Sogang University Masters Review 2026: Rankings, Fees & Admission
- Jan 1
- 4 min read
Introduction
If you want the prestige of Yonsei but the intense academic discipline of an Ivy League school, Sogang University is your home.
Ranked Top 5 in Korea alongside SKKU and Hanyang, Sogang is a private Jesuit university located in Sinchon, right across the street from Yonsei and Ewha. While it is smaller than the other giants, it punches way above its weight in Economics, Business, and Media.
Sogang is unique because of its strict management style. It was the first university in Korea to adopt the "minor" system and allows students to take any major they want. For Indian students, the Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) offers a stellar English-taught curriculum with a focus on East Asian Economy and Trade.
For the 2026 intake, a Sogang University Masters means joining a tight-knit, elite community where professors know your name and corporate recruiters respect your grit.
In this guide, we break down the "Sogang High School" reputation, the English track for Indian students, and the scholarship opportunities.
Highlights: Sogang University at a Glance
Point | Details |
University Name | Sogang University (Official Site) |
QS World Rank (2026) | Top 5 in Korea (National Reputation) |
Location | Sinchon, Seoul (The Student Hub) |
Primary Intake | March (Spring) & September (Fall) |
Language | English (GSIS) & Korean (Regular Grad) |
Average Tuition Fee | ₹6.5L – ₹8.5L / year (Private University) |
Acceptance Rate | ~30% (Selectively Competitive) |
Application Fee | KRW 120,000 (Approx. ₹7,500) |
Top PG Courses | Economics, MBA, International Relations, Media |
Why Choose a Sogang Masters?
The "Sogang High School" Reputation: Sogang is strict. Attendance is mandatory (you fail if you miss too many classes), and assignments are frequent. This rigorous training makes Sogang graduates highly sought after by major Korean companies like LG and Hyundai, who view them as "hardworking and reliable."
Prime Location (Sinchon): You are in the absolute center of Seoul's youth culture. You can walk to Yonsei University in 10 minutes or take a short subway ride to Hongdae (the clubbing district). It offers the perfect "Study Hard, Play Hard" balance.
Elite Economics & Business: Sogang's Economics department is legendary—it is often called the "Sogang School" because so many Korean government economic advisors graduated from here. If you want a Masters in Economics or Finance, this is a top-tier choice.
Important Dates (2026 Intake)
Sogang follows the standard Korean admission cycle.
Intake | Applications Open | Application Deadline |
Spring 2026 (March Start) | Mid October 2025 | November 15-25, 2025 |
Fall 2026 (Sept Start) | Mid April 2026 | May 15-25, 2026 |
Pro Tip: Sogang's GSIS application window is sometimes slightly later than the general graduate school. Always check the specific GSIS website for the exact dates.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
Sogang values academic consistency.
1. Academic Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree: A 4-year Bachelor's degree is mandatory.
Percentage: Minimum 2.5/4.0 GPA or 70-75%.
3-Year Degrees: NOT accepted. You need 16 years of education.
Major Match: While Sogang is flexible with double majors for undergrads, for Masters, they prefer candidates with a relevant background (e.g., B.Com for Masters in Econ).
2. Language Proficiency
English Track (GSIS):
IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.5.
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80.
Note: For the International Relations program, strong writing skills are essential.
Korean Track: TOPIK Level 3 or 4 required.
Admission Process: The Interview Focus
Sogang is known for conducting thorough interviews.
Step-by-Step Application:
Online Application: Apply via Jinhak Apply or the Sogang Admissions website.
Pay Fee: KRW 120,000.
Mail Documents: Send your Apostilled Degree, Transcripts, and Study Plan to the Office of Admissions.
Interview:
GSIS: Almost always includes an English interview (Zoom/Phone).
Regular Grad: May include a Korean interview depending on the department.
Tip: Show that you are disciplined. Mentioning you like "strict academic environments" works well here!
Fees & Funding
Sogang fees are standard for a private Seoul university.
Masters Program | Tuition per Semester (KRW) | Annual Tuition (INR approx) |
International Studies (GSIS) | ~6,300,000 KRW | ₹7.9 Lakhs |
Economics / Business | ~6,000,000 KRW | ₹7.5 Lakhs |
Engineering / Media | ~7,200,000 KRW | ₹9.0 Lakhs |
Sogang MBA | ~11,000,000 KRW | ₹13.8 Lakhs |
Cost of Living: Sinchon is lively but can be pricey. Budget ₹60,000 - ₹80,000 per month. However, Sogang's Gonzaga Hall dorm is one of the best and most convenient in Seoul (right on campus).
Scholarships for Indian Students
Sogang Global Fellowship:
Benefit: 100%, 80%, 50%, or 25% Tuition Waiver.
Selection: Based on admission evaluation (GPA + Interview + Language Score).
Renewal: Must maintain a GPA of 3.5/4.3 every semester.
TA/RA Scholarship: Many graduate students work as Teaching Assistants or Research Assistants in labs to get 50-100% tuition coverage plus a stipend.
STEM Scholarship: Specific funding for Science/Engineering students (often tied to professor grants).
Documents Required
Apostilled Degree & Transcripts: Mandatory.
Study Plan & Personal Statement: Sogang provides specific questions (e.g., "Describe your study plan in detail").
Letter of Recommendation: Usually 1 or 2 required.
Bank Statement: ~$20,000 proof of funds.
Parent's Passport Copy: For nationality verification.
FAQs
Q1. Why is it called "Sogang High School"?
Ans: Because unlike other universities where you can slack off, Sogang has assigned seating, strict attendance checks, and a bell that rings between classes! It ensures you actually study.
Q2. Is Sogang religious?
Ans: It is a Jesuit (Catholic) university, founded by the Society of Jesus (like St. Xavier's in India). While it has Christian values, it is not "preachy." Students of all religions are welcome, but you might find a chapel on campus and kind priests as professors.
Q3. Is Sogang better than Hanyang?
Ans:
For Business/Economics/Humanities: Sogang is generally considered more prestigious.
For Engineering: Hanyang has the edge.
Q4. Can I work part-time?
Ans: Yes, after your first 6 months (standard D-2 visa rule). Being in Sinchon means there are hundreds of restaurants and convenience stores nearby for part-time work.
Conclusion
Sogang University is for the serious intellectual. If you value quality education over partying, and want a degree that commands instant respect for its rigor, Sogang is the perfect fit. It’s small, tough, and brilliant—just like its graduates.
Ready to join the Intellectual Elite?
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