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Pathway
Language program first, then university
No Korean yet? Start at the language institute of the university you want to enter. It is the most common route, and often the cheapest one in the long run.
Why start with a language program?
Most bachelor's programs in Korea are taught in Korean, and most universities ask for TOPIK 3 to apply. A year at a university Korean language institute (four 10-week terms) usually takes students from beginner to TOPIK 3–4, and Korean ability also brings bigger tuition scholarships.
Choose the language institute of the university you want to enter
Easier admission
Many universities favour graduates of their own language institute, and some accept completion of their program instead of a TOPIK score.
Extra scholarships
Some universities add 10–60% to the first-semester scholarship for their own language students.
Easier visa rules
A few universities lower the bank-balance requirement for students moving from their own language program into a degree.
No new start
You already know the campus, the city and the staff, and your visa change from D-4 to D-2 is handled in one place.
How it works
| Step | When | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Choose the university | 3–6 months before | Pick a university that has both a language institute and the major you want |
| 2. Apply to its language institute | 2–4 months before | Documents, bank statement, admission letter, D-4 visa |
| 3. Study Korean | About 1 year | Four terms; aim for TOPIK 3–4 |
| 4. Apply to the degree | During your language year | Apply with TOPIK or the institute's certificate; switch to a D-2 visa |
What it costs
Language institute tuition is about KRW 1.2–2 million per term, usually with two terms paid up front, and the D-4 visa needs a bank balance of about KRW 8–10 million (or USD 10,000). See the full cost guide.
Our language program package
USD 390 (2027 special price)
Send us your transcript and the major you want. We will:
- Recommend three universities near Seoul (or in the region you prefer) that have a language institute and the degree you want to continue to
- Prepare and check your application and documents (apostille, translation)
- Prepare your D-4 visa documents, including your study plan
- Guide you on arrival in Korea
Keep reading
Compare language institutes
Nine institutes side by side, with 2027 dates and fees.
Universities by group
Find the level that fits you.
What it really costs
First-year budget and the bank balance.
Sources and verification
Based on official 2025–2027 guidelines of the universities and language institutes K-Admission tracks (checked October 2026). Benefits for own-institute graduates vary by university; we confirm them for your chosen universities.
K-Admission is independent and not affiliated with any university.