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How to Apply for Master’s in South Korea as an Expat



As foreign expats, maybe many of you are wondering if you can go to grad school and do a Master's in Korea while working in this beautiful country. The answer is definitely yes, you can!


The education system in South Korea is considered one of the best in the world. South Korea's government has a secure focus on their education system, and you can see how strong the 'study culture' in Korea is. Everyone is always at a study cafe or studying in a cafe! If you live in Korea, you may be seeing these daily😝



The tuition fee in South Korea can start from as low as 1,500 USD per semester, depending on the chosen program course, university, and scholarships. Worry not, as there are various scholarships available for international students. Many foreigners are studying in Korea now, and more universities all over the country are offering a wider range of English Track programs.





Requirements to Apply for Master's in South Korea


There are a number of basic application documents you need to prepare to apply for a Master's in a South Korean university:

  • Bachelor's Degree,

  • Bachelor's Transcript of Records,

  • Passport,

  • Resume,

  • Bank Balance Statement, and

  • Recommendation Letters from your previous professors or your employers.


In some cases, additional documents are required. For the English Track programs, you must provide an English Proficiency Certificate such as IELTS 5.5, iBT TOEFL 71, or New TEPS 326. Of course, this requirement doesn't apply to Native English speakers. If you have finished your undergraduate studies in English medium, this can be used in place of an English Proficiency Certificate. As some programs might require different levels of English proficiency, it's best to double-check with your department.


Another thing you have to provide is a bank statement. Usually, the general student visa (D-2-8) will require you to show a fund equivalent to the amount of 18,000 USD or 20,000 USD. Again, this might differ for each university.





How to Apply for a Master's Program in South Korea

  1. Decide on your course and university

  2. Check each university's application deadlines and requirements

  3. Check whether you need to contact the department before applying

  4. Check whether you need to find yourself an academic advisor from the department faculty before applying

  5. Complete the online application

  6. Submit your complete documents

  7. Admission interview if necessary

  8. Pay your tuition fee

  9. Find your accommodation

  10. Apply for the South Korea student visa


Searching for a South Korean university that offers your desired course program can be done online through Google, each university's website, or through Study in Korea. Some university websites require creating an account to start an application process.


While many universities offer English Track programs for international students, some of them require you to contact the concerned department before you make an application. Sometimes, you might even need to find yourself an academic / thesis advisor (지도교수) from the concerned department before you apply. This is because the application window is open for a relatively short period of time, and some academic advisors might not have enough funding or project to receive foreign applications at every semester intake.


Application deadlines should also be noted as they are different for each university. Fall semester applications are usually accepted during the April to June period, while Spring semester applications are usually processed around September to November. Most Korean universities require you to pay an application fee to complete your application.


You might be invited for an interview after passing the documents screening and evaluation. If you pass the interview, you will receive a tuition fee invoice and then your application will be complete once the university confirms your payment. You will be given a Certificate of Admission, and you can start processing the South Korean visa application through the HiKorea visa portal or through the South Korean Embassy in your home country.






Overall, applying to grad school as a foreign expat in Korea can be a daunting task. However, Intuition can help you simplify the process and increase your chances of acceptance. Our team of experienced consultants will provide personalized guidance and support every step of the way. Don't let the complexities of grad school applications hold you back from pursuing your academic dreams. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you apply for a Master's in a South Korean university!


For more about grad school visa conditions for E-type visa holders, check out our post here [LINK].



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