South Korea is an increasingly popular destination for international students seeking a bachelor’s degree. Korean universities offer quality education, cultural experience, and often scholarships for talented students. Below, we outline the key aspects of studying for a bachelor’s in South Korea, including admission requirements, language proficiency tests, and the application process. Throughout, we’ll share real stories of scholarship recipients who pursued their bachelor’s in South Korea, illustrating each point with their experiences.
Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
Getting admitted to an undergraduate program in South Korea requires meeting both academic and eligibility criteria. Universities will look at your high school performance, required documents, and other qualifications to ensure you can thrive in their programs. Here’s what you need to prepare:
Academic Qualifications and Eligibility
International applicants must have completed high school (or equivalent) with strong academic results. Top Korean universities often expect excellent grades. For example, Romario Juvita de Carvalho Quintão from Timor-Leste was among the top ten students in his country’s national high school exam, graduating with a near-perfect GPA. Another student, Choying Palmo from Bhutan, finished high school with distinction before earning a scholarship to study engineering in Korea. These examples show that maintaining a competitive GPA and excelling in relevant subjects greatly strengthens your application.
In addition to academics, universities set basic eligibility rules for international students. Typically, you and your parents should be non-Korean citizens, and you must meet any age limits or other criteria set by the school or scholarship program. For example, Seoul National University requires that international applicants (and their parents) do not hold Korean citizenship. This ensures opportunities are reserved for foreign students. As long as you fit the definition of an international student and have solid academic credentials, you’ll meet the core eligibility requirements to apply for admission.
Required Application Documents
South Korean universities typically ask for a comprehensive set of documents during the application. You should be ready to submit:
- High school diploma or proof of graduation
- Official high school transcripts (with certified translations if not in English/Korean)
- Letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors
- Personal statement and/or study plan (essay about your goals and motivation)
- Proof of language proficiency (Korean and/or English test scores)
- Copies of your passport and sometimes your parents’ passports (to verify nationality)
These documents give a full picture of your academic background and readiness. For example, SNU’s international admissions checklist includes the application form, personal statement, at least one recommendation letter, proof of language ability, high school transcripts, and certificates of nationality for the applicant and parents. It’s wise to gather and prepare these materials early. Scholarship winner Choying Palmo knew the importance of this. After finishing high school, she pre-collected transcripts, recommendation letters, and certificates in advance because she knew something would eventually come along. Having those documents ready helped her quickly apply when an opportunity arose. Likewise, Romario Quintão made sure all required documents were ready well in advance when applying for admissions. Being organized with paperwork ensures you won’t miss out due to missing documents.
Beyond the standard paperwork, remember that a compelling personal statement can set you apart. In it, you should explain your academic interests and why you want to study in Korea. Scholarship student Choying Palmo admits that writing the personal essay was the most challenging part – she had to draft hers at the last minute but made sure it was honest and heartfelt. Your essay and recommendation letters allow the admissions committee to see your passion and potential, so give them due attention.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Undergraduate Studies
Language ability is a critical factor for studying in Korea. Most undergraduate programs will require you to demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction, which could be Korean or English. In some cases, both are important. As one scholarship recipient advised, if you can speak Korean, definitely take the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean), and likewise have proof of English ability; being strong in both is the best combination and can significantly improve your chances. Below we discuss the key language tests you may need.
Korean Language Proficiency (TOPIK)
For degree programs taught in Korean, universities generally require a certain TOPIK level. Typically, you need at least TOPIK Level 3 to be admitted into an undergraduate program. For example, Korea University and Hanyang University require a minimum of TOPIK Level 3 for admission, while Yonsei University expects Level 4 or higher for most majors. Many schools also prefer you reach Level 4 or beyond during your studies, as it may even be required for graduation.
TOPIK certification proves you can handle lectures, coursework, and daily life in Korean. If you haven’t passed TOPIK yet, don’t worry – you can apply first and then work on your Korean. In fact, the Korean government’s flagship scholarship, the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), provides one full year of intensive Korean language training to its recipients. This was the case for students like Choying and Romario, who spent their first scholarship year in Korea learning Korean before starting their majors.
The experiences of current scholars underscore how crucial Korean proficiency is. Wina Oktalia Cahyadi, a GKS-funded student at Jeonbuk National University, states “If you can speak Korean, definitely take the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean). The same goes for English. If you’re proficient in both, that’s the best combination. The guidelines even mention how much having language proficiency can improve your chances.”
Korean language ability not only helps in class but also in everyday life, so investing time in language study pays off. Many students enroll in language courses or self-study; for example, Romario from Timor-Leste took an intensive English course (alongside volunteering) during a gap year, which indirectly improved his Korean study skills and prepared him for academic life abroad. If you plan to study in Korean, start early with TOPIK prep – aim for level 3 or above to meet admissions requirements.
English Language Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
For programs taught in English (or for international student support), you’ll need to show English proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS. Most Korean universities set a minimum TOEFL iBT score around 80 or an IELTS score of 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate admission. Competitive programs or scholarship committees might require higher scores. If you’re from an English-speaking country or already did schooling in English, some universities may waive this requirement, but many applicants will need to submit a valid test score.
Several scholarship students have demonstrated how English proficiency can be a deciding factor. For example, Karina (an Indonesian student who later pursued grad studies) scored 116 on the TOEFL iBT and attributed her success to rigorous practice in speaking and writing. For bachelor’s applicants, having a strong command of English can open up more program options, especially at schools offering English-taught degrees. Even when applying to Korean-taught programs, showing good English skills is a plus. Romario Quintão took the IELTS and even obtained certificates from English courses, which he included in his application to showcase his language abilities. Those qualifications strengthened his profile and gave him confidence in interviews. In general, being proficient in academic English helps with reading research materials and writing reports during your studies.
The bottom line is that you should prepare for at least one language exam. Some students tackle both. Wina Oktalia Cahyadi, a GKS-funded student at Jeonbuk National University, states “If you can speak Korean, definitely take the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean). The same goes for English. If you’re proficient in both, that’s the best combination. The guidelines even mention how much having language proficiency can improve your chances.”
Bachelor’s Degree Application Process
Applying to universities in South Korea as an international student is a multi-step process that requires careful planning. You need to research your options, prepare all necessary documents, submit applications (often online), and sometimes attend interviews. Staying organized and ahead of deadlines is crucial. To give you a clearer picture, let’s break down the process and hear advice from students who have successfully navigated it.
Research and University Selection
Start by researching universities and programs that match your interests. South Korea has many universities, so look at their course offerings, medium of instruction, tuition fees, and scholarship opportunities. Many students begin this phase well in advance. For instance, Choying Palmo recalled watching YouTube videos of other South Asian students in Korea, reading blog interviews, and exploring scholarship sites to gather information. She also took standardized tests like the SAT and applied to some local scholarships, keeping her options open. Another scholar, Romario Quintão, attended embassy education fairs and numerous scholarship information sessions to learn about opportunities abroad. He actively sought information on application procedures through embassy websites and reputable scholarship platforms. This kind of groundwork helped him identify Kyungpook National University’s civil engineering program, which aligned with his goals.
It’s wise to make a list of target universities in Korea and the scholarships you could apply for at each. Check each university’s international admissions page for requirements and deadlines. Some students also reach out to current international students or alumni for insights – for example, Karina contacted alumni via LinkedIn to get a feel for life at SNU. By thoroughly researching, you can decide whether to apply through a scholarship like GKS or directly to specific universities. Once you have your shortlist, note the application timelines and ensure you’ll meet all criteria in time.
Preparing Application Documents and Essays
After choosing your programs, you’ll need to prepare the application components – this includes gathering documents and writing your personal statement or study plan. Successful students emphasize starting early. Choying Palmo had most of her documents ready beforehand, which proved invaluable when she decided to apply on short notice. Similarly, Romario Quintão ensured he compiled all required paperwork well ahead of the deadline. Being organized with documents prevents last-minute stress.
Writing the personal statement is a critical task. This is where you explain your background, why you want to study in Korea, and your future goals. It’s a chance to make your application stand out. Romario mentions that he drafted his application essays with care and even sought feedback from peers. Getting a second opinion can help refine your statement. On the other hand, Choying’s experience was a bit more rushed – she discovered the GKS scholarship just one day before the deadline and had to write her personal statement in a hurry. It wasn’t perfect, but it was honest. Her story highlights the importance of authenticity in your writing. If possible, start writing early so you can revise thoughtfully.
Another aspect of preparation is building a well-rounded profile. Korean scholarship committees value not only academics but also extracurriculars and leadership. Romario took a two-year gap after high school during which he volunteered with youth organizations and improved his language skills. Engaging in both academic and community activities demonstrates a well-rounded profile. He even submitted certificates for his volunteer work and language courses as part of his application. So, if you have time, get involved in clubs, competitions, or volunteering. These experiences can provide great material for your essays and interviews.
Application Submission and Interviews
When it’s time to apply, make sure to submit all materials before the deadline. Most Korean universities have an online application system for international students. You’ll fill out an application form and upload your documents and essays. Double-check that everything is complete. Keep in mind time zone differences as well.
Some application processes, especially for scholarships, involve additional steps like an interview. The Global Korea Scholarship, for example, has an interview round for shortlisted candidates. Romario recounts that after his application was shortlisted, he prepared for his interview by studying common questions and consulting with past awardees. In the interview itself, he emphasized confidence, humility, and clear communication of his motivations. His preparation paid off and he ultimately secured the scholarship.
We hope this article highlighted the important aspects to help you pursue your bachelor’s in South Korea. Make sure to also check out our Open Courses and Study in Korea to explore your study options.
