How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad in South Korea?

You’ve just discovered the university or class of your dreams. Then, your thought process goes something like this:

Count me in for study abroad in the land of technology, nature, and K-Pop! …Wait, how am I going to fund that? Exactly how much does it cost to study abroad in South Korea?

If you want to get here ASAP, don’t worry—we can help.

Sound familiar? South Korea continues to rank higher and higher as a top destination for study abroad, and with good reason. Home to dozens of global universities and study abroad programs designed to fit with any academic plan, this setting makes it easy for students to experience another culture while staying on track for graduation.

But if you can’t get that lingering doubt about cost out of your head, it’s all too easy to miss out on the amazing experience studying abroad in South Korea promises. In reality, reasonable prices for local transportation, food, and more mean South Korea is a great place for affordable living.

Is Korea a good place to study abroad?

To sum it up in one word: Yes! South Korea checks the boxes for a life-changing study abroad experience:

• You’ll be in the center of things: Influences from across Asia and around the world come together in South Korea. At the same time, studying abroad in Korea means experiencing firsthand a culture distinct from its neighbors. The unique take on pop culture and technological innovation, a penchant for meticulousness but large-minded—living in South Korea will take you out of your comfort zone, in all the best ways.
• There are programs available at any time of year: It’s possible to study abroad in South Korea for a summer, winter, semester, or academic year. The result? You can find a program in Korea that works for your budget, academic needs, and personal goals.
• You can choose from a wide range of courses: Take a good look at programs in Korea if you’re having trouble finding study abroad possibilities with courses for your degree. From language to media and design, business and economics to STEM and beyond, Korea has something for everyone.

You’ll love spending your afternoons in fun cafes!

Then there’s the breathtaking natural beauty the country offers (think: national parks, cherry blossoms, and of course, plenty of gorgeous mountain hikes) coupled with cutting-edge modernity.

You can visit an ancient shrine or palace one minute, then head to a towering skyscraper the next. You can dive into studies thanks to top-tier academic offerings, and sample mouthwatering cuisine alongside the friends you make in your buddy program after class.

Can I study abroad in Korea for free?

You can’t hop on a plane and expect to pay nothing the whole time you’re in South Korea, but you can significantly cut down on the costs you have to cover on your own.

You may have access to financial aid from your home institution, and grants and scholarships specifically geared toward students abroad can up your total funding. Fundraising offers yet another avenue for covering your study abroad bill.

What’s the average cost of living in South Korea for international students?

Living in this dynamic country as a student may not come cheap (but it’s worth it!).

South Korea offers a relatively reasonable cost of living overall. While it’s not as inexpensive as some other countries in Asia, you can find a program that fits your budget and look forward to affordable day-to-day costs.

Even if you can’t technically study abroad in Korea for free, the array of ways to study abroad in the country makes South Korea a great place to look for a program that meets your budgeting needs. Living in Korea can cost anywhere from just a few thousand dollars to over $30,000, depending on the program you choose and how long you study abroad.

You can go for short, intensive programs that pack a semester (or more) of language instruction or other coursework into a few weeks over the summer or winter, or stay in South Korea for a semester or year to maximize your immersion.

That choice will play a big role in determining the overall cost, as will your choice of location—urban centers like Seoul tend to come with higher prices.

Find Financial Resources for Travel on GoAbroad.com

How much does it cost to study abroad in South Korea?

OK, the big question: How can you parse the cost of living in South Korea for international students so you can plan ahead? Let’s break down major budget factors for studying abroad in Korea.

1. Tuition and program fees

Tuition in Korea is often a lot less than what U.S. students are used to paying. National universities usually have lower tuition fees than private universities, and fees can vary considerably depending on where your chosen university is located.

If your home school has an exchange agreement with a university in South Korea, you may be able to go abroad for a semester or year while paying tuition at your usual rate. You’ll also find a range of programs at Korean universities through providers.

Program fees through providers typically cover tuition as well as other services, so while you may see a higher sticker price, some other costs (like housing, some meals, and even fun excursions) may be included already.

All in all, you’ll find some semester programs that come in under $10,000, while others can cost more than $20,000. Short-term summer or winter programs can cost less than $5,000.

2. Passport and visa

You won't get too far without an updated passport!

You’ll need a passport to travel, no matter the program length. U.S. citizens enrolling in semester or yearlong programs also need to get a student visa prior to departure for South Korea.

A valid passport and an official acceptance from your host university are must-haves before you can apply for your visa. Put aside about $250 to pay for a visa, passport, and residence permit. If you’re not a U.S. passport-holder, you should check with your home country’s consulate to find out about any visa requirements for your time in South Korea.

You won’t need a visa if you’re a U.S. citizen visiting South Korea for 90 days or less, but you will need to apply for a K-ETA (or Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before you get on your flight. The K-ETA application fee is about $9.

Don’t have a passport? Now’s the time to apply. If your passport expires in less than six months, you’ll want to start the renewal process ASAP, too. The visa process alone can take two or three months, so having a valid passport in hand well in advance can help smooth out your preparation.

3. Transportation

Whether you decide to study in South Korea for a semester or academic year or you opt for a shorter program, you’ll need to budget for the cost of round-trip airfare.

Expect your flight to make a considerable dent in your wallet up front: Airfare can easily cost from $1,000 to $2,000. Plan ahead for that expense now so you’re ready to book when you’re accepted to your dream program.

Once you make it to your new home, you can recoup some of those costs thanks to Korea’s inexpensive local transportation. Buses, subways, and even taxis are relatively cheap. You can get away with budgeting less than $500 for local transportation for a full semester abroad, and you may still have some funds left over by the end of your stay.

4. Meals

Say hello to your new favorite meal.

Bulgogi and bibimbap, kimchi and japchae; South Korea is a foodie’s paradise. Even better? You don’t have to dig deep into your bank account to savor the delicious cuisine here.

If you spend wisely, your meal budget may fall under $2,000 for a semester and under $4,000 for a yearlong program. Consider this your cue to sample the street food, stock up on treats from the markets, and indulge in dishes you can’t get anywhere else in the world.

5. Housing

Finding study abroad housing that fits with your personality and goals for your time in Korea can have a huge impact on your overall experience—and your budget. From student housing and dormitories to shared apartments and homestays, you’ll find it all in South Korea.

Your total housing bill will depend on your location and the length of time you spend abroad, but you can pay as little as $500 for a semester in shared dorm housing. Single rooms in dorms and shared student apartments can run closer to $2,500 or $3,000 for a semester.

6. Insurance

Starting in March 2021, South Korea made it mandatory for international students staying in the country for a certain period of time to enroll in the Korean National Health Insurance.

The total cost for foreign students will rise incrementally through March 2023. Right now, you can expect to pay about $130 to $170 for a semester or $465 to $500 for an academic year.

You may also want (or need) to get study abroad and/or travel insurance. Making sure you have adequate health insurance abroad will not only give you peace of mind, but it will also protect you if something goes wrong while you’re away from home.

Most program providers offer comprehensive information on the coverage you need and how to get it, and they may even include a plan in the program fee. Your home school may also require you to enroll in specific insurance. When in doubt, check with your study abroad office!

7. Personal expenses, class supplies, and other requirements

Don’t forget that you’re in Korea to study!

Round out your study abroad budget by putting aside some funds for things like textbooks and other class supplies, as well as requirements like COVID-19 testing or mandatory quarantine upon arrival.

And don’t forget to budget for personal expenses and the fun stuff! (Weekend trips to Jeju Island or even Japan, anyone?)

Talk to our FREE Online Advisor & get matched with 5 study abroad programs in Korea

The cost of studying abroad in Korea is worth it!

By planning your study abroad budget ahead of time, you’ll get to experience South Korea’s culture, history, and nature, without stressing about money along the way. Go ahead, hit send on that application for your dream program!

Explore ALL Study Abroad Programs in South Korea on GoAbroad.com