Korea University
Korea University
- About
- Overview
- Academic Details
- Area(s) of study
- Useful information
- How to apply
- Student Testimonial
A private research university in Seoul, the highly prestigious Korea University (KU) was founded in 1905 as Bosung College. An academic institution of nationalist origin, it was regarded as a symbol of national pride in its early years during the Japanese colonial period. Following independence in 1945 it gained university status.
Academic Highlights
KU is renowned for its academic excellence and innovation. It was the first university in South Korean history to offer academic programs in disciplines such as law, economics and journalism. Its faculty of law is particularly well regarded.
Location
Located in the Seoul metropolis, KU is at the doorstep of several multinational company headquarters, a thriving retail sector and a meeting point of Old World heritage and modern architecture.
Did you know?
KU participates in an annual sporting competition with nearby Yonsei University. Known as Ko-Yon-Jeon (Korea-Yonsei Games), the competition lasts several days and celebrates the universities’ endurance and partnership.
Language of Instruction | English (limited in some areas), Korean | |||||
Program Duration | 1 semester, 2 semesters | |||||
Academic Level | Undergraduate, Postgraduate | |||||
Minimum Result Required | 2.5 GPA | |||||
Previous Round Cut-off (WAM% or GPA) | 3.1 GPA | |||||
Anticipated Places in Semester 1, 2027 | 3-4 places | |||||
Red | ||||||
Eligible Monash Campus | Monash Australia, Monash Malaysia | |||||
Agreement Scope | All Faculties | |||||
Handbook/Catalogue
KU's course catalogue (click English on the top left, then select Major or General (electives) subject, and then the Department or 'College' you wish to study in). Only courses with 'X:exchange student' are open to exchange students.
Academic restrictions
The following courses are not available to exchange students:
- Postgraduate Business courses
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Law
- Teacher Education
- Division of Information Security (Department of Cyber Defense)
- Art & Design
- All courses taught at Sejong Campus
Language requirements
- A number of units are taught in English. More information on KU's language requirements can be found here.
Study plan considerations
- Students may study up to 19 credits at KU per semester.
- Each course (unit) is usually worth 2 or 3 credits with each credit equivalent to one contact hour a week.
Full-time Credit Load Equivalents
Semester | |
|---|---|
Min. 18 Monash points | Max. 24 Monash points |
12 credits - UG | 15 credits - UG |
9 credits - PG | 12 credits -PG |
Year | |
|---|---|
Min. 36 Monash points | Max. 48 Monash points |
24 credits - UG | 30 credits - UG |
18 credits - PG | 24 credits - PG |
Academic Calendar
KU Spring semester (Monash Semester 1): early March –late June
KU Fall semester (Monash Semester 2): late August – late December
Biological sciences | Biomedical sciences | Business law and taxation | Chemistry |
Communications and media studies | Earth, atmosphere and environmental sciences | Econometrics and business statistics | Economics |
Engineering | Engineering - chemical | Engineering - civil | Engineering - electrical and computer systems |
Engineering - materials science | English as an international language | History | Information technology |
Journalism | Korean languages & culture studies | Linguistics | Management |
Marketing | Mathematical sciences | Philosophy | Physics and astronomy |
Politics and international relations | Psychological sciences | Science | Sociology |
Note
- The listed disciplines are not necessarily exhaustive and other fields of study might also be available at the institution.
- Approval to study particular subjects at any institution is always at the discretion of the departmental/discipline and faculty advisers in your managing faculty(ies) and subject to available places at the host.
Accommodation
KU has two on-campus dormitories. Places are limited, and most of the rooms are shared.
KU offers further information regarding on-campus and off-campus accommodation.
Visas
As a general rule, if you are a student who is not of Korean nationality, you will be required to apply for a D-2 or D-2-8 (for less than a year) student visa via the local Embassy or Consulate, once you have been officially accepted by your host university.
For more information on visas, please refer to the Embassy of Republic of Korea here.
KU provides additional advice on visas and immigration here and here.
Health and insurance
All international students are required to submit a copy of private health insurance that covers entire stay in Korea after they have been admitted to Korea University, otherwise they will not be able to register in any courses.
KU provides additional guidance on insurance here and here.
When travelling on a Monash Abroad approved program, you are automatically covered under the Monash University Student Travel Insurance policy. This will provide cover to and from your exchange.
Orientation and extra-curricular
A week-long orientation program for exchange students takes place over two or three days before semester and is mandatory.
KU organises programs and events especially for exchange students, including a local buddy program, orientation, field trips and festivals.
Credit-bearing Korean language courses are available at Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels. Students are required to sit a placement test on the first day of the language class.
Cost of living
You should expect to spend approximately 2,000,000 KRW per month while studying at KU.
KU provides some guidance on the cost of living for students.
Funding
For information about funding available to support study on exchange overseas, see the Financial Information page on the Monash Abroad website.
Students studying on exchange at KU may be eligible for scholarships, including the Global KU Scholarship (under Exchange/Visiting Student - While in KU - Scholarships), New Colombo Plan Scholarship and the Hamer Scholarship for Intensive Language Study.
To begin your application and study plan, click the button below.
Have you been to Korea University and want to share your experience?
Let us know about your exchange via this survey form and your testimonial could be shown here!
Imogen McCormack
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Semester 1, 2017
Studied: Arts units
Study Experience
The exchange student program offered by KU is an amazing opportunity to meet both international and Korean students, participate in cultural activities, make study groups and participate in school events as a group.
Culture
Amazing night life which felt very safe and secure, a city with a strong mix of both modern and traditional alongside a strong culture of fashion and music with unique areas around the city.
Benefits of going on exchange
I was able to study units not offered at Monash in a different style of learning, and experience a new perspective when studying my major.
Career Benefits
I've gained a more well rounded perspective, connected with people in other countries and gained foreign language skills.
Money and Budgeting
Create a separate savings account when saving money leading up to exchange, plan your budget thoroughly before leaving, and use student flights to compare flight prices.
Top tips
- Pack lightly since you'll probably buy a lot.
- Try to introduce yourself to as many people as you can when you arrive.
- Participate in school events.