Study in South Korea
GKS scholarships, dynamic economy, and vibrant student culture
South Korea has emerged as an exciting study destination for Nepali students, offering world-class education at affordable tuition, generous government scholarships (GKS/KGSP), and a dynamic, technology-driven economy. Korean universities are rapidly rising in global rankings, and the Korean Wave (Hallyu) has generated enormous interest in Korean language and culture worldwide. With a growing Nepali community and relatively straightforward visa process, South Korea offers a unique combination of academic quality, cultural experience, and career opportunity.
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Top Universities Available
Through our direct partnerships, we help you gain admission to leading universities. Here are some of the top institutions available through our Study in South Korea program.
Seoul National University (SNU)
QS #31Seoul
South Korea's top university and a leading research institution in Asia.
Korea University
QS #65Seoul
One of the prestigious 'SKY' universities with strong programs in business, law, and engineering.
Yonsei University
QS #56Seoul
A 'SKY' university known for internationalization and strong science and engineering programs.
KAIST
QS #53Daejeon
Korea's top science and technology university. Full tuition scholarship for all admitted students.
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
QS #100Seoul/Suwon
Samsung-affiliated university with strong engineering and business programs and generous scholarships.
Kyung Hee University
QS #332Seoul
Popular among international students for Korean language programs and hospitality/tourism studies.
Eligibility Requirements
Meeting these requirements strengthens your application. Our counselors can help you identify areas to improve and present the strongest possible profile.
- Completed +2 or equivalent (for Bachelors) or a recognized Bachelor's degree (for Masters/PhD)
- For English-taught programs: IELTS 5.5-6.0 or TOEFL 72-80
- For Korean-taught programs: TOPIK Level 3-4 or above
- GPA requirement varies by university (typically 80% or above for GKS scholarship)
- Nepali citizenship for GKS scholarship (both parents must also not be Korean nationals)
- Age: under 25 for GKS undergraduate, under 40 for GKS graduate
Application Process
We have streamlined the study abroad application process into clear, manageable steps. Our team guides you through each stage to maximize your chances of admission.
Free Counseling & Pathway Discussion
We discuss whether GKS scholarship, self-funded university application, or Korean language school followed by university is the best pathway for you based on your profile, budget, and career goals.
GKS Scholarship Application
For GKS applicants, we help you prepare all required documents: study plan, personal statement, recommendation letters, academic transcripts, and language certificates. We guide you on writing a compelling study plan that aligns with Korea's development priorities.
University Direct Application
For self-funded students, we help you select and apply to 3-5 Korean universities. We prepare your application documents, including translated and notarized academic records, SOP, and recommendation letters.
TOPIK/IELTS Preparation
If you plan to study in Korean, we guide you on TOPIK preparation resources. For English-taught programs, we help you achieve the required IELTS or TOEFL score. Many GKS scholars study Korean for 1 year in Korea before starting their degree.
D-2 Visa Application
After receiving your admission letter (and scholarship confirmation for GKS), we guide you through the D-2 student visa application at the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Pre-Departure Orientation
We provide comprehensive orientation on life in South Korea including dormitory registration, alien registration card, bank account setup, phone plans, and connecting with the Nepali student community at your university.
Costs & Scholarships
Understanding the financial commitment is crucial for planning your study abroad journey. Here is a breakdown of typical costs and available funding options.
National universities charge ₩4,000,000-6,000,000/year (approx. NPR 5-7 lakh). Private universities charge ₩6,000,000-10,000,000/year (NPR 7-12 lakh). KAIST and some STEM programs offer full tuition scholarships to all admitted students regardless of nationality. GKS scholars pay zero tuition.
Seoul costs ₩800,000-1,000,000/month for living expenses. Other cities like Busan, Daejeon, and Gwangju cost ₩600,000-800,000/month. University dormitories are the most affordable option at ₩200,000-400,000/month. GKS scholars receive a monthly allowance of ₩900,000-1,000,000 which is sufficient to live comfortably.
GKS/KGSP Scholarship covers full tuition, monthly allowance of ₩900,000 (undergraduate) to ₩1,000,000 (graduate), return airfare, settlement allowance of ₩200,000, medical insurance, and 1 year of Korean language training. Many universities also offer their own 30-100% tuition scholarships for international students based on grades and TOPIK level.
Costs are estimates and vary by university and city. Call +977-9849998031 or fill out the form for personalized cost estimates based on your preferred universities.
Student Life
Studying abroad is about more than just academics. Here is what you can expect from life as an international student.
South Korea offers an exciting and dynamic student life. Korean universities have a vibrant campus culture with numerous student clubs, festivals, and social events. The MT (membership training) — an overnight group trip — is a uniquely Korean university tradition that helps you bond with classmates.
D-2 visa holders can work part-time after 6 months of enrollment (though first-semester restrictions apply). Work hours are limited during the term but more flexible during breaks. Common part-time jobs (알바 or 'alba') include convenience stores, restaurants, cafes, tutoring English, and factory work, paying ₩9,860-12,000/hour.
Korea's public transport system is world-class and affordable, and the country's compact size makes weekend trips to Busan, Jeju, Gyeongju, and other destinations easy. Korean street food, K-pop concerts, gaming culture, and vibrant nightlife make student life in Korea uniquely exciting. The growing Nepali community in Korea, particularly in areas like Ansan, Dongdaemun, and around major universities, provides a familiar support network while you adapt to Korean life.
Study in South Korea — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GKS/KGSP scholarship?
Do I need to speak Korean to study in South Korea?
Can I work part-time in South Korea as a student?
How competitive is the GKS scholarship?
What can I do after graduating in South Korea?
Ready to Study in South Korea?
Get free, expert counseling from Global Study Nepal. We will help you with university selection, applications, scholarships, and visa processing. Call +977-9849998031 or book online.