Studying Business, Management and Economics in South Korea

Business, management and economics in South Korea

South Korea hosts well-known business schools and economics departments, and many run English-taught tracks designed for international students. Options span undergraduate business administration (often branded 'Global BBA'), specialised master's degrees, MBA programs, and research-focused economics.

This guide is Korea-specific and focuses on where English-taught business and economics are available, what admission evidence programs ask for, and how to choose a direction. It is distinct from any region-wide ranking guide.

All fees, deadlines and score requirements are set by each school and change every cycle, so confirm the current details on the official program page before you apply.

Where English-taught business and economics exist

Several leading universities — including Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei and Sungkyunkwan — offer English-taught business tracks or international programs, and many run English-taught graduate and MBA options. Economics departments frequently teach core theory in English at graduate level.

Availability still varies: a 'Global BBA' may deliver a large share of courses in English, while a general business degree may mix English and Korean. Read each program's official course list to see how much is genuinely English-medium.

Use the Study in Korea portal to filter by field and language, then verify on the individual school site.

What business and economics programs look for

Typical evidence includes your academic transcripts, an English proficiency test (IELTS or TOEFL, sometimes Duolingo or PTE), and application documents such as a statement of purpose. Undergraduate applicants may also be asked for standardized scores like the SAT.

Graduate and MBA programs sometimes require a GMAT or GRE score and relevant work experience, but many do not — it depends entirely on the program. Economics research degrees may weigh your quantitative background more heavily.

Because requirements differ so much between schools and change between intakes, treat any specific threshold you see as provisional and confirm it on the official admissions page.

Choosing a direction: finance, marketing, economics and more

Business and economics are broad. Common directions include finance, accounting, marketing, management and strategy, international business, and — on the economics side — micro and macro theory, econometrics and policy-oriented study.

Your choice should shape where you apply: some schools are known for particular strengths, and graduate programs are organised around specialist tracks and, for research degrees, faculty whose work matches your interests.

Read program structures and course lists carefully, and for a research master's or PhD, look at the faculty and their fields the way you would for any research-led admission.

• Undergraduate: Global BBA / business administration, economics
• Postgraduate coursework: MBA, specialised master's (finance, marketing, management)
• Research: economics MA/PhD, management research tracks
• Match the school and faculty to your intended focus

How to apply and fund your studies

For each program, confirm three things officially: language of instruction, admission requirements for international applicants, and the application deadlines for your intake. International rounds often close months ahead of the semester.

Funding can come from the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), university and school scholarships, and — for some graduate students — assistantships. Coverage and eligibility change yearly; read the current terms on the official pages.

No program can guarantee admission, and no legitimate service sells a place. Be cautious of agents who promise entry to a named school in exchange for a fee.