Cheapest Universities in Korea for International Students
A Local Korean’s Honest Guide to Studying in Korea on a Budget
If you want to study in Korea but your bank account is giving you that silent, disappointed look… don’t worry. Korea actually has some surprisingly affordable universities, and many of them offer generous scholarships for international students. As a Korean local, I’m giving you the insider guide to the cheapest options, what they really cost, and what kind of student experience you can expect.
Why Some Korean Universities Are Cheaper
Korean tuition varies for a few simple reasons:
- National universities are government-funded, so they’re cheaper.
- Private universities tend to cost more, especially in Seoul.
- STEM majors are usually more expensive than humanities or social sciences.
- Scholarships for foreigners can dramatically reduce your tuition.
Now let’s talk real numbers.
1. Chonnam National University
Located in Gwangju, this school is a favorite among international students who want low tuition without sacrificing quality.
Average yearly tuition
- Humanities: 4,000,000–5,000,000 KRW (3100–3900 USD)
- Science/Engineering: 5,000,000–6,500,000 KRW (3900–5000 USD)
Why it’s cheap
National university pricing plus reasonable living costs outside Seoul.
2. Pusan National University
A major national university in Busan, Korea’s seaside second city.
Academic reputation is strong, but tuition remains affordable.
Average yearly tuition
- Humanities: 4,000,000–5,000,000 KRW (3100–3900 USD)
- Engineering: 5,500,000–7,000,000 KRW (4300–5400 USD)
Why it’s cheap
National university + lower regional cost of living.
3. Kangwon National University
Perfect for students who prefer quieter, nature-friendly surroundings.
Average yearly tuition
- Humanities: about 4,000,000 KRW (3100 USD)
- Engineering: about 5,000,000 KRW (3900 USD)
Why it’s cheap
Lower-cost region and government-supported tuition.
4. Chungnam National University
Located in Daejeon, Korea’s science and tech city.
Average yearly tuition
- Humanities: 4,000,000–5,000,000 KRW (3100–3900 USD)
- Engineering: 5,500,000–6,500,000 KRW (4300–5000 USD)
Why it’s cheap
National university tuition and large scholarship programs for international students.
5. SeoulTech (Seoul National University of Science and Technology)
One of the cheapest universities actually located in Seoul. Not as cheap as rural schools but still budget-friendly for the city.
Average yearly tuition
- Humanities/Design: 5,000,000–6,000,000 KRW (3900–4600 USD)
- Engineering: 6,000,000–7,000,000 KRW (4600–5400 USD)
Why it’s cheap
Government-funded and known for offering good international student discounts.
6. University of Seoul
Another surprisingly affordable option within Seoul.
Average yearly tuition
- Humanities: around 5,000,000 KRW (3900 USD)
- Business and Engineering: 6,000,000–7,000,000 KRW (4600–5400 USD)
Why it’s cheap
It’s a public university run by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
7. Sookmyung Women’s University
For female students looking for a private university that isn’t overpriced.
Scholarships make it very accessible.
Average yearly tuition
- Humanities: 6,000,000 KRW (4600 USD)
- Arts/Science: 7,000,000–8,000,000 KRW (5400–6100 USD)
Why it’s cheap
Private but strong scholarship programs for international students.
How Much Should You Budget Overall
Tuition is only part of the picture. Here’s a realistic yearly budget including living costs:
- Tuition: 4,000,000–8,000,000 KRW (3100–6100 USD)
- Housing (one room or goshiwon): 3,600,000–7,200,000 KRW per year (2800–5600 USD)
- Food and transportation: 3,000,000–5,000,000 KRW per year (2300–3900 USD)
Total estimate
A full year in Korea usually costs:
10,500,000–20,000,000 KRW (8100–15400 USD)
This is much cheaper than studying in the US, UK, or Australia.
Final Advice from a Korean Local
If you want the cheapest possible option, choose a national university outside Seoul. But if you want affordability AND the Seoul lifestyle, SeoulTech and the University of Seoul are your best friends.
Also, don’t forget that many universities give international students:
- entrance scholarships
- GPA-based scholarships
- language ability scholarships (TOPIK discounts)
So yes, studying in Korea can actually be affordable if you choose the right school.
If you want, I can also write a version focused on the cheapest universities specifically in Seoul, or one for top Korean universities with the best scholarships.