The Best universities in South Korea for international students: Their Rankings, Majors, and Most Important Features

The Best universities in South Korea for international students: Their Rankings, Majors, and Most Important Features

After separating from North Korea in 1948 to become an independently governed country, South Korea has become an internationally recognized Asian power, with its public and private universities that cater to interested students, both locally and internationally. In this article, we will present the best universities in South Korea, with the international rankings of universities according to the QS Index, the CWUR Index, and information of interest to international students.

Read also: For new graduates: work hard but beware of job burnout

South Korea: All you need to know about studying and living in the paradise of Asia

1- Seoul National University

• University rank according to the QS World University Rankings 2022: 36.
• University Ranking according to CWUR Best Universities Ranking for the year 2021-2022: The university ranks first as the best university in South Korea, and 31st in the world.
• University type: public.
• Student to faculty ratio: 7.
• Number of international students: 1914.
• Total number of students: 26646.
• University size: large.
• The number of faculty members: 3859 members.
• University evaluation according to the World University Rankings Center: 86.5%.

University overview

• Seoul University was founded in 1946 as a result of the merger of 10 institutions of higher education, located in Seoul and enjoying a more prestigious position than any other Korean university.
• The university was an Imperial Japanese university during Japan’s occupation of Korea in the mid-1920s but was taken over by North Korea during the Korean War in the 1950s.

The majors offered by the university

• There are 16 faculties in the university, each offering 83 undergraduate degree programs, while for graduate and doctoral programs, there is a graduate school with 99 programs in 5 different fields of study.
• There are also partnerships and exchange programs working with more than 700 academic institutions in 40 different countries, so Seoul University spends more on educating its students in various disciplines than any other Korean university.

Employment for university graduates

In September of each year, the university holds a career fair for talented students from the university’s graduates, providing them with career counseling opportunities, and conducting human psychology tests to determine their professional interests and capabilities that qualify them for work.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also provides a practical employment platform to assist students who are considering a job after graduation.

Campus, Facilities, and Activities

Seoul University has 3 campuses: Gwanak Campus, the main campus is located in the south of Seoul, the medical campus is located in the northeast of the city, and the last campus is located in Pyeongchang, the city that hosts the Winter Olympics. There are dormitories on the campus, most of which are double and include utilities; En suite bathrooms, with studio spaces.

Students live, work, and socialize on campus as it is an all-round guarantee of happy student life, including cafeterias and snack stalls, although vegetarians can hardly adjust to the Korean diet, as well as a variety of clubs, societies, and diverse activities that also contribute to the introduction of foreign students In Korean culture, in addition to sports activities that maintain the mental and psychological state of students, and the various arts, students can visit exhibitions and attend various personal parties, including (K-pop lovers).

The language in which the university teaches

Both English and Korean.

Famous people who graduated from this university

Most famous characters :

• Ko San: Astronaut, CEO, and founder of ATEAM Ventures.
• Ahn Cheol-soo: Politician, physician, entrepreneur, and software entrepreneur.
• Kim Ki-Young: Was a film director, best known for directing psychological thrillers.
• Kim Jeong-hun: South Korean singer and actor.

The cost of studying at the university

• Students often pay to study through a combination of financial aid, grants, and loans that Grand Valley State University may give them.
• The average total cost with tuition aid is about $13,115 per semester, and $1,907 is the estimated cost for out-of-state students who do not receive a scholarship.

2- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

• Ranking according to the QS World University Rankings 2022: 41.
• Ranking of the university according to the CWUR ranking of the best universities for the year 2021-2022: The university ranks fifth at the local level as the best universities in South Korea, and 234th globally.
• University type: public.
• Student to faculty ratio: 8.
• Number of international students: 869.
• Total number of students: 9965.
• University size: average.
• The number of faculty members: 1307 members.
• University evaluation according to the World University Rankings Center: 78%.

University overview

• The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology was the first research-oriented science-engineering institution in the region, founded in 1971 and located in Daedeok Innopolis in Daejeon region of South Korea, later known as the most innovative university in the Asia-Pacific region, and will often be ranked among universities A leader in global education and scientific research.
• The university aims to educate young researchers in the fields of science and engineering, and thus aspires to provide a solid foundation for the development of higher education institutions in Korea.

The majors taught at the university

• The equivalent of 10,000 students, 4,000 undergraduates, and 6,000 graduate students attend the university, and the university focuses on science, engineering, and technology as major fields of study, despite the various branches in the university that have emerged in recent years, today it is internationally accredited in the teaching of business administration.

• The university has adopted dual-study programs with leading universities such as Carnegie Mellon University in the United States, and these programs provide various study opportunities. Major academic majors: Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Management and Business, courses are offered through six colleges and two schools, with over 33 departments.

Employment for university graduates

Graduates of the Korean Institute can occupy many academic positions such as a teacher, where the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the university invites a position as a faculty member, and applications are accepted in many disciplines. A position is being filled on the Women’s Jobs Council as well. It is possible to work in sales marketing at the best online recruitment companies.

Campus, Facilities and Activities

The main campus of the university is located in Daedeok Innopolis, Daejeon, 150 kilometers south of the capital, Seoul, and there is a campus in Seoul itself, which is the center of the College of Business and the Graduate Schools of Finance, Management, Information and Media Management. On the main campus, most of the research activities and lectures take place where most of the students live, since the campus is made up of suburbs with about 29 dormitories separated based on gender. There are also off-campus apartments for married students.

As for extracurricular activities on campus, it may not be considered a priority of the university, but despite this, there are clubs and societies for students, and the university regularly holds artistic events: opera, pop, dance, classical concerts, to ensure the participation of students in the culture of the country. There are also about 4 libraries and a medical center.

Famous people who graduated from this university

Some of the most famous graduates, who are themselves faculty members of the university: electrical engineer and scientist Son Dal Choi, Ji Hyung Goo, a mathematician, and physicist Nam Chang Hee.

Also the main characters:

• Rim Ji-hoon is a former CEO of Kakao Corporation who was considered the youngest CEO at the time when he was inaugurated at the age of 34. Today he is a professor at Stern College at New York University.
• Ryo Ryong: He was a distinguished professor of chemistry at the university for more than 30 years, after obtaining his master’s degree from it, he also worked at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute.
• Seokbok Chang: He earned a master’s degree from the university before entering his Ph.D. at Harvard. He is an organic chemist, and director of the Center for Catalytic Hydrocarbon Functions at the Korea Institute.

The cost of studying at the university

• Study costs in South Korea vary by program of study, but the average cost is KRW 80,20,775 ($6903.5) per year.

3- Korea University

• Ranking according to the QS World University Rankings 2022: 74.
• CWUR Ranking of Best Universities for the Year 2021-2022: The university is ranked second locally for the best universities in South Korea, and 163 globally.
• University type: private.
• Student to faculty ratio: 6.
• Number of international students: 3,325.
• Total number of students: 26014.
• University size: large.
• Number of faculty members: 4026 members.
• University evaluation according to the World University Rankings Center: 79.6%.

University overview

• The university was founded by Royal Family Treasurer Lee Young-ik in 1905. It is the first university-funded and operated solely by Koreans. Korea University has continued to educate its students to become effective and influential, developers in the fields they are interested in, ultimately dedicating themselves to serving their country.

The majors taught at the university

• The university is divided into approximately 18 faculties, and 18 graduate faculties ranging from several disciplines, from humanities to engineering and general sciences, the East Asian Research Center, the Korean Cultural Research Center, and the recently established multidisciplinary Graduate School of International Studies. The university also has prestigious professional faculties of law, medicine, engineering, and business administration.
• Other academic disciplines include architecture, biology, chemistry, and chemical engineering, civil engineering, communications, and computer science, different languages ​​and culture, English and Korean, environmental studies, humanities, in addition to history and journalism.

Facilities and Campus

The campus is spacious and wooded, located in the heart of Seoul in the An-Am district, with Gothic architecture, with stately buildings where students enjoy learning and studying in modern laboratories, and there are fully equipped computer centers throughout the campus. For leisure and entertainment facilities, there is the new Central Plaza with restaurants, cafes, book stores, and study rooms.

In addition to the above, the university has a good teaching hospital, Korea University Hospital, which provides care and care for patients and on the other hand, provides training for medical students and nurses.

The language of study at the university

Instruction is given in both Korean and English, depending on the fields of study, for example, biological and biomedical engineering, chemistry, English literature, physics, etc.

Famous people who graduated from this university

Most famous characters:

• Kim Yoon Ah: Figure skater, Olympic champion.
• Ie Myung-bak: A former businessman and politician, he served as President of South Korea from 2008 to 2013.
• Park Chu Young: Football player.
• Esther Kae Chae: A Korean-American actress and stage actress.

The cost of studying at the university

• The cost of the study is about 4000 US dollars per semester.

4- Yonsei University

• Ranking according to the QS World University Rankings 2022: 79.
• University Ranking according to CWUR Best Universities Ranking for 2021-2022: The university ranks third locally for the best universities in South Korea, and 169th globally.
• University type: private.
• Student to faculty ratio: 6.
• Number of international students: 4274.
• Total number of students: 23269.
• University size: large.
• Number of faculty members: 3605.
• University evaluation according to the World University Rankings Center: 79.4%.

University overview

• Founded in 1885 as the first Western institution of education in Korea, Yonsei University is the leading university located in the heart of Seoul.
• The university is concerned with promoting education, research, and medical care, and is world-renowned, collaborating with 660 companies demonstrating its global reach and accessibility as a major contributor in East Asia and the world.

The majors taught at the university

• The university has comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs, making significant contributions in various major academic fields: medicine, biochemistry, human health, engineering, science, neuroscience, humanities and social sciences. The success of the matter is aided by the extensive research and medical facilities provided by the university, with 153 research centers.
• Employment for university graduates
  You can work in various academic, research, and scientific positions: assistant professor, research assistant, lecturer, engineer, and in the areas of management and leadership.

Facilities and campus

Yonsei University has four campuses. The main campus is located in the heart of Seoul and is ranked as one of the world’s tallest university campuses due to its stunning scenery. The international campus is located in Songdo, which was established mainly for new students in 2010 and represents a new educational model in Asia.

Accommodation can be found off-campus. The University’s Office of International Affairs provides students with information about housing options both on and off-campus.

The language in which the university teaches

Korean and English by department, e.g. Biological Sciences, English, Political Science, Mathematics, and Statistics are taught in English.

Famous people who graduated from this university

The most important figures:

• Bong Joon-ho is an award-winning film director, screenwriter, and politician.
• Luhan: Chinese singer and actor.
• Jun Hyun Moo: TV presenter and former news anchor.

The cost of studying at the university

• The tuition cost per semester is about $3600. The university may offer some educational scholarships that save the student about $1000.

5- Pohang University of Science and Technology

• Ranking according to the QS World University Rankings 2022: 81.
• CWUR Ranking of Best Universities for the Year 2021-2022: The university is ranked 7th locally for the best universities in South Korea, and 368th globally.
• University type: private.
• Student to faculty ratio: 4.
• Number of international students: 87.
• Total number of students: 3096.
• University size: small.
• Number of faculty members: 743.
• University evaluation according to the World University Rankings Center: 75.7%.

University overview

• Located in Pohang, South Korea, Pohang University of Science and Technology is a private educational institution established in 1986, dedicated to the fields of engineering and science.
• The university was initially established to train specialized engineers who could lay the foundation stone for future development.

The majors taught at the university

• There are 11 departments in the university, 4 dedicated to science and 7 to engineering. The university offers 12 undergraduate programs, including mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, chemical engineering, etc.
• It also offers about 24 graduate programs: ocean science, advanced materials science, wind energy and creative information technology engineering.

Employment for university graduates

• The university is ranked among the top 201 universities in the world in terms of job prospects according to the 2017 QS Graduate Employability Ranking.
• Career paths for graduates include academic work, research institutes, large corporations, and, in foreign companies, work in investments, finance, government agencies, and more.
• Many industrial and civil engineering graduates play roles at many universities including Yonsei, Korea, and Arizona.

Campus and facilities

• University housing is available to undergraduate and postgraduate students. The campus occupies an area of ​​400 acres of the university and is like a park, equipped with the latest facilities.
• The Pohang Accelerator Laboratory is one of the most important research facilities in the university and the only synchrotron radiation accelerator in South Korea, as well as more than 73 research centers.
• You also have Tae-Joon Park’s 6-story, 1,150-seat digital library, and computing center that provides all kinds of computing services for education, research, and university administration. There is also a gymnasium with many facilities.

The language in which the university teaches

Both Korean and English are spoken in the classroom, however, if students want to improve their Korean, they can do so through language programs at the university.

Famous people who graduated from this university

• Yang Tai-Chang: A chemist, he is a professor of chemistry at the university.
• Dong Soo Hwang: Professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering.
• Munho Kim is an assistant professor at Nanyang Technological University.

The cost of studying at the university

• Tuition fees are the same for international and domestic students, many students receive scholarships, and international graduate students new to the university receive a settlement allowance to cover transportation expenses during the first semester.
• General, the tuition fee per semester is about 6,124,000 KRW ($5257.4).

6- Sungkyunkwan University

• Ranking according to the QS World University Rankings 2022: 97.
• CWUR Ranking of Best Universities for the Year 2021-2022: The university ranks fourth in the best universities in South Korea, and 192 globally.
• University type: private.
• Student to faculty ratio: 7.
• Number of international students: 3921.
• Total number of students: 22,482.
• University size: large.
• Number of faculty members: 3313.
• University evaluation according to the World University Rankings Center: 78.8%.

University overview

• One of the top study destinations in East Asia, a world-class institution in the field of higher education, a leading university that has existed for more than 6 centuries.
• Sungkyunkwan University was established as a royal Confucian Academy in 1398 and has since demonstrated strong academic leadership. It later adopted globalization and became a leading university in Asia and the world.

The majors taught at the university

• The university welcomes students from all over the world, and the ESP Student Exchange Program is designed for international students from Cowan University’s partner universities.
• Many disciplines are taught: arts and humanities which include languages, arts, history, philosophy, theology, bio-mathematics life sciences, law and engineering, social and economic sciences among others.

Employment for university graduates

University graduates have many jobs, including academic, professors, readers, lecturers, associate professors, research managers, and other professional services such as those related to real estate, utilities, finance, and others.

Campus and facilities

• The university has two main campuses: the humanities and social sciences campus in the center of Seoul, a mixture of the nation’s history and modernity, which has made Korea, in general, a boom in business and technology, and a natural sciences campus in Suwon just south of Seoul, and techno-kore valley with many facilities Comfortable and fully serviced.
• The university offers its students orientation sessions to help them adjust to the new environment, followed by a tour of the campus and a welcome party that allows students to get to know each other, and the university’s International Relations Office organizes recreational, cultural, and social events.

Famous people who graduated from this university

The most important figures:

• From Gun Young: A Korean actress, who started as a model at the age of 10, debuted as a child actress in 1999.
• Bae Young Joon: A South Korean actor and businessman.
• Seung Won Cha: A South Korean actor who also started his career as a model in the 1990s.

The cost of studying at the university

• Fees vary by major and program of study, but in general, the tuition fee is around $4000 per semester.

7-Hanyang University

• Ranking according to the QS World University Rankings 2022: 156.
• University Ranking according to CWUR Best Universities Ranking for 2021-2022: The university is ranked 6th locally for the best universities in South Korea, and 316th globally.
• University type: private.
• Student to faculty ratio: 7.
• Number of international students: 3,455.
• Total number of students: 22662.
• University size: large.
• Number of faculty members: 3164.
• University evaluation according to the World University Rankings Center: 76.5%.

University overview

• Hanyang University was founded in 1939 by Leon Joon Kim, who wanted to advance the country through technological education, and indeed, in 1948, the university became the first private university developed by the engineering department, and in 1959, its fields expanded to reach different domains.
• Today, the university has fraternal relations with 550 distinguished universities in 64 countries around the world.

The majors taught at the university

• It consists of 22 colleges and 19 for postgraduate studies. The study disciplines include many fields: engineering and foreign languages, environmental studies and earth sciences, public affairs and law, health and medical care, design and architecture, military sciences, and performing arts, among others.

Facilities and Campus

• The university has two campuses, the main campus is located in Seoul, and consists of a large group of research centers, and the other “Erica Campus” is located in Ansan, one of the cities of South Korea, and one of the largest industrial complexes in the country, which has the highest educational, research and industrial group in the region Over the years, it has produced a number of leaders, professionals, and others.

The language in which the university teaches

The programs are taught in English.

Famous people who graduated from this university

The university ranked fourth in terms of the number of graduates working as presidents and CEOs in the ranking of the top 100 companies in Korea, and the most important personalities:

• Hong Seok-cheon: South Korean actor, television personality, and member of the Democratic Workers’ Party.
• Lee Young Ae: South Korean actress.
• Bae Donna: A South Korean photographer and actress, she became known for her roles as a political activist outside Korea.

The cost of studying at the university

• As usual, tuition fees vary by program, but roughly, the tuition fee per semester for a bachelor’s degree is KRW 3,872,000 (about $3,322.3 USD), and for a master’s degree, the fee is KRW 5,322,000 ($4566.3) per semester.

8- Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology

• Ranking according to the QS World University Rankings 2022: 212.
• Ranking of the university according to the CWUR ranking of the best universities for the year 2021-2022: The university is ranked 13th at the local level, and 528th globally.
• University type: public.
• Student to faculty ratio: 7.
• Number of international students: 355.
• Total number of students: 3849.
• University size: small.
• Number of faculty members: 518.
• University evaluation according to the World University Rankings Center: 73.8%.

University overview

• Ulsan Institute is an institution located in the heart of Korea’s largest industrial city, Ulsan. The institute was opened in 2009, and since then, it has become one of the most important and leading universities of science and technology.
• The university sets itself the goal of becoming one of the top 10 universities for science and technology by 2030.

The majors taught at the university

• All students at the university are registered as not in a particular major and are required to major in two or more tracks to build their creativity. During the first school year, they learn basic and educational sciences, and upon completion of the freshman curriculum, each student can choose the major in which they want to complete.
• The most important academic disciplines include mechanical, aerospace, and nuclear engineering, design and human engineering, materials science and engineering, business administration, management engineering, urban and environmental engineering, and the Department of General Studies, among others.
• As for the postgraduate programs, they are divided into 3 areas of specialization: creative design engineering, multidisciplinary management, and technology and innovation management. With 18 graduate and professional programs.

Employment for university graduates

The most important jobs that graduates occupy are academic, where they are sought as faculty members or in teaching positions in general.

Facilities and Campus

• Campus in Ulsan provides a comfortable and harmonious learning environment that is in harmony with nature, like a home environment. Students get health insurance on campus as they are exposed to many types of accidents due to different activities.
• There are various facilities such as the UNIST Sports Center, there is a prayer room for Muslim students, a music hall, international students can participate in many organizations and programs, and the most important activities they do is the day when they wear traditional hanbok, learn Korean culture and eat Korean sweets, And they go on industrial tours, too.

The language in which the university teaches

The university supports international students with the means to take English medium classes.

Famous people who graduated from this university

The most important figures:

• Yoon Young-kwan: Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Korea.
• Cho Minheng, Professor Emeritus at Seoul National University, is a South Korean research scientist in physical and quantum chemistry, spectroscopy and microscopy.
• Tyler Rush: Famous TV personality.

The cost of studying at the university

• The cost of tuition is not specified on the website precisely, because sometimes students are awarded scholarships based on their GPA. Approximately, the tuition fee is around $2650-3,140 per semester at the undergraduate level, and for graduate students, the fee may be around $3,840.

9- Kyung Hee University

• Ranking according to the QS World University Rankings 2022: 264.
• Ranking of the university according to the CWUR ranking of the best universities for the year 2021-2022: The university ranks eighth at the local level, and 391st at the world level.
• University type: private.
• Student to faculty ratio: 7.
• Number of international students: 4715.
• Total number of students: 23296.
• University size: large.
• Number of faculty members: 3435.
• University evaluation according to the World University Rankings Center: 75.4%.

University overview

• The university was established in 1949, and since its foundation has contributed to creating a civilized world. In the past five years, in particular, it has witnessed a remarkable growth in its position, through a constant aspiration to research, education, and public service, and seeks to become an international center for research, education, and practical application. Kyung Hee University was awarded the UNESCO Peace Education Prize.

Specializations taught at the university

The university has various programs to promote its academic culture, and the university fosters a culture of respect for academic diversity and the distinctive characteristics of each department and college.

There are 24 faculties, 71 departments or majors, 65 master’s and doctoral programs, 18 professional and private higher schools, and 43 research assistant institutions. The most important majors are humanities and social studies, natural sciences, engineering, arts, music, physical education, and medicine.

Employment for university graduates

Academic jobs are the most common, such as a faculty member in different colleges: College of Engineering, College of Electronics and Software, College of Politics, and others.

Facilities: campus and transportation

There are three campuses:

In Seoul: You can get to the campus by taking the airport bus that will take you to the university bus station, or you can take the airport line subway towards Seoul station, then another subway line, and finally take a minibus to the university.

• Campus in Suwon (Global): You can get there by bus, either the airport bus to Guseong Bus Terminal, and then go to the College of Life Sciences bus stop. Or you have the option to transfer from the airport bus to Bojeong High School bus station, and then to the university on university buses.
• Campus in Gwangneung: From the airport bus to the Ganeung 3-dong Community Center bus stop. You will stop at the Bongsunsa bus station at the end.
• Student facilities on campus include: central library, computer labs, sports center, and cafeteria, as well as a campus clinic, bank, post office, one-stop service center and more.

The language in which the university teaches

All academic courses at the university are conducted in English, in order to promote globalization and the cause of research and education.

Famous people who graduated from this university

The most famous of them:

• Jung Ji Hoon: Better known by his stage name Rain, is a singer, songwriter, actor, and music producer.
• Jung Yoo: A South Korean actor best known for his roles in TV dramas.
• Han Ga In: South Korean actress.

The cost of studying at the university

• Since it is a private university, it charges more tuition fees than public universities. Undergraduate tuition is about $7000 per year, and for graduate students, it is around $11,000 per year. Of course, fees vary according to specialization and field, and can be reduced by scholarships in the country.

10- Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology

• Ranking according to the QS World University Rankings 2022: 305.
• University Rank according to CWUR Best Universities Ranking for the year 2021-2022: The university ranks 25th locally for the best universities in South Korea, and 777th globally.
• University type: public.
• Student to faculty ratio: 10.
• Number of international students: 122.
• Total number of students: 1887.
• University size: small.
• Number of faculty members: 180 members.
• University evaluation according to the World University Rankings Center: 71.7%.

University overview

• Gwangju Institute of Advanced Science and Technology is a research-oriented university established by the government in 1993, and in the 26 years since its establishment, the research of this university has been developing to international levels. The university focuses on the fields of applied science and engineering.

The majors taught at the university

• The university is always trying to enhance competitiveness with its peers, so it carefully chooses fields of study in science and technology disciplines that include: electrical engineering and computer science, materials science and engineering, earth sciences and environmental engineering, life sciences, physics, and photon science, in addition to biomedical sciences among others.

Employment for university graduates

Academic positions that are common after university graduation: lecturer, advisor, or tutor, research fellow or associate fellow, post-doctoral research fellow job.

Campus Facilities

The university has a library whose students are all required to register their ID number in the library system for material registration services, a computer center, an educational broadcast service, and each unit in the building can be accessed via the Internet, as well as many convenient facilities: a music hall, a computer room, A beauty salon, and a barbershop, in addition to a fitness club, football, volleyball and tennis courts, a cafeteria and many other facilities.

Famous people who graduated from this university

Most important :

• Lee Hyun Joon: Doctor, he did his Ph.D. at the Gwangju Institute, and today he is a researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
• Kim Wan-sik is a postdoctoral researcher at the Korea Energy Research Institute.
• Lee Hye-jeong is a doctor and works as a postdoctoral researcher at the Korea Research Institute for Standards and Sciences.

The cost of studying at the university

• The tuition fee per semester is about KRW 1120,650 ($954.1) per semester, and the university offers scholarships to students.

The Best universities in South Korea for international students: Their Rankings, Majors, and Most Important Features