Top Universities in South Korea in 2025 – Studying at the best universities in South Korea is one of the goals for all prospective students in the world as their next educational destination. By getting the best educational place that suits their wishes, South Korea is one of the best countries that produces students who can contribute to popular jobs.
List of Best Universities in South Korea
1. Seoul National University
Did you know that SNU is one of the most difficult universities to penetrate in the world? In fact, entering Seoul National University (SNU) is much more difficult than top universities in the United States. This university’s selection system uses the main reference of prospective students’ academic achievements. In the past, when applicants were only allowed to apply to one university, more than 80% of students with the best grades (0.5%) applied to SNU, and many did not pass.
Likewise for prospective international students who want to study at SNU. You must have excellent and outstanding academic achievements to be accepted here. The main reason why many people want to enter SNU is because of the quality of its education which is recognized worldwide. In 2024, QS WUR placed SNU in the 41st best position in the world. In South Korea, SNU ranks first among various other prestigious universities.
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SNU offers a complete and integrated campus environment, providing various facilities and programs to support the academic, social, and well-being of its students. The university has many supporting learning facilities such as the largest university library in Korea with a collection of more than 5 million books, comfortable reading (study) rooms, IT facilities, multimedia rooms, theaters, computer labs, and group study rooms.
Recommended majors at SNU
Medicine
Oncology
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physics
Agriculture
Mathematics
How Much Does It Cost to Study at SNU?
Tuition fees at Seoul National University for international students vary greatly, depending on the level and study program chosen. However, as an illustration, the average tuition fee for international students at SNU is around USD 6,000 (around Rp. 93 million) per semester.
2. Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
If you want to study in a field related to science and technology in Korea, KAIST is a university that must be on your dream list. As the first science and engineering research institution in South Korea, KAIST has long been a target for prospective students who want to focus on studying technology.
Although this institution is relatively young, having only been established since 1966, KAIST’s reputation cannot be underestimated. QS WUR 2024 places KAIST as the 56th best educational institution in the world. This university is also one of the most difficult to penetrate, with an estimated acceptance rate of only around 15%.
Currently, there are more than 11,000 students from 70 countries studying at KAIST. This institution also collaborates with various leading engineering institutes in the world. In addition, KAIST also collaborates with many of the best universities in the world, especially in terms of student exchange.
If you are interested in studying at KAIST but are worried that you don’t have sufficient Korean language skills, don’t worry. KAIST offers English-taught programs for Chemistry, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, and Robotics. In addition, the university also provides scholarships, health insurance, and housing for international students.
Top majors at KAIST
Materials science
Engineering
Chemistry
How much does it cost to study at KAIST?
Tuition fees at KAIST are very affordable. For postgraduate programs, fees start at KRW 4,048,000 (around USD 2,900) per semester. In addition, there are many attractive scholarship and financial aid options for international students at KAIST, so tuition fees can be even cheaper than that.
3. Yonsei University
In 2024, Yonsei University successfully ranked as the 76th best university in the world according to QS WUR. As the first western educational institution in South Korea, Yonsei consistently becomes one of the three leading universities in Korea known as SKY (Seoul University, Korea University and Yonsei University). Of course, the level of competition to be accepted here is also very tight.
Yonsei University offers world-renowned undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Yonsei University offers programs in English for undergraduate (at Underwood International College), postgraduate (at the Graduate School of International Studies) and MBA levels.
What’s more exciting is that this university is equipped with various research facilities to medical facilities for its students. If you are interested in studying at Yonsei University, you can consider some of its leading study programs such as medicine, biochemistry, human health, engineering, materials science, chemistry, and neuroscience, as well as humanities and social sciences.
Top Majors at Yonsei University
Medicine
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Business Administration
Artificial Intelligence
Biotechnology
How Much Does It Cost to Study at Yonsei University?
The tuition fee for the Integrated Technology major ranges from USD 2,900 to USD 5,900, which is equivalent to KRW 3,900,000 to KRW 7,924,000 (Integrated Technology major)
4. Korea University
Korea University was founded in 1905 and is now known as one of the oldest universities in South Korea that is still operating. In 2024, Korea University was ranked 79th in the world. It is no wonder that this university always attracts the interest of local Korean students and international students to take part in the admission selection at the university.
This university has many famous alumni, such as Ok Taecyeon (member of 2PM), Yuna Kim (figure skater), Lee Myung-bak (former president of South Korea), and actor Lee Beom-soo. In addition to having famous alumni, Korea University also has many facilities that suit the needs of international students such as study programs in English. Some departments that hold English language programs include Science, Mathematics and Arts. In addition, many scholarship programs, housing, and counseling services are also available for international students at Korea University.
Top majors at Korea University
Medicine
Natural sciences and biotechnology
Education
Social sciences and humanities
How much does it cost to study at Korea University?
Tuition fees for international students at Korea University vary depending on the program and semester. For the Business Analytics program, the fee is KRW 13,399,000 per semester, while for Mathematical Data Science, the fee is KRW 8,452,000 per semester.
5. Pohang University of Science and Technology
Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) is one of the youngest universities on this list. Founded in 1986 by POSCO, a world-leading steel company, POSTECH has consistently been one of the best universities in South Korea. In 2024, POSTECH was ranked 100th in the world.
POSTECH’s 400-hectare campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, 73 research centers, and Korea’s only synchrotron radiation facility. These facilities allow POSTECH to conduct innovative research. The South Korean government even established four Basic Science Institute centers at this university to support world-class research.
In addition to having sophisticated and complete research facilities, POSTECH is also known as a university that provides a lot of scholarship support for its students. According to the latest research, around 97% of undergraduate students at POSTECH are scholarship recipients. In addition, around 60% of majors at POSTECH use English as the language of instruction. Especially for postgraduate programs, all study programs will be taught in English.
Top Majors at POSTECH
Materials Engineering
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Condensed Matter Physics
Physical Chemistry
How Much Does It Cost to Study at Korea University?
The annual tuition fee for international students at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) is KRW 9,720,000, or approximately USD 8,237.
6. Sungkyunkwan University
If you are interested in studying literature, culture, or various other social sciences, you can consider Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) as your study destination. SKKU itself is the oldest university in East Asia which has been established for more than six centuries, precisely since the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty in 1398.
Although it has a long history in the world of education, SKKU is not at all outdated. This university actively shows achievements and collaborations with various higher education institutions around the world. This university consistently becomes a university that is on the list of the best in the world. In 2024, QS WUR ranked SKKU as the 145th best university in the world.
Currently, SKKU has more than 1,400 permanent lecturers, this university is committed to quality teaching and research. In addition, this university also provides study programs in English for international students, both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. What’s even cooler is that this university has close cooperation with various giant Korean companies such as Samsung which funds many research projects at SKKU.
If you choose to study at SKKU, you will be in the same alma mater as famously intelligent Kpop artists such as Cha Eun-woo (Astro), Kim Nam-joo (Apink), and Krystal Jung from the group f(x). Now if you are interested in studying at SKKU, you can consider taking several excellent majors at the university such as Materials Engineering, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Physical Chemistry, Mathematics, Literature, Art, and Economics & Business.
Excellent majors at SKKU
Materials Engineering
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physical Chemistry
Mathematics
Economics & Business
How Much Does It Cost to Study at Sungkyunkwan University?
Tuition fees for international students at Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) in Seoul, South Korea, are around USD 4,000 per semester. However, this fee can vary depending on the student’s major and level of study.
7. Hanyang University
Hanyang University is a private university founded in 1939 and is known as the first institution in South Korea to have engineering and architecture study programs. In addition to Seoul, this university also has branch campuses in Ansan. In 2024, QS WUR ranked Hanyang University as the 164th best university in the world.
Hanyang University has a HY-Global Track undergraduate program taught in English. Currently, the HY-Global Track program only offers 2 majors: Data Science and Global Management. If you are interested in studying at Hanyang University, you should know that there is a possibility that you will be asked to take an entrance exam or undergo an interview session.
Top Majors at Hanyang University
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Applied Biotechnology & Microbiology
Condensed Matter Physics
Chemical Engineering
How Much Does It Cost to Study at Hanyang University?
If you are interested in studying at Hanyang University, you will need to prepare funds for, the annual tuition fee is between USD 7,000 to USD 10,000, which is equivalent to around KRW 9,350,000 to KRW 13,600,000.
8. Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology
Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) is one of the state universities in South Korea that focuses on research in the fields of science and technology. Although it is still relatively new, this university, which was founded in 2007, has already managed to enter the top 10 best universities in South Korea. In fact, in 2024, QS WUR named UNIST the 266th best university in the world.
To welcome the era of globalization, all classes at UNIST are taught in English. You also don’t need to worry about tuition fees at UNIST, because all undergraduate and postgraduate students at UNIST will receive scholarships from UNIST.
Top departments at UNIST
Chemistry
Materials Engineering
Condensed Matter Physics
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
How Much Does It Cost to Study at UNIST?
Tuition fees for international students at UNIST are as follows:
Engineering: KRW 3,144,000
Business Administration: KRW 2,650,000
The fees are per year, paid for the duration of the student’s studies at UNIST
9. Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST)
Although it was only established in 2004, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology has become one of the best universities in South Korea. QS WUR named this university as the 307th best university in the world in 2024, as well as the 9th best university in South Korea.
Judging from its development history, DGIST was initially a research institution in 2004, developing into a research university by opening a postgraduate program in 2011 and an undergraduate program in March 2014. This university has a vision of becoming a leading convergence research university in the world by producing global leaders in knowledge creation and creating future convergence technologies.
Recommended leading majors at DGIST
New Science Materials
Information & Communication Engineering
Robotics Engineering
Energy Systems Engineering
Brain Science
New Biology
Tuition Fees at DGIST
Tuition fees at Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) vary by program and level of study. Here are the estimated fees for the academic year:
Undergraduate Program: KRW 6,000,000 – 8,000,000 per year
Graduate Program: KRW 8,000,000 – 10,000,000 per year
10. Kyung Hee University
Kyung Hee University is one of the leading universities in South Korea offering high-quality academic programs and a wide range of study options. With an international reputation, the university provides a supportive learning environment, complete with modern facilities and a beautiful campus. In addition, Kyung Hee also has many student exchange programs, providing opportunities for students to expand their international network and gain valuable global experience.
International students at Kyung Hee will receive comprehensive support, including orientation, academic guidance, and language assistance, making it easier to adapt to a new environment. In addition, a variety of extracurricular activities and complete research facilities allow students to develop social and leadership skills while engaging in innovative projects. Strategically located in Seoul, Kyung Hee University offers access to cultural and business centers, making it an ideal choice for higher education and personal development.
Here are some of the most popular majors at Kyung Hee University:
Computer Science
Business and Administration
Health Sciences
Social Sciences and Humanities
Design and Arts
Tuition fees at Kyung Hee University in Seoul, South Korea, for international students vary depending on the faculty and campus, and are subject to change each year:
Global Campus: The tuition fees for the College of International Studies and College of Foreign Language and Literatures are KRW 3,227,000.
College of Physical Education: The tuition fees are KRW 4,236,000.
College of Engineering, College of Electronics and Information, College of Applied Science, College of Life Sciences, and College of Art and Design: The tuition fees are KRW 4,400,000.
