Master's in South Korea - Requirements, Universities, Costs

Why study for a Master’s degree in South Korea?

South Korea has one of the largest economies in the world and an increasing popularity that has led to achieving a significant amount of soft power. The country’s universities are consistently high-ranking and offer quality education, which means that studying there has several benefits.

Pursuing a master’s degree in South Korea will contribute to your personal and professional advancement and give you the chance to experience a fascinating culture.

Cost of Master’s Programs in South Korea

The cost of a master’s in South Korea is usually between ₩4,000,000 and ₩32,000,000 (about €2,800 - €23,000). This range is an estimate, as fees may vary considerably depending on the university and the field of study.

Universities in South Korea do not offer tuition-free master’s programs, so a scholarship is the only way for international students to study for a master's degree in South Korea without paying tuition fees.

Life as an International Student in South Korea

South Korea is an exceptionally safe country and its small size makes it perfect for traveling and venturing out to see its beautiful nature, as well as visiting sites of cultural interest. Its strategic location makes it ideal for short trips to neighboring countries like Japan or China which will allow you to learn more about the different Asian cultures.

South Korea’s universities offer support to international students in seeking accommodation or employment, as well as getting used to their new life in the country. Without having to worry about much, you’ll be able to concentrate on your studies and enjoy your new experiences.

Are there any 1-year Master’s Programs in South Korea?

In case you’d like to save some time or enter the workforce sooner, you could look for a 1-year master’s program in South Korea. Some master's programs in South Korea are designed to be completed in 1 year or slightly more, while others may take 2 years or longer.

It's essential to research the individual universities and programs you're interested in to determine their duration.

Can I study for a Master’s degree in South Korea online?

Most universities in South Korea don’t offer distance-learning programs. Attending an online master’s program leads to the exact same degree as an on-campus graduate program but in case you want a master’s degree from a university in South Korea, your physical presence is required.

What are the basic entry requirements of Master’s Programs in South Korea?

Every university has its own admission requirements for its postgraduate programs. However, the basic entry requirements, which must be met in any case, are a recent certificate of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL, a copy of your bachelor’s degree, and, most likely, a detailed transcript of grades and a personal statement as well.

To study in South Korea, you’ll need a valid passport and a student visa.

Are there any scholarships for Master’s Programs in South Korea?

If you want to reduce the cost of your postgraduate studies, you can apply for a scholarship. You can get a scholarship either directly from the university you attend or from other public or private organizations.

The scholarships offered are usually aimed at financially disadvantaged students or students with outstanding performance at the undergraduate level and cover part of the tuition fees and, sometimes, the full cost of attendance.

By applying to universities through Brive, you have a chance to get one of our scholarships.

Popular fields of study in South Korea for Master’s degrees

• Computer Science
• Biotechnology
• Dentistry
• Pharmaceutical Science
• Psychology
   

Can I stay in South Korea after getting my master’s degree?

If you want to stay in South Korea after completing your post-graduate studies, you can apply for a job-seeker visa or work visa and continue living in the country to seek employment or work.

Many universities provide their students with the chance to engage in internships during their studies, which can potentially lead to full-time employment. You can also explore internships and job opportunities independently and kickstart your career in South Korea. As a student, you can only work in part-time positions.

How to apply to a Master’s Program in South Korea?

Once you have gathered the necessary qualifications and documents, you can apply to the graduate school of your choice. Each university follows a different application procedure, but there is also an alternative.

By applying through Brive, you have access to personalized guidance throughout the process and can easily apply to the programs you like with just one click. You can also apply for one of our scholarships and reduce the cost of your studies.

Schedule a free counseling session with one of our certified counselors, discover the programs that suit your needs, and apply to universities all over the world.