South Korea is an amazing study abroad destination as students can study in top universities in Korea like Yonsei University, Daejeon University, or Kwangwoon University, etc. Students prefer the South Korea study because they get cutting-edge technology, world-class education, and vibrant campus life.
So if you are a student who wants to study in South Korea or have searched for ‘how to study in south korea for Indian students after 12th?’ then this blog is the right place for you. Here you will explore Korean culture and how you can adapt to them, Korea universities, Korea visa, Korea Education, Best universities in Seoul and other cities, etc.
Also read ‘South Korea study guide for art and media degrees’ and ‘Medical and Nursing courses in South Korea for International Students’
Why Students prefer to Study Abroad in South Korea?
1. World-class korean universities for indian students
2. Affordable tuition compared to Western countries
3. Huge demand for international students
4. High-tech campuses and digital classrooms
5. 20–30% scholarships offered by many top universities in South Korea
6. Excellent job opportunities in technology, manufacturing, business, and creative fields
Top Universities in South Korea for Indian Students
Following is a list of top universities in South Korea, among which you can find the best university in Korea for you. You can also check the fees of each university like the Yonsei university fees is approx 4 to 6 lakh per semester.
| University Name | Popular Programs | Tuition (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Yonsei University | Engineering, Business, Media | ₹4–6 lakh/semester |
| Daejeon University | IT, Pharmacy, Intl. Studies | ₹2–4 lakh/semester |
| Kwangwoon University | AI, Robotics, Electronics | ₹3–5 lakh/semester |
| Korea University | Law, Business, Medicine | ₹5–7 lakh/semester |
| Seoul National University | Engineering, Sciences | ₹3–6 lakh/semester |
Understand Korean Social Etiquette
In South Korea, they value politeness and respect so follow the below tips:
- Always bow slightly while greeting.
- Use two hands when giving/receiving anything.
- Avoid talking loudly in public.
- Address professors formally
- Remove shoes before entering certain traditional spaces or homes.
Adjusting to Korean Food as an Indian Student
While going to any country for study abroad, it is important to adapt to the culture and an important thing which is the Food
Popular Korean Dishes include:
- Bibimbap
- Kimchi fried rice
- Korean ramen
- Tteokbokki
- Korean BBQ (for non-vegetarians)
Understanding Korean Education System
South Korean Universities focus on Discipline, Attendance, Team projects, Punctuality and Exams weighted heavily on final grades
The academic differences from India are as follows:
| India | Korea |
|---|---|
| Theory-heavy | Practical + project-based |
| Semester exams | Continuous assessments |
| Teacher-guided | Student-driven |
| 75% attendance | 90% attendance required |
Language Barriers and How to Overcome Them
Following is how you can overcome the language barriers during your Study Abroad journey in Korea:
Learn Basic Korean for:
- Ordering food
- Asking directions
- Understanding signs
- Speaking politely
Do the following to Learn and Study Korea Language Quickly:
- Enroll in university Korean language classes
- Use apps like Duolingo, Memrise, or TalkToMeInKorean
- Practice with classmates
Understanding Living Costs for Study Abroad in Korea
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Dormitory | ₹20,000–40,000/month |
| Off-campus rent | ₹40,000–80,000/month |
| Food | ₹15,000–30,000 |
| Transportation | ₹3,000–5,000 |
| Misc. | ₹5,000–10,000 |
Korea Visa and Immigration Rules for Indian Students
To study in South Korea, Indian students must apply for a D-2 student visa.
Following are the required documents:
- Admission letter
- Bank balance certificate
- Valid passport
- Sponsor documents
- Academic transcripts
Adjusting to Korean Lifestyle and Culture
A) Lifestyle Differences:
- Very safe public spaces
- Punctual public transport
- Highly competitive academic environment
- Respect for elders
- Work-heavy culture
B) Survival tips:
- Be open-minded
- Respect local traditions
- Maintain a healthy study-life balance
Career Opportunities for Indian Students in Korea
There are many career opportunities that Indian Students can get in South Korea. Following is a list of various fields that Indian students can make career in Korea:
- IT & Software
- AI, ML & Robotics
- Engineering
- Business and finance
- Design & gaming
- K-media & content industry
Top Korean Scholarships for Indian Students
Getting a Korea scholarship is very important during your study abroad journey. So, following is a list of top Korean scholarships that you can apply for to make your study journey smoother:
1. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
2. Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)
3. University-specific scholarships
4. Research assistantships
FAQ’s
1. How can I move to study and live in South Korea?
Ans: You need to apply to a Korean university, receive an admission letter, gather financial documents, and apply for a D-2 student visa. After arriving, register for an Alien Registration Card (ARC).
2. Can an Indian study in South Korea? If yes, then how?
Ans: Yes. Indians can study in Korea by applying to Korea universities, submitting required documents, meeting language requirements, and obtaining a student visa.
3. I'm from India and I want to study in S. Korea. What can I do?
Ans: Choose a course, shortlist universities like Daejeon University or Yonsei University, prepare academic documents, apply online, secure funding, and apply for a student visa.
4. How to shift to a Korean university from an Indian university?
Ans: Some Korean universities allow credit transfer. You will need Transcript evaluation, Proof of completed semesters and Application for transfer admission
5. What is the best university in Korea for Indian students?
Ans: Yonsei University, Korea University, and Kwangwoon University are among the best universities in Seoul for Indian students.