If you’ve been dreaming about studying, learning Korean, or eventually building a life in South Korea, you’re not alone. Thousands of students from Africa, South Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe move to Korea every year through global pathways that are open to anyone.
This guide walks you through those pathways in a straightforward and practical manner. No complicated university jargon. No restricted programs. Just real options and clear next steps, plus direct links to apply.
Now, let’s break it down.
1. The Main Ways Students Move to Korea
Route 1: Study Abroad Programs (1 semester or 1 year): For students already enrolled in a university who want to study temporarily in Korea.
Route 2: Korean Language Programs (3 months to 2 years): The easiest and most flexible path. These programs will sponsor the D-4 Korean Language Visa.
Route 3: Fully Funded Scholarships: For students who want to earn full degrees without paying tuition, flights, or housing.
Route 4: Research or Internship Programs: Especially great for students in science, engineering, business, or policy.
2. Global Study Abroad Programs Anyone Can Apply To
These programs accept students from almost all countries, including those from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
- ISEP – International Student Exchange Programs
Why students choose ISEP: Accepts students from universities worldwide, Affordable compared to many exchange programs, & Credits often transfer easily. Partner universities in Korea include: Keimyung University, Chonnam National University, & Yonsei University.
How to apply: Upload your transcripts, submit a recommendation, rank your Korean universities, and complete the application online. - CIEE – Council on International Educational Exchange
Why it’s popular globally: Accepts students from most countries, Strong support system + housing, & Classes held at Yonsei University
How to apply: Create an account, submit your transcript, write a motivation statement, and pay the application fee. - ISA (International Studies Abroad by WorldStrides)
Partner universities include Konkuk University, Sogang University, & Korea University
Why students choose ISA: Flexible, beginner-friendly, and globally accessible.
How to apply: Choose your program, submit your transcripts, and pay your deposit online. - AIFS Abroad
Why AIFS is great for emerging-country students: Offers housing, excursions, & on-the-ground program support
How to apply: Fill out the application form, upload your documents, and secure your spot with a deposit.
3. Korean Language Programs - The Easiest Path to Korea
These programs are open to nearly everyone, regardless of academic background. They also sponsor the D-4 student visa, which allows longer stays.
- LTL Language School - Live The Language
What LTL offers: Flexible schedule, Group or private classes, Homestays, & Fully immersive options.
Why do students from emerging countries choose it? Admissions are simple and beginner-friendly. - HUFS – Hankuk University of Foreign Studies at the Korean Language Center
Why HUFS is popular: A top-tier language program with strong international student communities. - Sogang University – Korean Language Education Center
Why students love Sogang: It’s Korea’s most respected speaking-focused Korean language school. - Seoul National University (SNU) – Language Education Institute
SNU is Korea’s highest-ranked university, and its Korean program is prestigious worldwide.
4. Fully Funded Scholarships for Emerging Economies
If you want to study for a full degree (BA, MA, or PhD) without paying tuition or housing, these are the best options:
- Global Korea Scholarship GKS
What GKS covers: Full Tuition, Monthly living stipend, Airfare, Dormitory, Health insurance, & 1 year of Korean language training
Eligible countries include nearly all nations in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. - KOICA Scholarship for Graduate Level
Students from developing countries studying: Public Policy, Economics, Agriculture, Engineering, & Education, and covers everything, including flights, tuition, housing, and a stipend.
5. Research, Tech, and Internship Programs
For students in STEM, business, or policy fields, these programs offer short-term academic or research experiences in Korea.
- KAIST International Summer School
- POSTECH Summer/Winter Program
- UNIST Global Internship Program
- KDI School of Policy and Development Programs
Each program provides online access to its eligibility requirements and application instructions.
How Pay4Me App Helps Students Applying to Study in South Korea
The Pay4Me App makes it easier for international students from emerging countries to complete the most important financial steps required for studying abroad in Korea. The app is designed to eliminate cross-border payment challenges that often delay admissions or visa approvals.
1. Application Fee Payments
Many Korean universities and language schools do not accept local bank cards from Africa, South Asia, or Latin America. Pay4Me allows you to pay for program applications instantly and securely.
2. Tuition and Program Fee Payments
Whether you’re paying for Language school tuition, Semester exchange tuition, Program deposits, & Scholarship processing fees
Pay4Me supports fast and reliable cross-border payments.
3. Visa Fee Payments
Some Korean visa fees, confirmation payments, and embassy-related fees can be paid through Pay4Me when local bank restrictions make payments difficult.
4. Housing and Accommodation Payments
Many Korean dormitories and apartments require international transfers. Pay4Me allows you or your sponsor to pay these fees quickly and easily.
