K M Enayet Hossain
11 December, 2022

7 min read

Guide

Apply to Study in the UK from South Korea

Study in the UK from South Korea to emerge as a global leader with world-class education from top UK universities and unrivalled transferable skills integrated in the degree.

South Korea, the birthplace of global corporate giants such as Hyundai, KIA, Samsung, LG etc. and the 10th largest economy in the world, is a ‘low risk’ country for UK student visa. UKVI has ‘differential evidence requirement’ arrangements for South Korean students - South Korean nationals applying for student visa in South Korea do not need to provide education certificates or bank statements with their UK visa applications. This is a privilege given by UK Government to South Korean nationals. We take ‘total’ care of South Korean students pursuing their higher studies in the UK and provide A-Z guides and services to make it smooth, pleasing and successful.

Admissions are open at our partner universities in the UK – submit your initial application to commence your Study UK journey.

Study in the UK – Key Information

Academic level
Level 3 to Level 8

Qualification type
Foundation, Undergraduate, Postgraduate & Doctorate

Study mode
Full-time, part-time or on-line

Duration
0.5 year to 4 years*

Intakes
Throughout the year*

Scholarship
Yes*

Study UK – submit admission inquiry

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Take the first step to your study in the UK journey

Find a course 

Choose the right course that meets your academic and career goals for the financial budget you have.

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Find a University

Research and choose the right university and campus location for the course you have decided to study.

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Find how to apply

Learn what documents and information you will require to make a successful application for your admission.

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Contact us

Contact our professional team for further details and support for admission and student visa application.

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  1. Offering 15,000+ courses at 100+ study locations
  2. Availing almost any subject and year-round intakes
  3. Helping students from any country, on-line and off-line
  4. Providing end-to-end services, almost 24/7
  5. Maintaining 99% visa success rate
  6. Equipping 14+ years accumulative admission experience

Cost of Studying in the UK for South Korean Students

The cost breakdowns below are average figures of expenses that a typical South Korean student will spend on commonly studied subjects at commonly chosen universities in the UK while living a UK life like other international students. However, these costs may vary for certain courses at top universities. For living and maintenance costs, students are in control and can choose to spend more or less as per their financial ability or necessity. This is a general guideline for South Korean students to prepare for their budget to study in the UK.

Tuition Fee

Course Level Average Cost (GBP) Average Cost (KRW)
Foundation courses (Full fees) 10000 to 15000 15948200 to 23922300
Undergraduate courses (per year) 11000 to 15000 17543020 to 23922300
Postgraduate courses (Full fees) 11000 to 16000 17543020 to 25517120
Doctorate courses (per year) 14000 to 16000 22327480 to 25517120

Most of the universities offer some scholarship ranging from GBP 500 to GBP 5000 which will reduce tuition fee cost.

Living cost and Maintenance costs per month

Details Average Cost (GBP) Average Cost (KRW)
Accommodation 400 to 500 637928 to 797410
Utility bills 30 to 40 47845 to 63793
Travel 100 to 150 159482 to 239223
Food 140 to 180 223275 to 287068
Mobile phone 10 to 30 15948 to 47845
Entertainment 40 to 100 63793 to 159482
Other casual irregular costs 20 to 50 31896 to 79741

Students get 30% discount on travel card and different types of discount on shopping.

Visa application and IHS (International Health Surcharge) fee

Details Cost (GBP) Cost (KRW)
Student visa application (One-off) 348 554997
IHS (per year) 470 749565

Visa application and IHS (International Health Surcharge) fee may change per year by Home Office. Please check visa application fees calculator & IHS fees calculator to find out how much you will have to pay for your application.

Once you submit your visa application online, pay the student visa application fee and IHS fee via gov.uk website, you will then be asked to book an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre via VFS Global. You can then book an appointment at UK Visa Application Centres in South Korea from the available centres, dates and times. You may wish to buy additional optional services VFS Global Visa Application Centres offer.

Earnings from working in the UK on student visa

Students will have the right to work while continuing their studies in the UK i.e. 10 hours per week if they are studying foundation course, 20 hours per week studying a bachelor, masters or PhD course. Students will be able to work full time per week during holiday period in between your course

Student earning in the UK per month

Details Average earning from student job (GBP) Average earning student job (KRW)
Part-time work 460 to 800 733617 to 1275856
Full-time work 1600 to 2000 2551712 to 3189640

For up-to-date currency rate, please check oanda.com.

Popular subjects South Korean Students choose to study in the UK

The most popular subjects South Korean students choose to study at UK universities include:

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Aeronautical engineering
  • Architecture
  • Biomedical Science
  • Computer Science
  • Nanotechnology
  • Finance
  • Management
  • Business
  • Economics
  • Marketing
  • Project Management
  • Journalism
  • Information & Communications
  • Biology
  • Geology
  • Physics
  • Zoology
  • Education
  • Law
  • Philosophy
  • Geography
  • English Language
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Art
  • Fashion and Jewellery Design
  • Cosmetic Engineering
  • Interior Design
  • Anthropology
  • History
  • Political Science
  • Global Studies
  • Psychology
  • Medicine & Dentistry
  • Health & Social Care
  • Nursing & Midwifery
  • Social Work
  • Film & Photography
  • Fine Art
  • Sociology

Documents required for admission application

In general, initially students are required to provide the following documents for university admission applications:

  • All final official academic certificates and transcripts
  • Two academic reference letters
  • Up-to-date CV
  • Passport
  • English Language proficiency certificate i.e. IELTS
  • Personal statement of purpose
  • Research proposal (for MPhil, PhD course)
  • Portfolio of works (for art/design/architecture/film etc. course)
  • ACCA registration confirmation for ACCA course
  • Past visa refusal documents (if applicable)

Why choose to study in the UK from South Korea?

10 top reasons South Korean students choose to study in the UK to

  • gain academic knowledge from western course curriculum
  • explore value adding skills and enrich competencies further
  • connect with future leaders and create opportunities
  • promote brand name of their country in international arena
  • articulate English language proficiency for global success
  • collect takeaways from UK’s rich business, commerce & industries
  • experience UK’s art, culture, music, history and football
  • add practical skills from top employment during post study work visa
  • switch to skilled work visa to develop a career in the UK
  • take advantages of a range of Immigration routes in the UK

 
 
 
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)s

Q Which type of IELTS I need to sit for UK Student Visa?

A It is very important that you know which type of IELTS test you need to sit for UK Student Visa as there are different types of IELTS for different courses and purposes. Sitting wrong IELTS test may cost you time and money unnecessarily and hence gather fast hand information about required IELTS test applicable for your situation. Should you require more information and clarifications, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Q What is Pre-sessional English course? When students require Pre-sessional English course for higher study in the UK?

A Pre-sessional English course is English course provided prior to the main course (bachelors/masters) to prepare students for the necessary level of English required by the main course. We have provided details about Pre-sessional English course in our academic matters blog on our website.

Q What are the UK undergraduate course entry requirements for South Korean students?

A South Korean students with the following quali?cations will be considered for entry on an undergraduate course at UK universities:

  • Junior College Diploma
  • Associate degree
  • British/International A Levels
  • IB Diploma
  • A recognised foundation course
  • Completion of the first year of a Bachelor degree (Haksa)

South Korean students with the following qualifications will be considered for entry on a stand-alone foundation course or a degree with an integrated foundation year:

  • High School Diploma
  • High School Graduation Equivalency Examination
Q What are the UK postgraduate course entry requirements for South Korean students?

A South Korean students with the following quali?cations will be considered for entry on a postgraduate course at UK universities:

  • Relevant 4 year Bachelor's (Haksa) degree
  • Degree equivalent to UK Honours bachelor’s degree

For courses that require a 2:1 UK universities usually ask for a final GPA of 3.2/4.5, 3.1/4.3 or 3.0/4.0. For programmes that require a 2:2 UK universities usually ask for a final GPA of 3.0/4.5, 2.9/4.3 or 2.8/4.0

Comparison table
South Korean Degree classification (mark) South Korean Degree classification (letter) South Korean Degree classification (GPA out of 4.5) UK Degree equivalent
90–100 A/A+ 4.0/4.5 1st
80–89 B/B+ 3.0/3.5 2:1
75–79 C+ 2.5 2:2

Some, but not all, postgraduate programmes require your undergraduate degree to have a related major. Some postgraduate programmes may require work experience in a relevant field or at a certain level.

For entry to a PhD programme at UK universities, South Korean students typically need to have completed a Master’s Degree (Suksa) from a recognised university with good grades.

Q What is a ‘personal statement’ and how to write it?

A A ‘Personal Statement’ is an essay that you will need to provide with your university admission application. Find step by step guidelines on ‘How to write a personal statement’ from the Study Guide section in our website.

Q Will I need to provide academic references/letters with UK university admission application?

A You will need to provide details for 2 academic referees or submit 2 academic reference letters with your university applications. Find more about academic references in ‘Matters related to academic reference letters’ guide. You can also check our ‘Sample Academic Reference Letter’ in the student resources section for better understanding of the requirements.

Q What is UK Graduate Visa Route? How can I benefit with UK Graduate Visa?

A UK Graduate Visa Route allows international students to work or look for work after their studies for 2 years for bachelors and masters, or 3 years for PhD students. The work can be in any sector and at any level without any minimum salary requirements or the need for visa sponsorship.

This Graduate Visa Route will facilitate some amazing benefits to international students after their study in the UK.

Q Will I need to be tested for tuberculosis to come to UK as a student? Where to get tested for tuberculosis (TB) in South Korea for your UK visa application?

A You must be tested for tuberculosis (TB) if you’re coming to the UK for more than 6 months and are a resident of South Korea. The TB test must be from a clinic approved by the UK Home Office and the TB certificate must be submitted with the student visa application. Check here for details and information about Tuberculosis testing in South Korea.

Q Where is the UK Visa Application Centre in South Korea?

A The UK visa application centre is located at Seoul in South Korea.

Address

VFS South Korea LLC, 5F Danam Building, 10, Sowol-Ro, Jung-Gu, Seoul

Business hours Monday- Friday 08:00 - 14:30
Prime time appointment Monday- Friday 14:30 - 15:30
Passport collection Monday- Friday 13:30 - 14:30
Opening hours

Need more information?

If you are not sure about your admission needs and want to consult us before making your decision, get in touch with our student counsellors –

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