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University groups
Top universities
Korea's best-known universities. Strong grades and strong Korean or English are a must, and competition is intense.
Who this group fits
- Excellent grades (usually top 10–20% of your class)
- TOPIK 4 or higher for Korean-taught majors, or IELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL 90+ for English-taught programs
- Activities, awards or projects that stand out
- A budget for higher tuition and Seoul living costs
At a glance
Tuition
About KRW 5–7 million per semester
Language
TOPIK 4+ or strong English
Selection
Documents, often plus an interview
Admission chance
Low for average profiles
Examples in this group
- Seoul National University
- Yonsei University
- Korea University
- KAIST
- Sungkyunkwan University
- Hanyang University
- Sogang University
- Ewha Womans University
Examples only, in no particular order. Which ones fit you depends on your grades, language level, major and budget.
What this really means
Many applicants apply only to these universities and end up with no offer. If you aim for a top university, apply to one or two mid-level universities in the same intake.
Want the detailed comparison?
Exact deadlines, requirements by major, tuition and scholarship rules change every intake. Send us your grades, budget and language level, and an advisor will reply with the universities in this group that realistically fit you, with the details.
Other groups
Mid-level universities in Seoul and nearby
The most realistic choice for most international students.
Universities with lower tuition
National universities, regional universities and junior colleges.
Universities with strong scholarships
Generous first-semester discounts, especially for students with Korean.
Sources and verification
Groups and ranges are K-Admission's summary of official 2025–2027 admission guidelines from the universities we track (checked October 2026). Universities appear as examples, not a ranking. Details change every intake; always confirm in the official guideline.
K-Admission is independent and not affiliated with any university.