Seoul is home to South Korea’s best-known universities, including Seoul National University (SNU), Yonsei and Korea University, and tuition at public institutions is far below UK or US levels. For 2026, SNU lists about ₩2.4 million to ₩3.0 million a semester for international undergraduates, while private universities such as Yonsei and Korea University charge roughly ₩4.5 million to ₩8 million a semester, depending on the course. For a D-2 student visa you generally need to show about ₩20 million in a bank account for Seoul-area universities. This guide explains how studying in Seoul works for Indian students: universities, tuition, language, visa, work rights, housing and scholarships. Last reviewed on 11 November 2026.
Why Students Choose Seoul
- Well-ranked universities. SNU, Yonsei, Korea University, Sungkyunkwan and Hanyang are among Asia’s leading institutions, with strong engineering, business and technology programmes.
- Lower tuition than the West. Public university tuition is a fraction of comparable fees in the US, UK or Australia, and the Global Korea Scholarship can cover it entirely.
- Technology and industry. Seoul is a hub for electronics, software, automotive, finance and entertainment, which helps with internships and research links.
- Transport and safety. The metro and bus network is extensive, and Seoul is generally considered safe for students.
- The trade-off. Housing is the biggest cost, many degrees are taught in Korean, and part-time work depends on your visa permission and Korean level.
Top Universities in Seoul
| University | Known for | Undergraduate tuition per semester, 2026 (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul National University (SNU) | Public flagship; research across all fields | ₩2,442,000 (humanities and business) to ₩2,998,000 (engineering) |
| Yonsei University | Private; business, engineering, medicine, English-taught Underwood International College (UIC) | About ₩4.6 million (humanities) to ₩6.0 million (engineering); UIC about ₩8.2 million |
| Korea University | Private; business, law, engineering | About ₩5.8 million (humanities and social sciences) to ₩7.7 million (engineering) |
| Sungkyunkwan University, Hanyang University and others | Private; engineering, business, media | Varies; check each university’s international admission guide |
These figures come from the universities’ 2026 admission guides as reported by education portals, and they change each year. Fees differ by faculty, and first-year international students can face different rates, so use the current fee sheet from the university.
Language: Korean or English?
Most degrees are taught in Korean, and applicants usually show TOPIK (the Korean proficiency test), often Level 3 or higher. English-taught options exist in selected programmes, such as Yonsei UIC and some master’s degrees, and they ask for an English test such as TOEFL or IELTS. SNU, for example, accepts an English certificate but does not guarantee English-taught degrees, so check what is actually taught in English for your major. A year of Korean study helps even in English-taught programmes, because daily life and part-time work depend on it.
How to Apply
- Pick programmes and an intake. Korean universities admit in spring (March) and fall (September), and international applications often open several months earlier.
- Prepare documents. Typically academic records and certificates, often with an apostille, a passport, language scores, a study plan and a financial document. India is a member of the Apostille Convention.
- Apply through the university. Application fees are roughly ₩70,000 to ₩200,000, depending on the university.
- Receive your admission letter and arrange the visa.
D-2 Student Visa and Proof of Funds
- Visa type: degree students normally need the D-2 visa. The D-4 visa is for language courses.
- Proof of funds: universities in the Seoul area generally ask for a bank balance of about ₩20 million, and some ask for more. Yonsei’s guidelines for spring 2027 list ₩22 million, for example. Universities outside the capital region have asked for about ₩16 million. Check the exact figure on your university’s admission guide.
- Bank document rules: the balance usually must be in one account, shown on a recent bank certificate, and stated in KRW or USD rather than INR. Some applicants can use a scholarship award letter instead.
- After arrival: you register for an Alien Registration Card and health insurance.
Visa rules and required amounts are set by Korean immigration and each university, and they change. Check the Korean Embassy in India, the Korea Immigration Service and your university’s international office before you apply.
Cost of Living in Seoul
| Housing type | Typical monthly cost (estimate) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| University dormitory | About ₩200,000 to ₩400,000 | Cheapest, but places are limited; apply early |
| Goshiwon (small private room) | About ₩300,000 to ₩500,000 | Very small rooms; usually no large deposit |
| One-room studio or officetel | About ₩400,000 to ₩900,000 or more | Usually needs a refundable deposit, often millions of won |
Guides put typical monthly living costs in Seoul at roughly ₩800,000 to ₩1,200,000 on top of rent, depending on lifestyle, though figures vary. Deposits are a big upfront cost in Korea, so ask exactly how much is refundable and when. These are estimates, and rents have been rising.
Working While You Study and After Graduation
- During your studies: D-2 students cannot work by default. After about six months, you can apply for part-time work permission from immigration, usually with your university’s approval. Weekly hours during the semester depend on your degree level and Korean proficiency, with caps commonly cited at 10 to 25 hours for undergraduates and higher for graduate students. Hours are generally less restricted during vacations. Check the current rules and your university’s certification status.
- After graduation: graduates can apply for the D-10 job-seeker visa. Reports on its length differ, with some sources citing up to two years and others up to three, so confirm the current rule before you plan around it.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Global Korea Scholarship (GKS): the Korean government’s main scholarship for international students, covering tuition (up to about ₩5 million a semester), a monthly allowance, return airfare, health insurance and a year of Korean language training. Applications for Indian students go through the Korean Embassy in India or participating universities. Check the current call for dates and eligibility.
- University scholarships: SNU, Yonsei, Korea University and others offer merit-based waivers for international students. Check each university’s international admission guide, since amounts and eligibility vary.
- TOPIK-based incentives: some universities reduce tuition for students with higher TOPIK levels.
Where Students Live
- Sinchon, Hongdae and Ewha area. Close to Yonsei, Ewha and Sogang, with many cafés, goshiwons and one-rooms.
- Anam and Jongno. Convenient for Korea University and central Seoul.
- Sillim and Nakseongdae. Popular with SNU students, with lower rents than central areas.
- University dormitories. The simplest and cheapest option for new students, so apply as soon as applications open.
Housing scams and unclear deposit terms are a risk for newcomers, so get contracts translated and check the deposit conditions. Our student accommodation page explains how we can help.
FAQs About Studying in Seoul
Tuition per semester for international undergraduates in 2026 runs from about ₩2.4 million to ₩3.0 million at SNU to roughly ₩4.5 million to ₩8 million at private universities such as Yonsei and Korea University, depending on the course. Housing is the biggest living cost, from about ₩200,000 for a dormitory to ₩900,000 or more for a one-room studio.
Universities in the Seoul area generally ask for a bank balance of about ₩20 million, and some ask for more, such as ₩22 million at Yonsei. Check your university’s admission guide for the exact figure.
For most degrees, yes, usually TOPIK Level 3 or higher. English-taught programmes exist in selected faculties and at master’s level, but Korean helps with daily life and part-time work.
Not by default. After about six months on a D-2 visa, you can apply for part-time work permission. Weekly hours depend on your degree level and Korean proficiency.
Yes. GKS is open to international students including Indians, and applications go through the Korean Embassy in India or participating universities. Check the current call for eligibility and deadlines.
Yes. Our counselling is free for students and covers study in Korea and elsewhere. Start with the free profile assessment.
Get Help Choosing a Korean University
Eduvisor’s counselling is free for students. We are paid by partner universities and colleges once a student enrols and pays tuition fees, and we still show you options that suit your profile, including ones that are not with our partners. Start with the free profile assessment or contact us. You can also compare other destinations in our guides to London and Singapore.
Sources: 2026 admission guides and fee sheets of SNU, Yonsei and Korea University as reported by education portals, Korean visa guidance summaries, and cost-of-living guides. Fees, funds and permit rules change often, so confirm them with the university, the Korean Embassy in India and the Korea Immigration Service before you apply.
