Education System and Tuition Support
Formal education in Korea follows a 6-3-3-4 structure (6 years primary, 3 middle school, 3 high school, 4 university), with 9 years of free, compulsory primary and middle school. Children of foreign residents are also guaranteed admission to public schools in their school district, and children of naturalised Koreans receive the same support as those of Korean nationals.
Compulsory and free education
- Compulsory education: Ages 6–15 (1st grade through middle school 3rd grade). Enrolment fees, tuition, textbooks, and school supplies are free.
- Free high school: Phased in from 2021 → all grades free as of 2026 (enrolment fees, tuition, textbooks, and school operating support fees waived).
- 누리과정 (early childhood education for ages 3–5): The standard kindergarten and daycare curriculum is supported free of charge.
- School meals: Free school meals are being implemented across primary, middle, and high schools by metropolitan and provincial governments (mostly fully expanded).
Admission for children of foreign residents
- Register the child's academic record at the local 주민센터, then apply to the school in your school district — possible with the foreign registration number.
- Multicultural and mid-entry students: Separate support such as Korean Language Classes (KSL), outreach Korean classes, and grade placement via academic review committees.
- Some areas have authorised international (foreigner) schools — admission requires at least one foreign parent or 3+ years of overseas residence (tuition is very high).
- Children of naturalised parents can enrol in any public or private school on the same footing as Korean children.
Private tutoring and its burden
- Korea has heavy private tutoring (학원, tutoring) costs — the national average is several hundred thousand won per child per month, with capital-region students typically paying more.
- The government supports public education with free EBS lectures, after-school programs, and 돌봄교실 (care classes).
- 늘봄학교 (elementary): Free after-school care and programs are being phased in.
University tuition support — Korea Student Aid Foundation
- 국가장학금 (National Scholarship Type I and II): Tuition support graded by income decile — lower-income and near-poor students receive effectively the full tuition, with broad coverage extending to the middle class.
- 국가근로장학금 (National Work-Study Scholarship), 우수학생국가장학금 (National Honor Scholarship), and other supplementary programs.
- Student loans: Income-Contingent Loan (ICL) — repayment begins only after reaching a certain income level, with interest of around 1–2% per year.
- International students: A separate track such as Global Korea Scholarship (GKS). After acquiring Korean citizenship, you can apply for all scholarships as a Korean student.
Lifelong learning and vocational training
- 국민내일배움카드 (National Tomorrow Learning Card): ₩3–5 million in training cost support over 5 years — foreigners can apply if they meet certain visa and stay-period requirements.
- K-MOOC and the lifelong learning account system offer free or low-cost online learning.
- 방송통신대학 (Korea National Open University) and cyber universities: Affordable paths to a bachelor's degree.
Things to watch
- The school year and semester start in March (Korea's spring semester is the first semester). Foreign credit recognition and transfer procedures take time, so prepare 6 months before entry.
- Private tutoring and graduate tuition fall outside government support, creating heavy household burdens. Don't miss the 국가장학금 application window each semester.
- Policies, income criteria, and benefit amounts are adjusted annually.
Official guidance: Ministry of Education, Korea Student Aid Foundation, National Institute for Lifelong Education, Multicultural Education Portal