The Cost of Studying Abroad

Unlike domestic undergraduate tuition, which has seen a mass increase for the first time in over a decade, tuition fees for international students have steadily risen in South Korea. Universities cite growing operational costs and financial difficulties as reasons for the escalation, but international students argue that these measures are discriminatory. Therefore, the Sungkyun Times (SKT) aims to explore the situation behind these tuition increases, seek potential solutions, and listen to the voices of international students.

Price Tag for Learning

The number of international students at Korean universities and graduate schools has been increasing yearly, reaching a record of an estimated 200,000 overseas students as of last year, mainly due to a government-promoted policy to bring in global talent. However, inconsistent with these efforts, tuition fees for international students remain higher than that of domestic university students. For example, in the case of Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), the School of Business Administration tuition fee for international students is \5,087,000, compared to the \3,648,000 for domestic students. Furthermore, the range of increase for international tuition fees is higher than that of domestic students. In the case of the Catholic University of Korea, the international student tuition fees increased by 6% in 2025, compared to the 4.65% increase for domestic students. Regarding the matter, generally, universities argue that increases are indispensable as additional costs are required to host students from abroad. For instance, some of the budget is used for facility development, such as Sogang University’s establishment of the Education Center for International Students in 2018. The main underlying reason behind the rising costs for international students is said to be the universities’ worsened financial condition, influenced by the regulations of the Ministry of Education (MOE). For one, although the finances of private universities depend heavily on tuition income, the maximun tuition fee per in-quota admitted student is fixed according to MOE policies. In addition, the MOE regulates the admission capacity, especially for universities situated in the main metropolitan areas. However, as international students are classified outside the regular admission quota, universities often independently increase their tuition fees. As can be observed, international students have increasingly become a means for universities to alleviate their financial issues. 

Breaking Down the Price Tag

- Tuition Unfairness

Unlike domestic tuition, international tuition fees fall into a regulatory blind spot. The MOE has been incentivizing tuition freezes and reductions through the Type II National Scholarship program, which provides funding to universities. Thus, until recently, several universities froze domestic student tuition fees for years to remain eligible for the scholarship program. However, because international students are generally classified as non-quota admissions and are excluded from universities’ average tuition fee calculation, their tuition has been continuously raised, allowing institutions to gain additional revenue without sacrificing their government funding. In addition, there are no specific legal regulations to restrict these tuition hikes, exacerbating concerns over fairness. In the case of domestic student tuition, universities must comply with the tuition increase cap set by the MOE in 2016. This limits hikes to no more than 1.5 times the average consumer price inflation rate over the previous three years, with noncompliance resulting in administrative penalties. However, in the case of international students, rates are determined at the universities’ discretion, making them vulnerable to continuous hikes. Moreover, some universities require international students to pay an admission fee upon enrollment — a system that has been abolished for domestic students in 2023. Although SKKU has abolished admission fees for both domestic and international students, some academic institutions still retain the system for international students. As a result, many foreign students must not only bear the burden of continuously soaring tuition fees but also the additional cost of admission fees.

- The Low Return on Tuition

International students face high economic burdens as they must battle between rising living costs and personal expenses due to inflation, on top of increasing tuition fees. Covering utility bills and advanced rent payments requires a considerable amount of money, often more than students initially anticipate. Added to these financial burdens, students mention that universities hardly offer support that offsets or justifies the high payments. In an interview with the SKT, an international student stated that most foreign Kingos feel it is unfair to pay such high tuition fees. Despite paying higher rates than domestic students, they find it unclear where their tuition is spent in return. For instance, some international students interviewed by the SKT argued that the \400 shuttle bus fee in the Humanities and Social Sciences Campus (HSSC) are costs that could be covered, especially considering that many other universities provide free in-campus transportation. Also, they mentioned that parking fees at the HSSC seem unreasonably high, when many lab students rely on their cars for transportation due to their frequent late stays. Moreover, the Tuition Review Committee and the Student Council, which decide whether to raise tuition fees each year, are typically composed of domestic students and university officials. As a result, the voices of international students — those most directly affected by fee hikes — are often unrepresented in the decision-making process. Therefore, despite bearing the brunt of rising tuition fees and associated costs, international students lack an official platform to voice their concerns or advocate for their interests.

Tackling Tuition Hikes

- Fair Tuition for All

Universities and the MOE should implement fair standards for all university members by balancing the tuition increase rates for international students. Furthermore, to expand economic support, there must be policies that alleviate their cost of living. In Germany, all students, including international students, receive financial support based on their parents’ income, through the BAföG or the Federal Training Assistance Act. As part of the program, students only have to pay around €270 each semester to cover their student union fees and six months of transportation costs. Using this, students can save on transportation expenses within their university’s region. However, Korea often lacks direct support for international students regarding general and transportation costs. Providing substantial support in such areas could help support these individuals and enhance the country’s global educational competitiveness. Next, more organizations that represent international student voices should be established. This would help strengthen systems that support their academics and daily lives, ultimately leading to policies that better reinvest tuition fees into their student welfare. At SKKU, the Chinese International Student Association is a voluntarily formed organization representing Chinese students enrolled at the university, helping fellow students by translating official SKKU announcements into Chinese. Domestic universities should foster an environment for more international student organizations to feel represented and communicate their concerns, alleviating their financial concerns and enhancing support.

- Voices of International Students 

The SKT has listened to some of SKKU’s international students about their thoughts on university tuition.

Hao Bo-wen (China): The tuition must be spent transparently to show students they are receiving something in return. Greater clarity in allocating funds can build trust between students and the university. Institutions can also encourage student engagement to make them feel that their voices and contributions are valued

Tsetska Pashovska (Bulgaria): An institution that represents international students is essential. In this context, I am looking forward to the student organization, S-LINK, a new type of student help service that will help international students adapt more easily to university life. I expect it to lead to a higher perceived return rate on tuition, benefiting international students more directly.

Viraja Rane (India): Universities could provide more financial support and advocacy for international students. This could include more scholarships or grants for international students, flexible payment plans, and increased part-time work opportunities.

A price too steep and a voice too faint. International students continue to bear the weight of rising tuition without proper representation or support. Universities must foster a more inclusive environment by implementing fairer policies and reinvesting tuition into meaningful benefits. Only through this blend of harmonious voices can higher education be a bridge, not a barrier, for all.