The higher education system of the Republic of Korea has been actively developing since the late 1940′s. At that time there were only about 2 thousand people with a university degree (obtained, usually abroad) on the 30-million populations. After independence in Korea began to actively develop high schools.

To obtain a bachelor’s degree, you must prouchitsya four years (during training medicine and dentistry – 6 years). Duration Masters Course is two years. To obtain a doctoral degree to learn another three years. Foreign students are available Bachelor and Master program in English.

For admission to a South Korean university student is not enough to produce school-leaving certificate, you must unlearn one year in college. Also need to attend a course transcript and a certificate of surrender of IELTS or TOEFL. Private higher education institutions may impose their own requirements for admission.

Higher education institutions

Currently in Korea there are 419 high schools with an enrollment of 3,550,000 students. Officially, there are five types of schools (not counting the military and religious schools): universities, colleges, teacher training institutions, open universities and distance learning. The highest step of the hierarchy is occupied universities with a 4-year courses. All educational institutions controlled by the Ministry of Education do offer student loans for those who are in need.

Korean universities vary greatly in prestige and quality of teaching.

At the top of the hierarchical pyramid is a Seoul National University (Seoul National University), founded in 1946 based on the force at the Japanese Gyeongseong Imperial University. The second echelon form several leading private universities in the Korean capital – Koryo (Korea University) and Ense (Yonsei University), and Ewha Women’s University (Ewha Women University).

Close to these elite universities for prestige are Phohansky Polytechnic Institute and another 2-3 Seoul university. The third category is about 30 private universities in Seoul and provincial public universities.

Ministry of Education annual rankings of universities. Estimate takes into account the results in several areas, including academic work, the ratio of teachers and students, facilities, financial performance and other Universities who hold higher positions in the ranking may be eligible for additional financial support from the government.

A typical large Korean university has a faculty of 10-20 (tehak). In some smaller provincial universities, colleges can not be, they are directly from the Chairs (hakkva). Leading universities to actively develop the exchange program.

On average, Korean universities have developed infrastructure. Particular attention is paid to the introduction of information technology.

Tuition fees and accommodation

Education in Korea at the bachelor’s program costs an average of 2,3-4 million won, or 1,5-7,5 thousand dollars a year to master – to 9 thousand dollars per year. In this case, a direct connection between the prestigious universities and tuition fees it does not exist: at the Seoul University study is cheaper than some third-rate provincial universities.

Expenditure on accommodation and meals will make 500-700 dollars depending on the city and living conditions. Accommodation is usually arranged in dormitories on the campus-based universities. For example, in the Seoul University, the costs of hostel accommodation are 435-665 thousand won per month.

Scholarship for foreigners

Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea offers two types of scholarships for foreign students. This is a “government grant» (Korean Government Scholarship), calculated on the tuition fees for master’s and doctoral programs, as well as short-term scientific training (from 6 months. Up to a year). The scholarship covers full tuition fees, accommodation, medical insurance, and airfare. Every year they get about 200 students from abroad.

We also offer scholarships for study at master’s and doctoral programs (Ph.D. & Master Studentship for Foreigners), which distributes the Korea Research Foundation. They are focused on undergraduate and graduate students studying natural and engineering sciences. The scholarship for master’s degree programs and graduate students is 850 thousand won per month.

Leading state universities of the country provide scholarships for foreign students with outstanding academic performance. They are provided in the form of 50-70% discount on tuition.

Working while studying

Foreign students are allowed to work on a student visa on campus up to 20 hours a week (and without restrictions during the holidays), but only after 6 months. After admission.

Visa

To obtain a student visa D-2, the following documents: proof of enrollment at the University, translated and notarized copy of the matriculation certificate (or diploma) as well as documents proving the financial viability of applicants (at least 10 thousand dollars a month).