Last Updated: January 2026
Author: Endow Global Education Team
Reading Time: 6 Minutes
Is South Korea the right destination for you?
South Korea has rapidly become a top choice for Bangladeshi students, offering a unique blend of world-class education, affordable tuition, and high visa success rates compared to North America or Europe. Whether you are aiming for Hanseo University, Seoul Tech, or KAIST, the path from Bangladesh to Korea is clear if you follow the right steps.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the admission process, requirements, and costs for the 2026 intakes.
1. Eligibility Checklist for Bangladeshi Students
Before applying, ensure you meet the minimum academic and financial criteria.
| Category | Requirement (Bachelor’s) | Requirement (Master’s) |
| Education | HSC / A-Levels completed | 4-Year Bachelor’s Degree completed |
| Minimum GPA | 3.00/5.00 (Science/Commerce preferred) | 2.75/4.00 CGPA |
| Study Gap | Max 2-3 years accepted | Max 4-5 years accepted |
| Language (English Track) | IELTS 5.5 or higher | IELTS 6.0 or higher |
| Language (Korean Track) | TOPIK Level 3 (or D-4 Language Visa first) | TOPIK Level 4 |
Pro Tip: If your GPA is lower than 3.0, you may still be eligible for specific universities outside of Seoul (like Hanseo University) if you have strong language scores.
2. The Step-by-Step Application Process
For the March Intake (Spring) or September Intake (Fall), you must start 6 months in advance.
Step 1: Document Preparation (Month 1-2)
Unlike other countries, South Korea requires specific document verification.
- Notarization: All academic certificates (SSC, HSC, Bachelor’s) must be notarized.
- Attestation: Documents must be attested by the Education Ministry and MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) in Dhaka.
- Apostille: Since 2023, Korea requires Apostille verification for Bangladeshi documents.
Step 2: University Application (Month 3)
- Select your university (Private vs. National).
- Pay the application fee (approx. $50 – $100 USD).
- Submit documents via post (DHL/FedEx) or online portal.
Step 3: Tuition Payment & COA (Month 4)
- Once accepted, you will receive an Invoice.
- Pay tuition fees directly to the university bank account via SWIFT transfer from a bank in Bangladesh.
- Receive the Certificate of Admission (COA). This is the most critical document for your visa.
Step 4: Visa Application at the Embassy (Month 5)
- Submit your file to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Dhaka (Baridhara).
- Face a brief interview (mostly regarding your study plan and financial solvency).
3. Cost of Studying in South Korea for Bangladeshi Students
Korea is significantly cheaper than the UK, USA, or Canada. Below is an estimated breakdown for 2026.
| Expense Item | Estimated Cost (KRW) | Estimated Cost (BDT) |
| Tuition Fee (Per Semester) | 2,000,000 – 4,500,000 KRW | 1.8 Lakh – 4.0 Lakh BDT |
| Dormitory (Per Semester) | 600,000 – 1,500,000 KRW | 55k – 1.3 Lakh BDT |
| Application Fee | 100,000 KRW | ~9,000 BDT |
| Air Ticket (One Way) | – | 50k – 70k BDT |
| Initial Living Expenses | – | 50k – 1 Lakh BDT |
Scholarship Alert: Many universities offer a 30% to 100% tuition waiver for the first semester based on your IELTS or TOPIK score.
4. Bank Solvency & Financial Requirements
This is where most Bangladeshi applicants face issues. To obtain your visa, you must prove you can afford your studies.
- Bank Balance: You must show a liquid balance of $20,000 USD (approx. 24-25 Lakh BDT) for Degree programs (D-2 visa).
- Duration: The money should ideally be in the account for 3 to 6 months prior to application.
- Sponsor: Your sponsor must be your parents (Father or Mother). Third-party sponsors are generally not accepted by the Korean Embassy in Dhaka.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I study in South Korea from Bangladesh without IELTS?
A: Yes, but it is difficult. You can apply for the Korean Language Track (D-4 Visa) without IELTS. However, for a Bachelor’s degree (D-2 Visa), most universities require either an IELTS score (5.5+) or a TOPIK score.
Q: Can Bangladeshi students work part-time in South Korea?
A: Yes. International students can work 20-25 hours per week (part-time) after completing their first 6 months of study, provided they have permission from the university and immigration.
Q: What is the success rate for South Korean student visas in Bangladesh?
A: As of late 2025, the success rate is high (over 90%) for students who submit authentic financial documents and have a valid Certificate of Admission (COA). Agencies like Endow Global Education currently boast a near 100% success rate for qualified applicants.
Q: Which universities are best for Bangladeshi students?
A: Popular choices include Hanseo University (for Aviation/Engineering), Seoul Tech (National University), Woosong University (Business), and Sejong University.
What to do next?
The competition for the 2026 intake is rising. If you have your academic documents ready, your next step is to assess your profile.
[Contact Endow Global Education for a Free Profile Assessment]
