Top Universities in South Korea

Here are the top universities in South Korea that are the best for international students:

1. Seoul National University

Seoul National University (SNU) is the dream school for many Korean students. It’s considered the Harvard of Korea. Earning a degree from SNU virtually guarantees a great job in any field. The faculty includes professors from around the world. Plus, SNU has student exchange programs with top global universities.

Founded in 1946, SNU consistently ranks among Korea’s best universities. It’s part of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities. With over 37,000 students, SNU has many undergraduate and graduate programs. The university also houses leading research institutes and makes it ideal for aspiring academics or scientists. Conveniently located in central Seoul, SNU provides easy access to the capital’s amenities.

2. Yonsei University

Yonsei University is another member of the prestigious SKY trio in Korea, known for fostering creativity and outside-the-box thinking. As a private institution, all classes are conducted fully in English – no need to know Korean. This makes Yonsei a popular destination for international students.

The university’s famed “Study at Yonsei” program welcomes exchange and visiting students from around the world to experience a semester or year in South Korea. Yonsei’s stunning Seoul campus blends traditional Korean architecture with lush green spaces. Academically excellent with diverse research opportunities, the university attracts a truly global student body for its world-class education.

3. KAIST

KAIST is Korea’s premier technical university – think of it as the MIT of Korea. KAIST was actually Korea’s first research-focused university when it opened in 1971 to drive technological development.

All classes are taught in English, making KAIST extremely welcoming to international students. No need to take Korean courses to graduate. The professors are world-class and recruited from top institutions globally.

Located in Daejeon, KAIST now has over 10,000 students from around the world. The university provides labs and renowned faculty across undergrad and graduate programs. Its research output consistently ranks best in the world.

4. POSTECH

POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) stands out as one of the best research universities in Asia. The campus has labs and buildings dedicated to exploring the latest technologies through research and development.

Each year, POSTECH admits around 300 undergrads. The university further attracts international graduate students by offering a generous $1,500 one-time settlement grant for their first semester. While only 4% of students are international, most faculty members are foreign specialists.

5. Sungkyunkwan University

Sungkyunkwan, founded way back in 1398 during the Joseon Dynasty, was once considered Korea’s top university. Not only the oldest in Korea but the entire Asian region. These days, it offers a pioneering Global MBA program taught fully in English – Korea’s first. Around 30% of undergraduate courses also use English instruction. The university has the nation’s premier medical school too.

Located in Seoul, Sungkyunkwan has three campuses – Humanities/Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and a Technology Management Center. Its long, prestigious history and innovative English-based programs make it a standout option.

6. Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)

UNIST is a public research university in Ulsan, an industrial city in southeast Korea. It was founded in 2009 and focuses on science and technology fields UNIST has graduate school facilities and labs.

The university prides itself on an interdisciplinary approach and curriculum. With around 5,000 students, UNIST maintains a tight-knit, collaborative community. It actively recruits top international students and faculty through fully English-taught programs. UNIST’s modern campus features eco-friendly architecture in a scenic natural setting.

7. Korea University

Korea University is part of the elite “SKY” trio and ranks among the global top 100 universities. Half its courses use English instruction, making it a hub for international studies, business, and Asian programs. KU operates over 100 research centres worldwide like the Asiatic Research Center.

For graduate students, English-taught options include Korean Studies, International Area Studies, and International Business. As one of Korea’s oldest and most prestigious schools, KU’s Seoul campus is famous for its beauty.

The university prioritises research with a world-class faculty. KU’s good reputation and global programs make it a top choice.

8. Kyung Hee University

Kyung Hee University provides an excellent yet affordable education. It is famous for Korean traditional medicine and other Asian medical practices. Many Korean doctors prefer to get their degrees from Kyung Hee’s strong medical programs.

The university also excels in hospitality and management studies. For international students, Kyung Hee offers an English Track undergraduate program – no Korean language skills required.

Beyond academics, Kyung Hee’s reasonable costs make quality higher education accessible. Its offerings in traditional medicine, hospitality, and English-taught curriculum appeal to students seeking a distinctive yet economical path.

9. Sejong University

Sejong University is a famous private research university located in Seoul. Established in 1940, it has programs like business, engineering, and liberal arts. The university operates two main campuses – one in Seoul’s city centre and another in Gwangjin District.

Sejong has over 20,000 students enrolled across undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The university partners with major companies like Samsung, providing internships and recruitment opportunities. Facilities include labs, residence halls, and the massive SEDANAU Library.

10. Hanyang University

Hanyang University is known as Korea’s top engineering school. It was actually the nation’s first institution for architecture and engineering studies. Hanyang offers one of the best business incubation programs and nurtures many of Korea’s entrepreneurial talents.

With over 500 courses taught in English each semester, the university provides a global learning experience. Hanyang’s beautiful campus has facilities that create an ideal environment for academics.

The gorgeous grounds, modern resources, entrepreneurial culture, and vibrant social scene make Hanyang an exceptional choice for aspiring engineers or business innovators.

Are you thinking about studying abroad? South Korea is becoming a top choice for international students. The number of international students enrolling in Korean universities is increasing year after year. The country has several globally-ranked universities that offer various programs across diverse fields. Over 160,000 international students currently attend these institutions. Plus, the average acceptance rate for international applicants hovers around 25%.

Whether you dream of becoming an engineer, doctor, economist, or more, South Korea promises excellent academics along with unforgettable adventures.