Study in Korea in English

A Practical Guide to English-Taught Degree Programs for 2027

You do not always need TOPIK to earn a degree in South Korea.

A growing number of Korean universities offer bachelor’s and master’s programs taught primarily or entirely in English. However, the term “English Track” can mean different things at different universities. Some programs conduct every major class in English, while others offer only selected English-taught courses or may still require Korean-language classes for graduation.

SIKS Global verifies the actual language of instruction, admission requirements, tuition, scholarships, financial-document rules, and visa considerations before recommending a university.

The universities below are selected examples particularly relevant to international students seeking affordable tuition, English-taught majors, scholarships, or practical admission pathways for Spring 2027.

Recommended English-Taught Bachelor’s Programs

Kangwon National University

Location: Chuncheon and other campuses in Gangwon Province
Type: National university
Best for: Students seeking affordable tuition and strong scholarship opportunities

Kangwon National University is one of the most cost-effective choices for international students. As a national university, its tuition is considerably lower than that of many private universities in Seoul.

Indicative tuition per semester

• Humanities and social sciences: approximately KRW 1.7 million

• Engineering: approximately KRW 2.2 million

• Other majors: generally approximately KRW 1.7–2.3 million

English-score scholarships for new students

• IELTS 6.5 or equivalent: approximately 60% tuition reduction

• IELTS 7.0 or equivalent: up to 100% tuition reduction

For example, an engineering student paying approximately KRW 2.2 million per semester may pay only around KRW 890,000 after a 60% tuition scholarship.

Kangwon National University does not normally publish a fixed minimum GPA for all international applicants. The interview, academic background, study plan, and overall suitability are important parts of the evaluation.

Depending on the intake, applicants may be permitted to submit their final language score before enrollment rather than at the initial application stage. This must be confirmed for each admission cycle.

Important considerations

• English-taught major availability depends on the campus and department.

• The admission interview is SUPER important!!

• Students should not assume that every elective or administrative service is available in English.

• Chuncheon is approximately 1.5–2 hours from Seoul, with lower living costs than central Seoul.

Typical Spring application timing: Late October onward, subject to the final admission notice.

Tongmyong University — Busan International College

Location: Busan
Best for: Business, technology, global studies, and students seeking an international campus environment

Busan International College, or BIC, operates English-taught undergraduate programs designed for international students.

Indicative tuition

• Approximately KRW 3 million per semester before scholarships

• Approximately KRW 2.4 million after a 20% entrance scholarship

Students with an IELTS score of approximately 5.5 may qualify for a 20% tuition reduction, subject to the final scholarship policy for the intake.

Indicative eligibility

• High-school completion or an accepted equivalent qualification

• Minimum GPA of approximately 2.5 or higher

• IELTS 5.5 or higher, or an accepted equivalent English-language qualification

• Successful document screening and, where required, an admission interview

Requirements may vary by major, nationality, and admission intake. Applicants should confirm the final Spring 2027 requirements before applying.

Important considerations

• Scholarship renewal can depend on academic performance.

• Students should confirm which major courses are fully taught in English.

• Busan offers lower living costs than Seoul while still providing a large-city environment.

Keimyung University — Keimyung Adams College

Location: Daegu
Best for: Business and international studies in an established English-track college

Keimyung Adams College is one of Korea’s established English-medium undergraduate colleges.

Students applying to KAC may not need TOPIK for admission. Instead, applicants may be evaluated through their English qualifications and the university’s own speaking or placement assessment.

Indicative tuition

• Approximately KRW 4 million per semester before scholarships

Entrance scholarship

• Qualified international freshmen may receive approximately 50% tuition reduction for the first semester.

Important considerations

• Students who do not have official English test score may apply in-person university-administered language test (KKPT).

• Daegu has lower average living costs than Seoul and a well-established international student community.

Kyungdong University — Global Campus

Location: Goseong, Gangwon Province
Best for: Students seeking English-taught practical majors, substantial language-score scholarships, and affordable living costs

Kyungdong University’s Global Campus offers English-taught undergraduate programs in fields such as:

• Artificial Intelligence

• Smart Computing

• International Business Administration

• International Hotel Management

• SNS Media and Film Production

The campus is located in a peaceful coastal area of Goseong, approximately 10–15 minutes by car from Sokcho. Students can enjoy a quiet study environment and lower living costs while having convenient access to Sokcho’s beaches, restaurants, cafés, and lively coastal atmosphere.

Indicative tuition

• Approximately KRW 3.5–4 million per semester before scholarships

English-score scholarships

• IELTS 5.5: approximately 30% tuition reduction

• IELTS 6.0: approximately 50% tuition reduction

• IELTS 6.5: approximately 70% tuition reduction

• IELTS 7.0 or higher: up to full tuition

Scholarship percentages, renewal requirements, and final tuition amounts must be reconfirmed in the applicable admission guide.

Indicative eligibility

Applicants generally need to have completed high school, demonstrate sufficient English proficiency, and pass the university’s document and interview screening. IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 71, CEFR B2, or an accepted equivalent may be required. Study-gap and nationality-specific conditions may also apply.

Important considerations

• The English-taught programs are offered at the Global Campus in Goseong, not at a Seoul metropolitan campus.

• A study gap of more than approximately three years may require additional review.

• Program availability and scholarship conditions may change by intake.

Spring 2027 application timing: Applications are expected to open from September 7, 2026, subject to the final admission schedule.

Jeonju University — English Track

Location: Jeonju
Best for: Business, hospitality, tourism, and students seeking a supportive regional university

Jeonju University offers selected undergraduate programs taught in English, including fields such as:

• Business Administration

• International Hospitality and Tourism Management

Qualified international students may receive an entrance scholarship. Previous admission information has indicated tuition reductions of approximately 40%, with different scholarship criteria potentially applying to students from English-speaking educational backgrounds.

Important considerations

• Scholarship percentages and renewal criteria must be confirmed for Spring 2027.

• Jeonju offers substantially lower housing and living expenses than central Seoul. 

• Students can also experience the city’s rich cultural heritage, including Jeonju Hanok Village, traditional Korean architecture, food, and cultural activities. Jeonju University is also well known for its Taekwondo program, making it particularly attractive to students interested in Korean culture, sports, and martial arts. 

These are only a few examples of the English-taught programs available in South Korea. Many other universities and majors may be suitable depending on your academic background, English proficiency, budget, preferred location, and career goals. Contact SIKS Global for a personalized assessment and a university list tailored to your profile.

Email: admissions@siksglobal.com
Instagram: @siks_studyinkorea

Recommended English-Taught Master’s Programs

Yeungnam University — Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul

Location: Gyeongsan, near Daegu
Program format: Full-time, approximately 18 months
Language: English

This graduate school is particularly suitable for applicants interested in international development, public policy, sustainability, and public-sector leadership.

Available fields include:

• Saemaul and International Development

• Saemaul and Economic Development

• Public Policy and Leadership

• Forest and Environmental Policy

• Water Resources Management

Scholarship

Admitted students may receive a full tuition scholarship covering four semesters, provided they continue to meet the scholarship requirements.

The school has an established international network and is especially relevant to applicants from Africa, Asia, and developing economies who have academic or professional interests in development policy.

Important considerations

• This is a full-time academic program.

• Applicants should demonstrate a clear connection between their previous studies, professional experience, and intended concentration.

• Strong African students network

Kyungdong University — K-Global Graduate School

Location: Global Campus in Goseong, Gangwon Province
Language: English
Best for: Students seeking an international graduate environment and lower regional living costs

Selected English-taught programs may include:

• Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

• Master of Arts in International Business Administration

• Master of Arts in International Hospitality and Tourism Management

Typical English requirements may include IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 71, CEFR B2, or an accepted equivalent. Country-specific exemptions and Medium of Instruction certificates must be individually confirmed.

Indicative tuition

• Generally in the mid-KRW 3 million to low-KRW 4 million range per semester before scholarships

Scholarships may cover a significant percentage of tuition, and some qualified students may receive up to full tuition support.

Location

The campus is in Goseong, approximately 30–40 minutes from central Sokcho, depending on transportation. Students can benefit from lower living costs while still having access to a nearby coastal city.

Important considerations

• The campus is not located in Seoul.

• Scholarship percentages depend on the applicant’s profile and the intake.

• Applicants should confirm attendance, research, and graduation requirements even if the published class schedule appears flexible.

Kangwon National University — Graduate Programs

Kangwon National University is also attractive for master’s and doctoral applicants seeking affordable tuition, research opportunities, and national-university resources.

English-taught availability depends heavily on the department and supervising professor. In science, engineering, computer-related fields, and research-based programs, admission may require prior communication with a professor.

The most important factors can include:

• Undergraduate GPA

• Research experience

• Academic fit with the laboratory

• Publications or projects

• Programming or technical skills

• English proficiency

• Professor approval or recommendation

Applicants should not choose a graduate school based only on the university’s general admission requirements. The department, laboratory, funding arrangement, and professor’s research interests must also match the applicant’s background.

Important Information for U.S. GED Applicants

A U.S. GED is not automatically recognized as equivalent to high-school graduation by every Korean university.

Each university applies its own interpretation of the international admission requirement. Even universities offering English-taught programs may reject applicants whose only secondary-school credential is a GED.

SIKS Global maintains an up-to-date list of Korean universities that accept U.S. GED qualifications. Please contact us for a personalized assessment and suitable university recommendations. 

Email: admissions@siksglobal.com
Instagram: @siks_studyinkorea

Do You Need TOPIK?

TOPIK is usually not required for admission to a fully English-taught program. Instead, universities may request one or more of the following:

• IELTS

• TOEFL iBT

• TOEIC

• Medium of Instruction certificate

• University-administered English test

An MOI certificate is not universally accepted. Some universities accept it only from applicants of certain nationalities, while others require IELTS or TOEFL regardless of the language used in the applicant’s previous education.

English-score exemptions can also differ by nationality. Therefore, students should not assume that an MOI certificate will replace IELTS without written confirmation.

Even when TOPIK is not required for admission, Korean ability remains valuable for:

• Daily life and university administration

• Part-time work

• Internships

• Networking with Korean students and professors

• Employment after graduation

Some English-track programs may also include mandatory Korean-language classes.

How Much Should You Budget?

The following figures are useful for initial planning:

University or program

Indicative tuition per semester before scholarship

Kangwon National University undergraduate

KRW 1.7–2.3 million

Tongmyong University BIC

Approximately KRW 3 million

Tongmyong BIC after a 20% scholarship

Approximately KRW 2.4 million

Kyungdong University

Approximately KRW 3.5–4 million

Keimyung Adams College

Approximately KRW 4 million

Yeungnam Policy and Saemaul master’s

Full tuition scholarship may be available

A university with a higher published tuition may ultimately cost less if it provides a strong renewable scholarship. Conversely, an attractive first-semester scholarship may not continue unless the student maintains the required GPA.

Financial Proof and Visa Planning

Receiving admission and qualifying for a D-2 student visa are separate stages.

A student may satisfy the academic admission requirements but still face difficulties if the required funds, bank history, sponsorship documents, or source-of-funds evidence are insufficient.

Universities may request:

• Bank balance certificate

• Three- or six-month bank transaction history

• Parent’s employment and income evidence

• Tax documents

• Sponsorship letter

• Birth or family-relationship certificate

• Evidence that funds have remained in the account for a required period

The amount and required holding period can vary by university, nationality, Korean embassy, and intake.

SIKS Global reviews the financial-document situation before finalizing the university list. This helps prevent students from applying to a program whose financial requirements they cannot realistically satisfy.

How SIKS Global Selects the Right Program

Korean universities do not always publish every internal admission preference or country-specific screening condition.

A university’s public website may not clearly explain:

• Whether an MOI certificate can replace IELTS

• Whether all major classes are actually taught in English

• Whether a particular nationality is eligible

• How strictly the university evaluates a study gap

• Whether a parent’s bank account is acceptable

• Whether a professor’s approval is required

• How the interview affects the admission decision

• Which scholarship is realistically available to the applicant

• Whether a GED is accepted

SIKS Global communicates directly with universities to clarify these points.

We assess each student based on:

• Nationality and current country of residence

• Academic qualifications and GPA

• Graduation year and study gap

• English and Korean proficiency

• Intended major and career plan

• Tuition and living-cost budget

• Preferred city or region

• Scholarship eligibility

• Financial-document readiness

• Visa history and immigration considerations

We then develop a balanced application strategy that may include:

• A strong target university

• One or more realistic admission options

• An affordable or scholarship-focused option

• A backup program with suitable visa and financial requirements

Our goal is not simply to submit more applications. It is to select universities where the student’s academic profile, budget, documentation, and long-term goals genuinely fit.

Spring 2027 Application Preparation

Many Spring 2027 applications will open between September and November 2026, although schedules vary by university.

Students should begin preparing early because the following steps can take several weeks or months:

• Obtaining official graduation certificates and transcripts

• Apostille or consular authentication

• English translation and notarization

• IELTS or TOEFL testing

• Professor contact for graduate programs

• Personal statement and study plan preparation

• Bank-history preparation

• University application and interview

• Certificate of Admission and visa processing

Applying early is particularly important when a university has limited international seats or reviews applications in rounds.

Request a Personalized English-Track Assessment

To receive an initial assessment from SIKS Global, please provide:

• Nationality

• Current country of residence

• Highest qualification

• School or university name

• Graduation year

• GPA, percentage, or final academic results

• Intended degree and major

• IELTS, TOEFL, TOPIK, or MOI status

• Preferred location in Korea

• Tuition budget per semester

• Previous Korean visa refusal, if applicable

SIKS Global will review whether your profile is suitable for an English-taught program and identify universities that are academically realistic, financially manageable, and compatible with your visa situation.

Email: admissions@siksglobal.com
Instagram: @siks_studyinkorea

Program availability, tuition, scholarships, eligible nationalities, financial-document rules, and admission schedules may change by intake. All information should be reconfirmed against the university’s final Spring 2027 admission guidelines before application.