Why Bangladeshi Students Choose South Korea
South Korea's popularity has grown rapidly among Bangladeshi students, driven by the fully-funded Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), relatively affordable tuition, strong Engineering/Technology programs, and a cultural pull from Korean media and language. Korean language institutes offer a well-trodden path into full-degree programs.
দক্ষিণ কোরিয়ার জনপ্রিয়তা দ্রুত বেড়েছে সম্পূর্ণ অর্থায়িত Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), তুলনামূলক সাশ্রয়ী টিউশন, শক্তিশালী ইঞ্জিনিয়ারিং প্রোগ্রাম এবং কোরিয়ান সংস্কৃতির আকর্ষণের কারণে।
Korean language institutes (KLI) are a common first step: a 6-12 month intensive Korean course at a university-affiliated institute, both improving your TOPIK score and easing the transition into a full degree program.
কোরিয়ান ভাষা ইনস্টিটিউট (KLI) একটি সাধারণ প্রথম ধাপ — TOPIK স্কোর উন্নত করে এবং পূর্ণ ডিগ্রি প্রোগ্রামে যাওয়া সহজ করে।
Universities & Popular Programs
Seoul National University
Korea's top-ranked university, competitive English-taught graduate programs.
KAIST
A leading science & technology institute with many fully-funded graduate positions.
Korea University & Yonsei University
Prestigious, wide program range, strong Business and Engineering.
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
Strong Engineering and Business programs with active GKS placements.
Hanyang University
Well-known for Engineering, with a large international student body.
Kyung Hee & INHA University
Popular for Business, IT and Engineering, active Bangladeshi student communities.
Popular Fields
জনপ্রিয় বিষয়সমূহ: Electronics & Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration, Mechanical Engineering.
Tuition & Living Costs
| Institution Type | Typical Tuition/Semester (KRW) |
|---|---|
| National University | 2,000,000 - 4,000,000 |
| Private University | 3,500,000 - 6,000,000 |
| Korean Language Institute (per term) | 1,300,000 - 1,800,000 |
Living Costs
Budget roughly ₩700,000-1,000,000/month for rent (often a dormitory or "one-room" studio), food and transport — Seoul costs more than smaller cities like Daejeon or Busan.
মাসিক প্রায় ₩৭,০০,০০০-১০,০০,০০০ — সিউলে খরচ তুলনামূলক বেশি।
Scholarships & Funding
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) — the Korean government's flagship scholarship, covering full tuition, a monthly stipend (~₩1,000,000), a settlement allowance, Korean language training and round-trip airfare, for both undergraduate and graduate students. One of the most sought-after scholarships among Bangladeshi applicants.
University-specific scholarships — many universities offer 30-100% tuition waivers for GKS-alternate candidates or strong self-funded applicants.
Visa & Work Rights — Full Step-by-Step Guide
Required Documents
- Valid passport and a completed visa application form.
- One passport-sized photograph.
- Certificate of Admission from the Korean university or language institute.
- Your latest academic records and certificates.
- Proof of financial ability — a bank statement showing sufficient funds for tuition and living costs, or a GKS/scholarship award letter.
- A copy of the institution's business registration certificate.
- Tuberculosis (TB) test result from a designated hospital.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Get admitted to a degree program (D-2 visa) or a Korean language institute (D-4 visa).
- Receive your Certificate of Admission and Standardised Application documents from the institution.
- Download and complete the visa application form from the Korean Embassy's website, ensuring every detail matches your Certificate of Admission.
- Complete your TB test at a designated hospital in Bangladesh.
- Submit your application in person at the Korean Embassy in Dhaka with your passport, form, Certificate of Admission, financial proof and academic documents.
- Attend an interview if requested, as part of the visa screening process.
- Pay the visa fee in BDT cash at the Embassy.
- Collect your passport with the visa once processing is complete.
Fees Summary
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Single-entry D-2/D-4 visa | ~USD $60 (paid in BDT) |
Embassy in Bangladesh
Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Bangladesh
4 Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh
Application Tips
- Check the embassy's website for the latest submission guidelines and appointment timings before travelling to submit your application.
- Ensure your visa form details match your Certificate of Admission exactly — mismatches are a common reason for delay.
- Complete your TB test early, as hospital appointments and result processing can take time.
Work Rights
Part-time work permission depends on your TOPIK level and semester status — typically 15-25 hours/week during term (higher with a higher TOPIK level) and unrestricted during vacations, subject to approval from immigration.
খণ্ডকালীন কাজের অনুমতি TOPIK লেভেলের ওপর নির্ভর করে — সাধারণত সপ্তাহে ১৫-২৫ ঘণ্টা।
Language Requirements (TOPIK & English)
TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is the key requirement for Korean-taught programs — typically TOPIK level 3-4 for undergraduate enrolment, higher for competitive programs. A growing number of English-taught Master's/PhD programs at top universities require only IELTS/PTE instead.
| Program | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Korean-taught undergraduate | TOPIK Level 3-4 |
| Korean-taught graduate | TOPIK Level 4-5 |
| English-taught graduate | IELTS 5.5-6.5 or PTE 50-60 |
Preparation tip: if targeting an English-taught program, prioritise IELTS/PTE prep early since Korean-taught alternatives need a separate, time-consuming TOPIK preparation track — decide your language route as early as possible.
Application Timeline (March/Spring Intake)
GKS & Applications
Apply for GKS via the Embassy of Korea, or apply directly to universities/language institutes.
Selection
GKS first-round selection; direct university applicants receive offers.
Documentation
Prepare financial and academic documents for the visa application.
Visa
Apply for the D-2/D-4 visa at the Korean Embassy in Dhaka.
Arrival
Arrive for orientation before the March semester begins.
FAQ
Is TOPIK mandatory? Only for Korean-taught programs — English-taught programs typically require IELTS/PTE instead, though basic Korean helps significantly with daily life.
How competitive is GKS? Very competitive, but Bangladesh regularly has a strong applicant pool selected each year — strong academics, a clear study plan and (for some tracks) a Korean-language interest help.
Can I work part-time from day one? No — a separate part-time work permit must be obtained after arrival, generally after completing an initial period of study.