How Much Does It Cost to Study in Korea from Nepal?

The cost to study in Korea from Nepal is one of the first questions every student asks before planning their journey. South Korea is drawing more Nepali students each year with its respected universities, vibrant lifestyle, and up to 100% scholarship opportunities. And well, the good news is, the total cost of studying in South Korea is significantly lower than in Western countries. The US education might cost you $50,000+, while in Korea, an average of $8,000-15,000 covers everything, including living expenses.

In this guide, we break down tuition, living costs, one-time expenses, and smart ways to save money. You’ll also learn about scholarships, part-time jobs, and budgeting tips so you can prepare with clarity and confidence.

Why Study in South Korea?

You should study in South Korea from Nepal because it offers world-class universities, affordable tuition compared to Western countries, and generous scholarships for international students. It also provides a safe, modern environment with rich culture and strong career opportunities after graduation. Let’s break down why Korea is becoming a top study destination, especially for students from Nepal:

• Globally recognized education system: South Korean universities rank highly worldwide, offering quality education with strong research programs, modern facilities, and internationally accredited degrees that employers and institutions recognize globally.
• Affordable compared to Western countries: Tuition fees and living costs in South Korea are significantly lower than US, UK, or Australian universities, making quality education accessible without massive student debt.
• Scholarships and financial aid options: The Korean government and universities offer generous scholarships like KGSP, covering tuition, living expenses, and language training for international students with good academic performance.
• Safe, modern, and culturally rich environment: South Korea combines advanced technology, excellent infrastructure, and low crime rates with rich cultural heritage, K-pop, cuisine, and vibrant student life experiences.
• Career opportunities after graduation: Graduates can work in Korea's thriving tech, automotive, and entertainment industries, or leverage their Korean language skills and cultural knowledge for global career opportunities.

Education System in South Korea

South Korean universities offer 4-year bachelor's, 1.5-2 year master's, and 3-4 year PhD programs with strong research focus. Classes are taught in Korean or English, requiring language proficiency tests. Students need good grades and financial proof for admission.

1. Study Programs in Korea for Higher Education

South Korean universities provide comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate courses with a strong focus on research, practical skills, and global competitiveness. The grading is also pretty straightforward, from the scale of A+ to F, and you need at least a 2.0 GPA to get your degree. These are the major study programs in South Korea:

Bachelor's

Bachelor's degrees in South Korea take 4 years, just like most other places, but Korean universities are more research-heavy than what you're probably used to. Your first year is mostly general courses. You will explore different subjects before you pick your major in your second year. By the third and fourth years, you’ll conduct deeper research related to your field, create a thesis or a big project to graduate.

Master's

For Master’s programs, you can choose between a 1.5-year-long course-based degree or a 2-year path with a focus on deep research and a full thesis. Many international students prefer the longer research path because it provides valuable experience, especially if they plan to pursue a PhD later on.

PhD 

PhD programs in South Korea are typically 3-4 years, and most PhD students get paid as well! You'll spend your first 1-2 years taking required courses and passing comprehensive exams, then the rest of your time is dedicated to your original research and writing your dissertation.

2. Language of Instruction

South Korean universities teach in both Korean and English. Korean-taught programs require TOPIK level 3-5 and often include a 1-year language prep course that costs $3,000-5,000 but improves your scholarship chances and job prospects in Korea. English-taught programs are available mainly in Seoul and STEM fields, requiring 6.5+ IELTS or 80+ TOEFL, but they're highly competitive with limited seats. Either way, learning basic Korean is essential for daily life and better integration into Korean society.

3. Admission Requirements & Competitiveness

Korean universities require 60%+ in +2/A-levels for undergraduate and 2.5+ GPA for graduate programs, with all documents officially translated to Korean or English. To meet financial need, you must show $10,000+ in your bank account for the student visa, regardless of scholarships, and budget $600-1000/month for living costs plus mandatory $20/month health insurance.

There are two main intakes yearly:

Total Cost to Study in Korea from Nepal

When you're planning to study in Korea from Nepal, you need to think about two main costs: tuition fees (what you pay the university) and living expenses (your daily costs like food, housing, and transport). Let's break this down so you can plan your budget properly.

1. Tuition Fees for International Students

Tuition fees in South Korea can range from KRW 4,000,000-8,000,000 per year at public universities and KRW 6,000,000-12,000,000 per year at private universities. Public universities are government-funded, so they are always cheaper than private ones. 

Professional programs like medicine and dentistry cost the most, while PhD students often get their tuition paid for them through scholarships and assistantships. The exact amount depends on which university you choose, what subject you study, and whether your classes are taught in Korean or English.

These are the average annual tuition fees for various study programs in South Korea:

Note: Use the lower amounts to estimate tuition in cheaper universities and subjects, and higher amounts for expensive universities and professional programs.

2. One-Time Costs

You'll need to budget around KRW  330,000–1,160,000 (NPR 33,600-118,200) for certain one-time costs before and when you first arrive in Korea. These are things like application fees, visa processing, health insurance setup, and basic items you need when you first get there. You only pay these once, not every month or year. These are the costs you should prepare for:

3. Financial Proof Requirement for Studying in South Korea

You need KRW 18,000,000–20,000,000 (NPR 1,833,000-2,037,000) in your bank account for at least 28 days before applying for a Korean student visa. The money must be real and traceable, with no sudden large deposits right before applying.

Financial Documents You Need

• Original bank statements (3-6 months)
• Bank balance certificate (issued within 1 month)
• All documents translated into Korean or English

If Someone is Sponsoring You

Your sponsor needs the same amount in their account, plus relationship proof documents. This includes birth certificates showing they're your family and their income certificates.

Minimum Bank Balance for Scholarship Holders

Even with full scholarships, you still need KRW 10,000,000-15,000,000 (NPR 1,019,000-1,528,000) for emergency funds. Scholarship letters can reduce the required amount, but don't eliminate it completely.

4. Monthly Living Expenses in Korea

Your monthly living costs in Korea will be KRW 500,000-1,800,000 (NPR 50,930-183,348) depending on your lifestyle and which city you live in. Seoul is the most expensive city, while other cities like Daejeon or Busan are cheaper. If you live in university dorms, cook your own food, and don't spend much on entertainment, you'll be on the lower end. If you want your own apartment in Seoul and eat out often, you'll be on the higher end.

Housing Costs

Housing will cost you KRW 150,000-1,200,000+ per month (NPR 15,279-122,232+), making it your biggest expense. University dormitories are the cheapest and most convenient option for new students, especially since they're located on campus and include basic furniture. Shared apartments with other students are a middle-ground option that gives you more freedom than dorms. Private studios in Seoul are the most expensive but give you complete privacy and independence. Small single rooms called "goshiwon" are budget-friendly but very tiny.

Food and Grocery Costs

You'll spend KRW 150,000-500,000 per month (NPR 15,279-50,930) on food depending on your eating habits. Cooking at home and shopping at local markets keeps costs low, while eating out frequently at restaurants will push you toward the higher end. Korean university cafeterias offer cheap, filling meals for around KRW 3,000-5,000 per meal. International food and imported ingredients cost more than local Korean products.

Transportation Costs

Transportation costs KRW 30,000-120,000 per month (NPR 3,056-12,223) depending on how much you travel. Korea has excellent public transportation - subway and bus systems that are clean, fast, and affordable. A single subway ride costs about KRW 1,400, and monthly transit passes offer good value if you travel daily. Students living on campus or nearby spend less, while those commuting from distant areas spend more.

Utilities and Internet

Utilities and internet will cost KRW 30,000-150,000 per month (NPR 3,056-15,279). University dorms usually include utilities in the rent, making them even more economical. If you rent your own apartment, you'll pay separately for electricity, gas, water, and internet. Korea has some of the world's fastest internet speeds, and most apartments come with high-speed connections.

Health Insurance

Health insurance costs KRW 40,000-100,000 per month (NPR 4,074-10,186) but is mandatory for all students. Korea's National Health Insurance covers most basic medical needs and prescription medications at very affordable rates. International students must enroll within the first few months of arrival. This insurance makes doctor visits and basic treatments very cheap compared to many other countries.

Books, Phone, and Personal Expenses

Personal expenses like books, phone bills, and entertainment cost KRW 50,000-300,000 per month (NPR 5,093-30,558). This category varies the most between students - some spend very little on entertainment and stick to free campus activities, while others enjoy Korea's vibrant nightlife, shopping, and travel opportunities. Textbooks can be expensive, but many students share books or find used copies to save money.

How Much Money is Required to Study in Korea?

The total annual cost typically ranges from 15,000,000 to 25,000,000 KRW  (approximately NPR 12–20 lakhs), encompassing tuition, living expenses, and other associated costs. Tuition fees can range from KRW  4–12 million per year, while the average monthly living expenses for a student in South Korea are approximately 1,500,000 KRW .

Total Cost Breakdown Per Year (Tuition + Living)

One-Time Cost

• Application Fees: Approximately 50,000 – 100,000 KRW  per university
• Visa Processing: Approximately 100,000 – 150,000 KRW
• Health Insurance: Approximately 43,490 KRW  per month

Scholarships in South Korea for Nepali Students

Scholarships (like GKS) and research/teaching assistantships can reduce or remove tuition and provide monthly stipends. South Korea offers several scholarship opportunities for international students, including Nepali students. Many universities also offer merit or need-based scholarships for international students. Always check scholarship value and eligibility for the year you apply.

These are the popular scholarships in South Korea for Nepalese students:

1. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

GKS is a fully funded scholarship provided by the South Korean government. It covers your full tuition, living expenses (900,000 – 1,000,000 KRW /month), airfare, and settlement allowance. GKS is open to Nepalese students with strong academic records. Application deadlines are typically around September but vary annually.

2. University-Specific Scholarships

Major Korean universities offer their own scholarship programs for international students. Seoul National University (SNU) offers scholarships covering 50% to 100% of tuition fees based on academic performance. KAIST provides full tuition waivers and monthly stipends for international students. POSTECH offers comprehensive financial aid packages, including tuition coverage and stipends.

3. KOICA Scholarship

KOICA Scholarship KOICA is a fully funded scholarship for students from developing countries, including Nepal. It includes tuition, living expenses, airfare, and other allowances. Applicants must be nominated by their respective governments. The application process goes through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

Tips to Increase Chances of Winning Scholarships

• Maintain a Strong Academic Record since most scholarships are merit-based.
• Prepare a Compelling Personal Statement highlighting your academic achievements, career goals, and reasons for choosing South Korea.
• Meet All Eligibility Criteria, ensuring you fulfill all requirements before applying.
• Apply Early! Deadlines can be strict, so apply well in advance. 

Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Korea

International students in South Korea can legally work part-time to support their living expenses and gain valuable work experience. However, it's essential to adhere to the country's regulations to avoid legal issues. Take note of the following regulations:

1. Work Permit Requirements

To work part-time, international students must obtain permission from the Korean immigration office. This applies to those holding either a D-2 (degree) or D-4 (language training) visa. The application process involves submitting necessary documents, including an alien registration card, passport, and proof of enrollment.
 

Apart from this, you must also maintain satisfactory academic performance and have no violations of residence regulations.

2. Working Hour Limit for International Students

International students in South Korea are allowed to work 25 hours per week during the semester and unlimited hours during vacation periods. Students with higher grades and better Korean language proficiency get an additional 5 hours, allowing them to work 30 hours per week.

It's important to note that students on extra semesters or those not meeting the necessary academic requirements may not be eligible for part-time work.

Common Part-Time Jobs in South Korea

International students often find part-time employment in various sectors, with the average hourly wage in South Korea of KRW  10,030, which is the national minimum wage for 2025. Many part-time jobs for international students fall around this rate, with some positions paying significantly more depending on the required skills. These are the popular jobs for international students in South Korea:

These jobs not only provide financial support but also offer opportunities to practice Korean language skills and immerse oneself in Korean culture.

How Can Nepali Students Reduce the Overall Costs of Studying in Korea?

Nepali students can adopt several strategies to minimize their expenses while studying in South Korea:

1. Opt for Budget-Friendly Accommodation

Choosing affordable housing options is the best financial decision you will make while living in South Korea as a Nepali student. Typically, these are your housing options in Korea:

• Goshiwons: Small, shared rooms with communal facilities, costing between $200 and $400 per month.
• Hasukjibs: Boarding houses offering meals and shared facilities, providing a cost-effective living arrangement.
• University Dormitories: On-campus housing that may offer discounted rates for international students.

2. Utilize Student Discounts

Many services in South Korea offer discounts to students for transportation, entertainment, and retail stores. This way, you can reduce your bus and train fares, receive discounts on movies, concerts, events, bookstores, and even clothing stores. Always carry your student ID to avail of these discounts.

3. Cook at Home

Preparing meals at home can lead to substantial savings. If you’re eating out, opt for university cafeterias. University meals are generally much cheaper than eating out at a restaurant. A single meal at a university cafeteria can cost around KRW 5,000 to KRW 10,000.

4. Apply for Scholarships

Securing scholarships can significantly ease your financial burdens. Fully funded scholarships like the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) entirely cover your tuition, living expenses, and airfare. Many universities and organisations offer merit-based scholarships for international students. Research well, shortlist the scholarships you have the best chance with. Apply early and strategically for multiple scholarships.

5. Manage Transportation Costs

Efficient use of public transportation can really reduce your expenses. Understand the routes, track the discounts and offers. Buses and subways are affordable and widely accessible. Planning routes and avoiding peak hours can further minimize transportation costs.

Conclusion

South Korea is a destination where education, culture, and opportunity come together to transform dreams into reality. With affordable tuition, generous scholarships, and vibrant student life, the journey feels both exciting and achievable. Every step you take here not only builds your career but also enriches your perspective and personal growth.
 

If you’re ready to turn your study abroad dream into a well-planned path, our consultancy is here to guide you. From choosing the right university to securing scholarships and managing finances, we’ll walk with you at every stage. Reach Out to Us Today, and let’s make South Korea your next big step.