Pro Tip: Start this process 9–12 months before your intended semester to meet all testing, application, and visa deadlines without stress.
Need personalized guidance at every step? Contact Nara Consulting Group to streamline your journey!
for Nepalese Students
Your goals first personalized counseling that helps you choose the right university, right program, and the right future.
Expert guidance on university applications, scholarships & visa processes for Nepalese students.
Get expert help with universities, scholarships, applications, and visas everything you need for a smooth abroad journey.
Your dream of studying in the South Korea becomes achievable with our expert, step-by-step guidance tailored for Nepalese students.
Most Korean universities welcome IELTS and other English tests for their English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs, opening the door for global students.
Are you a student dreaming of an education that blends centuries-old tradition with tomorrow’s technology? Look no further than South Korea. More than just the home of K-Pop and kimchi, South Korea is a global powerhouse in education, innovation, and culture, offering an unforgettable academic journey that will set you up for a world-class career.
Is South Korea Right for You?
If you are a student who:
Why South Korea Should Be Your No 1 Study Destination
South Korean universities are consistently ranked among the best in the world. Institutions like Seoul National University (SNU), KAIST, and POSTECH are renowned for their rigorous academic standards, cutting-edge research, and exceptional faculty. A degree from South Korea is a respected credential that opens doors with employers worldwide.
Immerse yourself in a society that lives in the future. South Korea is a global leader in fields like IT, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Biotechnology. As a student here, you'll have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, groundbreaking research projects, and opportunities to intern at tech giants like Samsung, Hyundai, and LG.
Think a top-tier education is out of reach? Think again! The South Korean government and universities offer some of the most generous scholarships for international students. The flagship Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) can cover your full tuition, airfare, living expenses, and even Korean language classes. Many universities also offer substantial merit-based scholarships, making this high-quality education surprisingly affordable.
Worried about the language barrier? Don't be! A vast number of programs, particularly at the graduate level, are taught entirely in English. From International Business and Engineering to Korean Studies, you can pursue your degree in English while having the perfect opportunity to learn Korean on the side.
Experience the "Hallyu" (Korean Wave) firsthand! From the thrilling energy of K-Pop and the captivating stories of K-Dramas to the serene beauty of ancient palaces and temples, South Korea offers an incredible cultural experience. Explore bustling cities like Seoul that never sleep, enjoy world-class public transport, and indulge in a food scene that is both delicious and diverse.
South Korea is one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and a efficient public system. Its high-speed internet, impeccable public transportation, and extensive convenience make daily life easy and comfortable for international students. You can focus on your studies and exploration without worry.
International students are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week during semesters. This is a fantastic way to gain valuable work experience, improve your Korean, and help fund your stay. After graduation, the government offers a job-seeking visa (D-10), allowing you to find a career in Korea's dynamic economy.
The South Korean education system is highly structured, rigorous, and globally recognized for its excellence in technology and research. It offers various pathways for international students seeking quality education.
Key Characteristics:
Degree Structure:
Visa Type: D-2 Visa for academic studies
While top universities like Seoul National University and KAIST lead global rankings, South Korea also offers several affordable and high-quality universities ideal for Nepalese students. Here are some of the best options with estimated tuition fees.
Affordable options like Dong-A University (USD 3,000–$5,000/year) and Pusan National University (USD 4,000–$6,000/year) make South Korea a budget-friendly choice for Nepalese students.
Nepalese students are increasingly choosing high-demand fields in technology, engineering, and business. Here are popular courses with tuition estimates:
₩4,500,000–₩9,000,000/year
($3,300–$6,600)
₩4,000,000–₩8,500,000/year
($2,900–$6,200)
Must show ₩13,000,000 – ₩20,000,000 (Approx. $9,500 – $14,700 USD) as proof of financial capacity to study in South Korea for one year.
Bachelor’s Degree: ₩15,000,000 – ₩25,000,000/year
Bachelor’s Degree: ₩15,000,000 – ₩25,000,000/year
($11,000 – $18,400 USD)
Master’s Degree: ₩16,000,000 – ₩27,000,000/year
($11,800 – $19,800 USD)
Includes tuition + living expenses
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS): Fully funded (tuition, airfare, stipend, language training)
University Merit Scholarships: 30%–100% tuition waivers based on academic performance
Research Assistantships: Monthly stipend + tuition waiver for graduate students
Korean Government Support Programs: Various ministry scholarships for specific fields
Health Insurance: ₩300,000–₩600,000/year
($220–$440)
Airfare: $400–$800 (round trip)Visa (D-2) + Processing: $45–$90
TOPIK Test Fee: ₩35,000–₩40,000
($25–$30)
University Applications: ₩50,000–₩150,000
($35–$110) per application
Understanding your living expenses is essential for a successful study abroad experience. Below is a detailed breakdown of typical monthly costs for international students in South Korea.
University Dormitory: ₩300,000–₩600,000/month (utilities often included)
Goshiwon (Micro-room): ₩300,000–₩500,000/month (utilities included)
Shared Apartment (Hasukjip): ₩400,000–₩700,000 + ₩50,000–₩100,000 utilities
One-Room Apartment (Officetel): ₩500,000–₩1,000,000 + ₩100,000–₩200,000 utilities
Groceries: ₩200,000–₩350,000/month
University Cafeteria Meals: ₩3,500–₩6,000 per meal
Eating Out: ₩7,000–₩15,000 per meal
Coffee: ₩4,000–₩6,000
Metro/Bus Pass: ₩60,000–₩120,000/month (student discounts available)
Taxi: Base fare ₩3,800–₩4,800 + ₩100–₩200 per meter
Bicycle: Free public bike systems in some cities
National Health Insurance (NHIS): ₩70,000–₩140,000/month (mandatory for all international students)
Private Insurance: ₩30,000–₩70,000/month (supplementary)
Mobile & Internet: ₩30,000–₩70,000/month
Books & Supplies: ₩500,000–₩1,000,000/year
Entertainment: ₩100,000–₩200,000/month
Clothing & Personal Care: ₩100,000–₩200,000/month
Use Student Discounts: Available for transportation, museums, and cultural events
Shop at Traditional Markets: Cheaper than supermarkets
Take Advantage of Free University Amenities: Gym, clubs, and events
Use Korean Apps: KakaoMetro for transport, Yogiyo for food discounts
Open a Korean Bank Account: Required for part-time work and scholarships
Use Budgeting Apps: Money Lover, Bank App budgeting features
Track Expenses: Keep receipts and monitor spending weekly
Academic Requirements
Undergraduate Programs:
Graduate Programs:
English-Taught Programs:
Korean-Taught Programs:
Proof of Financial Stability:
Essential Documents:
Health & Insurance Requirements
Visa Requirements (D-2 Visa)
Required Documents:
Additional Requirements
For Scholarship Applicants:
Studying in South Korea is a structured process, but with the right guidance, it becomes smooth and straightforward. Here is the complete step-by-step procedure for Nepalese students:
Explore universities like SNU, KAIST, POSTECH, Yonsei, Korea University, and affordable national universities.
Choose your course, check tuition fees, entry requirements, and application deadlines.
Verify academic requirements (GPA, transcripts, certificates).
Prepare for IELTS (5.5–6.5) or TOPIK (Level 3+) depending on the program.
Collect all essential documents:
Apply directly through the university portal or through the University Central Application System (where available).
Pay the application fee (₩50,000–₩150,000).
Some universities conduct online interviews via Zoom or Skype to evaluate your motivation and academic readiness.
If accepted, the university will send you the Certificate of Admission (CoA)—needed for visa processing.
Show the required bank balance:
₩13,000,000 – ₩20,000,000 (Approx. $9,500–$14,700 USD)
Bank statement must show 3–6 months of financial history.
Submit your visa application to the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu, including:
Visa processing usually takes 1–3 weeks.
Book university dormitory or private housing.
Attend pre-departure orientation, buy travel insurance, and prepare essential documents.
Pro Tip: Start this process 9–12 months before your intended semester to meet all testing, application, and visa deadlines without stress.
Need personalized guidance at every step? Contact Nara Consulting Group to streamline your journey!
Securing scholarships can significantly reduce your financial burden and open doors to top institutions. Below are key scholarship programs available to Nepali applicants:
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS): Fully funded — covers tuition, airfare, stipend, medical insurance, and Korean language training.
University Merit Scholarships: Offered by SNU, KAIST, Yonsei, Korea University, etc. — 30% to 100% tuition waiver.
Entrance Scholarships: Awarded automatically based on academic performance during admission.
Department/Faculty Scholarships: Extra funding from engineering, IT, business, and science departments for top students.
Research Assistantships (RA): For Master’s/PhD — monthly stipend + full/partial tuition for working in labs.
Teaching Assistantships (TA): Offered to graduate students — stipend + tuition support.
Need-Based Scholarships: For students showing financial need with strong academic potential.
Tip: Always verify deadlines, eligibility criteria, and application procedures on official scholarship or university websites. Early preparation and strong application materials (SOP, LORs, transcripts) are critical to success.
Vibrant Campus Culture – Universities offer clubs, festivals, sports, and cultural events year-round.
High-Tech Lifestyle – Ultra-fast internet, cashless payments, and smart public services make life convenient.
Safe & Student-Friendly – Low crime rates, reliable transport, and clean cities ensure comfortable living.
Affordable Food Options – University cafeterias and local eateries offer delicious meals at low prices.
Part-Time Work Opportunities – Students can work up to 20 hours weekly after their first semester.
Cultural Exposure – Experience K-pop, K-dramas, traditional festivals, temples, and local markets.
Great Travel Opportunities – Explore Seoul, Busan, Jeju Island, and national parks during weekends and holidays.
Strong Career Pathways – Access to internships and job-seeking visa (D-10) after graduation.
South Korea operates as a democratic republic built on a constitutional system that balances power across multiple branches. The government is composed of three main branches:
Executive Branch: Led by the President, who serves as both the head of state and head of government, responsible for enforcing laws, managing foreign affairs, and overseeing national administration.
Legislative Branch: A single-chamber National Assembly that creates laws, approves budgets, and supervises the executive. Members are elected through a mixed voting system.
Judicial Branch: An independent judiciary, including the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court, which interprets laws, protects individual rights, and ensures constitutional order.
South Korea’s democratic structure promotes accountability, transparency, and stability, making it one of Asia’s most advanced and well-governed nations.
South Korea is a unitary state, meaning power is centralized under the national government, but local governments still have defined responsibilities. The country is divided into provinces, metropolitan cities, and special cities, each with its own elected mayors and councils. While the central government oversees national policies such as defense, foreign affairs, and major economic planning, local governments manage education, public transportation, community services, urban development, and cultural programs. This balance allows the national government to maintain unity while giving regions the flexibility to address local needs.
Although South Korea follows a unitary presidential republic, it still maintains a structured system of checks and balances that prevents any single branch from becoming too powerful.
The President can propose laws, issue executive orders, and veto legislation passed by the National Assembly.
The National Assembly can override a presidential veto with sufficient votes, approve budgets, and impeach the President or high officials if necessary.
The Constitutional Court & Judiciary can review laws, block unconstitutional acts, and rule on impeachment cases to ensure the government stays within legal boundaries.
This balance of power creates a stable democratic framework—important for international students to understand as they navigate life, rights, and regulations in South Korea.
Yes. International students can work 20 hours per week during semesters and unlimited hours during vacations (with university approval and a work permit).
For English-taught programs: IELTS 5.5–6.5.
For Korean-taught programs: TOPIK Level 3+ (Level 4–5 for competitive majors).
Total yearly cost (tuition + living):
Yes! Scholarships like GKS (Global Korea Scholarship), university merit scholarships (30–100% tuition), and research assistantships are widely available.
You must show ₩13,000,000 – ₩20,000,000 ($9,500–$14,700 USD) as financial proof for one academic year.
Visa processing usually takes 4–6 weeks, depending on document verification and embassy workload.
Extremely safe. Korea has low crime rates, excellent public transportation, and one of the world’s most efficient emergency systems.
Yes. You can apply for a D-10 Job-Seeker Visa, giving you time to find employment and transition into a work visa.
Top choices include Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Robotics, Biotechnology, and International Studies.
Some universities do accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter, but top universities still prefer official test scores (IELTS/TOPIK).
