Guide
English-Taught Degree Programs in Korea: How to Find the Real Ones
Yes, you can earn a full degree in Korea taught entirely in English, at both undergraduate and graduate level. The catch is that "English-taught" and "English-track" are not the same thing, and a program that markets itself in English is not always delivered in English. Here is how to tell the difference and find programs that genuinely are.
There is a lot of demand for this, so there is a lot of loose marketing around it. The honest picture: a meaningful number of Korean universities run degrees you can complete in English, especially at master's and PhD level, but the share of fully English courses varies enormously by school, by department, and by individual course. This guide is about how to verify a program rather than take a brochure's word for it. If your real question is "do I need TOPIK," start with the companion guide Study in Korea in English, which covers the language requirement in depth.
- English-taught and English-track are different. A fully English-taught program means you can complete the degree in English. An English-track or partial program mixes in Korean-taught courses you still have to pass.
- Availability rises with level. Graduate programs (master's and PhD) are far more likely to be fully completable in English than undergraduate ones, and it varies sharply by field.
- Verify per program, not per university. A university being "international" tells you little. Check the specific department and curriculum.
- You still usually need an English test (IELTS or TOEFL) for an English-taught program, in place of TOPIK. Some programs waive it if your prior degree was taught in English.
- Use the directory to filter, then confirm the language of instruction with the department before you apply.
English-taught vs English-track: the distinction that matters
This is where students get caught.
| Fully English-taught | English-track or partial | |
|---|---|---|
| What it means | You can complete the whole degree in English | Some required courses are taught in Korean |
| Korean needed to graduate | Often little to none for coursework | Enough to pass the Korean-taught courses |
| Risk | Lower, if verified | You can get stuck on courses you cannot follow |
| How to confirm | Ask for the share of English courses in your major | Ask which required courses are Korean-only |
The question to ask an admissions or department office is concrete: "What percentage of the required courses in this major are offered in English, and can I complete every graduation requirement in English?" A confident, specific answer is a good sign. Vagueness is a warning.
How availability differs by level and field
A realistic picture of where fully English-taught study is easiest to find:
- PhD and master's: the strongest availability, particularly in science, engineering, technology, and business, where research and international faculty drive English instruction. Many graduate programs can be completed in English.
- Undergraduate: more limited and more variable. Some universities run dedicated international colleges or English-medium tracks; outside those, undergraduate study often requires Korean for a meaningful share of courses.
- By field: business, international studies, and STEM tend to have more English instruction; fields tied to Korean language, law, or domestic professional licensing tend to have less.
Because this varies so much, treat any general claim with caution and verify for your exact program and intake.
The language test you still need
For an English-taught program, universities usually ask for proof of English ability instead of TOPIK:
- IELTS or TOEFL are the common accepted tests; required scores vary by university and program.
- A medium-of-instruction waiver is offered by some programs if your previous degree was taught entirely in English. Get this confirmed in writing.
- TOPIK may still be requested or rewarded even for English programs at some schools, and it helps your visa and daily life. See the TOPIK guide for what the levels mean.
How to actually find and verify programs
- Start from the field and level you want, then look for universities that run it in English.
- Use the universities directory to shortlist schools, then go to each program's own page.
- Read the curriculum, not just the marketing. Look for the share of English courses and any Korean-only requirements.
- Email the department with the specific question above, and keep the reply.
- Confirm the English test requirement and whether a medium-of-instruction waiver applies to you.
What to do next
- Filter schools in the universities directory and run the match quiz to see programs that fit your profile.
- Settle the language question with Study in Korea in English and the TOPIK guide.
- Building a shortlist? Read how to choose a Korean university and major.
- Confirm each program's language of instruction at the source: the university's own admissions and department pages, and the official Study in Korea portal.