If you’re planning to study in South Korea, Seoul, the country’s capital, is one option to consider. The city is home to many universities and offers international students access to academic, cultural, and professional opportunities.
Seoul has many universities. Local and international students can choose between private and public universities. These institutions offer a wide range of programs at different degree levels within South Korea’s education system.
Before studying in Seoul, you should prepare for the cost of your education. Tuition varies considerably by university, program, and degree level. Public universities are often less expensive than private institutions, although individual fees differ. Let’s take a look at the cheapest universities in Seoul for international students.
Affordable Universities in Seoul for International Students
1. Seoul National University
Seoul National University is a national public research university established in 1946. It operates four campuses: Gwanak, Yeongeon, Pyeongchang, and Siheung. Its current academic organization includes 16 colleges, one general graduate school, and 11 professional graduate schools. It offers programs in fields such as business administration, humanities, social sciences, medicine, nursing, natural sciences, and engineering.
Tuition at Seoul National University varies by college, major, and course load. International students may be eligible for university scholarships or Korean government scholarships, but eligibility, coverage, and renewal conditions vary by award.
2. Seoul National University of Science and Technology
Seoul National University of Science and Technology, commonly called SeoulTech, is a national university whose origins date to 1910. It adopted its current name in 2010 and transitioned to a general university in 2012. It offers programs in engineering, information and communication technology, energy and biotechnology, humanities and social sciences, art and design, business, and other fields.
For 2026, undergraduate tuition starts at ₩2,599,230 per semester, while general graduate school master’s tuition starts at ₩3,404,000 per semester. Some programs charge additional program fees. International-student scholarships can cover between 50% and 100% of tuition for qualifying students, depending on language proficiency and the university’s document and interview assessments. Program fees are generally not covered.
3. University of Seoul
The next university on our list is the University of Seoul. It is a public university operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Its history began in 1918 with the establishment of Kyung Sung Public Agricultural School. It adopted the name University of Seoul in 1981, became a comprehensive university in 1987, and changed its English name to the University of Seoul in 1997.
The university currently has eight colleges and 10 graduate schools. It offers programs in areas including engineering, urban sciences, humanities, natural sciences, business, social sciences, and arts and sports.
Tuition varies by department. The university’s currently published departmental rates include a semester fee of ₩2,156,000 for business administration and higher rates for engineering, science, design, music, and other fields. Applicants should check the current admissions guide and tuition invoice for their exact program.
4. Korea University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: from approximately ₩7,905,000 for the first undergraduate year (Seoul campus tuition only) | from ₩10,474,000/year (General Graduate School)
Located in Seoul, Korea University is a private university founded as Bosung College in 1905. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs through colleges and schools covering humanities, business, political science and economics, natural sciences, engineering, medicine, nursing, education, international studies, media, health sciences, and other fields.
International students are welcome to apply to Korea University. Its Seoul campus tuition starts at ₩4,059,000 for the first undergraduate semester in humanities and social sciences, followed by a listed continuing-student semester rate of ₩3,846,000. General graduate school tuition starts at ₩5,237,000 per semester for humanities and social sciences, with a separate first-semester admission fee. Applicants should compare total costs and scholarship conditions rather than assuming that all programs are low-cost.
5. Yonsei University
Yonsei University is one of South Korea’s established private research universities. Its institutional history dates to the establishment of Gwanghyewon in 1885, and Yonhi College and Severance Medical School merged in 1955. The university offers a broad selection of undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, humanities, social sciences, business, natural sciences, medicine, nursing, music, law, and other fields.
The cost of studying at Yonsei varies substantially by college. The lowest listed undergraduate tuition is ₩4,770,000 for the first semester and ₩4,556,000 for subsequent semesters. General graduate school tuition starts at ₩5,479,000 per semester, with an additional admission fee for new students. Yonsei’s tuition is therefore generally higher than the lower-cost national universities included in this article.
FAQS About Studying in Seoul
Is it Difficult to Secure a Spot at Universities in Seoul for International Students?
Admission competitiveness varies by university, program, intake, available places, and the number and qualifications of applicants. International admissions are often conducted through separate application tracks with their own nationality, academic, language, portfolio, audition, and document requirements. Applying through an international track is considered easier than for Korean nationals.
Do Universities in Seoul Offer Scholarships to International Students?
Yes, universities in Seoul offer scholarships to eligible international students. Depending on the university and program, awards may be based on academic performance, financial need, Korean or English proficiency, nationality, or other criteria. Some scholarships cover part or all of tuition, while a smaller number also provide living expenses, airfare, housing, or language training. Scholarships are competitive and are not guaranteed to cover most educational or living costs. Prospective students can review these scholarships in South Korea and should confirm current eligibility, coverage, duration, and renewal conditions with the scholarship provider.
We hope this article encourages you to consider studying in South Korea. Unsure which program to choose? Here is a list of Available Programs for International Students with additional study options. You can also visit Study in Korea!
