Study in South Korea from Nepal offers world-class education, scholarships, affordable tuition, cultural exposure, and global career opportunities.
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South Korea is increasingly popular among Nepalese students: Nepal was the fifth-largest source of international students there in 2025, with 12,784 students. Opportunities include well-known universities like Seoul National University, government-funded options such as the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), and programs in IT, engineering, business, design, and biotechnology. Partner with Admizz for a smooth and stress-free application journey.
Quick answer
To study in South Korea from Nepal you need an admission letter from a Korean university and a D-2 student visa from the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu, applied for through an online appointment. The embassy asks for verified academic documents, a statement of purpose, an IELTS or TOPIK report, a TB medical report, a balance certificate and six months of bank statements, and says processing can take 21 working days or more. Average undergraduate tuition is about KRW 4.3 to 7.6 million a year, and living costs about KRW 750,000 to 1,000,000 a month. Part-time work needs permission from immigration.
Checked in October 2026
South Korea offers exceptional opportunities for Nepalese students looking to pursue higher education abroad.
Well-known research universities such as Seoul National University, KAIST, and Yonsei, plus many other universities that accept international students
World-class infrastructure, innovative smart classrooms, and advanced research facilities
Average annual undergraduate tuition is about KRW 4.3 million at national and public universities and KRW 7.6 million at private ones, and government and university scholarships are available
After your degree you can move to a D-10-1 job-seeking visa, which can be extended in 6-month steps up to 2 years
Gain valuable international exposure and cultural experience in an environment blending rich traditions with modern lifestyles
Large international student community, including 12,784 Nepali students in 2025, and affordable public transport
Nepalese students need a D-2 Student Visa to study in South Korea at the undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral level.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | D-2 (Student Visa) |
| Issued For | Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degree programs |
| Where to Apply | Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Kathmandu (an online appointment is required) |
| Processing Time | The embassy says processing can take 21 working days or more. Apply at least 21 days before your departure date |
| Validity | A D-2 visa allows a stay of up to 2 years per issuance, with extensions depending on your program |
| Work Rights | Allowed only with part-time work permission from immigration. Hours depend on your degree level, year and Korean language level |
Korean universities run two main semesters, starting in March and September. Application windows differ by university, so check each university's international admissions page.
| Intake | Months | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Intake | March | First semester of the Korean academic year |
| Fall Intake | September | Second semester. Which programs admit in September depends on the university |
Each university or department sets its own language requirement, in English for English-taught programs and in Korean for Korean-taught programs. Check your university's international admissions page for the exact score.
| Test | Minimum Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Korean embassy visa application (Nepal) | IELTS or TOPIK report | Applicants who completed secondary and higher education in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland or South Africa may submit proof of education instead |
| English-taught programs | Set by each university | Check the accepted tests and minimum scores with your chosen university |
| Korean-taught programs | TOPIK, level set by each university | TOPIK scores are valid for 2 years from the date of score announcement |
Admizz provides IELTS and TOPIK guidance in Nepal. TOPIK is also used for GKS applications and, later, for part-time work permission.
If you are still deciding, here is how the main alternatives compare on visa fees, the funds you must show and work after study, using official figures as checked in October 2026.
| Destination | Student visa fee | Funds you must show | After study |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | £558, plus £776 a year health surcharge | £1,171 a month outside London (£1,529 in London) for up to 9 months, held 28 days. £1,203 and £1,570 for applications from November 30, 2026 | Graduate visa: 18 months for applications from January 1, 2027 (2 years before that date) |
| USA | US$185 visa fee, plus US$350 SEVIS fee | Proof of how you will pay for your studies | OPT, and STEM OPT adds 24 months for eligible STEM graduates |
| Canada | CAN$150 study permit, plus CAN$85 biometrics | CAN$23,448 for living costs for applications from September 1, 2026, plus first-year tuition and travel | Post-Graduation Work Permit if your program and school are eligible |
| Australia | AUD 2,500 application charge from July 1, 2026 | At least AUD 29,710, plus compulsory health cover (OSHC) | Check Home Affairs for current post-study options |
| Germany | See our Germany guide | €11,904 a year in a blocked account | See our Germany guide |
Related guides: UK · USA · Canada · Australia · Study abroad checklist
The cost of studying in South Korea varies by university type (national, public or private), program and city. Estimates below are based on Study in Korea (NIIED) figures; check your university for exact fees.
| Category | Cost | NPR (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | ₩4,000,000–₩10,000,000 | NPR 400,000–1,000,000 |
| Living Expenses | ₩9,000,000–₩12,000,000 (₩750,000–₩1,000,000 a month) | |
| Health Insurance | National Health Insurance applies after 6 months of stay; D-2 students get a 50% premium reduction | |
| Application & Admin Fees | Set by each university | |
| Tuition plus living (estimate) | ₩13,000,000–₩22,000,000 |
Study in Korea lists average annual undergraduate tuition of about KRW 4.3 million at national and public universities and KRW 7.6 million at private universities, and about KRW 2.5 million to 4.4 million for graduate programs. By department the averages run from about KRW 6.0 million (humanities and social sciences) to KRW 9.8 million (medicine). Study in Korea estimates living costs at KRW 750,000 to 1,000,000 a month, including housing of KRW 500,000 to 700,000 (dormitory fees vary).
Nepali students can apply for the Korean government's Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) and for scholarships offered by individual universities.
| Scholarship | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) | Korean government scholarship for undergraduate and graduate degrees. It covers airfare, Korean language training, tuition and a monthly allowance |
| University Scholarships | Many universities offer tuition discounts to international students. Amounts and eligibility are set by each university, so check with the university |
Apply through Admizz Education today and get expert support in finding, applying, and winning scholarships
The Korean Embassy in Kathmandu lists these documents for a D-2 student visa (stay of more than 90 days). A visa appointment must be booked online.
| Key points |
|---|
| From the university: Standard Admission Certificate (original and photocopy), a scholarship certificate if you have one, and a photocopy of the university's business registration certificate. |
| Passport (original and photocopy), one recent passport-size photo, a visa cover letter and a statement of purpose (SOP). |
| Latest educational certificates for the course you are applying to (transcript and graduation certificate), plus mark sheets and character certificates. All school documents must be verified by the Korean Embassy in Nepal. |
| An IELTS or TOPIK report. Applicants who completed secondary and higher education in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland or South Africa may submit proof of education instead. |
| A TB medical report from one of the four hospitals designated by the embassy, and a family relationship certificate. |
| A balance certificate and bank statements for the last 6 months, accepted only from an A-level bank. |
Source: Embassy of Korea in Nepal, Visa issuance. The embassy can request extra documents, so check its page before you apply.
The Nepal embassy page asks for a balance certificate and 6 months of bank statements but does not publish a minimum balance, so confirm the amount with the embassy and your university.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Student visa fee for Nepali applicants (single entry, more than 90 days), from 1 July 2026 | NPR 9,300 |
| Average annual undergraduate tuition, national and public universities | About KRW 4.3 million |
| Average annual undergraduate tuition, private universities | About KRW 7.6 million |
| Average annual graduate tuition (national and public to private) | About KRW 2.5 million to 4.4 million |
| Living costs | KRW 750,000 to 1,000,000 a month |
| Housing within living costs | KRW 500,000 to 700,000 a month (dormitory fees vary) |
Sources: Embassy of Korea in Nepal (visa fee); Study in Korea, Study expenses and Living costs. Actual tuition depends on your university and department.
| Key points |
|---|
| During study: D-2 students need part-time work permission before they work. You need a certain level of Korean language (TOPIK, Social Integration Program or King Sejong Institute) and confirmation from your university's international student advisor. |
| Hours depend on your degree level, year and Korean level. For bachelor's years 1 to 2 and for master's and doctoral students permission is available straight away, while bachelor's years 3 to 4 need TOPIK Level 4 or equivalent. |
| Check the exact weekday and weekend limits for your case in the official Study in Korea table before you take a job. |
| After study: you can change to a D-10-1 job-seeking visa. It can be extended in 6-month steps up to 2 years, and manual or unskilled work is not allowed on it. |
Source: Study in Korea, Part-time work and job-seeking visa (from Hi Korea).
| Key points |
|---|
| Benefits: airfare, Korean language training fees, tuition and a monthly allowance. |
| Duration: 1 year of Korean language training plus a 2 to 3 year associate degree or 4 to 6 year bachelor's degree for undergraduates, or a 2 year master's or 3 year doctoral degree for graduates. |
| Eligibility: you and both parents must hold non-Korean citizenship. Undergraduate applicants must be under 25 and graduates under 40. A minimum academic score of 80% (or equivalent) applies. |
| TOPIK is used for GKS applications and the level depends on the track, so read the notice for your year. |
| Application dates change every year. Check the Study in Korea scholarship notices and the Korean Embassy in Nepal for the current round. |
Source: Study in Korea, Scholarships (GKS).
Average annual undergraduate tuition is about KRW 4.3 million at national and public universities and KRW 7.6 million at private ones, according to Study in Korea. Living costs are estimated at KRW 750,000 to 1,000,000 a month. Exact fees depend on your university and department, so check with the university.
You need a Korean university admission letter, verified academic documents, a statement of purpose, an IELTS or TOPIK report, and the D-2 student visa. Applicants must have completed 12 years of schooling, and each university sets its own language and grade requirements. Check your university's international admissions page.
The Korean Embassy in Kathmandu asks for the Standard Admission Certificate, passport, SOP, verified educational certificates, an IELTS or TOPIK report, a TB medical report, a balance certificate and 6 months of bank statements from an A-level bank. Book your visa appointment online, and check the embassy page for updates.
The Korean Embassy in Nepal says visa issuance can take 21 working days or more, and recommends applying at least 21 days before your departure date. Apply as soon as your admission certificate is ready and keep all documents complete.
Yes, but only with part-time work permission from immigration. You need a certain Korean language level and confirmation from your university's international student advisor. Weekly hours depend on your degree level, year and Korean level, so check the official Study in Korea table.
GKS covers airfare, Korean language training, tuition and a monthly allowance. Applicants and both parents must be non-Korean citizens, undergraduate applicants must be under 25 and graduate applicants under 40, with a minimum score of 80% or equivalent. TOPIK is used for applications, and dates change every year.
You can apply to change to a D-10-1 job-seeking visa after your studies. It can be extended in 6-month steps up to 2 years, and manual or unskilled work is not allowed on it. Once you find a job, the visa must be changed to one that matches the work.
It depends on your university and program. Korean-taught programs usually ask for a TOPIK score, and English-taught programs set their own English requirement. The Korean Embassy in Nepal asks visa applicants for an IELTS or TOPIK report. TOPIK scores stay valid for 2 years from the score announcement.
Korean universities run two main semesters, starting in March and September. Application windows differ by university and program, so check your university's international admissions page and start preparing early so your documents, scholarship applications and visa appointment fit the timeline.
Yes. Admizz offers basic Korean language support, guidance for TOPIK, and preparation counseling for university-specific entrance tests (if applicable). Our team also helps with interview training and document translation
Let our expert counselors guide you through university selection, applications, visas, and everything in between.
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