How to Study in South Korea from India: Complete Guide

Start by mapping your options

Studying in South Korea from India starts with three decisions: the level you want (undergraduate, master's, PhD or a language/exchange programme), the language of study (Korean or English), and how you will fund it (self-funded or a scholarship such as GKS).

These choices shape everything that follows — which universities and programmes you can apply to, whether you need a Korean-language test, and your application timeline.

The Korean government's official portal, Study in Korea (run by NIIED), is the best starting point for programmes, scholarships and application information. Use it to shortlist before you commit to anything.

Step 1 — Choose a university and programme

Search for programmes that match your field and study level. Korea has many universities, including well-known institutions in and around Seoul and specialised science-and-technology universities, and English-taught options have expanded.

For each shortlisted programme, note the entry requirements, the language of instruction, the intake (commonly a March "spring" start and a September "autumn" start), and the documents required.

Use the Study in Korea portal and each university's official international-admissions pages to confirm current requirements and deadlines, rather than relying on third-party summaries.

Step 2 — Language: TOPIK or English-taught

You have two broad language routes. Korean-taught programmes usually require a TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) score — TOPIK has two levels, TOPIK I and TOPIK II, administered by NIIED. English-taught programmes instead ask for English proficiency, often IELTS or TOEFL.

Many scholarship students, including GKS awardees, complete a funded year of Korean-language training before their degree, which can open up Korean-taught study.

Decide your route early, because it determines which test you prepare for. Verify the exact score requirements on each programme's official page and check TOPIK details on the official TOPIK website.

• Korean-taught → TOPIK (levels I and II), administered by NIIED
• English-taught → English proof such as IELTS or TOEFL
• GKS awardees often complete a funded 1-year Korean course first

Step 3 — Consider the GKS scholarship

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is the Korean government's scholarship for international students at undergraduate and graduate levels. It is administered by NIIED and generally covers items such as tuition, airfare, a monthly living stipend, medical insurance and Korean-language training — confirm the current coverage and conditions on the official site.

Applicants usually apply through one of two tracks: the embassy track (via the Korean embassy in your country) or the university track (via a designated Korean university). Eligibility criteria, including age and academic conditions, are set by NIIED and change each cycle.

GKS is competitive and there are no guarantees. Apply only through the official Study in Korea portal and the Korean embassy, and be cautious of any agent charging fees for a "guaranteed" scholarship.

Step 4 — Prepare and submit your application

Typical documents include academic transcripts and certificates, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, proof of language proficiency, and identity and financial documents. Some programmes or scholarships ask for additional items such as a study plan or a self-introduction.

Requirements for Indian applicants can include document attestation or apostille and certified translations, so start gathering them early. Deadlines vary by university, intake and scholarship track.

Confirm the exact document list, formats and deadlines on the official university and Study in Korea pages, and submit well before the cut-off.

Step 5 — The D-2 student visa

Once admitted, degree-seeking students generally apply for a D-2 student visa. After you accept your place and meet the university's conditions, the university issues an admission document (such as a certificate of admission or standard admission letter) that you use to apply for the visa at a Korean embassy or consulate.

Applicants are usually asked for proof of admission, financial capability and other documents; the exact list and any financial threshold are set by the Korean authorities and can change.

This is general information, not immigration advice. Verify the current D-2 requirements and process on the official HiKorea and Korean immigration websites, and with the Korean embassy in India, before you apply.

Step 6 — Budget for tuition and living

Costs depend heavily on whether the university is public or private, your programme, and your city — living in and around Seoul is generally costlier than in smaller cities. Tuition, housing, food, transport, insurance and personal spending all add up.

If you receive GKS or another scholarship, much of this may be covered, but self-funded students should budget carefully and be ready to show they can support their studies as part of the visa process.

We do not list figures here because they change; check current tuition on the university's official page and use official cost-of-living guidance to plan.