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Medical Colleges in South Korea for International Students

By Kanika Pruthi

Updated on Jun 24, 2025 | 3.08K+ views

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Studying medicine in South Korea offers more than just academic prestige. It places students at the intersection of advanced medical science and innovation. As of 2024, over 208,962 international students were enrolled in South Korea.

South Korea’s healthcare system consistently ranks among the world’s best. Institutions like Seoul National University and Yonsei University now feature in the top 100 for clinical medicine according to U.S. News Best Global Universities 2024.

While the core language of instruction in medical programs remains Korean, some universities are expanding English-taught courses, particularly in the pre-medical stages.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about pursuing an MD or MBBS in South Korea. From top universities and program structure to costs, scholarships, language expectations, visa requirements, and career prospects both within and outside Korea.

Medical Colleges in South Korea - Overview

For Indian Students, studying in South Korea’s medical education follows a well-defined and internationally aligned structure. The programs are rigorous and designed to produce research-oriented and clinically competent physicians.

Aspect Details
Program Duration
  • Undergraduate (MD-equivalent): 6 years total (2 years pre-med + 4 years medical)
  • Postgraduate: Master’s/PhD (2–4 yrs); Residency/Specialty training (3–5 yrs, depending on field)
Curriculum Structure
  • Pre-med: Basic sciences (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology), general education, language training
  • Clinical years (3–6): Hospital rotations in internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, OB-GYN, psychiatry, etc.
Language of Instruction
  • Predominantly Korean, international programs offer partial-to-full English instruction, especially in pre-med
Clinical Exposure
  • Begins in Year 3 or 4; includes hands-on training in university-affiliated hospitals with high patient volume
Research Opportunities
  • Available through partnerships with teaching hospitals and research centers in biotech, AI in medicine, and more
Licensing Requirements
  • To practice in Korea: must pass the KMLE (Korean Medical Licensing Exam); fluency in Korean at a near-native level
Intakes 
  • Spring (March-June) 
  • Fall (September-December)

Top Medical Colleges in South Korea

When selecting a university in South Korea, international students should look for institutions certified under the International Education Quality Assurance System (IEQAS). This government-run evaluation by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Justice ensures that certified universities meet high standards for supporting international students.

Below are some top IEQAS-approved medical universities in South Korea offering programs in English:

University QS Ranking (2026) THE Ranking (2025) U.S. News Ranking (2025-26)
Seoul National University #38 #62 #133
Yonsei University (UIC) #50 #76 #180
Korea University #61 #83 #288
Ajou University #563 #501-600 #1,253
University of Ulsan   #801-850 #501-600 #769
Catholic University of Korea   #741-750 #501-800 #1235
Kyung Hee University #331 #251-300 #487
Hanyang University   #159 #251-300 #434
Kyungpook National University #519 #501-600 #763

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Process for Indian Students

South Korea’s medical institutions maintain high academic and linguistic standards for incoming students. For Indian applicants, aligning with these expectations involves meeting a range of academic, language, and documentation-related requirements.

While exact criteria may vary slightly across universities, the general expectations remain consistent across most institutions.

Requirement Type Details
Academic Qualification
  • Completed 10+2 (12 years of schooling) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Minimum Marks
  • 60% or above in PCB subjects
M-DEET Qualification
  • Mandatory for MBBS-equivalent programs abroad (valid M-DEET score required)
Language Proficiency
  • TOPIK Level 3+ (for Korean-medium programs) or IELTS/TOEFL (if in English)
Minimum Age
  • At least 17 years old at the time of application
Passport
  • Valid Indian passport
Health & Character
  • Medical fitness and a clean disciplinary record
Financial Proof
  • Evidence of funds to cover tuition and living expenses
Application Deadlines
  • Spring Semester: Open in the previous year's September and close around November.
  • Fall Semester: Open in May and close around June.

Additional Requirements for Korean Language Institutes

If your Korean language proficiency is insufficient, you may first enroll in a university-affiliated Korean Language Institute before applying for a medical degree.

Criteria Requirement
Academic Background
  • Minimum high school graduation (Class 12 pass)
Language Proficiency
  • No prior Korean required
  • Admission to the language program only
Program Duration
  • 10 weeks per term (20 hrs/week
  • Multiple terms available
Documents Needed
  • Passport
  • Transcripts
  • Application form
  • Financial proof
Visa Type
  • D-4 or D-4-1 (language training visa)

Admission Process for Medical Colleges in South Korea

The admission procedure for enrolling in MBBS in South Korea is quite simple, basic, and direct. Aspirants need to follow the university’s guidelines and steps to avoid any hassles in the process.

Here are the basic steps to apply to medical colleges in South Korea:

  • Application Process: Visit the official website of your preferred medical college in South Korea. Create an account by entering your login credentials. Find the application form and fill it out with the necessary, accurate details. Pay the application fee.
  • Entrance Exam: You will receive an offer letter for the entrance exam, which you should keep for future reference. The institution will conduct an entrance test/interview to review your application and confirm your expertise.
  • Interview: Shortlisted candidates who have cleared the entrance exam will be invited for an interview.
  • Final Selection: After the interview, universities will finalize the selection of candidates based on their exam scores, interview performance, and other specific criteria.
  • Enrollment: Successful candidates must complete the enrollment process within the stipulated period. Apply for the visa process after paying the tuition fee to the specific medical college in South Korea.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Pursuing a medical degree in South Korea can be financially intensive, but several scholarships and funding opportunities are available to help reduce the burden. From prestigious government-sponsored fellowships to university-level waivers, these scholarships can significantly support your academic journey and living expenses.

Here’s a breakdown of the most prominent scholarship options worth considering:

Scholarship Provider Tuition Support Stipend / Other Benefits
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Korean Government (NIIED) 100% KRW 900,000–1,000,000/month (₹54,900–₹61,000), round-trip airfare, medical insurance
University-Specific Merit Scholarships Individual Korean universities

UG: 30–50% waiver

PG: 80–100% waiver + possible RA positions

Some include dormitory, monthly stipend, insurance
Seoul Tech Global Talent Scholarship Seoul Metropolitan Government + Partner Universities 100% KRW 1,000,000/month (₹61,000), airfare, dormitory
Samsung Global Scholarship Program (GSP) Samsung Electronics 100% Stipend, internship, job placement support, Korean language training
India–Korea Government Scholarship ICCR (India) + Korean Universities 100% Limited living stipend

Note: The figures mentioned above may vary due to fluctuating exchange rates.

Cost of Studying and Living in South Korea

Studying in South Korea offers high-quality education at relatively affordable rates compared to Western countries. On average, international students should budget around the cost mentioned in the next section:

Tuition Fees 

Medical education in South Korea is academically intensive and comes with higher tuition fees due to clinical training and lab facilities. These costs cover lectures, lab sessions, and academic support. The table below outlines the average annual education expenses for international medical students:

Undergraduate Degree Programs (per year)

Institution Type Avg. Tuition (KRW) Approx. INR
National universities 6,820,244 ₹416,041
National & public 4,265,842 ₹260,318
Private universities 7,625,336 ₹465,186
Metropolitan area 7,654,030 ₹467,016
Non-metropolitan area 6,316,885 ₹385,293

Note: The figures mentioned above may vary due to fluctuating exchange rates.

Associate Degree Programs (per year)

Institution Type Avg. Tuition (KRW) Approx. INR
National universities 6,016,388 ₹366,001
National & public 1,884,132 ₹114,928
Private universities 6,109,570 ₹372,675
Metropolitan area 6,495,245 ₹396,226
Non-metropolitan area 5,640,585 ₹343,877

Note: The figures mentioned above may vary due to fluctuating exchange rates.

Graduate Degree Programs (per year)

Institution Type Avg. Tuition (KRW) Approx. INR
National universities 4,216,103 ₹257,182
National & public 2,481,808 ₹151,387
Private universities 4,434,681 ₹270,391
Metropolitan area 3,838,912 ₹234,232
Non-metropolitan area 5,306,655 ₹323,709

Note: The figures mentioned above may vary due to fluctuating exchange rates.

Living Expenses in South Korea (City-Wise Breakdown)

Accommodations in South Korea as a medical student involve several day-to-day expenses beyond tuition. Each City comes with its own estimate. Below we have listed a few cities with their cost of living, food, and other expenses.

City Living Cost (USD/INR) Rent (USD/INR) Food (USD/INR)
Seoul

~$1,334 

(₹1,11,389)

~$7549

(₹62,929)

~$400–488 

(₹33,400–40,748)

Suwon

~$987

(₹82,435)

~$416–435

(₹34,756–36,322)

~$394 

(₹32,899)

Daejeon

~$992

(₹82,857)

~$386

(₹32,201)

~$433 

(₹36,155)

Busan

~$1,029

(₹85,922)

~$380–390

(₹31,730–32,565)

~$419–436 

(₹34,967–36,406)

Source: Numbeo

Note: The figures mentioned above may vary due to fluctuating exchange rates.

Student Discounts and Travel Costs in South Korea

Getting around South Korea is economical and easy. Subway and bus fares start at KRW 1450 (INR 91.12). You can also get a rechargeable T-money card that often provides discounts on subways, buses, and trains.

This T-money card is a prepaid travel card used for subways, buses, taxis, and even in some stores. It offers transfer discounts and is essential for daily commuting. Monthly travel costs range from KRW 50,000–100,000 (₹3,000–6,000). Student IDs also unlock discounts on KTX trains, intercity buses, and attractions.

Also Check: Study in South Korea For Free

Visa Process To Pursue Medical Education In South Korea

To ensure a smooth visa process to get admitted into one of the best medical colleges in South Korea, you need the following documents:

  • Apply for a D-2 student visa (for academic programs)
  • Get an admission letter from a recognized Korean university. Prepare required documents:
    • Valid passport
    • Visa application form
    • Admission certificate
    • Academic transcripts & certificates
    • Financial proof (bank statement/sponsor letter)
  • Submit an application at the Korean Embassy or VFS center. Visa processing takes around 2–4 weeks.
  • If approved, it will allow students to get part-time work (up to 20 hours/week) during semesters.

Work Visa for Medical Graduates in South Korea 

International medical graduates in South Korea who wish to stay and work after completing their degree must apply for a work visa under the following categories:

Visa Type Purpose Who It's For Validity
E-7 Specially Designated Activities Graduates working in medical, biotech, or research 1–3 years (renewable)
D-10 Job-Seeking Visa Graduates seeking employment post-study Up to 6 months (extendable)
E-1 University Professor Medical graduates entering teaching or research roles 1–3 years (renewable)
F-2 Residency Visa (points-based) Professionals with stable income and language skills Long-term residency

Job Opportunities and Salary After Medical Colleges in South Korea

International medical students in South Korea can build valuable experience through internships, part-time jobs, and volunteering, while adhering to strict legal and visa requirements.

Medical Internships & Volunteer Experience

The Study in South Korea platform strongly encourages internships and volunteering as essential steps toward building professional skills and cultural understanding:

  • Internships: Gain hands-on experience within hospitals, clinics, or biotech companies. Arrange through university support centers or external applications.
  • Industry Projects: Participate in university-led research or clinical projects—permission required if receiving compensation.
  • Volunteer Work: Engage in community healthcare outreach, cultural exchange, or public health initiatives to enhance interpersonal skills and resume credentials

Part-Time Work Regulations

International students must obtain prior permission from the immigration office before taking any part-time job. Limitations are defined by visa type and Korean proficiency:

Student Type Academic Status Korean Proficiency Weekday Hours
Undergraduates (D-2) 1st–2nd Year
  • TOPIK <3: 10 hrs/week
  • TOPIK 3+: 25 hrs/week
10 hrs
  3rd–4th Year
  • TOPIK <4: 10 hrs/week
  • TOPIK 4+: 25 hrs/week
10 hrs
Graduate Students (D-2) Master’s/PhD Candidates
  • TOPIK <4: 15 hrs/week
  • TOPIK 4+: 30 hrs/week
15 hrs

Transitioning to Full-Time Employment

After graduation, international students can transition from a D-2 visa to various professional employment statuses (E-1 to E-7). To qualify:

  • Secure a job aligned with your medical degree or research field
  • Obtain a signed employment contract
  • Meet job qualifications and visa-specific requirements (e.g., for E‑7 “Special Activity” visa)

Note: Graduates in medicine, biotech, or healthcare are strong candidates for E‑7 visa sponsorship and full-time roles.

Medical Colleges in South Korea vs Other Countries 

Medical colleges in South Korea are known for their modern infrastructure and strong clinical training. Compared to countries like the US or the UK, South Korea offers lower tuition fees, often ranging between ₹5–10 lakhs per year, with high-quality education.

Unlike many Western countries that require pre-med or entrance exams like MCAT, Korean universities may admit students directly after high school. All you need to learn is Korean and have good TOPIK scores.

Compared to MBBS programs in countries like Russia, the Philippines, or Georgia, South Korea offers better global recognition, safer living conditions, and superior healthcare infrastructure, but with more academic rigor and language barriers.

In short, South Korea stands out for its technology-driven education, strong government support, and growing international recognition—ideal for students seeking long-term careers in Asia or who are open to learning Korean.

Conclusion 

Enrolling in one of the medical colleges in South Korea is an excellent choice for aspirants seeking to study amidst a fascinating culture, world-class technology, and outstanding academic institutions. These medical schools provide ample clinical practice, allowing students to observe and participate in real-world challenges.

However, make sure to consider important factors like accreditation and curriculum to make an informed choice that aligns with your goals and aspirations.

Studying in South Korea’s multicultural environment will allow you to develop a global perspective and broaden your horizons. A well-chosen medical college in South Korea will provide you with an excellent education and lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling medical career.

With upGrad study abroad, you are not alone! Students get access to expert counseling, personalized guidance, and end-to-end support for education in South Korea. Let upGrad help you get to your dreams today!

FAQs

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Kanika Pruthi

Kanika Pruthi

Sr. Content Writer & Study Abroad Expert |110 articles published

Kanika has 5+ years of experience as a writer and content developer. She has written for a wide range of industry verticals, including hospitality, restaurants, non-profits, finance, IT, HR, technolog...

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