Top Universities in Korea for International Students 2026 – South Korea is now one of the top places in Asia for higher school. It has world class universities strong research centers and full paid scholarships for international students.
If you plan to study in Korea in 2026 this guide will help you pick the right university one that fits your goals budget and study field.
🇰🇷 Why Study at a Korean University?
Korean universities are known for school quality, new technology and safe campus life. Here is why many students pick Korea each year:
- Many programs are taught all in English.
- You can apply for fully funded scholarships like GKS, KOICA, KAIST Scholarship, UST Scholarship.
- Living cost is lower than in the US or UK.
- Korea is safe, clean and digital.
- You can work part time while studying.
- After school you can apply for a work visa.
So studying in Korea means learning, living and growing together.
Top 10 Universities in Korea for International Students 2026
Below are the universities that are best known for international education, global ranking, and English-medium programs.
1️⃣ Seoul National University (SNU)
Location: Seoul
QS Rank 2025: 37
Popular Majors: Engineering, Business, Public Policy, Korean Studies
SNU is the top university in Korea. It gives full degrees in English and brings students from over 90 countries.
Scholarships: GKS Scholarship, SNU Global Scholarship, POSCO Asia Fellowship.
Why choose SNU:
- Excellent research labs
- Top professors
- Strong international student support
- Wide variety of programs
Related: GKS Scholarship 2026 Guide
2️⃣ Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
Location: Daejeon
QS Rank 2025: 56
Popular Majors: Engineering, Computer Science, AI, Robotics
KAIST is the best science and technology university in Korea.
All courses are taught in English. Students can apply through the KAIST International Scholarship.
Why choose KAIST:
- Fully funded programs
- Research-based learning
- Modern campus and labs
Related: KAIST Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded
3️⃣ Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
Location: Pohang
QS Rank 2025: 100
Popular Majors: Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering
POSTECH is small but strong. It focuses on new ideas and research. Most graduate classes are in English.
Scholarships: POSTECH Fellowship, GKS Scholarship.
Why choose POSTECH:
- Excellent professor-to-student ratio
- Hands-on research focus
- English-friendly classes
4️⃣ Yonsei University
Location: Seoul
QS Rank 2025: 76
Popular Majors: Business, Medicine, Economics, Media and Culture
Yonsei has one of the oldest and most international campuses. It runs a special Underwood International College UIC all in English.
Scholarships: Yonsei Global Leaders Scholarship, GKS Scholarship.
Why choose Yonsei:
- Central Seoul location
- Friendly for exchange students
- Active global alumni network
5️⃣ Korea University
Location: Seoul
QS Rank 2025: 79
Popular Majors: Law, Public Administration, Computer Science, Business
One of the famous SKY universities (SNU, Korea, Yonsei). Has one of the biggest international student populations.
Scholarships: KU Global Scholarship, GKS Scholarship.
Why choose Korea University:
- Many courses in English
- Global double-degree programs
- Strong internship network
6️⃣ Hanyang University
Location: Seoul & ERICA Campus
QS Rank 2025: 157
Popular Majors: Engineering, Architecture, Economics, Design
Known for innovation and start-up support.
Hanyang offers Hanyang International Scholarship and accepts students without IELTS (using MOI certificate).
Why choose Hanyang:
- Beautiful modern campus
- Great English programs
- Strong job placement rate
7️⃣ Ewha Womans University
Location: Seoul
QS Rank 2025: 345
Popular Majors: Education, Gender Studies, Public Health
Ewha is one of the largest women’s universities in the world.
It welcomes international female students through the Ewha Global Partnership Program and GKS.
Why choose Ewha:
- Focus on women’s empowerment
- English-taught master’s courses
- Safe and supportive environment
8️⃣ University of Science and Technology (UST)
Location: Daejeon and multiple research centers
Popular Majors: Nanotech, Biotech, Space Science, Computing
UST is a government-backed research university made up of 30+ institutes.
It runs the UST Scholarship Program — one of Korea’s most generous.
Why choose UST:
- Full stipend (₩1.2 – ₩1.6 million/month)
- Learn by doing real research
- English programs and international labs
Related: UST Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded
9️⃣ Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
Location: Seoul & Suwon
QS Rank 2025: 91
Popular Majors: Business, Pharmacy, Natural Sciences
SKKU is a historic university supported by Samsung Group.
It offers global programs and dual degrees.
Scholarships: GKS, SKKU International Student Award.
Why choose SKKU:
- Top campus facilities
- Samsung career link
- Many English-medium classes
🔟 Kyung Hee University
Location: Seoul
QS Rank 2025: 255
Popular Majors: Hospitality, International Relations, Tourism, Music
Known for cultural diversity and exchange programs.
Kyung Hee has partnerships with Harvard and UN Peace Institute.
Scholarships: Global KHU Scholarship, GKS.
Why choose Kyung Hee:
- Beautiful campus in Seoul
- Strong social-science focus
- Active volunteer culture
Top Universities for Specific Goals
| Goal | Best Universities |
| Engineering & Tech | KAIST, POSTECH, UST, Hanyang |
| Business & Economics | Yonsei, Korea Univ., SKKU |
| Humanities & Social Sciences | Ewha, Kyung Hee, SNU |
| Research & PhD Programs | UST, KAIST, POSTECH |
| Arts & Culture | Korea National University of Arts, Ewha |
Scholarships You Can Apply For
Most top universities offer both government and university scholarships.
Government Scholarships
- Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
- KOICA Scholarship (for professionals)
University Scholarships
- KAIST International Scholarship
- UST Scholarship
- Ewha Global Partnership
- Yonsei UIC Scholarship
- Hanyang Global Scholarship
English Requirements
Good news for international students. Many Korean universities don’t require IELTS if your last degree was in English.
They accept:
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate
- English Proficiency Letter from your university
- Online interview in English
Related: Study in Korea Without IELTS 2026 (Universities & Scholarships)
Student Life in Korea
- Dorm rooms cost around ₩200 000 – ₩400 000 per month
- Korean food is healthy and affordable (₩5 000 – ₩8 000 per meal)
- Public transport is cheap and safe
- You can work part-time up to 20 hours a week
- Many universities offer Korean language classes for free
Korean campuses are modern and full of global students, so you’ll never feel alone.
Admission Timeline 2026
| Stage | Time |
| Application Opens | November 2025 |
| Deadline for Most Universities | January – March 2026 |
| Interviews / Screening | March – April 2026 |
| Final Results | May – June 2026 |
| Classes Start | August – September 2026 |
Always confirm your university’s exact schedule on its official site.
Common Application Mistakes
❌ Sending incomplete documents
❌ Ignoring file-naming rules for uploads
❌ Missing the scholarship checkbox in the form
❌ Submitting late due to time-zone difference
❌ Using copy-pasted study plans
Double-check every paper before submitting.
Pro Tips for 2026 Applicants
✔ Shortlist at least 3 universities based on your field
✔ Check if the program is in English or Korean
✔ Prepare a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter early
✔ Email professors politely for graduate programs
✔ Join Korean Embassy pages and university groups for updates