South Korea: A Rising Star for Indian Students
South Korea’s cultural influence in India extends far beyond K-pop. Korean food, fashion, and language are all gaining popularity, with the Oxford English Dictionary even recognizing terms like “K-drama” and “Hallyu” (Korean Wave).
This cultural exchange is fostering a deeper appreciation for Korean traditions. Music festivals like Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival showcase Korean music, while celebrities like BTS and Song Joong-ki fuel the entertainment craze. Indian streaming platforms like Zee5 and MX Player are further boosting Korean content’s reach by offering dubbed shows.
This surge in popularity translates to a growing interest in learning Korean. From incorporating Korean words into everyday conversations to pursuing K-dramas and K-movies, a broader fan culture is emerging among Indian youth.
South Korea: A Viable Study Destination
While the Korean Wave has drawn many Indian fans, student enrollment in Korean universities remains relatively low. Language barriers and limited awareness about study opportunities are seen as key reasons. To bridge this gap, Korean universities are collaborating with Indian institutions to offer scholarships and attract Indian students.
Several Indian schools and colleges are also taking the initiative by introducing Korean language courses. Universities like DU, Jamia Millia, Christ University, Manipur University, and Nalanda University offer Korean language programs. Additionally, JNU’s Korean training program aims to create a pool of local Korean language instructors. King Sejong Institute’s online classes, with registrations growing over the past five years and over 2,400 students trained, further showcase the rising interest in learning Korean.
Affordability and Scholarships
Compared to the US and UK, tuition fees in South Korea are relatively affordable, with international students paying the same rates as domestic students. Scholarships are readily available, with average public university fees at INR 2,48,000 and private universities at INR 4,03,380 per semester.
Government Scholarships:
The Global Korea Scholarship offers financial support to hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students each year, covering travel costs, tuition fees up to ₩5,000,000 per semester, and language learning assistance. Additional scholarships cover living expenses, medical insurance, and printing costs. Exchange students also receive financial support.
University Scholarships:
Several universities provide financial aid to international students. Examples include Yonsei University’s scholarship for all undergraduate international applicants and Seoul National University’s President Fellowship for PhD candidates from developing countries.
Scholarship types vary depending on the university’s location. Type A offers tuition fee exemptions based on academic merit, while Type B provides partial tuition waivers.
A Growing Trend?
While only 1,328 Indian students studied in South Korea in 2022 (0.8% of the total international student population), experts predict a potential shift in international student destinations. Stricter regulations in Canada and the UK might lead students to consider countries like South Korea, Germany, Singapore, Ireland, and the Netherlands in 2024.
With its cultural influence and focus on affordability and scholarships, South Korea could soon become a major player in the international student market.
Looking forward to getting more information on the migration program Call or WhatsApp us 00974 4493 4528
Connect with us to get updates on our regular Immigration and hiring updates 🤝🏻
💬Official Whatsapp Channel | 💬 Whatsapp Community | 👍 Facebook | 📸 Instagram | 💼 LinkedIn