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.
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:
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.
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
What’s the cost comparison between MBBS in South Korea and India?
AnMBBS in South Korea typically costs between ₹15–25 lakhs per year, including tuition and living expenses. In India, private colleges may charge ₹10–20 lakhs annually, while government colleges are far more affordable. South Korea offers better infrastructure and global exposure, but comes at a higher cost unless offset by scholarships.
How long is the language prep before medical studies begin?
Language preparation usually lasts 6 to 12 months, depending on the student’s proficiency. Students are expected to achieve at least TOPIK level 3 or 4 before enrolling in degree programs. This preparatory phase includes speaking, listening, reading, and writing Korean in academic contexts.
Are clinical rotations in Korea recognized internationally?
Yes, clinical rotations completed at accredited South Korean medical universities are widely recognized, especially in countries that accept WHO or WFME-recognized programs. However, students should always verify with licensing boards in their target countries.
Can foreign medical students easily access healthcare in Korea?
Yes, international students are required to enroll in the National Health Insurance (NHI) program, giving them access to Korea’s extensive healthcare services at subsidized rates. Medical facilities are modern, and services are available in English in major cities.
What are the visa requirements for international students studying medicine in South Korea?
The required documents for a South Korean visa for international students include an application form, a passport, passport-size photographs, a certificate of admission (provided by the respective university), a receipt of paid application fee, and a valid ID card proof.
How can I improve my chances of getting into a top medical school in South Korea?
To improve your chances, apply to the top 10 medical colleges in South Korea, submit your application early, and maintain a good score in your higher education.
How competitive is the admission process for medical schools in South Korea?
Admission to medical colleges in South Korea is highly competitive due to their stringent selection processes. The popularity of the medical field in Korea continues to grow, making it a highly in-demand field among top-performing students worldwide.
Can I practice medicine in my home country after graduating from a South Korean medical school?
Yes, you can practice medicine in your home country after graduating from one of the best medical colleges in South Korea. However, most countries require medical graduates from abroad to clear a licensing exam or fulfill specific criteria to practice medicine. Research the licensing requirements of your home country before beginning.
What are the cheapest medical colleges in South Korea?
Public colleges are the cheapest medical colleges in South Korea. Some of them are Pusan National University, University of Seoul, Hanyang University, and Kyung Hee University (KHU), Seoul University, among others.
Can I study MBBS in South Korea after the 12th?
To enroll in the best medical colleges in South Korea for Indian students, aspirants must meet certain eligibility criteria. Applicants should have completed their high school education or an equivalent qualification recognized by the specific South Korean university they choose to enroll in.
Is an MBBS from India valid in South Korea?
Any aspirant can become a doctor in South Korea by acquiring an MBBS degree in India. However, it will be challenging as the country allows foreign doctors to work in hospitals after a rigorous vetting process. Moreover, language barriers might be an issue since most people in South Korea do not communicate in English.
Is NEET accepted in South Korea?
The NEET exam is not required to enroll in top medical colleges in South Korea for Indian students. Instead, applicants have to take M-DEET, a standardized test for medical and dental schools, to ace the admission.
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