Kyung Hee University
Kyung Hee University neo-Gothic Seoul campus
Kyung Hee University neo-Gothic Seoul campus
Founded on the ideal of 'Cultural World Peace', Kyung Hee University is South Korea's most internationally minded research university — home to Asia's most renowned Korean Medicine college, a hospitality programme ranked globally, and a neo-Gothic Seoul campus that has defined Korean higher education since 1949.
Kyung Hee University Admissions Guide for
Kyung Hee University — campus in pictures
Real, freely-licensed photographs of the campus (via Wikimedia Commons).
https://d28uik752jogqr.cloudfront.net/universities/kyung-hee-university/0.jpg
Kyung Hee University Administration Building (Seoul Campus)
Kys951 · CC BY 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
https://d28uik752jogqr.cloudfront.net/universities/kyung-hee-university/1.jpg
វ័ណថារិទ្ធ · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
https://d28uik752jogqr.cloudfront.net/universities/kyung-hee-university/2.jpg
Kyung Hee University Central Library and Museum (Seoul Campus)
Kys951 · CC BY 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
https://d28uik752jogqr.cloudfront.net/universities/kyung-hee-university/3.jpg
Institute of International Education (IIE) Building in Kyung Hee University Seoul Campus
វ័ណថារិទ្ធ · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
https://d28uik752jogqr.cloudfront.net/universities/kyung-hee-university/4.jpg
Kyung Hee University College of Law (Seoul Campus)
Kys951 · CC BY 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
https://d28uik752jogqr.cloudfront.net/universities/kyung-hee-university/5.jpg
Kyung Hee University Medical Center (31935262825)
Dushan Hanuska · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Ranked 330th globally by QS and 275th by Times Higher Education, Kyung Hee consistently sits among the top 8 universities in South Korea. Its Hospitality & Leisure Management programme ranks among the top 50 worldwide — one of the strongest in Asia.
Korea's most storied Korean Medicine (Hanbang) institution. The Kyung Hee Medical Center integrates Eastern and Western diagnostics under one roof — a clinical and academic experience unavailable at almost any Western university.
The historic Seoul Campus in Dongdaemun-gu occupies a neo-Gothic architectural jewel at the heart of one of the world's great capitals. The 510-acre Global Campus in Yongin hosts engineering, science, and international colleges in a fully self-contained university town.
Kyung Hee proposed the UN International Day of Peace in 1981 and won the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education in 1993. Its founding charter of 'Scholarship and Peace' is not a branding claim — it shapes curriculum design, research priorities, and the campus community you will join.
Kyung Hee offers a rare combination: a globally visible research university with deep Korean cultural identity, a vast international partnership network spanning 434 universities in 69 countries, and some of Asia's most recognised specialised programmes in medicine, hospitality, and international studies.
Competitive Programmes (Medicine, KM, Dentistry)
International Student Track — Admissions Profile
Overall Acceptance Rate (International Track)
Overall international track acceptance rate (varies significantly by programme)
University minimum GPA is 2.8/4.0 equivalent
Competitive programmes (Medicine, Dentistry, KM) expect significantly higher
Transcripts must be officially translated into Korean or English
High school transcripts are the primary academic evidence. Kyung Hee reads your record in the context of your home country's grading system. A minimum 2.8/4.0 GPA is the university threshold; top programmes expect 3.3+ for non-medical tracks and considerably more for healthcare programmes.
IELTS Academic minimum: 5.5 (6.0+ preferred for competitive programmes)
Korean-medium programmes: TOPIK Level 3 or above
SAT/ACT accepted as optional supporting evidence only
For English-taught programmes: IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 80 are the published minimums. Stronger scores (IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL 90+) are advisable for competitive programmes. SAT/ACT are test-optional supporting documents — Kyung Hee does not rely on them as primary academic evidence.
Self-introduction and academic background narrative
Specific motivation for Kyung Hee and your programme
Study and research goals during your degree
Post-graduation career plan in concrete terms
There are no US-style supplemental essays or UCAS personal statements. Your Study Plan is the equivalent written component — a structured personal statement submitted within the UwayApply portal. It is your primary tool to differentiate a borderline academic profile and demonstrate genuine fit.
Kyung Hee Application Components — Portal, Documents & Study Plan
Kyung Hee accepts international undergraduate applications through the UwayApply portal (iadmission.khu.ac.kr). The platform opens for Fall intake applications in April and for Spring intake in October. Create your account early.
Certified copies of all secondary school records from Grade 9 (or equivalent) onward, officially translated into Korean or English. IB students include predicted or final diploma results and a subject-by-subject breakdown. Notarisation and apostille may be required depending on your country.
An official certificate of high school graduation. If applying in your final year, a conditional acceptance is issued pending final transcripts and graduation confirmation. The document must be official and — where required — apostilled.
Official IELTS, TOEFL, or TOPIK score report. For English-taught programmes: IELTS 5.5+ or TOEFL iBT 80+. For Korean-medium tracks: TOPIK Level 3+. Scores must be official and from a recognised testing body.
Your primary written advocacy document. Structured as a personal statement covering self-introduction, motivation for Kyung Hee and your programme, academic and research goals, and career objectives. See the Essays tab for a full breakdown and strategic guide.
A colour copy of the biographical page of your valid passport. International students must maintain a D-2 (Student) visa throughout their studies.
A non-refundable application fee of approximately $90 USD (equivalent in KRW) payable during online submission. The fee is the same for both Spring and Fall intake cycles.
Kyung Hee uses its own direct application portal — not Common App, UCAS, or a coalition system. Below is every component of a complete international undergraduate application, with notes on what the admissions committee is actually looking for in each.
Be specific about Kyung Hee — not generic about Korea
Name the programme, the college, the research approach, or the specific aspect of the curriculum that drew you. Generic statements about 'studying in Korea' are unconvincing — and the committee reads hundreds of them.
The Study Plan is a forward-looking document. The most effective ones trace a clear line from your academic background through the Kyung Hee programme to a concrete career outcome. Vague 'work in my field' statements are the most common weakness.
Write in clear, direct English — not performative prose
Korean admissions readers value clarity and directness. Avoid overwrought openings, flowery metaphors, and thesaurus-inflated sentences. Say what you mean, with evidence. 200–300 words per section is the right depth.
Tailor each document to Kyung Hee, not to 'Korean universities'
A Study Plan submitted to multiple Korean universities without tailoring is immediately visible. Kyung Hee-specific details — its dual-medical model, the peace scholarship tradition, the global hospitality curriculum — signal genuine commitment.
Kyung Hee Study Plan — Writing Your Application Statement
Introduce yourself and summarise your academic background, achievements, and relevant experience. This is your narrative arc — not a CV summary.
Part 1 — Self-Introduction & Academic Background
Explain your reasons for choosing Kyung Hee University and your intended programme. Be specific: name the programme, research centre, faculty, or distinctive curriculum element that drew you.
Part 2 — Motivation for Kyung Hee & Programme
Describe what you plan to study, any research interests, and your academic goals during your time at Kyung Hee. Show you have actually read the curriculum.
Describe your career goals and how your Kyung Hee education connects to them. Concrete, not aspirational: a named role, industry, or organisation is stronger than a sentiment.
Writing a Study Plan that mentions no Kyung Hee-specific details — and could have been submitted to any Korean university.
The most common Kyung Hee application mistake
Writing Strategy — What Works at Korean Universities
What Kyung Hee Admissions Looks For in International Students
A steady or upward-trending academic record with a GPA at or above 2.8/4.0 equivalent is the baseline. Competitive programmes expect significantly more. The committee reads your transcript in the context of your home school's grading system — a 90% in a rigorous national curriculum reads differently from a 90% in a lenient grading environment.
Kyung Hee looks for students who have clearly researched the programme they are applying to — especially for specialised schools like Korean Medicine, Hotel & Tourism, or Dentistry, where places are strictly limited. Your Study Plan must explain not just why Korea, but why this programme at this university.
Credible evidence that you can succeed in the language of instruction. For English-taught tracks, IELTS or TOEFL scores that meet or exceed the minimum are essential. A borderline language score paired with a strong academic record is a weaker file than both metrics being solid.
A demonstrated interest in Korean culture, academic knowledge areas, or industries where Korea has global strength. Students who can articulate a specific, Korea-relevant academic or career rationale — beyond general admiration for Korean popular culture — stand out significantly.
Unlike US holistic admissions, Kyung Hee places significant weight on your stated career goals and how they connect to the programme. Applicants who arrive with a clear professional trajectory — even if still exploratory — are more compelling than those with no stated purpose.
International student applications are judged in part on the completeness, official status, and accuracy of submitted documents. Unofficial, improperly translated, or improperly certified documents are a common reason for delays or rejections — independent of academic strength.
Kyung Hee's international student admissions process is structured and holistic but grade-first. Understanding the priority order — academic record, then language proficiency, then Study Plan — helps you allocate preparation time correctly.
GKS scholarship: covers full tuition + stipend
Kyung Hee Financial Aid & Scholarships for International Students
All figures are approximate USD equivalents based on KRW rates. Confirm current fees and scholarship terms with the Kyung Hee Admissions Office and the NIIED website for GKS.
Kyung Hee does not operate a formal no-loan policy equivalent to Harvard or Princeton. Aid is merit-based tuition waivers, not comprehensive need-based grants. The most effective financial strategy for international students is combining institutional scholarships with the Government of Korea Scholarship (GKS), which together can cover full tuition and provide a monthly living stipend.
At approximately $7,500 USD per year in tuition, Kyung Hee is one of the most cost-accessible globally-ranked private universities in Asia. Institutional scholarships average 30% tuition coverage; the GKS national scholarship can cover full costs for eligible students.
Illustrative Net Cost Scenarios (Annual, USD Equivalent)
Full GKS national scholarship — tuition + stipend covered
KHU institutional scholarship + GKS partial
No institutional aid — full tuition applies
More time to finalize documents, language scores, and Study Plan
Larger cohort — more student life activity and peer network on arrival
Matches most international school graduation calendars (May–June)
Scholarship competition is typically spread across both intakes
One year longer before starting studies if applying too late for Fall
Spring cohort is smaller — slightly different campus dynamic on arrival
Some programmes may have reduced seats in Spring intake
Spring starters miss the September orientation cycle
Key Dates (Approximate — Verify Annually)
Fall Intake (September) — Why Most Choose It
Kyung Hee Application Rounds — Fall vs. Spring Intake Strategy
Unlike US Early Decision or UCAS single deadlines, Kyung Hee offers two intakes per year. The choice is primarily about timeline readiness — not strategic admissions advantage.
Apply for Fall intake (September) if your graduation, language scores, and documents will be ready by April–June. Apply for Spring if you miss the Fall window — both intakes are equally valid and receive equal admissions consideration. Do not rush an incomplete application to meet the Fall window.
Department faculty or admissions committee
Programme fit, language ability, motivation verification
Kyung Hee Interview — When, How & Preparation
Give a specific answer. Name the programme, a course, a research area, or a faculty strength — not rankings or 'Korea is great'.
Why Kyung Hee specifically, and why this programme?
Show you have thought concretely about this. Name a role, an organisation, or an industry sector, and connect it to what Kyung Hee offers.
What do you plan to do with your degree after graduation?
Describe a real academic experience — a course, project, or research moment that connects to your programme choice.
Tell me about your academic background relevant to this programme.
Be honest about your level. If you are a beginner, say so but show that you are learning. Korean language interest reads positively.
How is your Korean language ability? Do you plan to improve it?
Demonstrate cultural awareness and openness — not just K-pop references. Academic, professional, or research dimensions of Korean culture are strongest.
What draws you to studying in South Korea?
Not all Kyung Hee undergraduate international admissions include a formal interview. For most programmes, the application is document-based. However, certain competitive departments — particularly Korean Medicine, Medicine, and Dentistry — may include an interview as part of international student selection. Confirm with the specific department and the admissions office (admission@khu.ac.kr) whether an interview is required for your programme and intake year.
Main residential hall for Seoul Campus international students; mixed-gender floors, shared rooms
Housing with emphasis on international student community; language exchange encouraged
Modern residential block; priority for first-year students; cafeteria on-site
Main dormitory for Yongin campus; shared rooms with common kitchen and study areas
Engineering and science students' primary accommodation on Global Campus
Mixed domestic/international housing; promotes cross-cultural interaction
Kyung Hee Residential Life & Campus Housing
Kyung Hee does not operate a 'house system' in the Oxbridge or Yale sense. Residential life is organised by dormitory building, allocated by campus (Seoul or Global/Yongin) and application order. First-year international students are given priority for dormitory placement.
Receive your admission letter and confirm enrolment
Apply for dormitory housing through the International Students Support office — applications open shortly after admission
Priority is given to first-year international students; early application is essential as spaces are competitive
Seoul Campus dormitories: students in humanities, social sciences, hotel & tourism, and medicine tracks
Global Campus dormitories (Yongin): students in engineering, science, and international college tracks
Most dormitories offer double rooms; some single rooms are available at a premium
Meal plans available on-site; optional but recommended for first-year students
Kyung Hee Colleges & International Programme Areas
Arguably Asia's best-known hospitality management college. Alumni lead major hotel brands, airline services, and tourism policy bodies across Asia-Pacific.
The most prestigious Korean Medicine programme in the country. The dual-diagnostic Kyung Hee Medical Center provides clinical training that cannot be replicated at any Western university.
Verify home-country licensing eligibility
Internationally recognised medical, dental, and nursing programmes. International students must independently verify that a Korean medical degree qualifies for professional licensing in their home country before applying.
Strong business curriculum with deep ties to Korea's major conglomerates (chaebol). Exchange programmes make it a genuinely international degree experience.
Rooted in Kyung Hee's founding peace-scholarship tradition. Strong pipeline into international organisations, Korean government ministries, and NGOs.
Computer Eng., Mechanical Eng., Electronics
Korean tech sector, Samsung R&D affiliates
Engineering programmes at the Global Campus in Yongin, supported by Korea's vibrant tech industry ecosystem and government-funded research initiatives.
Korea's leading integrative medicine research body, hosted at Kyung Hee. Undergraduate and graduate students in medicine and Korean medicine can engage with active research projects combining Eastern diagnostic methods and Western clinical science.
Exchange semesters at one of 434 partner universities in 69 countries. Students in Business, International Studies, and Engineering frequently take one or two semesters at universities in the US, EU, Japan, or Southeast Asia as part of their degree.
Kyung Hee hosts over 300 student clubs spanning academic societies, traditional Korean arts, K-pop performance groups, international student associations, debate clubs, entrepreneurship teams, and athletic organisations. The annual KHU festival is one of the most celebrated university events in Seoul.
Institute of International Education & Peace Studies
Kyung Hee's foundational research institute, connected to its 1981 proposal of the UN International Day of Peace. Students in International Studies and Political Science can participate in research conferences, UN-affiliated workshops, and the university's global peace initiative network.
Research & Extracurricular Opportunities at Kyung Hee
Scroll right to explore Kyung Hee's research programmes and student life.
Graduate employment rate within 12 months
National university ranking (South Korea)
Top employer sectors: hospitality, healthcare, conglomerates
Career Outcomes & Kyung Hee Alumni Network
Hotel & Tourism graduates enter InterContinental, Marriott, Korean Air, and regional luxury hospitality brands. The programme's global ranking makes it a direct pipeline to executive hospitality roles across Asia-Pacific.
Medical, dental, Korean medicine, and nursing graduates enter Korea's well-funded healthcare system. Licensing requirements vary by country — international students must verify home-country recognition before enrolling in clinical programmes.
Business and International Studies alumni enter Korea's major conglomerates (Samsung, LG, Hyundai affiliates), Korean government ministries, international banks, diplomatic services, and multilateral organisations including UN agencies.
Business, Government & International Affairs
Kyung Hee graduates benefit from strong employer recognition within South Korea and a growing reputation across Asia-Pacific. An 87% employment rate within 12 months of graduation reflects the practical orientation of programmes like Hotel & Tourism and the near-total professional licensing rates for medical graduates entering Korean practice.
Our Kyung Hee Admissions Track Record & Student Success Stories
I applied to Kyung Hee for Hotel & Tourism Management without a clear sense of what the Study Plan needed to accomplish. Tychr helped me reframe it entirely — from a vague 'I love hospitality' opener to a specific narrative about my work at my family's hotel and what the KHU curriculum would teach me that nowhere else could. I received an offer with a partial scholarship.
The document requirements for Korean university applications are meticulous. Tychr walked me through the apostille process for Italian documents, helped me prepare my Study Plan in both English and Korean, and caught a translation error that would have delayed my application by months.
Kyung Hee's Korean Medicine programme was my first choice — but I wasn't sure my academic record was strong enough. Tychr helped me build a Study Plan that honestly explained my academic context and connected my background in traditional Japanese medicine to the Kyung Hee dual-medical model. The specificity made the difference.
Japanese national curriculum · TOPIK Level 4
Can I apply to Kyung Hee if I haven't graduated from high school yet?
Yes. Kyung Hee accepts applications from students in their final year of secondary school. Admission is conditional on final transcripts and graduation certificate. You will need a letter confirming expected graduation date from your school.
Do I need to know Korean to study at Kyung Hee?
It depends on your programme. A growing number of programmes — particularly in International Studies, Business, Engineering, and Hotel & Tourism — offer English-medium or international tracks. Korean-medium programmes require TOPIK Level 3 or above. Confirm the language of instruction for your specific department before applying.
Is there a separate admissions process for international students?
Yes. International students apply through a dedicated 외국인 전형 (international student track) via iadmission.khu.ac.kr. You are not competing directly with Korean domestic applicants, who use a different system (수능-based).
Is the GKS scholarship available at Kyung Hee?
Yes. Kyung Hee is a designated partner for the Government of Korea Scholarship (GKS/KGSP), which covers full tuition, a monthly living stipend (~KRW 900,000+), one year of Korean language training, and round-trip airfare. Apply through the Korean Embassy in your home country or directly via NIIED (niied.go.kr).
How competitive is Medicine or Korean Medicine for international students?
These are among the most competitive programmes at Kyung Hee. International seats are very limited, and academic expectations are well above the 2.8/4.0 minimum. A strong academic record, credible motivation rooted in genuine knowledge of the field, and an exceptionally well-crafted Study Plan are all essential. Also verify that a Kyung Hee medical degree is recognised for professional licensing in your home country before applying.
Which campus will I be at — Seoul or Yongin?
Your campus depends on your programme. Hotel & Tourism, Medicine, Korean Medicine, and most humanities programmes are based at the Seoul Campus (Dongdaemun-gu). Engineering, science, and International Studies programmes are primarily at the Global Campus in Yongin. Confirm with the department before applying.
Can international students work part-time in South Korea?
D-2 visa holders are typically permitted to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week during semesters) with a campus employment permit. This is subject to visa conditions and academic standing. Confirm current regulations with the Korean Immigration Service.
International degree students require a D-2 (Student) visa, issued after you receive an admission letter and enrolment confirmation. Kyung Hee's ISSS (Division of International Students and Scholar Services) provides detailed visa guidance post-admission. The D-10 job-seeker visa is available after graduation for those wishing to seek employment in Korea.
Tychr advising session for Korean university
Getting into Kyung Hee's most competitive programmes is not just about grades — it is about showing exactly why you belong in that specific classroom, in that specific city.
Book a Free Kyung Hee Admissions Strategy Session
Korea admissions specialists with direct experience
Personalised Study Plan and document strategy
In 60 minutes our Korea admissions specialists will evaluate your academic profile against your target programme, identify gaps in your language certification and documents, develop your Study Plan strategy, and advise on scholarship applications including GKS.
University minimum — competitive programmes expect higher
Typical benchmark for competitive applicants
For English-medium programmes; 90+ preferred
University minimum; 6.0+ for competitive programmes
Kyung Hee Academic Standards — The Honest Picture for International Students
What academic profile does Kyung Hee's international student admissions track actually require? How are IB, A-Level, and other international qualifications read? And what makes the difference between an offer and a rejection when grades are borderline?
The honest picture: Kyung Hee publishes a minimum GPA of 2.8/4.0 for most undergraduate programmes. In practice, competitive programmes — Hotel & Tourism, Business, Engineering — expect 3.3+ from strong international applicants. Medical tracks (Medicine, Dentistry, Korean Medicine) are considerably more demanding.
Typical competitive applicant GPA for non-medical programmes
Kyung Hee and GPA — What the Requirements Actually Mean
A 2.8 GPA is a floor, not a target. The admissions committee is looking for the strongest applicants within each intake pool — which means that in a competitive cycle, the effective bar rises above the published minimum. A strong Study Plan and language certification can contextualise a borderline grade profile, but cannot replace genuine academic preparation.
Kyung Hee's admissions office reads international transcripts in the context of the applicant's home country grading system. A student from India on a percentage scale, a UK student with GCSE/A-Level grades, and an IB student with a numerical total are all evaluated against what is achievable and typical within their specific educational context. Grade conversion tools and international equivalency tables are used.
How Kyung Hee evaluates international grade systems
An upward academic trajectory — improving from moderate to strong performance across secondary school — reads positively. A declining trajectory in the final year of study is a concern. If your overall GPA is borderline but your most recent year is your strongest, address this explicitly in your Study Plan.
Kyung Hee's admissions office is experienced in reading applications from over 69 countries. Academic performance is always evaluated with reference to the applicant's specific school, country, and curriculum — not against a universal absolute benchmark.
Each application is assessed with reference to the specific school's grading norms and course offerings. Kyung Hee's international admissions team maintains familiarity with major examination boards and national curricula from across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa. Where a qualification is unfamiliar, the admissions office may request a certified equivalency statement from the applicant's national qualifications authority.
How Kyung Hee contextualises your academic record
Taking the most rigorous courses available to you in your curriculum — Higher Level in IB, A-Level in the UK system, or equivalent honours/advanced tracks in national systems — signals academic ambition. Choosing easier options to protect your GPA is a strategy that can backfire at the competitive programme level.
How Kyung Hee Reads Your Academic Record in Context
If you attended a school with a non-standard or less internationally recognised curriculum, include a brief contextual explanation in your Study Plan. Kyung Hee's international office is receptive to context — but you need to provide it. Do not assume they will independently research the grading norms at your specific school.
For students from less-recognised school systems
SAT at Kyung Hee — Optional Supporting Evidence Only
SAT at Kyung Hee — What Role It Actually Plays
If you submit an SAT score, the Math section is relevant for Engineering, Computer Science, and Business applicants — a strong quantitative score (700+) can reinforce the academic readiness argument in your Study Plan. For humanities, international studies, or hospitality programmes, the SAT carries minimal additional weight.
Time spent preparing for IELTS or TOEFL is more strategically valuable at Kyung Hee than time spent on SAT preparation. Language certification is a hard requirement with a clear threshold; SAT scores are optional supporting evidence with no published target. Prioritise accordingly.
Submit your SAT score if it is strong (1200+ is a reasonable threshold for submission to feel additive) and if you have an official score report available. Do not invest additional exam-taking time in SAT preparation for the purpose of Kyung Hee application — your Study Plan and language scores will have far greater impact.
ACT at Kyung Hee — Optional, No Published Target
ACT Scores at Kyung Hee — The Honest Picture
Kyung Hee does not publish ACT superscore policy. If submitting ACT results, include your best available score report. The test is recognised as a US-curriculum academic assessment.
Neither test is preferred or required at Kyung Hee. Submit whichever you have and whichever is stronger if you choose to submit at all.
IB Diploma, A-Level, CBSE, and other international qualifications carry more recognition and weight in Korean university admissions than SAT or ACT. These are the primary academic evidence.
International qualifications take priority
TOPIK (for Korean-medium programmes) and IELTS/TOEFL (for English-medium programmes) are the language certifications that actually determine eligibility. Invest more time here.
How Standardised Tests Fit the Korean University Context
Unless you already have a strong SAT or ACT score available at no additional effort, do not prioritise standardised test preparation for Kyung Hee. Invest that time in language certification (IELTS/TOEFL/TOPIK) and Study Plan preparation. These are the determinative factors.
Tychr's recommendation for Kyung Hee applicants
Kyung Hee operates a test-optional policy for international undergraduate applicants. SAT and ACT scores are accepted as supplementary evidence but are not required. The university's primary academic document is your high school transcript.
Kyung Hee Test-Optional Policy — What It Means in Practice
Kyung Hee University does not require SAT or ACT for international undergraduate admissions. Applications are reviewed holistically with the transcript as the central academic document. There is no penalty for not submitting standardised test scores.
Current policy (international undergraduate track)
You have a strong score (SAT 1200+ or ACT 26+) and an official report available at no additional cost.
Your target programme is Engineering or Computer Science, where a strong quantitative score adds credible academic context.
Your academic transcript has a borderline GPA and you need supplementary academic evidence.
You do not have a strong score and would need additional exam preparation to improve it — spend that time on IELTS/TOEFL instead.
Your target programme is humanities, international studies, or hotel & tourism — where SAT/ACT adds minimal signal.
When not submitting is the better strategy
Unlike the US system where test-optional creates genuine strategic complexity, at Kyung Hee the test-optional policy is simpler: your transcript and language certification are the core evidence. Test scores are genuinely supplementary — not a meaningful alternative to a strong academic record.
Kyung Hee's admissions office is familiar with the IB Diploma Programme. A total of 31+ is the reference benchmark in the facts file. For competitive programmes (Business, Engineering, International Studies), aim for 33–36+. For medical tracks, expect the bar to be higher. Higher Level subjects in your intended field of study are read carefully — HL Biology for Medicine, HL Economics for Business, HL Maths for Engineering. The Extended Essay subject and grade are noted as evidence of independent research capability.
Relevant HLs in your intended field strengthen the application
Noted positively; demonstrates independent research
A-Level results are well understood by Korean admissions offices. Two to three A-Levels are the standard expectation. ABB–AAA is a reasonable target range for competitive programmes; AAB+ for medical tracks. Cambridge International and Edexcel are both fully recognised. AS-Level results are reviewed alongside predicted A-Level grades.
Reviewed alongside predicted A-Level grades
IB, A-Level & Other International Qualifications at Kyung Hee — Benchmarks
AP courses and scores are accepted as supplementary academic evidence at Kyung Hee. They are not required, and no minimum score or course count is published. For US-curriculum students, AP results can strengthen the application by demonstrating depth in relevant subject areas.
Three or more AP scores of 4–5 in subjects relevant to your intended programme. AP Calculus BC and AP Physics for Engineering applicants; AP Biology and AP Chemistry for medical track applicants; AP Economics or AP Statistics for Business applicants.
What Kyung Hee is looking for in AP results
No minimum count is published. AP results are treated as supplementary depth evidence, not a primary requirement. Two to four strong AP scores (4–5) are more useful than ten mediocre ones.
AP results can reinforce your academic readiness argument in your Study Plan — particularly for STEM programmes where quantitative ability is a key criterion.
AP Courses at Kyung Hee — Role and Strategic Value
Kyung Hee does not publish a formal AP credit transfer policy for undergraduate international students in the same way US universities do. Confirm credit recognition with your specific department upon admission.
Students sitting IB, A-Level, or national examinations who do not have access to AP courses should not seek out AP exams specifically for the Kyung Hee application. Your primary qualification (IB/A-Level/national board) is the appropriate academic evidence.
Kyung Hee evaluates 'rigour of secondary school record' as part of its holistic academic assessment. The definition of rigour is relative to what was available to you in your specific school and country context — not to an absolute global standard.
Rigour of Your Secondary School Record — What Kyung Hee Looks For
Taking the most challenging courses available to you in your specific curriculum and school — in subjects relevant to your intended programme.
A student at a school that offers IB Higher Level Maths, Chemistry, and Biology simultaneously, who takes all three, demonstrates academic courage. A student at a school with limited course offerings who maximises what is available also demonstrates rigour — it is always evaluated relative to opportunity.
Rigour is not about collecting the maximum number of difficult courses — it is about choosing an academically ambitious path in your strongest and most relevant subjects. Choosing easier courses to protect your GPA at the cost of genuine academic challenge is a strategy that weakens competitive programme applications.
For medical and healthcare tracks: the highest available level of Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics. For Engineering: the highest available Mathematics and Physics. For Hotel & Tourism: strong English and any business, economics, or social science breadth. For International Studies: humanities depth across History, Geography, and Languages.
Kyung Hee has no universal formal prerequisites for admission. However, competitive programme areas have implicit subject expectations that a strong applicant's academic record will demonstrate.
Subject-Area Preparation — What Each Programme Expects
HL Biology and Chemistry (IB), A-Level Biology and Chemistry, or equivalent national science at the highest available level. Strong Mathematics. Clinical volunteering or research observation experience, where accessible, strengthens the Study Plan significantly for medical tracks.
Medicine / Korean Medicine / Dentistry / Nursing
HL Mathematics (IB Analysis & Approaches preferred) or A-Level Mathematics (Further Maths advantageous). Physics at advanced level. Programming experience, CS-adjacent coursework, or coding competition results strengthen Computer Engineering applications.
No fixed science prerequisites. Strong English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL 90+ strongly preferred). Demonstrated hospitality interest through work experience, internships, school events management, or relevant extracurricular activity. Business or Economics at advanced secondary level is an asset.
Broad humanities profile: Economics, History, Geography, and Languages at advanced level. Strong analytical writing in English. For students interested in peace studies or East Asian geopolitics, demonstrating awareness of Korean regional context in your Study Plan is a meaningful differentiator.
International Studies / Political Science
English language proficiency is a hard requirement for English-medium programme applicants. Kyung Hee publishes minimum IELTS and TOEFL scores; meeting the minimum is a threshold, not a competitive differentiator.
English & Korean Language Requirements at Kyung Hee
The IELTS/TOEFL minimum is a gate, not a target. For competitive programmes like Hotel & Tourism or Business, applicants with IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+ are more compelling. If your language score is at the minimum (IELTS 5.5 / TOEFL 80), it does not immediately disqualify you — but it does not strengthen your file either. Invest in a higher score if you are in a competitive programme pool.
Korean language proficiency is not required for English-medium programmes. However, basic Korean ability significantly improves your daily campus experience — administrative processes, social integration, and practical navigation of Seoul all benefit from even conversational Korean. Students who arrive with some Korean study (elementary level) adapt faster and report higher satisfaction in the first semester.
Korean language: not required, but genuinely valuable
Kyung Hee admits students to specific colleges and programmes — not to the university broadly. Your programme choice determines the academic expectations you will be held to.
Hospitality work experience; strong English; business/economics coursework
Strong academic record; IELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL 90+
HL Biology + Chemistry; clinical observation; research interest
High GPA; strong sciences; credible Study Plan motivation
Eastern medicine background; credible integrative medicine rationale
Strong sciences; deep knowledge of Korean Medicine philosophy
HL Maths; CS coursework or competitions; coding projects
Strong Maths and Physics; HL/A-Level Sciences
Geopolitics awareness; humanities breadth; peace/international affairs interest
Strong humanities GPA; IELTS 6.0+ / TOEFL 85+
Economics; leadership; Korea business awareness
Strong broad academic record; English proficiency
Portfolio; media projects; strong English writing
Good academic record; evidence of media interest
Academic Expectations by Programme — Kyung Hee College by College
Well recognised and highly valued. Kyung Hee's international admissions staff are experienced IB readers. The subject combination and level choices are evaluated alongside the total score. A student taking HL Biology, HL Chemistry, and HL Mathematics signals serious pre-medical preparation. The Extended Essay topic and grade are noted as an indicator of independent research engagement.
Fully recognised. Two or three A-Levels at strong grades (ABB minimum for most programmes; AAB+ for competitive ones) are well understood by Korean admissions offices. Cambridge International and Edexcel are both standard. Predicted grades accompanied by a school reference carry weight.
Accepted and recognised. Indian board percentages are converted using established equivalency norms. CBSE and ISC results are both understood. Supplementary evidence — JEE performance, state board rank, Olympiad results, or IELTS/TOEFL scores — helps contextualise board results and strengthen the file.
Accepted. Australian ATAR and New Zealand NCEA are recognised as equivalent national qualifications. Students from these systems should include their results with a certified English-language transcript. ATAR scores are converted using published equivalency tables.
Accepted, though less familiar. Students from African, Latin American, or Eastern European national examination systems should include a certified English translation of their results and — if the qualification is non-standard — a letter from their national qualifications authority confirming the level and grading scale.
How Kyung Hee Evaluates International Curricula — System by System
Prioritise Maths and Sciences if targeting engineering or medical programmes; build humanities breadth for international studies or business.
Begin researching Kyung Hee's specific colleges — read the English-language programme pages at khu.ac.kr.
Consider starting introductory Korean language study — basic vocabulary makes campus life significantly more accessible.
Explore the Korean Government Scholarship (GKS) eligibility criteria to understand age and GPA requirements early.
IB subject and level selection: choose HLs that reflect genuine intellectual strengths in subjects relevant to your intended Kyung Hee programme.
A-Level subject combination finalised — prioritise depth over breadth in programme-relevant subjects.
Sit IELTS or TOEFL for the first time. Aim above minimum: IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+ for competitive programmes.
Begin a first draft of your Study Plan narrative. Why Kyung Hee? Why this programme? What specific aspect of the curriculum or the Korean academic environment draws you?
Build the evidence and refine the narrative
Pursue relevant extracurricular experience: hospitality internship for Hotel & Tourism, clinical volunteering for medical tracks, coding projects for Engineering.
If targeting Korean-medium programmes: begin TOPIK preparation. Level 3 is the minimum; Level 4 is a stronger position.
Research the GKS application process and begin gathering required documents for the scholarship application (which has its own separate deadline via Korean Embassies).
Refine your Study Plan with specific Kyung Hee details — named courses, research centres, or programme-specific strengths.
Obtain official transcripts and graduation certificate; get them officially translated and apostilled as required by your country.
Submit application through UwayApply during the appropriate intake window (Fall: April–June; Spring: October–November).
Submit GKS application through Korean Embassy simultaneously (deadlines often fall in February–March for the following academic year).
Building an Academic Profile for Kyung Hee — What to Do at Each Stage
Academic Mistakes That Cost Kyung Hee Applications — And How to Avoid Them
Applying to Medicine, Korean Medicine, or Dentistry without first confirming that a Korean degree in these fields is legally recognised for professional licensing in your home country. The programmes are excellent — but a degree you cannot practice with is not a viable career path.
Not verifying medical licensing recognition before applying
The published minimum (2.8/4.0) is a university-wide floor. Submitting a 2.9 GPA for Korean Medicine — one of the most competitive programmes in the country — is not a realistic application. Know which academic tier your target programme actually requires.
Applying to competitive programmes at the minimum GPA
Kyung Hee requires official, certified, and often apostilled documents. Submitting unofficial transcripts, unnotarised copies, or improperly translated certificates is a common reason for application delays — regardless of the strength of the underlying academic record.
Submitting improperly certified documents
Within the same department, some courses are taught in Korean, others in English. Enrolling in the wrong track means either failing Korean-medium coursework or missing out on the international track experience you expected. Confirm the language of instruction for your specific courses before applying.
Confusing the Korean-medium and English-medium tracks
Your Study Plan is evaluated as seriously as your academic record in borderline cases. A generic, impersonal, or grammatically weak Study Plan undermines an otherwise competitive application — and is especially damaging for English-medium programme applicants.
The following profiles represent the academic backgrounds of students Tychr has supported through successful Kyung Hee admissions applications. They illustrate the range of preparation that works across different programme areas.
What Academic Profiles Tychr's Kyung Hee-Admitted Students Had
IB Diploma with HL Economics (6), HL Business (7), HL English A (6). Strong IELTS (7.5). Study Plan focused specifically on the Kyung Hee hospitality curriculum's dual focus on operations and luxury brand management, and a summer internship at a boutique resort.
IB 35 · IELTS 7.5 · Relevant work experience
The IB score was solid but not exceptional. The differentiator was a Study Plan with genuine hospitality industry experience and specific knowledge of the KHU programme structure.
CBSE (India): 91% aggregate, strong Biology and Chemistry. TOEFL 95. Study Plan that traced a specific interest in integrative medicine from family experience with Korean medicine, and demonstrated knowledge of the Kyung Hee Medical Center's dual-diagnostic model.
CBSE 91% · TOEFL 95 · Specific medicine motivation
Korean Medicine is highly competitive. The successful element was not just grades but a Study Plan that demonstrated genuine, specific knowledge of Korean medicine philosophy — not just admiration for Korean culture.
UK A-Levels: AAB in Computer Science, Maths, and Physics. No SAT/ACT submitted. TOEFL 96. Study Plan referenced specific Kyung Hee engineering research centres and included a personal coding project relevant to the intended research area.
A-Levels were strong but not perfect. The engineering Study Plan with a tangible coding project and specific reference to Kyung Hee's research infrastructure made the application compelling.
The university minimum is 2.8/4.0 equivalent. However, competitive programmes expect significantly more in practice. For Hotel & Tourism and Business, a 3.3+ GPA from a strong curriculum is a more realistic competitive floor. For medical tracks, even higher.
What GPA do I actually need for Kyung Hee?
The reference IB band in the university facts file is 31+ points. For competitive non-medical programmes, 33–36 is a more realistic expectation. For medical tracks, expect the bar to be higher. Higher Level subject grades in your target field matter alongside the total.
No. SAT and ACT are optional supporting evidence. The primary academic document is your high school transcript. Invest your preparation time in IELTS/TOEFL and your Study Plan — these have far greater impact on your application.
Do I need to take the SAT or ACT for Kyung Hee?
Yes. IELTS (minimum 5.5) or TOEFL iBT (minimum 80) is required for English-medium programme applicants. These are hard requirements, not optional. Plan to sit your language test no later than 3 months before the application deadline.
Yes. Domestic applicants use the Korean university entrance examination (수능) system, which is entirely separate. International students apply through a dedicated track (iadmission.khu.ac.kr) that does not involve the 수능 at all.
Do international students compete with Korean domestic applicants for places?
A fraction of comparable US, UK, or Australian private universities
Full national scholarship covering tuition + monthly stipend for eligible students
Kyung Hee May Cost Significantly Less Than You Think — Here's the Full Picture.
At approximately $7,500 USD per year in tuition, Kyung Hee is one of the most cost-accessible globally-ranked private research universities in Asia. With institutional scholarships and the Government of Korea Scholarship, the real net cost can be dramatically lower — or zero.
What Kyung Hee Actually Costs — The Full Annual Figure
Kyung Hee Estimated Annual Cost (USD Equivalent)
Total estimated cost of attendance (annual)
At approximately $18,200 USD total cost of attendance, Kyung Hee is roughly one-third the annual cost of a comparable private university in the United States, and below the equivalent cost at most Russell Group universities in the UK. Seoul is a major world city — but day-to-day costs are considerably more manageable than London, New York, or Sydney.
GKS scholarship recipients pay no tuition and receive a monthly living stipend.
Total estimated annual cost including tuition and living for a student without scholarship support.
All figures are approximate USD equivalents. Actual costs in KRW vary by college (medical/dental programmes carry higher fees), accommodation type, and individual lifestyle. Confirm current fees in KRW on iadmission.khu.ac.kr.
Kyung Hee Financial Aid Policy — What International Students Need to Know
Kyung Hee does not operate a need-blind admissions system for international students comparable to Harvard, Princeton, or MIT. Aid is primarily merit-based — tuition waivers awarded based on academic achievement rather than family financial circumstances. The most significant financial support available to international students is the Government of Korea Scholarship (GKS), a national programme that is independent of the institutional admissions process.
Unlike leading US universities that combine need-blind admissions with comprehensive need-based grant packages, Kyung Hee's financial aid model is merit-focused. Your admission decision is not affected by financial circumstances — but the aid you receive will depend on academic merit, not financial need. The GKS programme is the mechanism through which genuinely comprehensive support is available.
Institutional financial aid at Kyung Hee primarily takes the form of merit-based tuition waivers, typically covering approximately 30% of annual tuition on average for scholarship recipients. Full tuition and living cost coverage is available through the Government of Korea Scholarship (GKS) for eligible applicants.
How Kyung Hee Compares to US/UK Aid Models
Upon admission, eligible students are considered for institutional merit scholarships — in many cases automatically, without a separate scholarship application. The GKS scholarship is applied for separately through the Korean Embassy in your home country or NIIED, typically running on a parallel but independent timeline to the university application.
Kyung Hee University is a private institution operating on tuition revenue, government grants, and endowment returns. Unlike the US Ivy League model where enormous endowments fund comprehensive need-based aid, Korean private universities maintain affordability primarily through tuition pricing that is significantly lower than comparable institutions in the anglophone world — and through national scholarship programmes funded by the Korean government.
Different from US Private University Model
South Korea has made international student attraction a national priority. The Government of Korea Scholarship (GKS) reflects this — it is a generously funded national programme designed to bring the best international students to Korean universities. Kyung Hee's designation as a GKS partner institution means its students have direct access to this programme.
South Korea's Investment in International Students
Why Kyung Hee Can Be Surprisingly Affordable — Context and Strategy
"Through scholarship and peace, we cultivate the talents who will build a better world." — Kyung Hee University founding charter
Kyung Hee ranks 8th nationally in South Korea and 330th globally (QS), delivering a research university education at a fraction of the cost of comparable institutions in the US or UK. The combination of affordable tuition and a serious scholarship ecosystem makes it one of Asia's most cost-effective elite university options.
Confirm age eligibility (typically under 25 for undergraduate GKS)
Confirm GPA eligibility (typically 2.8/4.0 or above)
Confirm you do not hold Korean citizenship or a prior Korean degree
The Government of Korea Scholarship has strict eligibility rules. Check the NIIED website in your penultimate year of school.
Locate the Korean Embassy or diplomatic mission in your home country
Obtain the current GKS application form and guidelines from the Embassy
Prepare required GKS documents: transcripts, GPA certificate, language scores, motivation letter, reference letters
Submit by the Embassy deadline (typically February–March for the following academic year)
Most international students apply for GKS through the Korean Embassy. The embassy deadline is typically earlier than the university application deadline.
Apply to Kyung Hee University Simultaneously
Submit your undergraduate application through iadmission.khu.ac.kr
On the application, indicate Kyung Hee as your first-choice institution (relevant to GKS university track applications)
Enquire explicitly at admission@khu.ac.kr about which institutional scholarships you will be automatically considered for
GKS university track applications are submitted to Kyung Hee directly. Embassy track applications are separate. Check which track is available to you.
GKS results are typically announced in May–June for September intake
Kyung Hee institutional scholarship decisions come with or shortly after the admission offer
Review the combined package before confirming enrolment
GKS and institutional scholarship decisions arrive on different timelines. Plan for both.
Contact admission@khu.ac.kr to ask about any additional scholarship windows
Research home-country government scholarships for Korean study
Confirm D-2 visa part-time work eligibility for supplementary income
Plan living budget in KRW using current exchange rate forecasts
If GKS and institutional aid do not fully cover costs, explore home-country scholarships and part-time work eligibility.
Applying for Financial Aid at Kyung Hee — Step by Step
Financial aid at Kyung Hee requires proactive action — institutional scholarships may be awarded automatically upon admission, but the GKS requires a separate application with its own earlier deadline.
International students at Kyung Hee have access to two distinct funding pathways: institutional merit scholarships awarded by Kyung Hee itself, and the Government of Korea Scholarship (GKS) administered by NIIED. Understanding the difference — and applying for both — is the most effective financial strategy.
Awarded by Kyung Hee University based on academic merit. Typically cover a partial tuition waiver (averaging ~30% of annual tuition). Assessed during the admissions process — in many cases automatically, without a separate application. Contact admission@khu.ac.kr to confirm what you will be considered for.
Government of Korea Scholarship (GKS / KGSP)
A national scholarship administered by NIIED. Covers full tuition, a monthly living stipend (~KRW 900,000+), one year of Korean language training, and round-trip airfare. Applications go through Korean Embassies (Embassy track) or directly to Kyung Hee (university track). Eligibility is strict: age limit, GPA requirement, no prior Korean degree or Korean citizenship. The most comprehensive funding available to international students.
Many governments offer scholarships for citizens studying at recognised foreign universities. The coverage and eligibility vary enormously by country. Tychr maintains awareness of major country-specific scholarship programmes and advises relevant students as part of the application process.
D-2 visa holders can typically work up to 20 hours per week during semesters with a campus employment permit. Many international students supplement their income through on-campus tutoring, language assistance, or administration roles. Confirm current visa conditions with the Korean Immigration Service.
Financial Aid for International Students at Kyung Hee — The Two Pathways
Full tuition + ~KRW 900,000/month stipend + airfare
GKS Award (merit-based; income not the primary criterion)
~$0 tuition; stipend covers much of living cost
~30% of annual tuition (~$2,250 off $7,500)
KHU Institutional Merit Scholarship (average award)
Full tuition $7,500 + living costs (~$10,700)
What Aid at Kyung Hee Actually Looks Like — Illustrative Scenarios
Kyung Hee Financial Aid by Scenario (Approximate USD)
For GKS recipients, Kyung Hee is effectively free plus a monthly stipend. For institutional scholarship recipients, the annual tuition bill drops to approximately $5,250. For students without any scholarship, the total annual cost is approximately $18,200 — still well below comparable institutions in the anglophone world.
Figures are approximate USD equivalents based on published data and typical GKS award levels. Actual aid depends on individual assessment. GKS monthly stipend is quoted in KRW; convert at current exchange rates. Confirm current institutional scholarship amounts with admission@khu.ac.kr.
The 30% average institutional aid figure comes from the university facts file. GKS award levels are published by NIIED and typically range from KRW 900,000–1,000,000 per month for undergraduate recipients.
Kyung Hee's institutional aid model is merit-based. The university does not publish a formal need-based grant programme for international students equivalent to those at leading US universities. If your primary concern is financial access regardless of academic merit, the GKS national scholarship is the most appropriate pathway to explore first.
Institutional scholarships at Kyung Hee reward academic achievement. A student with a strong GPA, strong language scores, and a competitive Study Plan is a stronger merit scholarship candidate than a student with borderline qualifications — regardless of financial need.
The GKS is technically a merit scholarship (minimum GPA required), but its selection criteria include a broader assessment of potential, motivation, and country-of-origin considerations. It is the closest equivalent to a comprehensive need-aware scholarship in the Korean context.
GKS: merit with broader selection criteria
The Kyung Hee International Student Scholarship and the Neo-Renaissance Scholarship are the primary institutional award programmes. Both are assessed during the admissions process — in many cases without a separate application. Enquire with the admissions office at application time.
Unlike US universities where merit and need are explicitly separated, Kyung Hee's scholarship process is less transparent. Ask directly at admission@khu.ac.kr what scholarships you will be automatically considered for when you apply.
How to maximise your scholarship candidacy
Scholarships at Kyung Hee — What Exists and Who Qualifies
Beyond Kyung Hee's institutional programmes and the Korean government's GKS, a range of external scholarship sources may be available depending on your country of origin, intended field, and background. These can supplement or — in some cases — replace institutional funding.
External Scholarships for Kyung Hee Students — Additional Funding Sources
Tychr's scholarship support: As part of every full Korea admissions programme, Tychr identifies external scholarship opportunities relevant to the student's country of origin, intended field, and academic profile. This guidance is provided alongside Study Plan and document preparation coaching.
Aid stacking: If you receive both an institutional Kyung Hee scholarship and an external award, confirm with the admissions office how these interact. Some external scholarships may reduce institutional awards; others stack cleanly. Clarify this before finalising your funding plan.
Government of Korea Scholarship (GKS/KGSP)
The primary national scholarship — full tuition + stipend + airfare. Apply via Korean Embassy or NIIED university track. Most competitive and most comprehensive funding available.
Available to students from ASEAN member nations. Confirm current eligibility and coverage with the Korean Embassy in your country.
Many governments (India, Nigeria, UAE, Vietnam, and others) offer scholarships for citizens studying at accredited foreign universities. Eligibility and coverage vary widely — research your home country's scholarship landscape.
Various foundation-level awards available to continuing students based on academic performance. Confirm current availability with the International Student Services office.
Korean government scholarships represent the most reliable and comprehensive external funding for Kyung Hee international students. The GKS is the flagship — but country-specific bilateral education agreements may create additional scholarship pathways. Check both NIIED and your home-country Korean Embassy for current programmes.
Kyung Hee University does not operate an institutional student loan programme for international students. There is no equivalent to the US federal student loan system or UK student finance loans for international degree students in Korea. Financial planning for a Kyung Hee degree is primarily a self-funded exercise, supplemented by scholarships.
International students in Korea do not have access to Korean government student loans (which are reserved for Korean domestic students). Financial planning must be based on scholarships, personal savings, family support, and/or part-time work earnings.
No loan system for international students
Korean domestic students have access to KOSAF (Korea Student Aid Foundation) loans. As an international student, you are not eligible for KOSAF loans. Do not plan your finances around Korean student loan programmes that are not available to you.
Some students take out student loans from their home-country banking systems before arriving in Korea, using those funds for the first year's costs before any scholarship income arrives. Confirm this approach with your home-country bank and ensure you understand the interest and repayment terms.
Home-country loans: an alternative for some
D-2 visa part-time work (up to 20 hours per week during semester) can supplement income. Many international students earn KRW 500,000–1,000,000 per month from part-time campus work, significantly offsetting living costs over four years.
Student Loans at Kyung Hee — What Is and Isn't Available to International Students
Kyung Hee does not operate a formal US-style 'work-study' programme where campus employment is embedded within a financial aid package. However, D-2 visa holders have broad rights to work part-time in South Korea, and many Kyung Hee international students supplement their income through on-campus and off-campus employment.
Working While Studying at Kyung Hee — What International Students Need to Know
International Student Ambassador roles in the admissions and ISSS offices
Language exchange tutoring (Korean-English pairs; typically KRW 20,000–30,000 per hour)
Research assistant positions in faculty labs (especially in STEM, Medicine, and Social Sciences)
Campus café, library, and administrative support roles
Translation and interpretation support for university events
English conversation class assistants for Korean students
D-2 visa holders are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during semester and with fewer restrictions during vacation periods, subject to maintaining academic standing. A campus work permit (아르바이트 허가) must be obtained through the university's international student office before commencing employment. The permit is separate from the D-2 visa itself.
A part-time student job earning KRW 800,000–1,200,000 per month (common for language tutoring or campus roles) covers a significant portion of monthly living costs and reduces the family financial burden meaningfully over a four-year degree.
Campus employment is entirely voluntary and not embedded in any financial aid package. However, for students without full scholarship coverage, strategic part-time work is one of the most practical tools for managing living costs in Seoul.
Merit-based waivers; GKS national scholarship available
N/A (no student loan system for internationals)
$7,500–$18,200/yr (full cost); near-zero with GKS
HECS-HELP domestic only; full fees for internationals
Very low tuition; GKS applicable; STEM-focused
Kyung Hee vs. Global Alternatives — Financial Aid Comparison
Kyung Hee does not have an early decision system that locks you into an offer before comparing aid packages. You can compare the institutional scholarship offer with GKS results and any home-country funding before confirming enrolment.
For students where total cost of education is a primary decision factor, South Korean universities represent one of the strongest value propositions in global higher education. The combination of a low tuition base (~$7,500/yr at Kyung Hee) and the availability of the GKS national scholarship creates a pathway to a globally-ranked research university degree at near-zero net cost for eligible students.
Need-blind, full-need grant for qualifying families
What You Actually Pay — Kyung Hee vs. Global Alternatives
Total degree cost comparison (4-year undergraduate)
With full GKS scholarship coverage, a Kyung Hee education costs less than a single year at a US private university without financial aid. Even without scholarships, the $72,000–$75,000 total four-year cost is roughly one-fifth of the sticker price at a comparable US private institution.
Kyung Hee does not publish a formal financial aid appeals process equivalent to US universities. However, if your institutional scholarship offer does not reflect a change in circumstances or an error in assessment, the appropriate channel is direct communication with the admissions and financial support office.
Appealing or Requesting Additional Aid at Kyung Hee — What Is Possible
The honest note: Kyung Hee's merit scholarship process is less flexible and transparent than the US financial aid appeal process. The most effective approach is to ensure your application presents your strongest possible academic profile and to apply for GKS in parallel — rather than relying on an appeals process after the fact.
Contact the Kyung Hee International Student Admissions Office (admission@khu.ac.kr) directly
Explain the specific circumstance: a change in family financial situation, an error in the initial assessment, or additional academic merit documentation not included in the original application
Provide documentation as evidence (income statement, corrected transcript, additional award certificate)
Request a review of your scholarship eligibility in writing
Your family financial situation has changed significantly after application (job loss, medical emergency, other crisis)
You received a significant external scholarship or award after application that changes your profile
You believe your academic record was not fully captured in the initial assessment
You have received a significantly more generous offer from a comparable Korean university and wish to enquire about matching
Kyung Hee's response timeline for informal scholarship reviews is not formally published. Contact the admissions office as early as possible after receiving your offer — well before the enrolment confirmation deadline. Responses may take 2–4 weeks. Not all requests result in increased aid, but a well-documented and specific request is always worth making.
Understand the full cost and scholarship landscape
Research the current GKS eligibility requirements on niied.go.kr. Understand the age limits and GPA requirements early — these are hard constraints that cannot be changed at application time. Also review Kyung Hee's institutional scholarship information on the admissions portal.
The GKS application typically requires: academic transcripts, a GPA certificate, language scores, a personal statement/motivation letter, and two reference letters. Begin preparing these documents. Check the Korean Embassy in your country for the current year's GKS application window — Embassy track deadlines often fall in February–March.
Apply for GKS and Kyung Hee simultaneously
Submit your Kyung Hee undergraduate application through iadmission.khu.ac.kr. Simultaneously submit your GKS application through the Korean Embassy (Embassy track) or directly to Kyung Hee (university track, if available). Confirm which track is available to applicants from your country.
GKS results are typically announced in May–June. Kyung Hee institutional scholarship decisions arrive with or shortly after the admission offer. Review the combined funding package before confirming enrolment. If the package is incomplete, contact the admissions office to discuss options.
GKS scholarships are renewed annually subject to academic performance. Institutional waivers may also be performance-conditional. Maintain your GPA, confirm renewal requirements with the scholarship office each year, and plan your budget in KRW to account for exchange rate fluctuations.
Planning Your Kyung Hee Finances — What to Do and When
Kyung Hee University is a South Korean institution with a direct application process — not a US Common App or UK UCAS system. There are no rotating supplemental essay prompts. The equivalent is your Study Plan (학업계획서), the most important written component of your application.
South Korean university applications do not involve US-style 'why us' supplements or UK UCAS personal statements. Instead, you submit a Study Plan document — sometimes called a Personal Statement or Self-Introduction Letter by Kyung Hee — explaining your academic background, reasons for choosing Kyung Hee and your chosen programme, and your goals after graduation. This is your single most important opportunity to advocate for your candidacy beyond your grades and language scores.
How the Written Application Works at Kyung Hee
Unlike UK or US systems, there is no public bank of rotating essay prompts. The Study Plan is a guided personal statement submitted as part of the online UwayApply application. It is institution-specific and must be tailored to Kyung Hee and your target department.
The application is submitted through Kyung Hee's designated portal (iadmission.khu.ac.kr / UwayApply). Within the application form, you will be asked to complete a personal statement section typically structured around: (1) self-introduction and academic background, (2) motivation for choosing Kyung Hee and the programme, (3) study plans and academic goals, and (4) post-graduation career goals. The university does not publish verbatim current-year prompt text externally — the fields appear within the application system itself. Treat each section seriously: this is not a bureaucratic formality.
Always verify the current document requirements and any changes to application form structure on the official admissions portal before submitting. Requirements can change between intake cycles.
The Study Plan — Structure & Strategic Guidance
The Study Plan typically covers four core areas. Since the prompts appear within the online application form (not published externally), the guidance below is based on the standard structure used by Korean universities for international student applications. Confirm the exact fields in the UwayApply portal when you open your application.
Introduce yourself and summarise your academic background, achievements, and any relevant experience. (Structure based on standard Korean university international application format; confirm exact wording in the UwayApply portal.)
This is not a list of credentials — it is a narrative arc. Open with something specific that defines your intellectual identity, then trace the academic experiences (coursework, projects, competitions, research) that prepared you for study at Kyung Hee. Do not summarise your CV; explain what those experiences taught you and how they led you to this application.
Motivation for Kyung Hee & Your Programme
Explain your reasons for choosing Kyung Hee University and your intended programme of study. (Structure based on standard Korean university international application format; confirm exact wording in the UwayApply portal.)
Be specific about Kyung Hee — not generic statements about 'prestigious Korean university'. Name the particular programme, research strengths, faculty, or facilities that drew you. For Hotel & Tourism, reference the global ranking and Kyung Hee's integrated hospitality curriculum. For Korean Medicine, explain your interest in the dual medical model at the Kyung Hee Medical Centre. For International Studies, connect to the university's peace-scholarship tradition. Generic 'Korea is beautiful' answers undermine your file.
Describe what you plan to study during your time at Kyung Hee, including any research interests, courses of particular interest, and academic goals. (Structure based on standard Korean university international application format; confirm exact wording in the UwayApply portal.)
Show that you have done real research into the curriculum. Name courses, professors, or research centres within your department if possible. Explain how your planned coursework connects to your intellectual interests and career goals. This demonstrates that you are a purposeful applicant who will thrive in the programme — not someone who applied to Kyung Hee as a backup or afterthought.
Describe your career goals and how your education at Kyung Hee University will help you achieve them. (Structure based on standard Korean university international application format; confirm exact wording in the UwayApply portal.)
The admissions committee wants to understand how a Kyung Hee degree fits into a plausible, concrete career plan. Be specific: 'I want to work in business' is weak. 'I plan to pursue a career in luxury hospitality management in Southeast Asia, building on Kyung Hee's global hospitality curriculum and the industry connections the programme offers' — that is a plan, not a sentiment.
How to Approach the Study Plan — Core Writing Strategy
The Study Plan is your equivalent of a US personal statement — but it is more structured, more goal-oriented, and less concerned with 'voice' in the literary sense. Korean admissions readers are looking for clarity, purpose, and evidence of genuine preparation.
Write in clear, precise English (or Korean if your proficiency is genuinely strong — TOPIK Level 4+). Avoid flowery or overly personal narrative openings — the Study Plan is read by an admissions committee that values directness, academic purpose, and evidence of preparation. Each section should be substantive but concise: 150–300 words per section is the right depth. Use specific details to demonstrate that you have actually researched the programme, the university, and the South Korean academic environment. Proofread rigorously — grammatical errors in a document from an applicant claiming English proficiency will undermine your IELTS/TOEFL score's credibility.
The weight and focus of your Study Plan should be calibrated to your target programme. What convinces a Hotel & Tourism admissions reader is different from what convinces the Korean Medicine college.
Lead with concrete experience in hospitality settings — internships, family business, volunteer work at events, or leadership in school hospitality or events clubs. Reference the programme's global ranking and specific aspects of the Kyung Hee curriculum (food service management, hotel operations, event design) that align with your interests. Show industry awareness: name a brand, trend, or operational challenge that interests you professionally.
Demonstrate scientific rigour in your academic record and articulate a clear motivation for Korean Medicine specifically — not just medicine in general. Explain your understanding of the integrated Eastern-Western approach at the Kyung Hee Medical Center. Include any research, volunteering, or clinical observation experience. Confirm explicitly in your Study Plan that you have investigated licensing recognition in your home country.
Show awareness of the Korean business landscape — the role of conglomerates (chaebol), South Korea's export-driven economy, and how a Kyung Hee Business degree connects to careers in that context. Leadership experience and analytical skills should come through. Reference the 434-university international exchange network as a dimension of the degree you intend to use.
International Studies / Political Science
Connect your programme choice to Kyung Hee's distinctive peace-scholarship tradition and its UN International Day of Peace legacy. Demonstrate awareness of East Asian geopolitics and Korea's role in it. Language study (Korean, Chinese, Japanese) in your background is a plus. If you have participated in Model UN, debate, or policy research, reference it specifically.
Demonstrate mathematical and programming depth. Reference a specific coding project, competition result, or research interest that connects to the engineering programme. The Global Campus environment and Korea's tech ecosystem (Samsung, LG, Kakao R&D affiliates) are genuine strengths of the degree — show you understand this.
How to Write a Compelling Study Plan — Five Principles
The most effective Study Plans share five characteristics: they are specific, honest, structured, forward-looking, and Korea-aware.
Name the actual programme, courses, research centres, or faculty at Kyung Hee that interest you. Generic plans that could apply to any Korean university read as low-effort. The committee can tell immediately whether you have genuinely researched the university.
Why South Korea? Why not the US, UK, or Australia? A credible Korea-specific rationale — academic, cultural, career-related — signals genuine commitment rather than Korea as a fallback. The strongest applications are from students who have a real reason to be specifically in Korea.
Show how your academic background has prepared you for this programme and how this programme prepares you for your stated career goal. The Study Plan should have a logical through-line: your history → your choice of Kyung Hee → your career destination.
The committee reads hundreds of Study Plans. Open with something that makes yours memorable: a formative experience, a specific intellectual question, or a defining academic moment. Avoid clichés about 'passion' and 'dream'. Concrete and specific is always more compelling than aspirational and vague.
If your Korean language ability is limited, say so — but show a plan to improve it. If you are applying to a highly competitive programme with a borderline GPA, address this directly rather than hoping it goes unnoticed. Committees respond better to self-aware, honest applicants than to evasive ones.
Common Study Plan Mistakes at Korean Universities
Writing a generic personal statement that mentions no Kyung Hee-specific details — the committee will notice immediately.
Opening with 'Since I was a child, I dreamed of studying in Korea' — this is a cliché that weakens your opening sentence.
Treating the Study Plan as a CV summary. This is a narrative document, not a bullet-point list of your achievements.
Inconsistency between your stated career goals and your programme choice — for example, claiming to want a career in finance while applying to Korean Medicine.
Poor English grammar and spelling in a document submitted as evidence of English proficiency.
Failing to explain why Korea specifically — the committee will wonder if you simply did not gain entry to a US or UK university.
Using AI-generated language that sounds hollow and impersonal. Even if AI tools help you structure, the specific details and voice must be genuinely yours.
Submitting the same Study Plan to multiple Korean universities without tailoring it — universities read many of the same applicants, and a non-Kyung-Hee-specific plan undermines your fit argument.
Not verifying the exact Study Plan format and word limits within the UwayApply portal — requirements can change between cycles.
Writing in an overly formal academic register that removes all personality — the Study Plan should be clear and direct, but it should still sound like a person, not a policy document.
Study Plan & Application — Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a word limit for the Study Plan?
The UwayApply system may impose character or word limits per field. These are specified within the application portal itself. If no limit is stated, treat 200–350 words per section as a practical guide — detailed enough to demonstrate substance, concise enough to be read in full.
If your Korean proficiency is strong (TOPIK Level 4+), writing in Korean can demonstrate language integration and genuine commitment to studying in Korea. However, for English-taught programme applicants, English is expected and safer. When in doubt, write in English and have it proofread by a native speaker.
Some departments and programmes at Kyung Hee may require an interview as part of international student admissions — particularly Korean Medicine, Medicine, and Dentistry. This is programme-dependent and may be conducted online. Confirm with the specific department and the admissions office at admission@khu.ac.kr.
Recommendation letters are not universally required for undergraduate international admissions at Kyung Hee. Some graduate programmes and scholarship applications (particularly GKS) require them. Check the specific requirements for your programme in the application guidelines on iadmission.khu.ac.kr.
Can I see examples of successful Study Plans?
Kyung Hee does not publish sample Study Plans. TYCHR counsellors can help you craft and review your Study Plan as part of your university application support — drawing on experience with successful Korean university applicants. Contact us through the booking form above.
What if my Study Plan is weak but my grades are very strong?
A poor Study Plan is unlikely to block a very strong academic record for non-competitive programmes. But it can be a deciding factor when grades are borderline — and it is almost always a decisive factor for the most competitive programmes (Korean Medicine, Medicine, Dentistry, Hotel & Tourism at peak cycles). A well-written Study Plan signals that you are a prepared, committed international student who will thrive on campus.
Should I mention the GKS scholarship in my Study Plan?
Not in the Study Plan itself — the Study Plan is an academic and personal motivation document. The GKS is a separate application process. If the GKS motivation letter asks about your choice of university, that is the appropriate place to reference Kyung Hee specifically.
How should I explain why I chose South Korea and Kyung Hee specifically?
The strongest answers connect Korea-specific academic strengths to your career goals: Kyung Hee's Korean Medicine college for integrative medicine interests; the Hotel & Tourism programme's global ranking for hospitality careers; the peace-scholarship tradition for international affairs. Avoid leading with general K-culture enthusiasm — that is context, not a reason.