In recent years, studying undergraduate programs in South Korea has become a popular choice for many Vietnamese students right after graduating from high school.
Not only because of its high-quality education system and modern learning environment, South Korea also offers more affordable costs compared to Western countries.
In addition, attractive job opportunities and long-term settlement prospects after graduation are key reasons why more parents and students are paying attention.
However, many students and parents still have concerns about the requirements for high school graduates to study at South Korean universities.
Is it possible to apply right after high school graduation? Is the visa process difficult? Do students need to be fluent in Korean from the beginning?
This article will help you clearly understand the latest requirements and guide you toward the most suitable and secure study pathway for Vietnamese students.
The answer is absolutely yes. In fact, South Korea is one of the most accessible destinations for students who have just graduated from high school.
Most Korean universities do not require outstanding academic records, but instead evaluate applications in a holistic manner.
With stable academic performance, a serious learning attitude, and a clear study plan, Vietnamese students can fully pursue their dream of studying abroad.
Students must have graduated from high school or be in their final year and submit the diploma later.
The required GPA for three years of high school is usually from 6.0 or above for most universities.
For higher-ranked universities or scholarship opportunities, a GPA of 6.5 to 7.0 offers a clear advantage.
In practice, GPA not only affects university admission but also directly impacts scholarship eligibility and visa approval rates.
Many people believe that knowing Korean is mandatory before studying abroad, but this is a common misconception.
High school graduates can first study Korean language courses in South Korea before entering official undergraduate programs.
For language training programs, students are not required to hold a TOPIK certificate.
If applying directly to undergraduate programs, students usually need TOPIK level 3 or higher, while some majors may require TOPIK level 4.
Studying Korean in advance helps students adapt better, improve language skills, and increase scholarship opportunities.
Compared to many other countries, studying in South Korea is considered financially manageable.
Typically, students need a savings account ranging from USD 10,000 to USD 20,000 depending on university requirements.
Families must demonstrate stable and transparent income sources to financially support the student.
For visa-free universities or regional universities, financial documentation requirements are significantly simplified.
The application dossier includes academic transcripts, high school diploma, birth certificate, passport, and financial documents.
In addition, a study plan is a crucial component that clearly demonstrates the student’s goals and orientation.
A well-prepared study plan can significantly strengthen the application, even if the GPA is only at an average level.
Many South Korean universities offer scholarships from the very first semester for newly graduated high school students.
Scholarships are typically assessed based on GPA, Korean language proficiency, and application timing.
Common scholarship levels range from 30% to 50% of tuition fees, while strong applicants may receive 70% to 100%.
The most common pathway is to graduate from high school in Vietnam, then study Korean in South Korea for 6 to 12 months.
After achieving the required TOPIK level, students can transfer to undergraduate major programs.
This pathway helps students adapt smoothly, save costs, and increase long-term scholarship opportunities.
Overall, the requirements for high school graduates to study undergraduate programs in South Korea are not overly strict.
With stable academic performance, clear goals, and proper preparation, Vietnamese students can fully turn their South Korea study abroad dream into reality.
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