The cost of studying in Korea depends on your university, program, city, and lifestyle. University tuition averages around KRW 6.8 million per year nationally, while international students should also budget for housing, food, transportation, insurance, and other daily expenses.
How much money do you need to study in Korea?
There is no single answer because the cost can vary significantly depending on where and what you study.
A student attending a public university outside Seoul and living in a dormitory may spend much less than someone attending a private university in Seoul and renting a private studio.
Your total budget should therefore include much more than tuition.
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University Tuition in Korea
Tuition varies by university, degree, and field of study.
According to the Korean government’s Study in Korea platform, the average annual tuition at four-year universities is approximately KRW 6.8 million.
National and public universities average around KRW 4.3 million per year, while private universities average around KRW 7.6 million. Universities in metropolitan areas average approximately KRW 7.7 million, compared with around KRW 6.3 million outside metropolitan areas.
These are national averages rather than fixed prices.
Programs in engineering, science, arts, and other specialized fields may cost more, while tuition also differs between undergraduate and graduate programs.
Always check the current tuition published by the university before applying.
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Living Costs in Korea
Tuition is only one part of your study abroad budget.
The Korean government’s Study in Korea platform currently gives an estimated average living cost of approximately KRW 750,000 to KRW 1,000,000 per month for international students.
Actual spending can be higher, especially if you live alone in Seoul, eat out frequently, travel often, or have an active social life.
Students living in university dormitories or outside Seoul may be able to reduce their monthly expenses considerably.
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Housing
Housing is usually one of the largest monthly expenses.
Study in Korea provides a general housing estimate of approximately KRW 500,000 to KRW 700,000 per month, although actual costs vary significantly according to location and housing type.
International students commonly choose between university dormitories, private studios, shared housing, and other rental options.
University dormitories are often one of the simplest options for newly arrived international students because they are close to campus and usually require less knowledge of Korea’s rental system.
Private housing can provide more independence but may require a substantial deposit in addition to monthly rent.
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Food
How much you spend on food depends heavily on your lifestyle.
Study in Korea estimates approximately KRW 200,000 to KRW 300,000 per month for food and lists university cafeteria meals at roughly KRW 5,000 to KRW 15,000.
Eating mainly at university cafeterias or cooking at home can help reduce expenses.
Regular restaurant meals, cafés, food delivery, and nightlife can increase your monthly budget considerably.
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Transportation
Public transportation in Korea is relatively affordable and makes it possible for most students in major cities to live without a car.
Study in Korea estimates monthly transportation expenses at approximately KRW 50,000 to KRW 100,000.
Your actual cost will depend on where you live and how often you travel.
Living near your university can reduce both transportation costs and commuting time.
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Phone, Internet, and Health Insurance
You should also budget for expenses that are easy to overlook before arriving.
These may include mobile service, internet, health insurance, textbooks, university fees, household supplies, and personal expenses.
Study in Korea estimates around KRW 100,000 to KRW 200,000 per month for miscellaneous expenses including communication and health insurance.
International students may also be subject to Korea’s National Health Insurance system depending on their visa and residency status.
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How Much Should You Budget for One Year?
As a simple planning benchmark, an undergraduate student should consider both tuition and at least 12 months of living expenses.
Using current government averages, tuition alone is approximately KRW 6.8 million per year nationally, while general living expenses can amount to roughly KRW 9 million to KRW 12 million over 12 months.
That means a rough starting budget could be around:
Tuition: approximately KRW 4–8 million or more per year depending on the university and program
Living expenses: approximately KRW 9–12 million or more per year
Additional costs: airfare, visa-related expenses, deposits, books, personal travel, and initial setup costs
This is only a planning estimate.
A student living independently in central Seoul may need considerably more, while a student at a regional university with affordable dormitory housing may spend less.
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Seoul vs Other Cities
Location can have a major impact on your budget.
Seoul gives students access to a large number of universities, activities, international communities, and employment opportunities, but housing is often one of the biggest financial considerations.
Universities outside the Seoul metropolitan area may offer lower housing and living costs.
The national tuition data also shows a difference: metropolitan universities average approximately KRW 7.7 million annually, while non-metropolitan universities average about KRW 6.3 million.
For students with a limited budget, comparing universities outside Seoul can therefore be worthwhile.
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Scholarships Can Reduce the Cost
The published tuition price is not always the amount you will actually pay.
Many Korean universities provide scholarships or tuition reductions for international students.
Scholarships may be based on admission results, academic performance, Korean language ability, or other university-specific criteria.
The Korean government also operates the Global Korea Scholarship, known as GKS.
When comparing universities, look at both tuition and the scholarships realistically available to you.
A university with a higher published tuition may ultimately cost less if it provides a substantial scholarship.
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Do Not Forget the Initial Costs
Your first month in Korea can be more expensive than a normal month.
You may need money for airfare, housing deposits, dormitory payments, bedding, household items, transportation cards, mobile service, and other initial expenses.
Students renting private accommodation should pay particular attention to Korea’s deposit system.
Do not plan your budget based only on normal monthly living expenses.
Keeping additional funds available for your first few weeks can make the transition much easier.
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How to Build Your Korea Study Budget
Start with the exact tuition charged by your university rather than using a national average.
Then add your expected housing cost, food, transportation, phone and internet, insurance, and personal spending.
Finally, include one-time expenses such as flights, visa preparation, housing deposits, and moving costs.
It is also sensible to keep an emergency budget.
The cheapest option is not necessarily the best option. Your goal should be to find a study plan that you can realistically afford for the entire period you intend to stay in Korea.
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FAQ
How much is university tuition in Korea for international students?
Tuition depends on the university and program. The Korean government’s Study in Korea platform lists the national average for four-year universities at approximately KRW 6.8 million per year.
How much does an international student need per month in Korea?
Study in Korea provides a general estimate of approximately KRW 750,000 to KRW 1,000,000 per month for living expenses. Actual costs can be higher depending on housing, city, and lifestyle.
Is studying outside Seoul cheaper?
It can be. Housing and some everyday expenses may be lower outside Seoul, and average university tuition is also lower outside metropolitan areas according to current government figures.
Are public universities cheaper than private universities?
On average, yes. National and public universities average approximately KRW 4.3 million annually, compared with approximately KRW 7.6 million at private universities.
Can international students get scholarships in Korea?
Yes. The Korean government and individual universities provide various scholarships for international students. Eligibility, scholarship amounts, and renewal requirements vary by program and university.
