By Nhi
23 August 2022

One of the most commonly-asked questions that we have: “Do you have to learn Korean to study in Korea?"

The answer is “No”. In the past, almost all universities in South Korea only offered degrees taught in the native Korean language. That however, has changed significantly over the past decade with the Korean government's push to expand its foreign students enrolment to 200,000 by 2023. 

Image credit: Kyung Hee University

One of the many policies it has introduced is to expand the country's base of English-taught programmes. Now, international students like you can pursue a degree in English at Korean universities for many majors such as Business, Engineering, International Studies, Natural Science, Hospitality, Tourism Management, and more!

For students who are not from an English native country or did not receive their highest academic qualification in English, you will need to submit an English proficiency certificate. The types of certificates commonly-accepted by Korean universities include:

  • TOEFL

  • IELTS

  • CAE

  • PTE

Students from an English native country are exempted from having to submit an English proficiency certificate. 

Having said that, there will definitely be a wider range of programs available that are taught in the Korean Language. To be eligible for such applications, you are required to have a minimum Korean language proficiency equivalent to TOPIK Level 3 or 4, depending on the program you wish to apply to. For complete beginners in the language, that will take you about 9 months to a year of language learning. Students can choose to learn the language in Korea (find out more here) or online (find out more here).

TOPIK, the Test Of Proficiency In Korean, is a Korean language test designed to measure the ability of non-native speakers for expression and comprehension in the Korean language. 

You can Sign Up for a Free Consultation below to find out whether your interested majors are available in English and what Korean universities would be the best suited for you!