SOUTH KOREA · SEOUL AND SUWON
Sungkyunkwan University
private · Founded 1398 · Languages: en, ko
In short
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) is a historic South Korean institution, supported by Samsung, offering a dual-campus experience in Seoul and Suwon. It provides over 620 years of academic tradition combined with modern research facilities and ranks among the top global universities.
Key facts
- Type
- Private
- Founded
- 1398
- Students
- 36,136
- International students
- 3,200
- Acceptance rate
- 22%
- Tuition (intl)
- €7–12k/yr
- Languages
- EN, KO
- Location
- Seoul and Suwon, South Korea
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) is one of the world's oldest universities, founded in 1398 as the royal Confucian academy of the Joseon Dynasty. Refounded as a modern institution in 1946 and supported by Samsung from 1996, it ranks among South Korea's elite universities and in the QS top 130 worldwide. SKKU's dual-campus system — Humanities and Social Sciences in Seoul and Natural Sciences in Suwon — serves over 36,000 students across virtually every academic discipline.
Why study here
- Study at an institution with over 620 years of history and a Confucian academic tradition unique in the world.
- Benefit from Samsung Group's partnership: state-of-the-art labs, industry internships, and career networks in Korea's largest conglomerate.
- Choose from Seoul's historic campus near Changdeokgung Palace or Suwon's modern science and engineering hub.
- Access world-class programmes in engineering, business (SKK GSB), medicine, and Korean studies consistently ranked in the global top 100.
- Join 3,200+ international students and tap into 600+ partner universities across 70 countries for exchange opportunities.
Student life
Student life at SKKU blends Confucian tradition with a modern Korean university experience. The Seoul campus hosts traditional ceremonies beneath 500-year-old ginkgo trees and features Myeongnyundang, Korea's oldest surviving lecture hall. The Suwon campus offers modern student dormitories, sports complexes, and a vibrant science-oriented community. Annual festivals like the Munhaeng Daedong unite both campuses. International students receive dedicated orientation, buddy programmes, and Korean language support through the Global Korean Studies centre.
Fees
InternationalApproximately EUR 7,000-12,000 per year depending on faculty (humanities lower, medicine and engineering higher).
HomeSimilar fee structure for domestic students, typically KRW 8-14 million per year.
LivingApproximately EUR 800-1,200 per month in Seoul including campus dormitory or off-campus rent, meals, and transport.
On-campus dormitory rooms are available from EUR 300-600/month. SKKU offers a range of merit and need-based scholarships for international students that can cover 25-100% of tuition.
Admissions
UndergraduateCompleted secondary education with strong academic record; online application via SKKU global admissions portal; personal statement and reference letters.
GraduateBachelor's degree from an accredited institution; research proposal for research-track programmes; departmental interview may apply.
Transfer2nd or 3rd year entry available for students with relevant prior university credits.
IELTS6.5
TOEFL iBT88
TOPIK (Korean)Level 3+ for Korean-medium programmes
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2024126
QS Top Universities by Subject – EngineeringTop 100
QS Top Universities by Subject – Arts and HumanitiesTop 100
University scholarships
SKKU Global Scholarship25-100% tuition waiver for outstanding international students
Korean Government Scholarship (GKS / KGSP)Full tuition + monthly stipend KRW 1,000,000 + airfare
Toegye and Yulgok Merit ScholarshipsPartial to full tuition coverage for high-GPA continuing students
Accreditation
SKKU is accredited by the Korean Ministry of Education and recognised by the Korean Council for University Education (KCUE). Its graduate business school (SKK GSB) holds AACSB accreditation. Engineering programmes are accredited by ABEEK (Accreditation Board for Engineering Education of Korea).
Programs
a selectionSungkyunkwan University · South Korea
Computer Science and Engineering
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) offers graduate programs in Computer Science and Engineering designed to foster advanced research and development. These programs provide students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills necessary for innovation in the rapidly evolving field of technology. The curriculum is structured to equip graduates with the expertise to tackle complex challenges and contribute to academic and industrial advancements. Students will engage with cutting-edge research and develop their capabilities in a supportive academic environment.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Sungkyunkwan University · South Korea
Doctoral Thesis Submission - Sungkyunkwan University
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) provides a comprehensive framework for doctoral candidates to submit their theses, adhering to both national regulations and university academic policies. The process ensures that doctoral research is formally disseminated and recognized. This involves specific guidelines for the format, submission, and publication of doctoral dissertations, ensuring academic integrity and the advancement of knowledge. Candidates are required to submit their finalized thesis in both digital and print formats within a timeframe specified by the academic calendar. Failure to comply with these submission deadlines may lead to a deferral of degree conferral. SKKU emphasizes the importance of proper thesis submission for the successful completion of doctoral studies. The university also supports research publication in various high-ranking journals, as evidenced by its faculty's strong performance in SSCI and SCIE indexed publications.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Sungkyunkwan University · South Korea
Doctoral Thesis Submission Guide
This program page outlines the procedures and requirements for submitting doctoral theses at Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU). It details the necessary steps for both online and offline submission, along with guidelines for thesis publication and adherence to academic regulations. The information is crucial for doctoral candidates to successfully complete their degree requirements.
PhD
Level
Free
Tuition
—
Duration
Sungkyunkwan University · South Korea
Graduate Programs at Sungkyunkwan University
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) offers a wide range of graduate programs designed to foster advanced research and academic excellence. The university provides opportunities for specialized study through its General, Special, and Professional graduate programs, catering to diverse academic and career aspirations. SKKU is committed to providing a high-quality educational environment for international students.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Sungkyunkwan University · South Korea
Master of Science in Bio Health Regulatory Science
The Department of Bio Health Regulatory Science is dedicated to cultivating specialized master's and doctoral level professionals equipped with the expertise to evaluate the efficacy of pharmaceuticals. This program fosters creative and interdisciplinary talents who possess knowledge in regulatory science and research capabilities in drug efficacy evaluation. The department aims to enhance the competitiveness of the bio-pharmaceutical industry and facilitate the rapid supply of high-quality medicines. As a graduate program designated by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, it offers a unique blend of pharmaceutical, medical, AI, and industry perspectives with dedicated faculty. Classes are conveniently scheduled in the evenings and on weekends, with a hybrid online/offline format to facilitate credit acquisition for graduation. Students also have opportunities to participate in international and domestic internship programs.
Master's
Level
Free
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Sungkyunkwan University · South Korea
Sungkyunkwan University - Graduate Programs
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) offers a range of graduate programs through its General Graduate School, Professional Graduate Schools, and Special Graduate Schools. The university is committed to fostering advanced research and academic excellence. SKKU is recognized for its strong research output, with numerous publications in high-impact journals across various disciplines.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for South Korea
full fundingKorea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)
KOICA Scholarship Program (CIAT)
Open to citizens of KOICA partner (developing) countries who are officially nominated by their government, preferably under 40, in good health and proficient in English. Master's applicants need a bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of work experience; PhD applicants need a master's degree and at least 3 years of work experience.
full
Funding
€30k
Max
-1d left
Deadline
full fundingKorea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI)
KOPRI Fellowship Program (Korea Polar Research Institute)
Open to international researchers of all nationalities who are enrolled in a Master's, PhD or postdoctoral research programme and have a background in polar science, environmental studies, climate change, marine biology or a related field. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic and research potential and submit a research proposal aligned with KOPRI's ongoing polar and climate research projects.
full
Funding
€24k
Max
Jun 30, 2027
Deadline
full fundingSeoul National University
SNU Global Scholarship
For international students admitted to Seoul National University (SNU), Korea's leading national university, at undergraduate or graduate level. The SNU Global Scholarship provides tuition and a living stipend at varying levels; most applicants are considered through their admission application.
full
Funding
€20k
Max
Oct 31, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Science and Technology (UST), South Korea
UST (University of Science and Technology) Scholarships, South Korea
International students with foreign nationality (applicant and parents must be non-Korean) who hold or expect a Bachelor's degree for Master's/integrated programmes or a Master's degree for PhD programmes, and meet the English-language requirement (e.g. IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 79), pursuing science, engineering or technology fields.
full
Funding
€18k
Max
May 7, 2027
Deadline
full fundingGwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)
GIST International Scholarship
Open to international students of all nationalities applying for an MS, PhD, or integrated MS and PhD programme at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) in Gwangju, South Korea, for the 2026/2027 academic year. Master's applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent, and PhD applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent. Required documents include the application form (Form 1), official transcripts and certificates, two letters of recommendation, an English proficiency test result, and a copy of the applicant's passport. Applications are completed online and supporting documents must be attached as specified.
full
Funding
€16k
Max
Oct 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingNational Institute for International Education (NIIED)
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) – Undergraduate
For non-Korean citizens (with non-Korean parents) generally under ~25 years old who have completed or will complete secondary school, with a strong GPA, applying for undergraduate study in Korea. Apply through either the Korean embassy track or the university track.
full
Funding
€15k
Max
Sep 30, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated tuition fees for international students at Sungkyunkwan University?
+
International student tuition fees at Sungkyunkwan University range from approximately EUR 7,000 to EUR 12,000 per year, depending on the faculty. Humanities programs are generally less expensive than medicine and engineering.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
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International students typically need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL iBT score of 88 for English-taught programs. For Korean-taught programs, a TOPIK score of Level 3 or higher is required.
Does Sungkyunkwan University offer scholarships for international students?
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Yes, SKKU offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the SKKU Global Scholarship which can cover 25-100% of tuition. Other scholarships like the Korean Government Scholarship (GKS) and merit-based scholarships are also available.
What is the QS World University Ranking for Sungkyunkwan University?
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In the QS World University Rankings 2024, Sungkyunkwan University is ranked 126th globally. It also ranks in the top 100 for specific subjects like Engineering and Arts and Humanities.
What are the living costs for students in Seoul?
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Estimated living costs in Seoul for students, including accommodation (on-campus dormitory or off-campus), meals, and transport, are approximately EUR 800 to EUR 1,200 per month.
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