International students can find bachelor’s programs and English-track programs at Korean universities without studying entirely in Korean. However, an university offering some classes in English does not necessarily mean an entire degree can be completed in English. Always check the department curriculum, English-course ratio, graduation requirements, and language requirements before applying.
Can you earn a university degree in Korea without speaking fluent Korean?
Yes.
Korean universities offer a growing number of programs and tracks designed for international students where much or most of the academic instruction is provided in English.
However, there is an important difference between a university that offers English-taught courses and a degree program that can actually be completed primarily or entirely in English.
You should verify this before applying.
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What Is an English-Taught Program?
An English-taught program generally means that English is used as the main language of instruction for part or all of the degree.
Universities may describe these programs using terms such as:
English Track / International Track / Global Program / English-Taught Program
The terminology is not standardized.
Two programs with similar names may have very different curricula.
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English Courses Do Not Always Mean an English Degree
This is one of the most important things international students should understand.
A Korean university may offer hundreds of courses in English while most required courses for your particular major remain in Korean.
Before applying, check:
Required major courses / English-course ratio / graduation requirements / course availability each semester
The government’s Study in Korea university search currently allows students to filter universities offering English-taught courses and, for some departments, provides information about the proportion of courses taught in English.
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Check the Department, Not Just the University
English availability can differ significantly within the same university.
For example, a university may have an international business program taught mostly in English while engineering or humanities departments at the same institution operate mainly in Korean.
The relevant question is therefore not:
‘Does this university teach in English?’
It is:
‘Can I complete this specific major in English?’
Always research the department itself.
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English Proficiency Requirements
If you apply to an English-track program, you may need to demonstrate English proficiency.
Commonly accepted qualifications can include:
TOEFL iBT / IELTS / TEPS / other university-approved English tests
There is no single national minimum IELTS or TOEFL score for all Korean universities.
Study in Korea states that international students must satisfy the Korean or English proficiency standard established by their individual university or department.
For example, current university listings on Study in Korea show individual English-track programs setting their own TOEFL or IELTS requirements.
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Some Programs Have Different English Requirements
Do not assume every English-track program requires IELTS 6.0 or a particular TOEFL score.
Requirements can differ substantially.
Some programs establish a minimum score.
Others accept several different tests.
Certain programs may apply alternative standards depending on the applicant’s educational background or country.
One current Study in Korea listing even shows an English-medium undergraduate program accepting several English tests without specifying a minimum test score.
Always use the current admission guide for your intended intake.
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Do You Still Need TOPIK?
Not necessarily for admission to a genuine English-track program.
Study in Korea distinguishes between Korean proficiency requirements for Korean-taught programs and English proficiency requirements for English-taught programs.
However, your university may still have Korean language requirements during your degree.
Some universities require international students to take Korean classes or reach a certain level before graduation.
Check the graduation rules separately from the admission requirements.
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Korean Is Still Useful Outside Class
Even if your entire academic program is in English, you will still be living in Korea.
Korean can make everyday life much easier when dealing with:
Restaurants / housing / hospitals / banking / transportation / university administration / part-time jobs / internships
You do not necessarily need advanced Korean before arriving.
But learning Korean while studying can significantly improve your experience.
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English Programs Are Common in International Fields
English-track opportunities are particularly worth searching for in areas such as:
International Studies / Business / Economics / Engineering / Science / Technology / Global Studies
However, availability changes by university and admission year.
Do not assume a particular major is available in English simply because another Korean university offers a similar program.
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Check the Actual Course Ratio
One useful question is:
‘What percentage of my degree courses are taught in English?’
A program with more than 90% of its curriculum in English is very different from a department where only a few elective courses are offered in English.
Study in Korea’s current database includes department-level English-course ratios for some universities, including programs reporting more than 90% English instruction.
This is much more useful than simply seeing an ‘English courses available’ label.
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Check Recent Course Listings
University websites may describe a program as international or English-friendly.
That does not guarantee every required course will be offered in English every semester.
Before making your final decision, check recent semester course listings if available.
Look especially at:
First-year required courses / major requirements / upper-level courses / graduation projects
If you cannot confirm the information online, contact the department or international admissions office.
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Can You Study in English and Learn Korean at the Same Time?
Yes.
This can be an effective strategy for international students.
You can complete your academic degree in English while taking Korean language courses alongside your major.
Many universities provide Korean language classes for international students.
You can therefore begin university without advanced Korean and gradually develop your Korean during your four-year degree.
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English Proficiency Can Affect Scholarships
At some universities, strong English scores can also affect international student scholarships.
Current Study in Korea listings show examples where English-track applicants receive different tuition reductions depending on IELTS or TOEFL scores.
These policies are university-specific and can change.
When comparing universities, check both admission requirements and scholarship thresholds.
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Who Should Consider an English-Taught Degree?
An English-track program may suit you if:
You want to study in Korea but do not yet have university-level Korean / your academic field is internationally oriented / you already have strong English proficiency / you want time to learn Korean gradually after arriving
It can also be useful for students who want an international education environment while experiencing life in Korea.
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When a Korean-Taught Program May Be Better
An English program is not automatically the better choice.
A Korean-taught degree may give you access to a much wider range of majors and universities.
It can also provide deeper immersion into Korean academic and professional environments.
If your Korean is already strong and you plan to build a long-term career in Korea, Korean-taught study may be worth considering.
The right choice depends on your academic goals.
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How to Search for English Programs
The Korean government’s Study in Korea university search currently includes an English-Taught Courses filter for universities and programs available to international students.
Use this as a starting point.
Then verify every program through the university’s current international admission guide and department website.
A good shortlist should compare:
Major / English-course ratio / English requirement / tuition / scholarships / location / dormitory / Korean requirement / graduation requirements
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Questions to Ask Before Applying
Before submitting an application, make sure you can answer:
Can the entire major be completed in English?
What percentage of courses are taught in English?
Which English test scores are accepted?
Is TOPIK required for admission or graduation?
Are required courses consistently offered in English?
Are scholarships available for English-track students?
If these questions are unclear, contact the university before applying.
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FAQ
Can I study for a bachelor’s degree in Korea entirely in English?
Yes. Some Korean universities offer programs or tracks where most or all academic instruction is in English. Availability depends on the university and department.
Do I need TOPIK for an English-taught program?
Not necessarily. English-track programs may use English proficiency instead of TOPIK for admission. Individual universities may still impose Korean language requirements later.
What English test do Korean universities accept?
TOEFL and IELTS are commonly used, while some universities accept TEPS or other qualifications. Accepted tests and minimum scores vary by program.
Does ‘English-taught courses available’ mean my whole degree is in English?
No. It may mean only some courses are taught in English. Check the English-course ratio and required curriculum of your specific department.
Can English test scores help me receive a scholarship?
Yes, at some universities. Current university listings show international scholarships linked to IELTS or TOEFL scores, but each university sets its own policy.
Where can I find English-taught programs in Korea?
Study in Korea provides a university search with an English-Taught Courses filter. After finding possible programs, verify the latest details directly with each university.
Should I still learn Korean if my degree is in English?
Yes. Korean is not always required academically, but it can make everyday life, internships, networking, and future employment in Korea considerably easier.
