KR · Master's
Hanyang University
MA International Communications
Hanyang University
Course Overview
Hanyang University is one of South Korea's top private universities — consistently ranked in the global top 200 (QS 2025) and in Korea's top 5 alongside the SKY trinity. Hanyang's Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) and the School of Communication are jointly responsible for the MA International Communications — an English-taught Master's designed specifically for international students and Korean students seeking global media careers. The 2-year programme combines international communication theory, global media systems, intercultural communication, K-content and soft-power studies, digital media in Asia, and a Master's thesis or capstone project supervised by faculty including specialists in K-content global expansion (Hallyu studies) and Korean public diplomacy.
Sri Lankan applicants from Communications / Journalism / Political Science backgrounds (Colombo, Kelaniya, J'pura, Sabaragamuwa Mass Comm, SLIIT, NSBM) choose Hanyang for its combination of English-taught delivery (no TOPIK requirement), low tuition (LKR 1.93M/year vs LKR 9-14M for comparable UK/Australia Master's), and strong K-content industry network. Hanyang is heavily integrated with CJ ENM, JYP Entertainment, HYBE, SM Entertainment, Studio Dragon, Netflix Korea, plus the Korean Cultural Centre network globally. Korean government scholarships (Global Korea Scholarship — GKS-G for graduate) cover full tuition + KRW 1,000,000/month stipend + return airfare. The Korean D-10 visa gives 6-month (extendable to 2-year) post-study work search after graduation.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Sri Lankan Bachelor's (Hons) in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, International Relations, Literature, or related social sciences — Second Upper / GPA 3.0+.
- check_circle Sri Lankan local degrees from Colombo, Kelaniya, J'pura (Mass Comm), Sabaragamuwa Mass Communications, SLIIT Business, NSBM, Peradeniya all accepted.
- check_circle Personal Statement / Study Plan — 1,000-1,500 words on research interests and career trajectory.
- check_circle Two academic references.
- check_circle Updated CV.
- check_circle Apostilled / Ministry-of-Education-attested degree certificate and transcript.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (min 6.0 in each section).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 88 Overall.
- check_circle TEPS (Korean test): 327 minimum (alternative to TOEFL).
- check_circle TOPIK not required — the programme is fully English-taught.
- check_circle Waived if your Bachelor's was taught and assessed entirely in English at a recognised institution (most Sri Lankan applicants from English-medium universities qualify with an MOI letter).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (KRW) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | KRW 8,400,000 | Rs. 1,932,000 |
| Living Expenses in Seoul (per year) | KRW 12,000,000 | Rs. 2,760,000 |
| Student Visa (D-2) & Application Fees | KRW 600,000 | Rs. 138,000 |
| Health Insurance (mandatory, per year) | KRW 800,000 | Rs. 184,000 |
| Books, Conference Costs & Travel | KRW 1,500,000 | Rs. 345,000 |
| Total Programme Investment (2 years) | KRW 45,000,000 | Rs. 10,350,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Eligible for the D-10 Job Seeker Visa — 6 months (extendable to 2 years) of post-study work search rights after a Korean Master's. E-7 Specialist Visa for sponsored employment. Hanyang International Communications graduates route into K-content companies (CJ ENM, JYP Entertainment, HYBE, SM Entertainment, Studio Dragon, Netflix Korea, Wavve, Tving), Korean broadcasters (KBS World, Arirang TV, MBC Global), international news bureaus in Seoul (Reuters Seoul, Bloomberg Seoul, AFP, AP, BBC Korea), Korean Cultural Centres overseas (KCC London, NY, Paris, Sydney), KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency), KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency), and into the cluster of global PR / consulting firms in Seoul (Edelman, FleishmanHillard, Ogilvy Korea). Median Korean starting salary KRW 40-55M/year (LKR 9.2M-12.65M/yr). Sri Lankan returnees route into Korean Cultural Centre Sri Lanka, KOICA Sri Lanka country office, KOTRA Colombo, plus senior corporate communications roles at MAS Holdings, John Keells, Brandix (which have growing Korean buyer relationships), and Sri Lankan media-tech companies. Strong route into the Sri Lanka-Korea trade corridor and EPS programme communications support.
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