10 Cheapest Universities in Korea for International Students 2024-2025

South Korea is known for many things. But one major thing you can easily identify South Korea with is its scholarly distinction. And it is for this reason that many international students seek admissions there for their study experience.

With this rising popularity among international students for such universities, we thought we should come up with 10 cheapest universities in Korea. 

Here we go!

1.  Chonnam National University

Tuition fees for Undergraduate Programs – KRW1,800,00 – 2,500,000

 Tuition fees for Graduate Programs – KRW2,200,000 – 4,300,000

Link

About Chonnam National University:

• Tracing its roots to 1909, Chonnam National University has experienced substantial growth in its academic programs and student body.
• Presently, nearly 24,000 students are enrolled across its Gwangju and Yeosu campuses, reflecting the university’s expansive development.
• Foreign students enrolling for the first time have access to a variety of scholarships the university provides. 
• These scholarships require no separate application; instead, all new international enrollees are automatically evaluated for eligibility and potential scholarship awards upon their admission.

2. Pusan National University

Tuition fees for Undergraduate Programs – KRW1,700,000 – 5,000,000

Tuition fees for Graduate Programs – KRW2,300,000 – 7,100,000

 Link

About Pusan National University:

• Pusan National University started in 1946 in Busan, South Korea. It was the first national university in the country. Since then, it has trained many leaders in politics, business, and other fields.
• The university does top research. It has won many awards from the government. It also ranks high globally and wants to rank even higher by 2030.
• The university has 15 colleges with many program options. It offers a wide range of subjects to study.
• Pusan National is affordable for students. This makes it appealing to international students as well as Korean students.
• There are over 34,000 students now. International students come from over 80 countries.

3. Kyungpook National University

Tuition fees for Undergraduate Programs – KRW1,900,000 – 2,700,000

Tuition fees for Graduate Programs – KRW2,500,000 – 4,700,000

 Link

About Kyungpook National University:

• Kyungpook National University (KNU) started in 1946. It has become a university that focuses on students. KNU is recognized worldwide and ranks high internationally.
• The university has over 36,000 students. About 5% are international students. KNU is considered one of South Korea’s best national universities. It is known for getting graduates good jobs and having excellent programs.
• A large part of the university’s money goes to financial aid. Over 60% of students get scholarships or grants. 
• KNU has on-campus housing for international students at its Daegu and Sangju campuses. This makes the university accessible and appealing to students globally.

4. Kangwon National University

Tuition fees for Undergraduate Programs – KRW1,400,000 – 3,400,000

Tuition fees for Graduate Programs – KRW2,200,000 – 4,400,000

 Link

About Kangwon National University:

• Kangwon National University was founded in 1947. Its motto is “seek truth from facts.” This guiding principle shapes its education and research.
• The university has two main campuses in Chuncheon and Samcheok. They have programs in Arts, Engineering, Humanities, Medicine, Science, and Sports. 
• Tuition fees are reasonable. There are various scholarships available too. 
• Affordable costs lead to more students enrolling each year. This allows more people access to quality education at Kangwon National.

5. Chungnam National University

Tuition fees for Undergraduate Programs – KRW1,800,000 – 2,600,000

Tuition fees for Graduate Programs – KRW2,200,000 – 4,600,000

 Link

About Chungnam National University:

• Chungnam National University is located in Daejeon, South Korea. It is an affordable option for international students because living costs are lower than in other big cities.  
• Daejeon is a busy hub in the heart of South Korea. It is known for high-tech research and development. Its central location makes travel easy with good transportation.
• The university gets a lot of research money. This shows it does important research work.  
• Graduates get many job opportunities on campus and with partner companies. This gives the university a reputation for educating students and helping their careers.

6.  Seoul National University

Tuition fees for Undergraduate Programs – KRW2,400,000 – 5,000,000

Tuition fees for Graduate Programs – KRW3,200,000 – 6,100,000

 Link

About Seoul National University:

• Seoul National University (SNU) is the most respected university in South Korea. Founded in 1946, it ranks in the top 60 universities worldwide and top 15 in Asia.  
• SNU only accepts the top 2.5% of students based on national exam scores. This shows its commitment to academic excellence.
• The professors are highly qualified and have international experience. 
• SNU is globally recognized for its research work.  
• Many famous SNU graduates work in business, government, and groups like the WHO and UN.
• SNU wants more international students and professors. It now offers more courses taught in English.

7.  Seoul National University of Science and Technology

Tuition fees for Undergraduate Programs – KRW2,300,000 – 5,500,000

Tuition fees for Graduate Programs – KRW3,200,000 – 4,000,000

 Link

About Seoul National University of Science and Technology:

• Tracing its origins to a vocational institution founded in 1910, Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SeoulTech) has risen to prominence as a well-regarded university on both the national and international stages.
• SeoulTech prides itself on its cutting-edge facilities and exceptional educational and research standards, all aimed at providing students with the requisite skills and qualifications for success. 
• This focus on practical training and academic rigor translates into impressive employment outcomes for graduates, as well as equipping them with the competencies needed to excel in a global context.

8.   Handong Global University

Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs –

Local 3,019,000 KRW ($2,600 USD) to 3,874,000 KRW ($3,400 USD) per semester

Link

About Handong Global University:

• Handong Global University is known for being affordable. It was started by the Ministry of Education in 1994 with 10 departments. Since then, it has grown and added more programs. It also works with the government on initiatives.
• The university now has various schools like Law, Life Science, Communication Arts, Design, and Global Leadership. This wide range of programs meets the needs of students today.
• In addition to academics, the university has facilities for student life. These include places to eat, relax, shop, do art, and exercise. 
• Having these amenities makes campus life well-rounded. This improves the overall experience for students at Handong.

9.   Yonsei University

Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs:  3,537,000 KRW ($3,100 USD) to 6,052,000 KRW ($5,300 USD) per year

Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: 4,854,000 KRW ($4,200 USD) to 7,793,000   KRW ($6,800 USD) per semester

 Link

About Yonsei University:

• Yonsei University has a long history. It started with Korea’s first modern hospital called Gwanghyewon in 1885. This later became Chejungwon. In 1899, Yonsei opened its first medical school. This paved the way for the future university. Yonsei took its current form in 1957 when Yonhi College and Severance Medical College merged.  
• Yonsei is known for its many academic programs for local and international students. It offers majors like History, Psychology, Literature, Engineering, Business, and more.
• Despite its reputation, Yonsei is relatively affordable compared to similar universities. This makes it a good value in Korea.

10.   Sogang University

Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs:

4,830,000 KRW ($4,200 USD) to 5,442,000 KRW ($4,700 USD) per semester

Link

About Sogang University:

• Sogang University started with a vision from the Catholic Church in Korea in 1948. They wanted to create a college. This led to founding Sogang College in 1960. 
• Over time, the school grew in size and programs. In 1970 it became a full university approved by the Ministry of Education.  
• In 2010, Sogang celebrated its 50th anniversary. It opened new centers for biology and engineering research.
• The undergraduate program has 9 schools and 27 majors covering many subjects.  
• Graduate studies are comprehensive too. There is 1 graduate school, 5 specialized grad schools, and 6 professional grad schools.
• As a Jesuit school, Sogang follows that educational philosophy. This focuses on academic rigor, ethics, helping others, and Korean traditions.
• Sogang aims for “creative convergence” by combining ideas from different fields. This promotes innovation in education and research.
• In this way, Sogang provides an education grounded in tradition yet forward-thinking. Students learn to collaborate across disciplines.

Conclusion

Now, you can see that South Korea offers an array of affordable educational opportunities for international students seeking quality education at a lower cost. 

As a result, South Korea continues to be an attractive destination for international students seeking a high-quality education without having to break the bank.