Study In Korea

Education System

South Korea is an increasingly attractive study destination for international students seeking quality education, advanced technology, diverse academic programs and scholarship opportunities. Nepali students can choose from Korean-taught and English-taught degree programs at universities across the country.

Why Study in South Korea?

South Korean Education System

South Korea’s higher education system includes:

• Associate Degree: generally 2–3 years
• Bachelor’s Degree: generally 4 years
• Master’s Degree: generally 2 years or more
• Doctoral Degree: generally 3 years or more
• Korean Language Training Programs: offered through university-affiliated language institutes

Some professional programs, including medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and pharmacy, have different program durations.

Top Universities in South Korea for Nepali Students

Universities Offering English-Taught Programs

Examples of Korean universities with English-taught study options include:

• Seoul National University
• Korea University
• Yonsei University
• KAIST
• POSTECH
• Sungkyunkwan University
• Hanyang University
• Sogang University
• Ewha Womans University

English-taught programs vary by university, department and intake, so students should check the current course information before applying. The official Study in Korea database allows students to filter universities by English-taught courses.

International Education Quality Assurance System (IEQAS)-Certified Universities

IEQAS is a Korean government quality assurance and certification system for universities with strong internationalisation capabilities. The Ministry of Education and Ministry of Justice evaluate participating universities in areas such as international student recruitment, support, management and outcomes. Certified universities may receive benefits related to visa screening and

part-time work permissions.

Examples of IEQAS-certified universities include:

Seoul National University
Yonsei University
Korea University
Sungkyunkwan University
Hanyang University
KAIST
POSTECH

How to Choose the Right South Korean University

Consider:

• Course and major availability
• Korean or English language requirements
• University accreditation and IEQAS status
• Tuition fees and scholarships
• Location and living costs
• University ranking and academic reputation
• Research and industry opportunities
• Dormitory availability
• Admission and visa requirements
• Career opportunities related to your field

Top Courses to Study in South Korea for Nepali Students

• Computer Science
• Information Technology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Science
• Software Engineering
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Biotechnology
• Business Administration
• International Business
• Economics
• Finance
• International Studies
• Media and Communication
• Korean Studies
• Hospitality and Tourism Management
• Architecture
• Design and Arts
• Natural Sciences

Entry Requirements to Study in South Korea from Nepal

• Valid passport
• Academic certificates
• Academic transcripts and mark sheets
• Graduation certificate, where applicable
• University admission or offer letter
• English language test score, where required
• TOPIK score, where required
• Statement of Purpose (SOP), where required
• Passport-sized photographs
• Financial documents
• Family relationship documents
• Character certificate
• Tuberculosis medical report, where required
• Verified/attested educational documents
• Nepal Government NOC for higher education abroad
• Additional documents required by the university or Korean immigration authorities

The exact requirements vary by university, program and visa category.

Korean Language Requirements and TOPIK

TOPIK Requirements for Korean-Taught Programs

TOPIK is the standard Korean language proficiency test used for international students. Korean-taught programs commonly require a specified TOPIK level, but the exact requirement depends on the university and department.

English Requirements for English-Taught Programs

Students applying to English-taught programs may need IELTS, TOEFL or another accepted English proficiency test. The required score varies by university and course.

Can You Study in South Korea Without TOPIK?

Yes, in some cases. Students applying to English-taught programs may not need TOPIK, while some Korean-taught programs may require TOPIK or another accepted Korean-language qualification. Always check the specific admission requirements.

Korean Language Training Before a Degree

Students who do not yet meet the Korean-language requirements for their chosen degree may study Korean first through a university-affiliated language institute.

Korean Language Programs for International Students

University-affiliated Korean language institutes commonly offer structured courses covering listening, speaking, reading and writing, with programs often organised into 10-week terms. Study in Korea reports more than 211 university-affiliated Korean language institutes, with average tuition of approximately KRW 1.2–1.8 million per term, although fees vary by university.

South Korea University Intakes

March Intake – Spring Semester

Main spring intake
Applications are generally submitted several months before March
Exact application periods vary by university and program

September Intake – Fall Semester

Main fall intake
Applications are generally submitted several months before September
Exact deadlines vary by university and program

For many degree programs, March and September are the major admission periods. Some graduate programs may also have additional intakes.

Korean Language Program Intakes

Many university-affiliated Korean language programs offer four terms:

• March
• June
• September
• December

Some institutions use slightly different schedules, so students should confirm the intake with their chosen language institute.

Which South Korea Intake Is Best for Nepali Students?

The best intake depends on the university, course availability, application deadline, scholarship opportunities and the student’s academic preparation. March and September generally offer the widest degree-program choices.

Cost to Study in South Korea

The total cost depends on the university, course, city and lifestyle.

Average annual university tuition: approximately KRW 6.545 million in 2025.

Estimated monthly living expenses: approximately KRW 750,000–1,000,000, including housing, food, transportation and other expenses.

Additional costs may include:

• Accommodation or dormitory fees
• Food
• Transportation
• Health insurance
• Books and study materials
• Visa and document fees
• Flight expenses
• Residence card-related costs

Scholarships to Study in South Korea

International students can apply for:

• Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
• University admission scholarships
• Academic performance scholarships
• TOPIK-based scholarships
• Department-specific scholarships
• Foundation scholarships
• Research and graduate scholarships

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) can provide benefits such as airfare, Korean language training, tuition and study allowances, depending on the applicable scholarship program.

South Korea Student Visa Process for Nepali Students

Step 1 : Choose a University and Study Program

Select a recognised Korean university and a program that matches your academic background, career goals and language proficiency.

Step 2 : Apply to a South Korean University

Prepare and submit the university’s required admission documents before the application deadline.

Step 3 : Receive Your Admission Letter

After successful admission, obtain the required admission documents from the university.

Step 4 : Pay Tuition and Complete Enrollment Requirements

Pay the required tuition or initial enrollment amount and complete any remaining university requirements.

Step 5 : Determine the Correct Student Visa Type

D-2: Degree programs
D-4-1: Korean language training and certain general training programs

Step 6 : Prepare Financial Evidence

Prepare the required balance certificate and bank statements. The Korean Embassy in Nepal currently requires financial evidence as part of student visa documentation; the amount required can depend on the case and applicable requirements.

Step 7 : Prepare Verified Educational Documents

Educational certificates and transcripts must meet the verification requirements applicable to Nepali student visa applicants. The Embassy states that school documents and certificates must be verified as required.

Step 8 : Complete the Required Medical and TB Tests

A tuberculosis medical report is required for the student visa, with the Embassy specifying designated hospitals for Nepali applicants.

Step 9 : Prepare the Student Visa Application

Prepare the application form, passport, photograph, admission documents, SOP, educational documents, IELTS/TOPIK report, financial documents and other required supporting documents.

Step 10 : Submit the Visa Application to the Korean Visa Application Center in Nepal

Current Korean visa procedures in Nepal are handled through the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) under the Embassy’s visa arrangements.

Step 11 : Attend an Interview If Requested

The Embassy may request an interview or additional documents during the visa assessment.

Step 12 : Wait for the Visa Decision

Visa processing time can vary depending on the application and whether additional verification is required.

Student Visa Documents Checklist

• Passport and photocopy
• Visa application form
• Recent passport photograph
• Standard Admission Certificate
• Scholarship certificate, if applicable
• University business registration certificate
• Visa cover letter
• Statement of Purpose
• Latest educational certificates
• Academic transcripts and mark sheets
• Character certificate
• IELTS or TOPIK report
• Embassy-verified educational documents
• TB medical report
• Family relationship certificate
• Marriage certificate, where applicable
• Balance certificate
• Six months’ bank statement
• Nepal Government NOC
• Other documents requested by the university or visa authority

D-2 Student Visa for Degree Programs

The D-2 visa is used for eligible international students studying degree-level programs in South Korea, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral studies.

D-4 Visa for Korean Language Training

The D-4 visa, including D-4-1 for Korean language training, is used for eligible language-training and general training programs. University-affiliated Korean language institutes commonly operate multiple terms during the year.

Register for a Residence Card After Arrival in Korea

International students planning to stay in South Korea for more than 90 days must complete the required foreign resident registration process and obtain a Residence Card within the applicable period after arrival.

Working While Studying in South Korea

Part-Time Work Permission for International Students

International students on D-2 or D-4 status must meet the applicable conditions and obtain permission before starting permitted part-time work. Working without the required permission can lead to immigration penalties.

How Many Hours Can International Students Work?

Allowed working hours depend on degree level, Korean proficiency, academic performance and other eligibility conditions. Current Study in Korea guidance provides higher limits for qualifying students, including up to 30 hours per week for bachelor’s students and 35 hours for master’s/doctoral students under applicable conditions.

Korean Language Requirements for Part-Time Work

Korean proficiency can affect eligibility and permitted working hours. Requirements may include TOPIK or other recognised Korean-language qualifications depending on the student’s program and status.

Types of Part-Time Jobs for Students

Common permitted student jobs may include:

• Restaurant assistance
• General office assistance
• Tourism-related assistance
• Duty-free shop sales assistance

The permitted employment field must comply with immigration regulations.

On-Campus and Off-Campus Work

International students may have opportunities for both on-campus and off-campus part-time employment, subject to university approval and Korean immigration requirements.

Post-Study Work Opportunities in South Korea

After completing an eligible degree in South Korea, international graduates may be able to change their immigration status to D-10-1 Job-Seeking to look for professional employment or undertake permitted internships. Eligibility depends on the graduate’s qualifications and immigration requirements.

Students who secure eligible employment may subsequently explore an appropriate employment status, such as an applicable E-series visa, subject to Korean immigration rules.

Best Cities in South Korea for Nepali Students

• Seoul : Major universities, extensive public transport and diverse academic opportunities
• Busan : Coastal city with universities, relatively different living environment and strong international presence
• Daejeon : Major research and science hub, including KAIST
• Daegu : University city with a wide range of academic programs
• Incheon : International business and education environment close to Seoul
• Gwangju : Universities, cultural activities and comparatively different cost-of-living options
• Suwon : University and technology-oriented city near Seoul
• Pohang : Strong research and technology environment, including POSTECH

Frequently Asked Questions by Students

How much bank balance is required to study in South Korea from Nepal?

There is no single fixed bank-balance amount that applies to every Nepali student. Financial evidence requirements can vary according to the university, program, sponsor and visa assessment. The Korean Embassy in Nepal requires a balance certificate and bank statements for student visa applications.

What is the minimum IELTS score for South Korea?

There is no single national IELTS minimum for all South Korean universities. Each university and department sets its own English-language requirement. Some programs may require IELTS, while others may accept TOEFL or another approved qualification.

What is the minimum TOPIK level required to study in South Korea?

There is no universal TOPIK requirement for every program. Korean-taught programs commonly specify their own TOPIK requirement, while English-taught programs may not require TOPIK.

Can I study in South Korea without TOPIK?

Yes. Students applying to eligible English-taught programs may be able to study without TOPIK. Korean-taught programs generally have separate Korean-language requirements.

Can I study in South Korea without IELTS?

Yes, for some programs. IELTS is not a universal national requirement. Some universities may accept TOEFL or other English qualifications, and individual programs may have different proof-of-English rules.

What is a D-2 visa in South Korea?

A D-2 visa/status is used by eligible international students studying degree programs at Korean higher education institutions.

What is a D-4 visa in South Korea?

A D-4 visa/status is used for eligible training programs, including university-affiliated Korean language training such as D-4-1.

What is TOPIK?

TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is the official Korean language proficiency test used to assess the Korean-language ability of non-native speakers.

What is IEQAS?

IEQAS (International Education Quality Assurance System) is a Korean government certification system that evaluates universities on their internationalisation capabilities, including international student recruitment, support, management and outcomes.

What is the D-10 visa in South Korea?

D-10-1 is a job-seeking status for eligible foreign nationals, including qualifying international graduates who want to seek professional employment or undertake permitted internships in South Korea.

Do Nepali students need an NOC to study in South Korea?

Yes. Nepali students pursuing higher education abroad generally need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Nepal’s Ministry of Education under the foreign-study permission system. The Ministry’s NOC system specifically provides procedures for students going abroad for higher education, including documentation requirements for Korean university applicants.