Yonsei University traces its roots to 1885, when Gwanghyewon, Korea’s first modern hospital, was established. According to Yonsei’s brochure, the university had 6,713 international students as of April 1, 2025. Yonsei is ranked 50th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 11th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026.
So, get your pen and paper ready to make notes on how to prepare your application to this university.
Admissions Process at Yonsei University
Yonsei University’s international admissions schedule is not based on a single fixed application window. Dates vary by degree level, campus, admission track, and cycle. Always check the latest official guide for your intended degree, campus, and admission track.
Step 1. Choose your Degree
The first step in the process is choosing a degree level and admission track. Yonsei offers bachelor’s programs and graduate options, including master’s, doctoral, and integrated master’s-doctoral programs. Program availability and eligibility differ by school and cycle, so review the latest official admissions guide before making a selection. The university has a wide range of subjects and courses, but do not assume that you can freely change your choice later. In the current undergraduate guide, applicants choose one major or department within each admission track, and the application cannot be modified or canceled after the fee is paid. The current General Graduate School guide also states that applicants cannot change their department, subfield, or program after completing the application and paying the fee.
Step 2. Collect your Documents
The second step is collecting the correct documents for your degree level and admission track. For current Seoul-campus undergraduate international admissions, the checklist includes a printed application form, an academic history record sheet, a personal statement, proof of high school graduation or expected graduation, transcripts, nationality and family-relationship documents, and proof of language proficiency. Optional supplementary documents may also be submitted when relevant. For the General Graduate School’s current international student track, required documents include degree certificates, transcripts, a study plan, proof of language proficiency, and track-specific documents such as proof of nationality, family relationship, and funds. A CV is not a universal requirement. Some overseas academic records require an Apostille, consular authentication, or a country-specific alternative, so read the official checklist carefully. You can also review our guide to language tests in South Korea.
Step 3. Fill out and Submit the Application
The submission method depends on the admission route. For current Seoul-campus undergraduate international admissions, applicants complete the application online, print it, and send the required documents by postal mail within the submission period. For the current General Graduate School international student track, applicants complete the application online and upload the required PDF documents; hard-copy applications and references are generally not accepted at the application stage, except for specified music-related exceptions. Enter your information carefully and review the application before paying the fee. After payment, changes, cancellations, and refunds are generally not allowed.
Step 4. Pay the Fees
Application fees vary by degree level and admission track. For Seoul-campus undergraduate international admissions for the 2027 academic year, the fee is KRW 200,000 for most majors and departments and for the GLC International Student Track. The fee is KRW 230,000 for the Colleges of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy. For the General Graduate School’s Fall 2026 international student track, the fee is KRW 130,000, with an additional KRW 52,000 fee for applicants to the Department of Music. Check the latest official guide for your cycle rather than relying on a single approximate dollar amount.
Step 5. Accept the Offer
Decision timelines also vary by admission cycle. Check the relevant admissions website and monitor your email for official notices, document requests, and the next steps for registration.
Tips to Get Into Yonsei University
Yonsei University receives applications through different admissions routes, so carefully following the official guide for your intended degree, campus, and track is essential. The following tips can help you submit a complete and well-organized application.
Tip 1. Reach out to the International Office
For application-specific questions, use the admissions office or Graduate School contact information listed in the official guide for your admission route. Yonsei’s Global One-Stop Service Center also provides resources for international students and scholars. Its Global Service Desk handles quick inquiries and can direct students to the relevant department or administrative office for more detailed guidance.
Tip 2. Get Recommendation Letters
Check the guide before submitting recommendation letters. The current Seoul-campus undergraduate international admissions guide does not list recommendation letters among its required or optional supplementary documents. For the current General Graduate School international student track, applicants may generally submit up to two recommendation letters. They are not mandatory but are highly recommended, and some departments require them. The Graduate School guide recommends selecting a professor from your university who knows your academic ability.
Tip 3. Add Research or Extra-Curricular Activities to Your Student Portfolio
Submit only documents that are relevant and permitted by your admissions guide. The current undergraduate international admissions guide allows optional supplementary documents such as awards, standardized test score reports, proof of foreign language proficiency, certificates or licenses, and a school profile. The current General Graduate School guide allows applicants to document relevant work or research experience after entering college, and some departments require additional materials. Present your supporting evidence clearly and follow the checklist for your admission route.
In conclusion, getting admitted to Yonsei University requires careful preparation. Follow the latest official admissions guide for your degree level, campus, and track, provide accurate information, and check your email regularly for updates. Good luck!
We hope you liked this article on the admissions process and tips for getting into Yonsei University. If you are interested in studying abroad, you can start by checking out our available courses for international students to sample various courses from different universities across the globe. You can also go over our Study in Korea page for more insightful articles about Korea!
