Cost of Studying in Korea for Indian Students (2026): Tuition Fees, Living Expenses & Scholarships
- Learn Korean With Us
- 11 minutes ago
- 5 min read
South Korea has quickly become one of the most popular study destinations for Indian students. With world-class universities, generous scholarships like the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), affordable living costs compared to Western countries, and a growing demand for Korean language skills, it's easy to see why thousands of Indian students dream of studying in Korea every year.
However, one of the biggest questions students ask is:
"How much does it actually cost to study in Korea?"
The good news is that studying in Korea can be significantly more affordable than studying in countries like the USA, UK, or Australia—especially if you plan early and explore scholarship opportunities.
In this guide, we'll break down the cost of studying in Korea for Indian students, including tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, scholarships, and ways to reduce costs.
Is Studying in Korea Expensive for Indian Students?
The short answer is: It depends on your university, lifestyle, and whether you receive scholarships.
Without scholarships, Indian students can expect to spend approximately:
₹7–15 lakhs per year for undergraduate studies
₹8–18 lakhs per year for postgraduate studies
With scholarships such as GKS, students can study in Korea with most major expenses covered.
Tuition Fees in South Korea
Tuition fees vary depending on:
Public vs private universities
Undergraduate vs postgraduate programs
Engineering, medical, business, or humanities courses
Undergraduate Tuition Fees
Average annual tuition:
University Type | Cost per Semester | Annual Cost |
Public Universities | KRW 2,000,000 – 4,000,000 | KRW 4,000,000 – 8,000,000 |
Private Universities | KRW 3,000,000 – 7,000,000 | KRW 6,000,000 – 14,000,000 |
Approximate annual cost in INR: ₹2.5–8 lakhs
Master's and PhD Tuition Fees
Graduate programs generally cost:
KRW 4,000,000 – 10,000,000 per year or approximately ₹2.5–6 lakhs annually
Research-based programs often provide assistantships that help offset tuition costs.
Cost of Living in Korea for Indian Students
Compared to cities like London or New York, Korea offers a relatively affordable student lifestyle.
However, expenses vary significantly depending on whether you live in Seoul or other cities such as Daejeon, Daegu, Busan, or Gwangju.
Accommodation Costs
University Dormitories
Most affordable option:
KRW 300,000 – 800,000 per semester or approximately ₹18,000 – ₹48,000
Dormitories usually include:
Furnished rooms
Internet access
Utilities
Off-Campus Housing
Options include:
Goshiwon (Budget Student Housing)
KRW 300,000 – 600,000/month or ₹18,000 – ₹36,000
One-room Apartments
KRW 500,000 – 1,000,000/month or ₹30,000 – ₹60,000
Seoul housing costs are generally higher.
Food Expenses
Food costs depend heavily on lifestyle.
Eating at University Cafeterias
KRW 3,000 – 6,000 per meal or ₹180 – ₹360
Cooking at Home
Monthly grocery budget: KRW 150,000 – 250,000 or₹9,000 – ₹15,000
Eating Out Frequently
Monthly expenses: KRW 300,000 – 500,000 or ₹18,000 – ₹30,000
Most Indian students spend around ₹10,000–₹20,000 monthly on food.
Transportation Costs in Korea
South Korea has one of the world's best public transportation systems.
Average monthly transportation expenses:
KRW 50,000 – 80,000 or ₹3,000 – ₹5,000
Students often receive transportation discounts.
Health Insurance
International students in Korea are generally enrolled in the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS).
Monthly premium:
KRW 60,000 – 80,000 or ₹3,500 – ₹5,000
Health insurance significantly reduces medical costs.
Books and Study Materials
Most students spend:
KRW 100,000 – 200,000 per semester or ₹6,000 – ₹12,000
Many resources are now available digitally, reducing expenses.
Total Monthly Living Expenses in Korea
Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost |
Accommodation | ₹18,000 – ₹60,000 |
Food | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 |
Transportation | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 |
Health Insurance | ₹3,500 – ₹5,000 |
Miscellaneous | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 |
Average Monthly Cost:
Outside Seoul: ₹40,000 – ₹60,000
Seoul: ₹60,000 – ₹90,000
Scholarships for Indian Students in Korea
The biggest advantage of studying in Korea is the availability of scholarships.
1. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is one of the most prestigious scholarships offered by the Korean government.
It typically covers:
✅ Full tuition fees
✅ Monthly living allowance
✅ Airfare
✅ Settlement allowance
✅ Medical insurance
✅ Korean language training
For many Indian students, GKS makes studying in Korea almost completely affordable.
2. University Scholarships
Many Korean universities offer:
Merit scholarships
TOPIK-based scholarships
International student tuition reductions
Students with higher TOPIK scores often receive additional tuition discounts.
3. Research Assistantships
Graduate students may receive:
Tuition waivers
Monthly stipends
Research funding
Particularly common in STEM fields.
Can Indian Students Work Part-Time in Korea?
Yes.
International students are generally permitted to work part-time after fulfilling visa requirements.
Common student jobs include:
English tutoring
Café work
Restaurant jobs
Administrative support roles
However, part-time income should supplement—not replace—financial planning.
Why Learning Korean Can Save You Money
One often-overlooked aspect of studying in Korea is the financial benefit of learning Korean before arriving.
Students with strong Korean proficiency may:
Qualify for TOPIK-based scholarships
Access more job opportunities
Adapt more easily to academic life
Improve their GKS applications
Many scholarships and universities favour applicants who demonstrate commitment to Korean language learning.
Planning to Study in Korea? Start Learning Korean Early
If studying in Korea is your goal, learning Korean should be part of your preparation strategy from the beginning.
At LKWU (Learn Korean With Us), we help students build real confidence in Korean through:
Complete King Sejong curriculum
Speaking practice every week
Pronunciation training
TOPIK-focused learning
GKS guidance and mentorship
Because getting into Korea isn't just about applications—it's about being prepared for life in Korea.
Begin at home with our online Korean courses and end up in person in Korea.
The cost of studying in Korea for Indian students is often much more manageable than many people expect. Without scholarships, students should budget approximately ₹7–15 lakhs per year depending on their university and lifestyle. With opportunities like GKS, studying in Korea can become significantly more affordable.
Most importantly, planning ahead—financially, academically, and linguistically—can make your Korean study abroad journey much smoother. If Korea is your dream destination, start preparing today. Your journey may begin with learning Hangul, but it could end with earning a degree in South Korea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Korea cheaper than studying in the USA or UK?
Generally, yes. Tuition fees and living costs in Korea are often lower than those in many Western countries.
How much money do Indian students need per month in Korea?
Most students spend between ₹40,000–₹90,000 per month, depending on their city and lifestyle.
Does GKS cover all expenses?
GKS generally covers tuition, living allowance, airfare, insurance, and Korean language training.
Is TOPIK required to study in Korea?
Not always, but TOPIK scores strengthen scholarship applications and may provide access to additional university scholarships.
Can Indian students work while studying in Korea?
Yes, international students can usually work part-time subject to visa regulations and university requirements.
Planning to study in Korea? Start your journey by learning Korean with LKWU. Our TOPIK and GKS-focused Korean courses help students build the language foundation needed for scholarships and academic success in Korea.
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