Aljawaz Your guide to study abroad Perhaps one of the most important questions on your mind when thinking about studying in South Korea is what are the cost of studying and cost of living there?
The cost of studying in South Korea for foreign students depends on several factors: the type of program, the level of student preparation and the ranking of the institution.
You may be interested in reading this topic “Are you thinking about studying in South Korea?”.
Below, we will review the costs of studying and living in South Korea in US dollars, according to the official website of the Korean government.
Note: 1 US dollar = 1378.01 Korean won.
1) How much does it cost to study in South Korea?
Usually, the costs of studying at a public university are lower than the costs of studying at a private university in South Korea. Therefore, we invite you to familiarize yourself with the 10 best universities in South Korea.
On the other hand, study costs differ from one university to another in South Korea, so we collected the average costs of studying at the level of South Korean universities depending on the study course.
- Cost to apply: 50-150 USD.
- Cost of the Korean course: $1,000- $1,400 (for a 10-week course). $800 (for a 3-week course).
- Bachelor’s degree (pre-graduation):
- Humanities and Social Sciences study programs: $600-6,800 per semester.
- Science study programs: US $460- $7.800 per semester.
- Arts and Sports study programs: $1.800- $8,400 per semester.
- Engineering science study programs: US $1,900- $8,200 per semester.
- Medical science study programs: $4.100- $10,500 per semester.
- Postgraduate stage (postgraduate studies):
- Humanities and Social Sciences study programs: $1,100- $12,500 per semester.
- Science study programs: $1,100- $8,100 per semester.
- Arts and Sports study programs: $1,400- $6,000 per semester.
- Engineering science study programs: $1,500- $8,000 per semester.
- Medical science study programs: $2,200- $10,000 per semester.
2) Living cost in South Korea for international students
Usually, students in South Korea, local and international ones live in goshiwon, which basically are off-campus dormitories. In these small studio-type housings, students have access to a furnished housing, but facilities are shared between up to four people. But in most case, students living in goshiwon always share the kitchen and sometimes the bathroom. Moreover, students can rent goshiwon from their university or school, from a contractor approved by the school or from private landlords.
- Korean coin denominations: 10-50-100-500 coin Korean Won.
- Korean paper currency categories: 1000-5,000-10,000-50,000 paper Korean Won.
- A room in the dormitory shared with 4 people: $300- $800 per semester.
- A room in the dormitory shared with 2 people: $600 – $1000 per semester.
(Taking into account the difference in room costs, depending on whether meals are included).
Hence, you should know about how to get accommodation for students in South Korea.
Basic living expenses in South Korea for international students
- Food is provided by the university’s meals: about $300 USD per month. One meal costs about 5-3 USD.
- Moreover, the cost of rent outside the university housing: $300 per month (in addition to an advance insurance about $5,000- $5,000).
- Besides, student hotel cost: $300- $500 USD per month.
- Health insurance: $20 per month.
- Additionally, the National Health Insurance website in Korea provides health insurance for foreign students coming from outside Korea as well.
- English health care customer service number is 033-811-03.
- Transportation cost: $45 per month for a public transport pass.
- Internet: $30 a month.
- Meal in an inexpensive restaurant: $7
- Monthly utilities: $170 on average
- Opening a bank account: Any foreign student can open a bank account in Korea, whether it is a resident in South Korea or not. Furthermore, usually opening a bank account for students in Korea is free.
- You will also need to take Korean language classes. You have the choice between a 3 weeks class at $800 and a 10 weeks class that will cost between $1,300 and $1,600.
Average cost of living in Seoul for students
Living expenses in Seoul for expats in general and students in particular are higher than in any other cities in South Korea. However, it remains affordable compared to other big cities. The average monthly cost of living in Seoul amounts to $1,075. After Seoul, the other places where students settle in the country are Busan, Daegu, Suwon or the technology city of Daejeon.
Important bank websites in Korea
On the other hand, some of the costs of studying and living may be prohibitive for many students, which may make it difficult to study in Korea for some in addition to the educational requirements (degrees and qualifications required to study).
However, please don’t worry, there are scholarships offered by the Korean government and universities for students from all over the world.
We hope we managed to highlight the cost of studying and living in South Korea for foreign students.
Read the following article to learn about the types of funding available to cover these study and living costs in South Korea
