South Korea Destination Guide · Free for Students
A scholarship-funded Master's at an Asian top-20 university
KAIST, Seoul National, Yonsei and Korea University all rank in the global top 100 — and the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) covers tuition, living stipend, flights and Korean language training for selected international students. Sri Lankan applicants have a strong track record at GKS.
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Why Choose South Korea?
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
Fully-funded by the Korean government — covers tuition, living stipend, flights and Korean language training. Sri Lankan students have a strong track record at this scholarship.
English-Taught Programs
Over 1,000 English-medium programs across major universities — no Korean language requirement to start your degree.
Tech & Innovation Hub
Home to Samsung, LG, Hyundai and Naver — strong internship pipelines for STEM students and well-paid post-grad opportunities on a D-10 job-seeker visa.
What it costs to study in South Korea
South Korea is one of the most affordable major study destinations. Public universities are particularly cost-effective, and the GKS scholarship can bring the total cost to zero for top applicants.
check_circle Lanka Scholar's counselling, applications and visa prep are free. Universities pay us a commission when you enrol — you pay tuition and visa fees to the institutions themselves.
Note on Exchange Rates
Figures are based on current average LKR/KRW rates and exclude GKS scholarship funding. Our counsellors help you target schools where Sri Lankan applicants are routinely admitted with full scholarships.
Average Annual Costs
Before scholarships. GKS-funded students typically pay close to zero out of pocket.
See the full LKR cost breakdown arrow_forwardThe D-2 Student Visa — what you'll actually need
The four things every Sri Lankan applicant has to put together. We prepare and review every file before it goes in — refusals are rare when the application is properly prepared.
Certificate of Admission
A formal Certificate of Admission (입학허가서) from a Korean Ministry of Education-recognised university.
D-2 Student Visa Application
Lodged at the Korean Embassy in Colombo — usually decided within 2 weeks. Standard student visa for degree programs.
Financial Evidence
Proof of at least USD 10,000 (≈ KRW 13M) in savings, plus tuition receipt or scholarship confirmation.
Tuberculosis (TB) Test
TB clearance from a Korea-approved clinic in Colombo — required for all visa applications over 90 days.
What Sri Lankan students apply for in South Korea
Hand-picked programs that Sri Lankan applicants are getting offers from this year.
MS in Computer Science & Engineering
Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
SNU MBA
Seoul National University (Graduate School of Business)
Korea University Business School MBA
Korea University (Business School)
Scholarships open to Sri Lankan applicants
Open right now. Eligibility varies — message us before assuming you don't qualify.
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
Korean Ministry of Education / NIIED
KAIST International Student Scholarship
KAIST
POSCO Asia Fellowship
POSCO TJ Park Foundation
When to apply for 2026/27
Start your application 6–9 months before the intake you're targeting. Below are this academic year's windows for South Korea.
Spring Intake (Primary)
The main academic year start. Largest course choice, full scholarship rounds, and the GKS deadline falls in this window.
Fall Intake
A strong secondary intake — particularly for postgraduate and English-taught programs.
Summer Programs
Short courses, Korean language intensives and exchange programs — useful for testing the country before committing to a full degree.
Common questions about studying in South Korea
Don't see your question? WhatsApp a South Korea counsellor — we usually reply within the hour, weekdays.
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Can I realistically win the Global Korea Scholarship? expand_more
Korea allocates a quota for Sri Lankan students every year. Selection is competitive, but strong A/Ls or a First Class undergraduate degree plus a well-prepared study plan consistently gets shortlisted. -
Do I need Korean to study there? expand_more
No — over 1,000 programs are fully English-taught. GKS includes a year of Korean language training, and most students pick up enough for daily life within a year. -
What about jobs after graduation? expand_more
STEM grads have strong pipelines into Samsung, LG, Hyundai and Naver. The D-10 job-seeker visa gives you 6 months to find work, extendable up to 2 years. -
Is it safe and welcoming for Sri Lankans? expand_more
Korea has one of the lowest crime rates globally and major universities run growing international communities. Some adjustment to Korean food and work culture is expected. -
How much does it cost without GKS? expand_more
Public university tuition is LKR 1.5M–3M/year, private 3M–5M. Living costs in Seoul run LKR 2.5M–3M. Still cheaper than most Western destinations even without a scholarship.
Ready to start your South Korea application?
A 15-minute WhatsApp chat is enough to map out your timeline, shortlist 3–5 universities, and tell you what the realistic LKR budget looks like. Free for students — universities pay us, not you.
Message a South Korea Counsellor- check_circle Free for students — universities pay us, not you
- check_circle Average reply: under 1 hour, weekdays
- check_circle Walk in to any of 4 offices across Sri Lanka
Prefer a callback?
Drop your number — a counsellor calls within one working day.