Tuition fees for universities and colleges South Korea 2016-2023

In 2023, the average tuition fee paid by a student enrolled in a university or junior college in South Korea amounted to about 6.8 million South Korean won per year. The tuition fees charged by universities in South Korea have risen slightly in recent years, but the actual costs vary considerably depending on whether it is a public or private university and by which subject a student chooses to major in.

How much does it cost to study in South Korea?

South Korean universities rely heavily on private sources, as financial support from the government is limited by international standards. In 2023, tuition fees for students at private universities averaged around 7.6 million South Korean won per year, almost twice as high as those at public universities. To ease the financial burden on students, the Ministry of Education has urged universities to freeze tuition since 2012 and has denied grants to those that have increased their fees.

International students

South Korea is a highly sought-after destination for international students due to its world-renowned universities, diverse study programs, and numerous scholarships available for both undergraduate and graduate students. Over the past decade, the country has witnessed a significant surge in the number of students coming from abroad, with the figure reaching over 180,000 in 2023. Additionally, the Korean government has been very welcoming to these students in hopes these students can help address some of the country's issues, such as the labor shortage caused by the decline in the working-age population.