Study in Korea

1.   Study in the Republic of Korea

The Republic of Korea has become one of Asia's leading destinations for international higher education, offering world-class academic programs, advanced research facilities, and a vibrant cultural experience. Korean universities are internationally recognized for excellence in engineering, information technology, business, medicine, natural sciences, arts, humanities, and social sciences.

There are more than 400 higher education institutions, including national, public, and private universities. Many universities offer degree programmes entirely in English, while others require Korean language proficiency depending on the programme.

The academic year generally consists of two semesters:

• Spring Semester: March – June
• Fall Semester: September – December

Prospective students are encouraged to begin preparing their applications 8–12 months before the intended semester of admission.

Tuition fees vary depending on the university and programme. In general, national universities charge lower tuition fees than private universities. Many universities also offer scholarships and tuition waivers to outstanding international students.

Major Universities in the Republic of Korea

Student Visa Categories

International students wishing to study in the Republic of Korea generally apply for one of the following visa categories:

D-2 (Student Visa)

For students enrolled in:

• Associate Degree Programmes
• Bachelor's Degree Programmes
• Master's Degree Programmes
• Doctoral (PhD) Programmes
• Exchange Student Programmes
• Research Programmes

D-4 (General Training Visa)

For students undertaking:

• Korean Language Training Programmes
• Other approved non-degree training programmes

Students who successfully complete a Korean language programme may subsequently change their visa status from D-4 to D-2 upon admission to a degree programme.

General Visa Requirements

Applicants are advised to verify the latest requirements with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Sri Lanka before submitting an application.

Typical requirements include:

1. Completed Visa Application Form.
2. Passport valid for at least six months.
3. One recent passport-sized colour photograph.
4. Original Certificate of Admission issued by the Korean university.
5. Proof of tuition fee payment (where applicable).
6. Evidence of sufficient financial resources (recent bank statements and bank balance confirmation).
7. Academic certificates and transcripts.
8. Passport copy.
9. National Identity Card copy.
10. Birth Certificate copy.
11. Flight itinerary (if required).
12. Tuberculosis (TB) medical examination report, if required under current regulations.
13. Applicable visa fee.
14. Additional documents requested by the Embassy or Korean Immigration Service.

Additional Requirement for D-2 (Degree) Applicants

Applicants should submit:

• Degree certificates (where applicable)
• Academic transcripts
• Any other academic documents required by the admitting university

Sri Lankan public documents must be authenticated in accordance with the current requirements of the Government of Sri Lanka and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.

Korean Language Requirements

Many undergraduate programmes in Korea are conducted in Korean. Therefore, applicants may be required to demonstrate Korean language proficiency.

Depending on the university and programme, applicants may be required to submit:

• Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) scores; or
• Completion of the university's Korean language programme; or
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) for programmes taught in English.

Language requirements differ from one university to another. Applicants are advised to check the admission requirements of the respective university before applying.

Please note that TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) and EPS-TOPIK (Employment Permit System TOPIK) are separate examinations conducted for different purposes.

Scholarships

International students may apply for a range of scholarship opportunities, including:

• Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
• University Merit Scholarships
• Tuition Waiver Programmes
• Government-funded Research Scholarships
• University Assistantships for Graduate Students

Students are encouraged to consult individual university websites and the Study in Korea portal for detailed scholarship information.

Useful Websites

Study in Korea (Official National Information Portal)

Korean Immigration Service (Hi Korea)

TOPIK Information

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Sri Lanka

Applicants are strongly advised to refer to the respective university websites and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Sri Lanka for the most up-to-date admission and visa requirements, as policies and procedures may change from time to time.