South Korea is one of the most robust economies in the world and is a pioneer in technological innovations. This country also has notable achievements in the education field and serves a vast number of international students with its top schools, colleges, universities, etc.

South Korean universities like Seoul National University (SNU)., Sejong University, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST), etc, have prestigious positions nationally and internationally. There are multiple factors behind the ranking of any educational institute, including universities. 

Overall performance and education standards are evaluated based on publication, citation, number and percentage of highly cited papers, etc. The reputation of global research conducted by a university is also taken into account, particularly when sorting out global rankings. Considering all such ranking indicators, the top 12 universities in South Korea are discussed in detail here. 

List of top 12 Universities in South Korea

Here is the list of the top 12 universities in South Korea:

• Seoul National University (SNU)
• Yonsei University
• Sejong University
• Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
• Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST)
• Korea University
• Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)
• Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology (UNIST)
• Hanyang University
• Kyung Hee University
• Kyungpook National University
• Pusan National University

1. Seoul National University (SNU)

This is the top-ranked university in South Korea that is equally famous among local and international students. It is located in the capital city, Seoul which is famous for its economic developments and technological advancement. Seoul National University (SNU) ranks 135th on the list of Best Global Universities. In Asian global universities, it is ranked at the 23th position. 

This institution offers courses related to all fields of life. Some notable subjects include Engineering, Mathematics, Microbiology, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Optics, Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Physical Chemistry. Around 3,812 international students are enrolled in its various programs, and this figure also includes scholarship-based enrollments. 

Housing facilities are available for both undergraduate and graduate programs, and there are specific work-study programs for international students to cover their tuition fees. All the courses are taught in Korea, and 10 to 20 percent are in English. Kyujanggak Institute for Korean Studies and the Big Data Institute are two research institutes that work under the name of this university. 

2. Yonsei University

Yonsei University is second in South Korea and is highly ranked globally and in Asian regions. This private Institute was founded in 1957 and offers study programs for both domestic and international students.

It has various companies, and the Sinchon campus is working as its main branch in Seoul. This university is ranked at the 205th position in the list of Best Global Universities, and it is 42th in the list of Best Global Universities in Asia. Some of its key subjects with high rankings are Artificial Intelligence, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Energy and Fuels, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mechanical Engineering, Oncology, Surgery, etc. 

Various subjects are taught in Korean in both graduate and undergraduate programs. However, some specific programs are completely taught in English. Underwood International College is an art institute that is completely based on English as a medium of instruction. The Institute of Convergence Science and the Institute of Korean Studies are notable research institutes behind its high publications.

3. Sejong University

This university was founded in 1940 with the aim of educating and training individuals who prioritize national interest and strive for the country’s development. It has multiple undergraduate and graduate programs for local and foreign students. Its Deep Learning Architecture Research Center is behind its notable work for learning-based architectural engineering technologies.

Sejong University is ranked 241st among the Best Global Universities and 50th among the Best Global Universities in Asia. Some of the subjects that contribute to its high global score are Artificial Intelligence, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mathematics, and Water Resources. 

It offers multiple courses in English and Korean. Students are free to choose an undergraduate school, an MBA graduate school, or a graduate school of general studies for the English or Korean track. In addition to English and Korean, specific courses are available in Chinese. This diversity is also behind the high ratio of international students from various regions. It also offers scholarships on the basis of the TOPIK, a Korean language test, and English Proficiency scores.

4. Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)

This university is an ancient institute of the Joseon Dynasty, founded in 1398. It is the 4th best global university in South Korea. In the list of Best Global Universities in Asia, it has 58th position. Its branches are divided into two main categories: humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Seoul and Suwon are two cities where Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)’s campuses are located. 

Around 4,333 international students are getting an education with their enrolments in various courses and programs. Some of its subjects with high global ranking are Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Oncology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Physical Chemistry, etc.

All courses available for local students are the same for international ones. Korean is the basic learning medium. However, certain courses, like the SKK Graduate School of Business MBA program, are fully available in English. 

The school is also famous among foreigners for its merit scholarships, which are granted based on a student’s grade point averages. The Center for East Asian History and the Zero Emission Center are two popular institutes behind its extensive research work and publications. 

5. Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST)

KAIST is in the 5th position in South Korea, with around 10,111 students in total. This figure also includes 819 international students, and multiple government-based scholarships are available for its students. It has secured a 65th position in the list of the Best Global Universities in Asia. 

Here, subjects that are famous worldwide and have high rankings are Chemistry, Computer Science, Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, and Optics. Its programs are based on semester systems, and English is the medium of learning. However, some subjects are also available in Korean. 

KI for BioCentury, KI for NanoCentury, KI for Health Science and Technology, KI for Robotics, and KI for Information Technology Convergence are its five research institutes offering the most advanced research facilities. KAIST’s Undergraduate Research Participation Program is focused on motivating its students to contribute efforts for research work. 

6. Korea University

Korea University started its journey as Bosung College in 1905. It secured a 67th position in the list of Best Global Universities in Asia. Some of its subjects with good global rankings are Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Condensed Matter Physics, Engineering, etc. It has two campuses, one in Seoul and the other one in Sejong. 

The Seoul campus is accommodating more students as it is larger than the other one. Around three-quarters of students are enrolled on this campus. Here, housing is available with proper facilities for accommodating national and international students.

Both university-based and government-sponsored scholarships are available here to get concessions. Law school and business school are some of its institutes for professional degrees. It also has undergraduate programs covering various subjects for Korean and non-Korean students. 

The KU Biodefense Research Institute, the Research Institute for Information and Communication Technology, and the Brain and Motivation Research Institute are three institutes for research facilities. They are behind its high number of publications and citations. 

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7. Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)

This university is ranked 7th number in South Korea and offers multiple programs to 3,300 students.

In the list of Best Global Universities, Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) secured 385th position. It is also 92nd in the Best Global Universities in Asia. This institute has global recognition, and around 158 international students are currently enrolled in its courses. 

Some of its subjects that are ranked in the top 100 positions in the world are Chemistry, Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Optics, and Physical Chemistry. The majority of its undergraduate and graduate programs are taught in English. To promote the Korean language among students, its POSTECH Korean Language Program is working effectively. 

Pohang Accelerator Laboratory is the institute behind multiple publications and citations. It is also the country’s first and only synchrotron radiation accelerator. POSTECH’s Undergraduate Research Program offers funding to a specific number of its students for active participation in research work each year. 

8. Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology (UNIST)

Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology (UNIST) is in 391st ranking in Best Global Universities, with its 8th position in South Korea. In the list of Best Global Universities in Asia,  it is in the 94th position, offering multiple undergraduate and graduate programs. 

It started its journey in 2009 with the aim of becoming one of the top 10 science and technology universities in the world by 2030. Around 3,799 students are currently enrolled in various programs, and among them, 340 are international students. Some of its colleges are the College of Engineering, the College of Information and Biotechnology, and the College of Natural Sciences. 

Some of its subjects that rank at the top in the world are Condensed Matter Physics, Energy and Fuels, Materials Science, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, and Physical Chemistry. Some of the institutes behind its massive research work are the UNIST Supercomputing Center, UNIST Central Research Facilities (UCRF), and Technology Commercialization Center. 

9. Hanyang University

Hanyang University, located in Seoul city, is ranked 9th on the list of top global universities in South Korea. This institute has a worldwide reputation, with its 445th position on the list of the Best Global Universities. It is also ranked 105th on the list of Best Global Universities in Asia. 

It was founded in 1939 and is a pioneer of engineering studies in South Korea. This institution effortlessly works for the engineering development of this country. The College of Engineering, College of Medicine, College of Humanities, College of Social Sciences, etc., are some of its departments working under its Seoul campus. Meanwhile, its ERICA campus comprises around 9 colleges and 42 different departments. 

Chemical Engineering, Condensed Matter Physics, Energy and Fuels, Environmental Engineering Materials Science, etc, are its notable subjects that are among top 100 ranking in the world. Its programs like the Exchange Program with Foreign Exchange Students, Hanyang International Summer School, and the Study Abroad Program for Summer / Winter School are focused on international students. 

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10 Kyung Hee University

This university is at the 516th rank in the list of Best Global Universities, and it started its journey in 1949. With its top-notch education programs and courses, it has secured the 128th position among the Best Global Universities in Asia. The total number of students in its various graduate and undergraduate programs is around 20,427. This figure also includes 6,123 international students.

Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Food Science and Technology, and Polymer Science are its subjects, which are among the world’s top 100 rankings. Kyung Hee University has campuses in Seoul and Suwon. Its courses are taught in both Korean and English, which is why the ratio of foreign students in its programs is high. 

Some of its prestigious research institutes, including the Advanced Display Research Center, Center for Converging Humanities, Center for Digital Health, and East-West Medical Research Institute, are located on the Seoul campus. The global campus has separate research facilities, such as the Design Research Institute, Institute of Global Affairs, and Institute of Natural Science. 

11. Kyungpook National University

This university was established in 1949 as part of the Kyung Hee University System. Its total number of students in various courses is around 18,432, of which 2,556 are foreigners. Both graduate and undergraduate programs are offered at its Seoul and Suwon campuses. 

Kyungpook National University is ranked 199th among the Best Global Universities in Asia. Its College of Korean Medicine provides remarkable service in traditional Korean medicine. Also, its study abroad program collaborates with 434 sister universities in worldwide regions. 

Agricultural Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry, Clinical Medicine, Computer Science, Condensed Matter Physics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, etc. are notable subjects with high global rankings. Courses are available in both English and Korean to accommodate students from various nationalities. 

12. Pusan National University

This national institute is in the 12th position in South Korea and is among its Flagship Korean National Universities. It was developed as the first natural university right after the National Liberation Day of Korea in 1946. 

Pusan National University is working with its campuses: Busan Campus, Ami Campus, Miryang Campus, and Yangsan Campus.  Its special graduate colleges include the Graduate School of Public Administration, Graduate School of Education, Graduate School of Industry, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, etc. Likewise, the Graduate School of Public Administration, Graduate School of Education, Graduate School of Industry, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, etc . are some of its graduate programs covering both local and international students. 

It is 205th on the list of best Global Universities in Asia. Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Geosciences, Oncology, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, etc., are notable subjects with high global rankings. 

Bottom Line

South Korea’s remarkable progress and advanced infrastructure offer multiple growth opportunities. This country’s efforts in research, technology, trading, etc., are matchless. It also provides high educational opportunities to local and international students. Its prestigious universities, such as Korea University, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Seoul National University (SNU), etc., have multiple scholarship programs and offer concessions on tuition fees. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is South Korea a Good Place for Students?

Yes, South Korea is one of the top places in the world for getting top-quality undergraduate and graduate education programs. 

What Is the Cost of Living as an International Student in South Korea?

The average cost of living for an international student is around $800 to $1,200 per month. This includes accommodation, daily expenses, food, travel charges, etc. 

Is South Korea Safe for Female Students?

Yes, it is one of the safest places in the world for female students to live and travel alone while getting an education from any global institute.