South Korea is becoming an increasingly popular study-abroad destination among international students worldwide. It is known for its innovative research, prestigious universities, strong education system, and vibrant study environment. Additionally, the country’s exciting blend of traditional landmarks and technologically advanced cities offers international students a diverse cultural experience.
However, most students studying abroad often carry the burden of financing their studies. It is therefore important that students understand the costs associated with living and studying in South Korea. This article will help you prepare for that aspect of your educational journey. You will find information on living and academic costs for prospective students interested in studying abroad in South Korea.
Costs of Studying in South Korea
Academic Costs / Tuition Fees
The cost of studying in South Korea varies by university, study level, major, number of credits, and scholarship status. Here are five well-known universities in South Korea and their current or recently posted official tuition figures. Use these as estimates only, because final tuition bills may include admission fees, student fees, or program-specific charges.
| University Name | Tuition Fee (per semester) |
|---|
| 1. Seoul National University | Undergraduate: about ₩3,017,000 on average, based on SNU’s published 2024 undergraduate average of ₩6,034,163 per year
Graduate: varies by program and credits; confirm the current amount in the latest SNU admission guide or tuition bill |
| 2. Yonsei University | Undergraduate: about ₩4,556,000 to ₩9,221,000
General Graduate: about ₩5,479,000 to ₩10,222,000
Professional and Special Graduate: about ₩6,788,000 to ₩23,841,000 |
| 3. Korea University | Undergraduate: about ₩5,800,000 to ₩7,800,000
Graduate: about ₩5,237,000 to ₩13,399,000, based on the latest posted graduate tuition table; fees are subject to change |
| 4. Dongguk University | Undergraduate: ₩3,864,000 to ₩5,100,000 tuition, plus a ₩204,000 entrance fee in the first semester
Master’s and PhD: posted tuition ranges from ₩5,274,000 to ₩8,196,000; the posted graduate table is based on 2021 and may have changed |
| 5. Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology | Undergraduate: verify the current amount in the KAIST tuition bill; KAIST’s public 2026 notice lists separate rates for extended-semester undergraduate students
Graduate: standard graduate tuition is ₩9,559,000 before scholarship or institutional support; the amount paid by students may be lower depending on scholarship category |
Other Student Costs
Apart from tuition fees, international students may incur other expenses associated with the cost of living and studying in South Korea. These include application fees, health insurance, accommodation, transportation, utilities, food, and personal expenses. Some expenses are fixed, while others vary depending on your university, city, housing type, and lifestyle.
For health insurance, students should plan for National Health Insurance (NHI) enrollment and may also choose private or travel insurance to cover any gap before NHI coverage begins. Non-Korean international students are generally enrolled in NHI once they become eligible, and 2026 university guidance commonly lists the discounted international student premium at around ₩79,320 per month, although students who do not meet discount conditions may pay more.
Accommodation costs also vary based on whether you choose a university dormitory, studio, apartment, or shared housing. A one-bedroom apartment can cost around ₩400,000 per month outside the center in some lower-cost cities, while central Seoul apartments can exceed ₩1,000,000 per month. Korean rentals may also require a large deposit, so students should check current university housing pages and local listings before budgeting.
Living expenses, such as utilities, food, transportation, and personal spending, vary the most because they depend on your lifestyle, eating habits, transportation choices, utility usage, and neighborhood.
Costs of Living in South Korea
Your living cost in South Korea will depend on your lifestyle and the city where you study. Seoul is generally the most expensive major student city, while costs in Busan, Incheon, Daegu, and Daejeon vary by neighborhood and housing type.
Here are some of the top cities known for their academic institutions in South Korea and their estimated living costs. These estimates are based on current publicly available cost-of-living data and should be checked against current rental listings and university housing options before you make a final budget.
1. Seoul
Seoul is the capital city of South Korea and usually has higher living and studying costs than other Korean cities. A one-bedroom apartment averages around ₩1,200,000 in the city center and around ₩814,000 outside the city center. Basic utilities for an apartment may cost around ₩244,000 per month, while mobile service and home internet can add roughly ₩74,000 combined. A regular monthly transportation pass is around ₩62,000. Excluding rent, a student lifestyle in Seoul can still exceed ₩1,000,000 to ₩1,500,000 per month depending on meals, entertainment, and personal spending.
2. Busan
Busan, a vibrant city in South Korea, generally has lower costs than Seoul, although central housing can still be expensive. A one-bedroom apartment averages around ₩966,000 in the city center and around ₩490,000 outside the city center. Basic utilities may cost around ₩268,000 per month, with mobile service and home internet adding roughly ₩85,000 combined. A monthly transportation pass is around ₩80,000.
3. Incheon
In Incheon, a one-bedroom apartment averages around ₩823,000 in the city center and around ₩492,000 outside the city center. Basic utilities may cost around ₩244,000 per month, while mobile service and home internet can add roughly ₩74,000 combined. A monthly transportation pass is estimated at around ₩38,000. Because some cost-of-living datasets for Incheon have fewer contributors than Seoul, students should confirm housing and utility costs with current listings.
4. Daegu
Daegu is generally more affordable than Seoul. Current cost-of-living comparisons show Seoul rents and restaurant prices are substantially higher than Daegu’s. However, city-specific public data for Daegu can be limited, so students should use university housing pages, local rental listings, and recent student guidance to estimate exact monthly rent, utilities, and transportation costs.
5. Daejeon
Daejeon is another comparatively affordable student city. Current cost comparisons show rents are significantly lower than in Seoul, with a one-bedroom apartment estimated at around ₩500,000 in the city center and around ₩400,000 outside the city center. Restaurant prices are also lower than in Seoul, although actual monthly costs depend on neighborhood, housing type, and lifestyle.
Ways to Minimize Academic and Living Costs in South Korea
1. Scholarships for International Students
Numerous scholarship opportunities are available for international students to help cover studying or living costs in South Korea. For instance, the Global Korea Scholarship, offered by the Korean government, can cover tuition and provide additional support such as living allowances, airfare, language training, and insurance, depending on the annual guidelines and scholarship category.
There are also university scholarships. For instance, Korea University lists undergraduate scholarships for international students, including scholarships that can cover 50% to 100% of tuition for eligible students who meet admission and GPA conditions. Lastly, Seoul National University Scholarships, including SNU’s international scholarship programs and GKS options, may offer full tuition coverage and living support for eligible students, depending on the specific program.
As an international student in South Korea, it is typical to incur expenses such as transportation, accommodation, tuition fees, health insurance, and everyday necessities. Your living cost may vary depending on the city, with Seoul generally being more expensive than many other Korean cities. However, South Korea provides international students with various scholarship opportunities that can help reduce the cost of studying and living in the country.
We hope you make use of this article once you decide to Study in Korea. If you would like to know the academic and living expenses of different countries, visit our Cost of Studying and Living by Country page to compare the countries of your choice. Also, go over our list of Available Programs for International Students for more study options.
