English-Taught Programs in South Korea

English-medium study in Korea is growing

Korean universities have expanded English-taught (English-medium instruction, EMI) degree programs to welcome international students. English-taught options are more common at graduate level and at research-focused universities, and in fields such as engineering, business, and international studies.

Some universities run dedicated international colleges or divisions where most classes are in English — for example, Yonsei University's Underwood International College and Ewha Womans University's Scranton College. Science-and-technology institutes such as KAIST and POSTECH teach a large share of their programs in English.

The proportion of English classes and the exact program list change every year, so always confirm the current medium of instruction for the specific program you want.

Where to find English-taught programs

Begin with the government Study in Korea portal, which is a central starting point, and then go to each university's international admissions pages, where the medium of instruction is listed program by program.

Good places to look include research universities' graduate schools, university international colleges/divisions, and the science-and-technology institutes (KAIST, POSTECH). Program availability differs by field and by degree level.

Check medium of instruction at the course level, not just the program name. A track labelled "English" may still include some Korean-language courses, so read the department's own details.

• Study in Korea portal — a central starting point
• Each university's international admissions pages — medium of instruction per program
• International colleges/divisions and graduate schools
• KAIST and POSTECH for science and engineering in English

Proving your English — requirements

English-taught programs generally ask for an English-proficiency test score or proof that your previous education was conducted in English. The accepted tests and minimum scores vary by university and program.

Commonly accepted tests include IELTS and TOEFL; some programs accept others. There is no single national cutoff, so check each program's accepted-test list and required score.

Important: "English-taught" does not mean "no language requirement." You still need to prove English ability, so plan your test dates around application deadlines.

Do you still need Korean?

For admission to a genuine English-taught program, you usually prove English rather than TOPIK — verify each program's rule. So Korean is not always an entry requirement.

That said, Korean helps a great deal outside the classroom: daily life, administrative tasks, part-time work, internships, and building local networks. Many students in English tracks take Korean classes alongside their degree.

Some scholarships, such as the Global Korea Scholarship, include a Korean language year regardless of the program's teaching language, which is another reason basic Korean is worth building.

Choosing and applying

Compare programs on curriculum, medium of instruction, faculty and research fit, location, cost, and scholarships — not on ranking alone. A strong fit for your subject matters more than a general league-table position.

Watch the application windows for the spring and fall intakes and prepare documents early, since some programs close when quotas fill.

Defer fees, deadlines, and the current program list to each university's official admissions page, and confirm scholarship options directly with the university.