University tuition fees South Korea 2024, by major

As of April 2024, the average annual tuition fees for medical students at universities in South Korea stood at approximately 9.8 million South Korean won. Meanwhile, students in liberal arts and social sciences spent an average of about six million won annually.

Rising university tuition costs

The cost of university tuition in South Korea has gradually increased each year. Many students resort to part-time work to cover these steep expenses. In response, the government has exerted pressure on universities to refrain from raising tuition fees. Consequently, the tuition fees of public universities have remained relatively stable in recent years. However, private universities continue to raise their tuition annually, as their financial management is relatively free from government regulations.

Higher education in South Korea

While university enrollment rates in South Korea have steadily increased over the past few decades, the number of students has declined in recent years. South Korea boasts numerous colleges and universities, yet the competition for admission to top-tier institutions remains fierce. Consequently, students often turn to private after-school tutoring to enhance their chances of gaining acceptance.