Study in South Korea.
The essentials, in one place.
Use this snapshot to decide whether South Korea fits your academic goals and resources. Requirements can differ by qualification, institution and application route.
| Tuition | GKS = Free | Self = $4k-$8k |
|---|---|
| Financial evidence | GKS = Zero | Self = $20k |
| Language requirements | IELTS is recommended |
| Visa route | Korean Embassy in Islamabad |
From shortlist to application.
For GKS, choose the embassy or university route allowed by the current call and follow its nomination instructions. Direct university admission is a separate option.
Grade and language criteria differ across awards and programmes. Confirm document certification, deadlines and whether the application route restricts your choices.
- Identify programmes that accept your qualification. Ask admissions about equivalence if your Pakistani award is not clearly listed.
- Read the individual course requirements and deadline. Confirm language evidence, prerequisites and any selection test.
- Prepare your academic records, references and personal statement. Follow the institution’s instructions for certified documents.
- Submit through the university or its designated national portal. Keep your account, receipts and application number.
- After an offer, check the student visa procedure for applicants residing in Pakistan and prepare the required financial evidence.
Explore support for your studies.
Compare the award’s eligibility, coverage and application route. Admission and scholarship applications may have different deadlines.
See funding records for South Korea ↗Work while you study.
| Bachelor's | Conditional · 25 hours/week 25 h/week on weekdays with TOPIK 3/4, 10 h without; unlimited in vacations |
|---|---|
| Master's | Conditional · 30 hours/week 30 h/week on weekdays with TOPIK 4, 15 h without; unlimited in vacations |
| PhD | Conditional · 30 hours/week 30 h/week on weekdays with TOPIK 4, 15 h without; unlimited in vacations |
Needs school and immigration approval; 10–35 h/week by TOPIK level and degree
After your qualification
D-10 job-seeking visa (up to about 2 years, points-based; not confirmed)
Explore family and post-study pathways ↗Your preparation checklist.
Track the essentials here, then reconcile this list with the exact university and embassy checklist.
Go directly to the source.
These authority and institution links accompany the reference dataset. They are your starting point for checking the latest rules.
- Visa Information for Pakistani Nationals, Embassy of Korea in Pakistan ↗https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/pk-en/brd/m_3158/view.do?seq=755072
- Visa and attestation fees from 16 March 2023 ↗https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/pk-en/brd/m_3158/view.do?seq=755070
- Karachi office visa requirements ↗https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/pk-karachi-en/wpge/m_27790/contents.do
- Study in Korea, education system and admission requirements ↗https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/en/plan/educationSystem.do
- gov.kr foreign-student admission ↗https://www.gov.kr/portal/foreigner/en/m040101
- HEC local-degree equivalence FAQ ↗https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/services/students/DES/Pages/FAQs/FAQs-Local.aspx
- Study in Korea, average study expenses ↗https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/ko/plan/abroadExpenses.do
- Study in Korea, living costs and expenses ↗https://studyinkorea.go.kr/en/life/livingExpense.do
- Sungshin University 2026 NHIS fee notice ↗https://www.sungshin.ac.kr/bbs/main_eng/4941/152421/artclView.do
- Minimum Wage Commission, minimum wage by year ↗https://www.minimumwage.go.kr/english/introduce/minWage.do
- Study in Korea, residence and stay ↗https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/en/life/residenceAndStayInfo.do
- 2026 GKS graduate Embassy-track notice, Pakistan ↗https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/pk-en/brd/m_3150/view.do?seq=762165
- 2027 GKS undergraduate notice, Embassy in Pakistan ↗https://www.mofa.go.kr/pk-en/brd/m_3150/view.do?seq=762182
- SBP Foreign Exchange Manual ↗https://www.sbp.org.pk/laws-regulations/foreign-exchange-manual
