South Korea is rapidly becoming a top destination for international students as it blends academic excellence with rich culture. From cutting-edge technology to centuries-old traditions, Korea offers a unique environment for UK students seeking a global edge.
To get a Korean student visa (D-2), UK students need to:
UK students applying for a D-2 student visa should have these things ready:
Visa processing usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks from when you apply. It is advisable to apply at least 2 months before you plan to travel to avoid delays.
Here are some of Korea’s most prestigious institutions popular among international students:
University Name | Location | Known For |
Seoul National University | Seoul | Engineering, Humanities, Sciences |
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) | Daejeon | Technology, AI, Robotics |
Yonsei University | Seoul | Business, International Studies |
Korea University | Seoul | Law, Economics, Political Science |
Hanyang University | Seoul | Architecture, Engineering |
Ewha Womans University | Seoul | Liberal Arts, Fashion, Design |
Korea has many programs in both English and Korean. Some popular study areas are:
Tuition depends on the university and the course you pick.
Additional costs may include registration fees, textbooks, and lab materials.
Living expenses in Korea are relatively affordable compared to the UK:
Expense Category | Monthly Cost (Approx.) |
Accommodation | £250 – £500 |
Food & Groceries | £150 – £250 |
Transportation | £30 – £50 |
Mobile & Internet | £20 – £30 |
Entertainment | £50 – £100 |
Students can save some money by living in university dormitories or shared housing.
Korea offers generous scholarships to bring in talent from around the world:
Step 1: Look into research universities and their courses.
Step 2: Submit your online application.
Step 3: Receive Your Acceptance Letter as you'll need this to apply for your visa.
Step 4: Gather all the required documents.
Step 5: Apply at the Korean Embassy in the UK.
Step 6: Some applicants might be called for an interview.
Step 7: Once approved, get your visa and prepare for travel.
Once UK students graduate, they can apply for a D-10 Job-Seeking Visa, which lets them:
Korea’s growing demand for international talent in tech, education, and business makes it a promising post-study destination.