MBBS in South Korea for Indian Students

MBBS in South Korea is becoming a strong choice for Indian students due to its modern medical infrastructure, global recognition, and comparatively lower tuition fees. Top universities charge KRW 4–15 million per year (INR 2.5–9.5 lakh) and offer advanced labs, research-led teaching, and structured clinical rotations across leading hospitals. 

With institutions like Seoul National University, Yonsei University, and Korea University, students benefit from high academic standards, strong safety, and excellent student facilities. Competitive admissions and partial Korean-language requirements make it important for students to prepare early. 

Quick summary: 

• 6-year MBBS programs with clinical training 
• Tuition: KRW 4–15 million/year (INR 2.5–9.5 lakh) 
• Living cost: KRW 600,000–1,000,000/month (INR 37,000–63,000) 
• Scholarships: GKS + university awards 
• Competitive entry with language criteria 

In this guide, you’ll read about top medical universities, fee structure, eligibility, scholarships, admission steps, and career scope after MBBS in South Korea. 

Why Study MBBS in South Korea? 

Choosing MBBS in South Korea gives Indian students access to high-quality medical education, advanced hospital training, and modern research facilities in one of Asia’s most technologically developed and safest countries. Korean medical degrees are globally recognised and backed by rigorous clinical exposure in university-affiliated hospitals. 

Here are the top reasons to consider studying MBBS in South Korea: 

• Globally Recognised Medical Degrees 

Graduates can appear for major licensing exams like NExT (India), KMLE (Korea), USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), and AMC (Australia), making the degree suitable for international practice. 

• Advanced Technology and Medical Innovation 

Korean universities use cutting-edge simulation labs, AI-based diagnostic tools, and research facilities that help students gain exposure to modern medical techniques. 

• Strong Clinical Training in Leading Hospitals 

Students complete clinical rotations in major university hospitals such as Seoul National University Hospital and Yonsei Severance Hospital, known for high patient flow and advanced medical care. 

Explore top universities, scholarships, and career prospects- Study in South Korea with upGrad and start your global journey today!   

• Affordable Tuition Compared to Western Countries 

MBBS fees in South Korea range from KRW 4–15 million/year (INR 2.5–9.5 lakh), making it significantly more affordable than medical programs in the USA, UK, or Australia. 

• Safe, Clean, and Student-Friendly Environment 

South Korea consistently ranks among the safest countries, offering reliable public transport, clean campuses, and a global student community. 

• Scholarship Opportunities for International Students 

Scholarships like the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) cover tuition, living costs, and monthly stipends, reducing the financial burden for Indian students. 

With its strong academic environment, globally valid degrees, and world-class medical training, MBBS in South Korea is a promising option for students aiming for an international medical career. 

Top Medical Universities in South Korea for Indian Students 

Only a few universities in South Korea offer accredited medical programs suitable for MBBS-equivalent training, especially for international students. Below is a complete list of the top institutions offering Medicine/MD programs for 2025–26: 

University Name	Program Type	Approx. Annual Tuition Fees
Seoul National University	Medicine / MD	USD 8,000 – 10,000 (INR 6.7 – 8.4 lakh)
Yonsei University (College of Medicine)	Medicine / MD	USD 9,000 – 11,000 (INR 7.6 – 9.2 lakh)
Korea University (College of Medicine)	Medicine / MD	USD 8,500 – 10,500 (INR 7.2 – 8.8 lakh)
Sungkyunkwan University (School of Medicine)	Medicine / MD	USD 8,000 – 9,500 (INR 6.7 – 8.0 lakh)
Ulsan University (College of Medicine)	Medicine / MD	USD 7,500 – 9,000 (INR 6.3 – 7.6 lakh)
Hanyang University (College of Medicine)	Medicine / MD	USD 7,000 – 8,500 (INR 5.9 – 7.2 lakh)
Kyung Hee University (College of Medicine)	Medicine / MD	USD 6,500 – 8,000 (INR 5.5 – 6.7 lakh)
Ewha Womans University (School of Medicine)	Medicine / MD	USD 6,000 – 8,500 (INR 5.0 – 7.1 lakh)
Pusan National University (School of Medicine)	Medicine / MD	USD 5,500 – 7,500 (INR 4.6 – 6.3 lakh)
Chung-Ang University (College of Medicine)	Medicine / MD	USD 6,000 – 8,000 (INR 5.0 – 6.7 lakh)

For Indian students aiming for a medical career in South Korea, these institutions offer strong academic quality, modern hospital training, and globally respected MD-equivalent degrees. 

Must read: Medical Colleges in South Korea for International Students 

MBBS in South Korea: Fees for Indian Students 

The cost of studying MBBS (MD program) in South Korea varies based on whether the university is public or private, with private institutions generally charging higher tuition. Most medical programs follow a 6-year structure, including pre-med + medical coursework + clinical training. 

International students are required to pay full tuition, but several universities offer partial scholarships or fee reductions based on academic merit. 

Here are the approximate MBBS (Medicine/MD) fees in South Korea for Indian students: 

University	Annual Tuition Fees	Total 6-Year Program Cost
Seoul National University	USD 8,000 – 10,000 (INR 6.7L – 8.4L)	USD 48,000 – 60,000 (INR 40L – 50L)
Yonsei University	USD 9,000 – 11,000 (INR 7.6L – 9.2L)	USD 54,000 – 66,000 (INR 45L – 55L)
Korea University	USD 8,500 – 10,500 (INR 7.2L – 8.8L)	USD 51,000 – 63,000 (INR 42L – 52L)
Sungkyunkwan University	USD 8,000 – 9,500 (INR 6.7L – 8.0L)	USD 48,000 – 57,000 (INR 40L – 47L)
Ulsan University	USD 7,500 – 9,000 (INR 6.3L – 7.6L)	USD 45,000 – 54,000 (INR 37L – 45L)

Most South Korean universities offer merit-based scholarships, international student aid, and research grants that can reduce tuition costs significantly. 

Eligibility for Indian Students  

Admission to MBBS (Medicine/MD) programs in South Korea is competitive and requires strong academic performance, Korean or English proficiency, and university-specific entrance assessments. Indian students must have cleared Class 12 with high PCB scores and meet additional criteria set by each medical school. 

Requirement Category	Eligibility Details
Age Requirement	Minimum 18 years old at the time of admission
Academic Qualification	80–90% in Class 12 (Physics, Chemistry, Biology); strong math background preferred
NEET Requirement	Not required for admission, but necessary for practicing in India after degree completion
Language Proficiency	IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80+ (for English-taught tracks); TOPIK Level 3–4 for Korean-medium programs
Entrance Test/Interview	University-based entrance exam + interview; some require SAT/ACT scores
Subject Prerequisites	Mandatory Biology and Chemistry in Class 12 (CBSE/ISC or equivalent accepted)
Medical Fitness	Health certificate, immunization records, and general physical examination
Financial Proof	Proof of ability to cover tuition + living costs for visa purposes

Indian students planning MBBS in South Korea should begin preparation early, especially for language proficiency and university entrance assessments, which play a major role in admission decisions. 

Admission Process 

Admission to MBBS (MD) programs in South Korea involves strong academic records, language proficiency, university-specific entrance exams, and a structured selection process. Indian students applying in 2025 must follow a detailed timeline to maximise their chances of acceptance. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for MBBS in South Korea: 

Step 1: Shortlist Universities 
Choose from top universities like Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Korea University, or others offering English or Korean-medium medical programs. 

Step 2: Meet Eligibility Requirements 
Ensure you have at least 80–90% in Class 12 PCB, meet language proficiency criteria (IELTS/TOEFL or TOPIK), and prepare for university entrance exams. 

Step 3: Prepare for Entrance Exams (if required) 
Register and appear for university-specific entrance exams or interviews. Some universities may also require SAT/ACT scores. 

Step 4: Gather Required Documents 
Collect academic transcripts, passport, statement of purpose (SOP), letters of recommendation (LORs), language test scores, medical certificate, and financial proof. 

Step 5: Apply via University Portal 
Complete the online application form and upload all necessary documents before the university deadline (usually between November and March). 

Step 6: Attend Interview or Assessment 
Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview or multiple mini interviews (MMIs) conducted online or on-campus. 

Step 7: Receive Admission Offer 
Successful candidates receive a conditional or unconditional offer based on exam and interview results. 

Step 8: Accept Offer and Pay Deposit 
Confirm your seat by submitting required documents and paying the initial tuition deposit. 

Step 9: Apply for Student Visa 
After offer acceptance, apply for a student visa at the Korean embassy or consulate in India. 

Start preparing at least 12–18 months before your intended admission to clear language tests, entrance exams, and arrange financial documentation for visa approval. 

MBBS Course Duration & Curriculum 

MBBS in South Korea is typically a 6-year undergraduate medical program, including pre-medical foundation studies and clinical training, followed by a mandatory clinical internship or residency depending on the university. 

The curriculum integrates foundational medical sciences, extensive clinical practice, and research exposure, preparing students for licensing exams like the KMLE (Korean Medical Licensing Exam) and international medical practice. 

Course Structure: 

Phase	Duration	Key Subjects / Activities
Pre-Medical/Foundation	Years 1–2	• Basic Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry)   • Korean Language & Communication Skills   • Medical Ethics & Public Health
Basic Medical Sciences	Year 3	• Pathology   • Microbiology   • Pharmacology   • Introduction to Clinical Medicine
Clinical Phase	Years 4–6	• Internal Medicine   • Surgery   • Pediatrics   • Obstetrics & Gynecology   • Psychiatry   • Community Medicine
Clinical Rotations	Final Year	• Rotations in University Hospitals   • Hands-on patient care   • Emergency & Specialty Departments
Internship / Residency	After Graduation	• Optional 1-year clinical internship or residency (varies by university)   • Required for Korean medical license registration

The MBBS curriculum in South Korea combines classroom lectures, practical labs, simulation-based training, and hospital rotations. The program is designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for modern medicine. 

Cost of Living in South Korea for Medical Students 

South Korea offers a safe and student-friendly environment for MBBS students, with a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other popular study abroad destinations. 

Here is an overview of the cost of living for Indian medical students in South Korea: 

Expense Category	Cost Range (KRW)	Cost Range (INR)
Accommodation (Hostel/Shared)	KRW 300,000 – 600,000	INR 18,500 – 37,000
Food & Eating Out	KRW 250,000 – 400,000	INR 15,500 – 24,000
Transportation (Bus/Subway)	KRW 55,000 – 80,000	INR 3,400 – 5,000
Books & Supplies	KRW 40,000 – 80,000	INR 2,500 – 5,000
Internet & Phone	KRW 30,000 – 50,000	INR 1,850 – 3,100
Personal & Miscellaneous	KRW 150,000 – 250,000	INR 9,200 – 15,500

Many students reduce their monthly expenses by living in university dormitories, using public transportation, and dining at local eateries. 

Also Read: Cost of Living in South Korea 

Scope After MBBS 

An MBBS (MD) degree from South Korea opens a variety of career paths in clinical practice, research, public health, and further specialization both in South Korea and internationally. 

South Korean medical graduates are well-regarded for their rigorous training, technological expertise, and ability to work in multi-cultural settings. 

Here are the top career options: 

Career Option	Requirements	Estimated Salary Range (Annual)
Medical Practice in South Korea	Pass Korean Medical Licensing Exam (KMLE) + Internship	KRW 30 million – 70 million (INR 18L – 42L)
Specialization / Residency	Apply for Residency Program + board exams	KRW 50 million – 90 million (INR 31L – 54L)
Medical Research / PhD	MBBS + postgraduate research degree	KRW 25 million – 45 million (INR 16L – 27L)
Practice in India (after NExT)	Qualify NEET + NExT exam	Varies by location and specialty
Careers Abroad (US, UK, AUS)	Pass USMLE, PLAB, AMC exams respectively	Varies by destination and specialty

Graduates from South Korea can pursue rewarding careers locally or globally, with strong prospects for specialisation and high-demand roles in healthcare and biomedical research. 

Conclusion 

MBBS in South Korea offers Indian students a globally recognised medical education supported by advanced universities, cutting-edge technology, and extensive clinical exposure. With growing English-medium programs, excellent safety, and a vibrant cultural experience, South Korea stands as a compelling destination for medical studies abroad. 

For ambitious students seeking a modern, internationally respected medical degree with strong career prospects, South Korea is an excellent choice for 2025 and beyond. 

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