KR · Master's
Yonsei University
MA International Relations
Yonsei University
Course Overview
Yonsei is one of South Korea's elite 'SKY' universities and its Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) is the country's leading English-taught hub for international relations, Korean studies and East Asian political economy. The MA International Relations is delivered entirely in English and draws a diplomatic, NGO and multinational cohort. Sri Lankan applicants interested in Asia-Pacific geopolitics, trade and development use Yonsei as an affordable, high-prestige route into the East Asian policy world — with tuition far below comparable US or UK programmes.
The two-year curriculum covers international security, international political economy, foreign policy and area studies, with strong concentrations on Korea, China and the Indo-Pacific. Students complete a thesis and can access internships with Seoul-based international organisations, think tanks and the diplomatic community. South Korea's D-2 student visa allows part-time work, and the post-study D-10 job-seeker visa lets graduates remain to find employment — a genuine pathway given Korea's demand for English-speaking analysts.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree in any discipline — Sri Lankan bachelor's degrees from Colombo, Peradeniya, Kelaniya, SLIIT and NSBM accepted.
- check_circle Strong academic record; relevant work or internship experience strengthens the application.
- check_circle Statement of purpose and a study plan.
- check_circle Two letters of recommendation and certified transcripts.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall.
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 88 Overall.
- check_circle Korean not required — the programme is taught entirely in English.
- check_circle Waived if your bachelor's degree was taught and assessed entirely in English (most Sri Lankan English-medium graduates qualify with an MOI letter).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (KRW) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | KRW 16,000,000 | Rs. 3,680,000 |
| Living Expenses in Seoul (12 months) | KRW 14,000,000 | Rs. 3,220,000 |
| Student Visa (D-2) & Health Insurance | KRW 1,200,000 | Rs. 276,000 |
| Books, Materials & Travel | KRW 1,000,000 | Rs. 230,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | KRW 32,200,000 | Rs. 7,406,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Yonsei GSIS graduates can apply for the D-10 job-seeking visa to remain in Korea after graduation. Graduates move into roles at multinational corporations (Samsung, LG, Hyundai global divisions), international organisations and embassies in Seoul, development agencies (KOICA), think tanks and trade bodies. Sri Lankan returnees route into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, international NGOs, Korean firms' South Asia operations, trade-promotion bodies and academia.
Related Programs
MA in International Cooperation
Yonsei University
MA International Development and Cooperation
Korea University (Graduate School of International Studies)
Master of Development Policy
KDI School of Public Policy and Management
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