Korea University Masters Review 2026: Rankings, Fees & Admission
- Jan 1, 2026
- 4 min read
Introduction
If Yonsei is the stylish, cosmopolitan university, Korea University (KU) is the traditional, gritty, and powerful giant.
Ranked #67 globally (QS 2025), KU completes the holy trinity of South Korea's "SKY" Universities. It is famous for two things:
Korea University Business School (KUBS): Widely considered the #1 Business School in the country, often ranking higher than even SNU in specific business metrics.
The Alumni Network: KU alumni are known for having the tightest, most loyal bond in Korea. If you meet a fellow "KU Tiger" in a boardroom, you are instantly family.
For the 2026 intake, a Korea University Masters is the top choice for Indian students aiming for MBA, Business Analytics, or International Relations, offering generous scholarships that can waive 100% of your tuition based on your GPA.
In this guide, we break down the KU admission process, the fierce rivalry with Yonsei, and why KUBS is the gold standard for business education in Asia.
Highlights: Korea University at a Glance
Point | Details |
University Name | Korea University (The "K" in SKY) |
QS World Rank (2025) | #67 (Global) |
Location | Anam-dong, Seoul (The "Castle Campus") |
Primary Intake | March (Spring) & September (Fall) |
Language | English (GSIS/Business) & Korean (Regular Grad) |
Average Tuition Fee | ₹6L – ₹10L / year (Private University) |
Acceptance Rate | ~20-25% (International Graduate) |
Application Fee | KRW 120,000 (Approx. ₹7,500) |
Top PG Courses | MBA, Finance, International Studies (GSIS), Cyber Security |
Why Choose a Korea University Masters?
KU Business School (KUBS): KUBS was the first business school in Korea and remains the most prestigious. It is AACSB and EQUIS accredited. If you want to work in Samsung Finance or Hyundai Strategy, a Masters from KUBS is your VIP pass.
Scholarship Generosity: Unlike some US universities that are stingy with aid, KU offers the Global Leader Scholarship and Humanities & Social Sciences Scholarship, which can cover 60% to 100% of tuition for international students with high GPAs.
The "Ko-Yon" Games: Every year, KU battles Yonsei in 5 sports (Rugby, Soccer, Basketball, etc.). The entire city of Seoul shakes with the cheering. Being a KU student means being part of this legendary "Tiger" culture.
Important Dates (2026 Intake)
KU's timeline is very similar to Yonsei's.
Intake | Applications Open | Application Deadline |
Spring 2026 (March Start) | September 2025 | October 4-15, 2025 (Approx) |
Fall 2026 (Sept Start) | March 2026 | April 4-15, 2026 (Approx) |
KUBS MBA | January 2026 | Rolling Rounds (Apply Early) |
Pro Tip: KU requires hard copies of documents to reach their office by the deadline. Do not just submit online; you must factor in courier time (DHL/FedEx) from India to Seoul.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
KU values academic consistency and university reputation.
1. Academic Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree: A 4-year Bachelor's degree is mandatory.
Percentage: Minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA or equivalent (75%+).
3-Year Degrees: Generally NOT accepted for direct Masters entry. You need a 16-year education background.
Special Note: For Korea University Business School Admission, work experience is highly valued but not mandatory for the MSc track.
2. Language Proficiency
English Track (GSIS/KUBS):
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80.
IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.5.
Recommendation: Aim for IELTS 7.0+ to secure the Tuition Waiver Scholarship.
Korean Track: TOPIK Level 3 or 4 is required for regular Engineering/Humanities courses.
Admission Process: The "Packet" Strategy
The application is a two-step process involving digital and physical submission.
Step-by-Step Application:
Online Application: Apply via the UwayApply portal (the common app for Korean unis).
Pay Fee: KRW 120,000.
Prepare the "Packet": Print your application form. Gather your Apostilled Transcripts, Degree Certificate, Financial Statement ($20,000 proof), and Recommendation Letters.
Send via Courier: Mail this packet to the Office of International Affairs, Korea University in Seoul.
Interview: Some departments (especially MBA) conduct video interviews.
Fees & Funding
As a private university, KU fees are higher than SNU but comparable to Yonsei.
Masters Program | Tuition per Semester (KRW) | Annual Tuition (INR approx) |
Graduate School of Intl Studies (GSIS) | ~6,500,000 KRW | ₹8.2 Lakhs |
M.S. Engineering | ~7,000,000 KRW | ₹8.8 Lakhs |
Humanities / Social Science | ~5,500,000 KRW | ₹6.9 Lakhs |
Global MBA | ~18,000,000 KRW | ₹22 Lakhs (Premium) |
Cost of Living: Anam-dong (KU area) is cheaper than Sinchon (Yonsei area). Budget ₹50,000 - ₹70,000 per month for a comfortable student life.
Scholarships for Indian Students
KU uses scholarships to attract top global talent.
Global Leader Scholarship (Type A):
Benefit: 100% Tuition Waiver + Monthly Stipend.
Requirement: GPA 4.0/4.5 (approx 90%+) or exceptional research potential.
Global Leader Scholarship (Type B):
Benefit: 60% Tuition Waiver.
Requirement: GPA 3.5/4.5 (approx 80%+).
Humanities & Social Sciences Scholarship: Specific funding for non-STEM students (very rare in other countries!).
Documents Required
Apostilled Degree & Transcripts: Must be legalized by the Indian MEA.
Study Plan: A detailed essay on your research goals (Critical for KU admission).
Recommendation Letters: 2 referees.
Parent's Passport Copy: To prove nationality (Korean law requirement).
Bank Statement: Proof of funds (~$20,000).
FAQs
Q1. Is Korea University better than Yonsei?
Ans: It depends on your vibe.
Choose KU if you want Business, Law, or Engineering, and prefer a strong, loyal alumni culture ("We are family").
Choose Yonsei if you want Medical/Health Sciences, a stylish campus life, and a more individualistic culture.
Q2. Is Anam-dong a good place to live?
Ans: Yes! It is a true "college town." It is filled with cheap BBQ restaurants ("Gogi-jip"), study cafes, and karaoke bars. It is less touristy than Sinchon, so prices are lower.
Q3. Does KU offer English courses outside of Business?
Ans: Yes, the Division of International Studies (DIS) and many Engineering labs operate in English. However, like all Korean unis, learning Hangul is highly recommended.
Q4. Can I get the GKS scholarship for KU?
Ans: Yes. You can apply for GKS via the University Track directly to KU. It is fully funded.
Conclusion
Korea University is for the ambitious student who values loyalty and legacy. It combines the prestige of an elite institution with a scholarship system that rewards hard work. If you want to be a "Tiger" and join one of the most powerful alumni networks in Asia, KU is your destination.
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