Cheapest Universities in Korea for International Students: 2026 Tuition Fees Guide 

Korea offers several universities with relatively low tuition fees while maintaining strong academic quality. 

Introduction

Looking for affordable universities in Korea for international students?

Korea offers many universities with relatively low tuition fees compared to countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. However, costs vary depending on the university, location, major, and available scholarships.

In this guide, we highlight affordable universities in Korea and share practical tips for reducing your overall study costs.

Note: All tuition figures below are approximate annual tuition fees before scholarships. Actual fees may vary by major and academic year.

What Makes a University Affordable?

• Annual tuition fees

• Scholarships for international students

• Local cost of living

• Availability and cost of dormitories

• Transportation and other daily expenses

Affordable Universities in Korea by Annual Tuition Range

• $3,000–$5,000 per year → Many national and public universities

• $5,000–$8,000 per year → Affordable private universities

• $8,000+ per year → Higher-cost private universities and specialized programs

According to the Korean government’s Study in Korea portal, national and public universities charge an average of approximately KRW 4.3 million per year, while private universities average approximately KRW 7.6 million. Study in Korea

Affordable Universities in Seoul

Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SeoulTech)

• Annual tuition: Approximately $3,500–$6,000

• National university located in Seoul

• Strong engineering, technology, design, and IT programs

• More affordable than many private universities in Seoul

Seokyeong University

Seoul

• Annual tuition: Approximately $4,500–$6,500 per year before scholarships

• Private university located in Seoul

• Tuition varies significantly by major, with arts and performance programs costing more

• Known for beauty, design, media, performing arts, and career-focused programs

• Scholarships may significantly reduce tuition

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS)

Seoul Campus and Global Campus, Gyeonggi Province

• Annual tuition: Approximately $5,000–$6,500 per year before scholarships

• Strong international and multilingual academic environment

• Recommended for languages, international studies, business, and global studies

• Scholarship opportunities are available for international students

• The Global Campus may offer lower living costs than central Seoul

Affordable Universities Outside Seoul

Kangwon National University

Chuncheon, Gangneung, Samcheok and Dogye

• Annual tuition: Approximately $2,500–$3,500

• National university with some of the lowest tuition fees in Korea

• Undergraduate tuition is approximately KRW 1.71–2.30 million per semester

• The main Chuncheon Campus is approximately 1.5–2 hours from Seoul

• Offers English-track undergraduate and graduate programs

• New English-track students may receive substantial scholarships based on IELTS or TOEFL scores

• Living costs are generally lower than in Seoul

Kyungpook National University

Daegu

• Annual tuition: Approximately US$3,400–$4,800 

• Leading national university

• Strong engineering, science, IT, business, and research programs

• Daegu offers more affordable housing and living expenses than Seoul

Pusan National University

Busan

• Annual tuition: Approximately $3,500–$4,500 per year for most undergraduate programs 

• Prestigious national university located in Busan

• Strong engineering, science, business, and humanities programs

• Various scholarships are available for international students

Chonnam National University

Gwangju

• Annual tuition: Approximately $3,000–$5,000

• National university with relatively affordable tuition

• Lower living and housing costs than Seoul

• Offers a comfortable student environment and diverse academic programs

Chungnam National University

Daejeon

• Annual tuition: Approximately $3,000–$5,500

• Research-focused national university

• Strong science, technology, engineering, and research programs

• Daejeon offers affordable housing and a well-developed transportation system

Kyungbok University

Gyeonggi Province

• Annual tuition: Approximately $4,500–$5,500 per year before scholarships

• A career-focused college offering two-year, three-year, and four-year degree programs

• International students may receive a minimum 30% tuition scholarship

• Offers practical programs in healthcare, software, design, media, and beauty

• Located in Gyeonggi Province, where living costs are generally lower than in central Seoul

How to Reduce Your Study Costs

• Apply for entrance scholarships based on your GPA or language scores.

• Compare the tuition amount after scholarships, not only the standard tuition.

• Consider national universities outside Seoul.

• Choose a university that provides affordable dormitory accommodation.

• Prepare a strong TOPIK, IELTS, or TOEFL score.

• Check whether scholarships continue after the first semester.

• Compare living expenses in Seoul with regional cities such as Chuncheon, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju, and Busan.

Tuition fees and scholarship conditions can change each semester. Always check the latest international admission guidelines before applying.

Get better results with SIKS Global.

Need help choosing the right university for your goals and budget?

We offer personalized, end-to-end support. 

Contact: admissions@siksglobal.com
DM: www.instagram.com/siks_studyinkorea