Study in South Korea

• Benefits of Studying in South Korea:
  • Offers an excellent experience for those interested in foreign cultures and languages.
  • South Korea is an attractive destination for expanding horizons.
  • Opportunity to pursue higher education in a leading economy.
• Famous Universities in South Korea:
  • Woosong University
  • Kyungdong University
  • Solbridge
  • Ajou University
  • Seoul University
• Visa Code University:
  • Mention a specific university in South Korea with no visa rejections.
  • Emphasizes the ease of obtaining a visa with low costs.
• Appeal to Nepali Students:
  • South Korea is becoming one of the best destinations for Nepali students.
  • First Nepali student arrived in the late 70s.
  • About 500 Nepali students have completed degrees or research in Korea.
  • Diverse fields of study, including biochemistry, Nano-Science, and more.
• International Student Enrollment:
  • In 2017, around 70,230 international students enrolled in degree programs.
  • Another 51,860 registered in non-degree studies.
  • South Korea aims to have 200,000 international students by 2023.
• Academic Programs and Research Facilities:
  • About 400 national and private universities in South Korea.
  • Some universities have state-of-the-art research facilities.
  • Internationalization-oriented universities conduct 30% of lectures in English.
• Language of Instruction:
  • Graduate programs have more classes in English than undergraduate courses.
  • Some universities offer courses entirely in English.
  • Option to enroll in a Korean language course before the academic session.

Overall, the content highlights the appeal of South Korea for international students, especially Nepali students, the diversity of fields of study, and the country’s goal to attract a significant number of international students. It also emphasizes the language options available and provides information on a specific university with a favorable visa process.

Why Study in South Korea?

• Modern Cities and Dynamic Lifestyle:
  • South Korea boasts advanced, modern cities with a fast-paced lifestyle.
  • Large populations and bustling urban areas create a vibrant atmosphere.
• Divergence from North Korea:
  • Since 1948, South Korea has significantly diverged from its neighbor, North Korea.
  • The two countries have distinct political, economic, and social trajectories.
• Blend of Tradition and Modernity:
  • South Korea represents a blend of the old and the new.
  • Presence of historical landmarks such as temples, palaces, and UNESCO World Heritage sites alongside modern buildings.
• Cultural Richness:
  • South Korea is proud of its rich history and culture.
  • It has retained a distinct identity and cultural heritage despite American cultural influence.
• Educational Opportunities:
  • Offers diverse and high-quality educational opportunities for international students.
  • Attracts students with a wide range of academic interests and specialties.
• International Exposure:
  • South Korea exposes international students to a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences.
  • The country’s global connections contribute to a rich and diverse cultural experience.
• Technological Advancements:
  • Known for its cutting-edge technology and innovation.
  • Students can benefit from access to state-of-the-art research facilities and academic resources.
• Language and Communication:
  • Opportunity to learn and improve language skills, especially in Korean.
  • English is widely used, providing a conducive environment for international students.
• Job Opportunities:
  • South Korea’s thriving economy offers potential job opportunities for international graduates.
  • Access to multinational companies and diverse industries.
• Quality of Life:
  • Generally, there is a high quality of life with efficient public transportation, healthcare, and safety.
  • Cultural experiences, entertainment options, and a welcoming society enhance the student experience.

In summary, studying in South Korea as an international student offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, a rich cultural experience, access to advanced educational resources, and potential career opportunities in a thriving economy. The country’s distinctive identity and dynamic environment create a memorable and enriching academic journey.

Education System in South Korea

• Educational System Structure:
  • Follows a 6-3-3-4 ladder pattern: elementary school (1st to 6th grades), middle school (7th to 9th grades), high school (10th to 12th grades), and higher education (junior college, college, and university).
• Higher Education Institutions:
  • Includes universities, industrial universities, junior technological universities, and miscellaneous institutions.
  • Four categories of institutions: (1) four-year undergraduate programs, (2) junior colleges, (3) universities of education and colleges of education, and (4) miscellaneous schools like theological colleges and seminaries.
• Language of Instruction:
  • About 30% of courses are conducted in English.
  • English language instruction is more common in graduate courses compared to undergraduate programs.
• Types of Programs:
  • Regular Semester Programs: Courses during the regular semester with both Korean and international students, running from spring through fall. The language of instruction is either Korean or a foreign language, often English.
  • Short-Term Exchange Programs: International exchange programs for short periods, including summer or winter breaks, a semester, or a year.
  • Vacation Period Programs: Summer and winter programs for international students, focusing on Korean language, culture, and general education courses.
• Types of Higher Institutions:
  • Junior Colleges: Offer two and three-year programs with majors in humanities, social sciences, health, performing arts, physical education, natural sciences, and engineering.
  • Undergraduate Programs: Similar to Western universities, with four years of coursework. Medicine, dentistry, and oriental medicine degrees typically take six years.
  • Graduate Schools (Master’s and PhD Programs): Two types – generalist graduate schools focusing on academic research and specialist graduate schools preparing students for business practices. Some offer evening classes for workers. Graduate programs often have more courses in English than undergraduate programs.
• Admission Requirements for Graduate Programs:
  • Bachelor’s degree or expected graduation certificate required.
  • English or Korean proficiency test scores may be necessary.
  • Some programs may offer Korean pre-master courses for international students.
• Application Information:
  • A link is provided for more information about studying in Korea as an international student.
  • Another link directs to a list of Korean universities and colleges.

This information provides a comprehensive overview of the South Korean educational system, the types of programs available, and the structure of higher education institutions. It also highlights admission requirements for graduate programs and offers resources for prospective international students.

Admission Intake in South Korea

• Application Period Overview:
  • Spring Semester (March Intake): Applications are typically accepted from September to November.
  • Autumn Semester (September Intake): The application period usually runs from May to June.
• University-Specific Deadlines:
  • Application deadlines may vary between universities.
  • Prospective students are advised to confirm specific application dates with the university they intend to apply to.
• Preparation Timeline:
  • Prospective students should initiate preparations approximately one year before the planned arrival time.
  • Adequate planning and preparation are crucial for a smooth application process.

This information emphasizes the importance of checking the specific application periods for individual universities, as deadlines may differ. It also underscores the need for early preparations, emphasizing that prospective students should start planning a year before arrival.

Student visa and documantation

• Student Visa (D-2):
  • Required before departure for South Korea.
  • Obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal.
• Required Documents for Student Visa:

Certificate of Admission:

• Issued by the president of the college or university.
• Includes decisions on academic and financial ability.

Certification of the Last School Attended:

• Copy of the mark sheet and passing certificate.

1. Letter of Personal Reference or Financial Affidavit.

Bank Statement:

• This is necessary if the student is responsible for paying fees.

For Research Scholars:

• Documents proving research activity.
• Additional Information:
  • The provided link directs to more information regarding the student visa process.

This information outlines the essential documents required to obtain a student visa (D-2) for South Korea. It emphasizes the importance of documentation related to admission, financial ability, and, in the case of research scholars, research activity. Additionally, a link is provided for further details on the student visa process.

Job in South Korea

• Part-Time Employment for International Students:
  • Regulations by the Ministry of Justice allow international students in full-time degree programs in Korea to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during the semester.
  • Unlimited hours are allowed during summer or winter vacations.
  • Criteria for eligibility include having a recommendation letter from a faculty professor, international student status with a D-2 visa, and enrollment for more than six months (one semester) in a higher education institution.
• Full-Time Employment:
  • Only individuals with specific skills or professional abilities, as outlined in Korean immigration laws, can engage in full-time employment.
  • Permissible activities include college lecturing (E-1), foreign language teaching (E-2), research (E-3), technological assistance (E-4), professional skills (E-5), arts and entertainment (E-6), and specially designed activities (E-7).
• Gold Card System:
  • The Gold Card system is based on new employment regulations for international students.
  • Graduates from Korean universities with majors in specified fields such as IT, e-business, BT, NT, new materials, transportation equipment, digital electronics, environment, and energy can use this system.
  • Developed by the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) in cooperation with the Ministry of Knowledge Economy (MKE), Hi Korea, and GT GlobalTech Korea.
• For More Information:
  • I provided links to additional information on part-time employment regulations, full-time employment options, and details about the Gold Card system.

This information clarifies the regulations and opportunities for part-time and full-time employment for international students in South Korea. It also introduces the Gold Card system and provides links for further details on each aspect.

Scholarship in South Korea

• University Scholarship Programs:
  • Many Korean universities offer various scholarship programs for international students.
  • Some scholarships are based on academic performance, covering tuition from 30% to 100%.
  • Scholarships may be specific to international students; details can be found on university websites or by contacting admissions staff.
  • Additional information is available on the study Korea homepage run by the Korean government.
• Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP):
  • Various Korean government institutions provide scholarships for international students.
  • The Global Korea Scholarship, initiated in 2010, is supported by the government and implemented by the National Institute of International Education Development (NIIED).
  • Ministries, including Education, Science and Technology, Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Foreign Affairs and Trade, offer different scholarship programs for international students.
• Korean Government Scholarship Program from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology:
• Purpose:
  • Provide international students the opportunity for advanced studies in undergraduate and graduate programs in the Republic of Korea.
  • Promote international exchange in education and mutual friendship.
• Eligibility:
  • Open to students from countries with diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea.
• For More Information:
  • I provided links directly to more information on scholarships offered by individual universities and the Korean government’s scholarship programs.

This information outlines the availability of scholarship programs in South Korea, including those offered by universities and various Korean government institutions. It also highlights details about the Korean Government Scholarship Program from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology. Links are provided for further information on each scholarship program.