Description
Study abroad at Korea University (KU), widely known as one of Korea’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious universities. Eminent faculty, outstanding students, and internationally recognized research programs all contribute to Korea University’s academic fame.
Quick Facts
Partner Program Type – Exchange
Minimum GPA – 2.85
Prerequisites – At least 1 quarter completed at UCSC with a UC GPA by the application deadline
Eligibility – Good academic and disciplinary standing, Min Age: 18, Open to All Majors, Junior or Senior class standing by the time of departure
Term Options
Fall Semester – late August to mid-December
Spring Semester – late February to mid-June
- students must miss both winter and spring quarters at UCSC to participate in this session
Academic Year – late August to mid-June
Partner Program deadline dates
Cost
Location
City & University
Korea University’s main campus lies at the heart of metropolitan Seoul. Fashion- and technology-forward but also deeply traditional, this dynamic city has palaces, temples, cutting-edge design, and even mountain trails. Seoul, home to more than ten million people and 280,000 foreigners, is a diverse bustling city.
Accommodations
Korea University’s on-campus accommodation for international students consists of three buildings that are home to over 700 students from overseas. However, KU is not able to guarantee all international students on-campus accommodation. Resources on off-campus housing are provided. Learn more at Korea University Accommodation.
You are responsible for applying for, securing, and paying for accommodations directly to the housing provider. Visit the host university website for actual costs.
Student Support
Korea University’s Global Services Center provides a range of services and support for exchange students. Additionally, KU offers resources and opportunities for you to integrate successfully into the culture and society.
Country Information Resources
- U.S. Department of State Country Information Page
- CDC Travelers’ Health
- OSAC Country Security Report
Students with Disabilities
If you need support services abroad, notify your UCSC Disability Resource Center (DRC) Coordinator.
Korea University’s Disability Support Center offers exchange students access to adjustment of test time, test method, and seat allocation. Further assistance may be limited or not available.
Identities Abroad and Away
UC Santa Cruz Global Learning is committed to inclusion and equity in our various program options as well as striving to make everyone’s experiences abroad enriching, positive, and safe.
Learn more on our Identities Abroad and Away webpage.
Academics
Host University Courses
As a Korea University exchange student, you will enroll full-time in courses alongside other local and international students for a semester or full academic year.
Course Search
Visit the Korea University Course Registration System. Note that:
- Courses conducted in English will be indicated in course name (i.e., Marketing Management (English)). About 40% of courses at Korea University are taught in English.
- Courses marked X are open to exchange students
- The Korea University Language Center (KULC) provides Korean language classes open to exchange students.
Satisfying Requirements
It may be possible to satisfy major, minor, GE, and/or electives on this program.
Learn more about:
- How to request major or minor credit
- How to request GE credit
Course Load Requirements
You are required to enroll in a full-time course load while abroad as defined by your host institution:
- At KU, a full course load is 4 courses per semester. Most courses at KU are 3 semester credits each. The maximum number of semester credits allowed at KU is 19.
As a UCSC student, you must also continue to meet UCSC Satisfactory Academic Progress, which requires students to enroll in a minimum of 12 UCSC quarter credits per quarter. At KU, you are required to ensure you meet this requirement by enrolling in the equivalent of at least 12 quarter credits in fall semester and at least 24 quarter credits in spring semester after conversion (see below).
Credit Conversion
KU uses semester credits. These will be converted to UCSC quarter credits when added to your UC transcript.
- 1 semester credit = 2 UCSC quarter credits
- 2 semester credits = 3 UCSC quarter credits
- 3 semester credits = 5 UCSC quarter credits
- 4 semester credits = 6 UCSC quarter credits
Academic Restrictions
Registering for courses from the Department of Business School, School of Media & Communications, and Division of International Studies (courses that start with BUSS, JMCO, DISS) is extremely competitive. The KU office cannot guarantee any specific courses for exchange students. Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Law, Teacher Education, Division of Information Security, Art & Design, and all courses at Sejong Campus are not open to exchange students.
If you are unsure about your eligibility to enroll, please contact UCSC Global Learning at globallearning@ucsc.edu before applying to this program.
Academic Differences
Please note that the academic system, such as assignments, exams, course structure, grading system, etc., at your host institution may be different from what you are used to at UCSC. We highly recommend researching the academic system at your host university in advance to best prepare for your experience abroad.
Academic Calendar
We recommend comparing the host university academic calendar to the UCSC academic calendar to see how the academic calendars, holidays, and breaks differ.