Study in South Korea from India

South Korea can be a good fit for Indian students who plan around three things: the real cost in rupees, how much Korean you'll need, and which scholarship you can realistically get. The government's Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is worth a try, but Study in Korea says most universities also offer their own scholarships.

Below: average costs, scholarships, intakes and the D-2 visa, from official Korean sources checked on 18 October 2026.

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Why study in South Korea?

• Lower average tuition at national and public universities: about KRW 4.27 million a year for undergraduates (about ₹3,04,100, approx., ECB rate of 16 Oct 2026).
• University scholarships: Study in Korea says most universities offer scholarships covering 30% to 100% of tuition, based on grades.
• A government scholarship, GKS, that covers tuition, airfare, Korean-language training and a monthly allowance.
• Two intakes: spring in March and autumn (fall) in September.
• Part-time work is possible once immigration gives you permission.

Is Korea right for you?

Start with language. Some programmes are taught in English, with entry rules set by each university, but Korean is needed for Korean-taught degrees and decides how many hours you can work part-time. It is measured by TOPIK: TOPIK I is Levels 1 and 2 (beginner), TOPIK II is Levels 3 to 6.

There are two routes in:

• Degree route (D-2 visa): you go straight into a bachelor's, master's or doctoral programme.
• Language route (D-4 visa): you first study Korean at a university language institute, which is not a degree.

Cost of studying in South Korea for Indian students (in INR)

Rupee conversions on this page are approx., ECB rate of 16 Oct 2026 (European Central Bank, ₹7.13 per 100 KRW).

Tuition (undergraduate averages)

Study in Korea publishes average yearly undergraduate tuition from Academy Info data:

Fees vary by university and subject; check each university or academyinfo.go.kr.

Living costs

Study in Korea puts living costs at KRW 750,000 to 1,000,000 a month (about ₹53,500 to ₹71,300 a month, approx., ECB rate of 16 Oct 2026). Housing is the biggest part at KRW 500,000 to 700,000, and the total includes food, transport, phone, internet and health insurance.

One year: GKS vs university scholarship vs self-funded

All rupee figures in this table are approx., ECB rate of 16 Oct 2026.

Add the student visa fee (Study in Korea gives about USD 60 for a single-entry visa for a stay over 90 days, about ₹5,700, approx., ECB rate of 16 Oct 2026; double- and multiple-entry visas cost more) and your flights. See also our top 10 cheapest countries to study abroad.

Scholarships

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

Run by NIIED for the Korean government, GKS covers airfare, Korean-language training, tuition and monthly allowances. You usually spend a year learning Korean before your degree.

• Undergraduate (GKS-U): you and both parents must be non-Korean, you must be under 25 and have finished, or be finishing, high school, with for example 80% or more overall or a place in the top 20% of your class. The Embassy Track for 2027 closed on 30 September 2026. On the University Track, each university sets its own window (NIIED says September to November), with results in December.
• Postgraduate (GKS-G): for applicants under 40 with a completed degree and at least 80%. It is usually announced in February, with applications in February and March and results in June.

University scholarships

Study in Korea says most universities offer scholarships of 30% to 100% of tuition based on grades. Each university sets its own rules. Read more in our guide to scholarships and financial aid in affordable study destinations.

Universities and courses

Whether you're drawn to engineering, IT, business, design or Korean studies, we don't start from rankings. We help you choose a course and university that fits your marks, budget, language level and scholarship chances. Compare destinations: choosing a country to study abroad in 2026 and affordable, quality study destinations.

Intakes and timeline

The spring semester starts in March and the autumn (fall) semester in September. Each university sets its own application dates, so treat this as a rough plan:

• About 12 months before: shortlist universities, note each one's deadline and check its language requirements.
• Before each deadline: prepare documents, apply, and ask each university about its scholarships.
• After your admission letter: apply for the visa early; the Mumbai consulate, for example, asks for at least one month before travel.
• Within 90 days of arriving: register as a foreign resident (alien registration) if staying more than 90 days.

South Korea student visa (D-2) from India

Degree students need a D-2 visa. Korean-language students need a D-4-1. You apply at the Korean embassy or consulate after you get your admission letter. The Mumbai consulate, for example, says visas are generally issued within 10 days and asks you to apply at least one month before travel.

Documents on the Study in Korea list:

• Passport copy and one recent photo
• Standard admission letter and a copy of the university's business registration certificate
• Proof of your highest education
• Proof of financial ability
• TB test result, if it applies to you
• Family-relationship proof, only if you use your parents' bank statements

Missions may ask for more. A D-2 visa is issued for up to two years at a time.