titled Computer Science. Because current departmental pages show both Computer Software and Artificial Intelligence Software, applicants should use the program name appearing in the admissions guide for their entry year.
The graduate department offers master’s and doctoral education in Computer Software. Its curriculum includes advanced programming, advanced computer science, software engineering, information security, and programming languages. Industry–academic cooperation projects connect software theory with development work. The department also describes a pool of company mentors who advise on thesis topics and research progress, complementing academic supervision with perspectives from professional software practice.
What Current Students / Alumni of Namseoul University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Tran Ngoc Ly
Bachelor’s in Computer Software Engineering | Her program covered programming fundamentals, algorithms, software architecture, databases, and systems design, providing a foundation for later Medical AI research. Most courses were in Korean, and she emphasizes continuing language study for lectures, assignments, and group projects. | She found Namseoul welcoming, built international friendships, and participated actively in campus activities; orientations and cultural events helped her settle in. |
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).
We hope this list has helped you narrow down your options for studying Computer Science in South Korea. If you are interested, explore Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for International Students!
