How Japanese Can Study in Korean Universities
If you’re a Japanese student looking beyond Japan for your university experience and wondering how to study in Korea, you’re asking a question many young people are exploring today.
Korea has surged in popularity as a destination for international education, and its universities welcome students from around the world including Japan. South Korea even surpassed its goal of enrolling 300,000 international students ahead of schedule, showing how vibrant the student scene has become.
From highly competitive research universities to international programs taught in English, there’s a lot to unpack. Let’s walk through the steps, choices, and realities you’ll want to know before you apply.
Why Consider Studying in Korea as a Japanese Student?
Korea isn’t just about pop culture or food its universities are growing in reputation across fields like engineering, business, humanities, and international relations. Top institutions like Yonsei University, Seoul National University, and KAIST offer degree programs that attract global talent.
For Japanese students, Korea may feel culturally familiar enough to ease the transition while still offering the exciting experience of studying abroad.
Choosing the Right Program: English or Korean?
One of the first decisions you’ll make is language. Some programs are taught in Korean, which gives students a deeply immersive academic and cultural experience. Others are taught in English, which makes them accessible if you haven’t yet mastered Korean.
Many national and private universities now offer English-medium degrees, especially at the undergraduate and graduate level. For instance, International Business, Engineering, and Humanities tracks often have English options.
Keep in mind that English-taught programs can be competitive due to limited slots.
Application Requirements for Undergraduate and Graduate Studies
When you prepare to apply, there are a few key checkpoints that Korean universities generally look for.
Academic Records: High school diplomas for undergraduate applicants, and undergraduate degrees for graduate applicants. International equivalents (like courses from Japanese universities or certificates) are usually accepted when properly verified.
Language Proficiency:
- For English-taught programs: tests like TOEFL or IELTS are typically required.
- For Korean-taught programs: Korean language proficiency shown through TOPIK scores can be essential, and many programs list minimum required levels.
Additional Documents: Some universities also require essays, letters of recommendation, and interviews. There’s no centralized application system like the U.S. Common App instead, you apply directly to each university’s international admissions portal.
Scholarships and Financial Support
Studying abroad can be expensive, but Korean government and university scholarships can help and some are specifically available to Japanese students.
Study in Korea Programs and Scholarships
These include short-term programs, year-long degree programs, and joint offerings like the Korea-Japan Joint Higher Education Student Exchange Program, which provides scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies to Japanese nationals and includes tuition, academic allowances, and sometimes airfare.
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
An important scholarship sponsored by the Korean government that supports undergraduate, graduate, and exchange students from abroad. GKS typically covers tuition, living allowances, and travel costs. Eligibility is competitive but highly valuable for Japanese applicants planning a full degree.
These scholarship routes provide not only financial relief but also a solid structure to help you adjust to life in Korea as a student.
Student Visa and Entry Requirements
Once you’re accepted to a Korean university, the next step is to apply for a student visa (usually a D-2 visa if you’re pursuing a degree program). This process requires proof of admission, financial capacity to support your stay, and sometimes a letter of intent or additional documentation that proves your plan to study is genuine.
It’s important to apply for your visa well before the semester starts and to prepare all required documentation (passport, admission letter, financial statements) in advance.
Life on Campus and Beyond
Studying in Korea means joining a dynamic student community with people from Asia, Europe, and beyond. Many universities have international student offices that help you settle in from housing and orientation to language support and cultural programs.
While some classes may be in Korean, especially outside English-taught programs, campus life often provides opportunities to learn the language, make friends across cultures, and explore life in cities like Seoul, Busan, or Daejeon.
Just a practical note many international students share: some programs are advertised as “English-taught,” but portions or electives may still be in Korean, so checking language details closely is always wise.
Tips for Japanese Students Applying to Korean Universities
Start Early: Universities have early deadlines often in spring for fall admissions and in summer for spring admissions.
Prepare Language Skills: Even if your program is in English, basic Korean helps with daily life and integration.
Explore Scholarship Options: From short-term exchanges to full degree programs, financial support can make your experience easier and more rewarding.
Connect with Current Students: International student forums and university social media groups can give you first-hand tips about application nuances and campus life.