Top 10 Universities for MBA in South Korea: QS Ranking, Fees & Placement

South Korea is increasingly becoming a preferred destination for international MBA aspirants — including from India — for several reasons:

• Many top universities in South Korea offer MBA programmes taught in English, making them accessible for international students.
• Compared to Western countries (e.g. US / UK), tuition and living costs in South Korea tend to be lower, making ROI more favorable.
• Program duration is often shorter (many full-time MBA programmes are 1–1.5 years), which means lower total cost and faster return on investment.
• Studying in South Korea also provides exposure to a dynamic economy — great for industries like technology, manufacturing, finance, consulting — which are known to recruit MBA graduates.

Given these advantages, MBAs in South Korea offer a compelling balance of quality, cost-efficiency, and global exposure.

Top 10 Universities for MBA in South Korea (2026)

Based on global rankings, reputation, and strength of MBA/business programmes, below are some of the top universities one should consider.

Note: While we list 6 here with details, the “Top 10” can extend depending on specialization, personal priorities (cost, language, duration). The higher-ranked ones above tend to offer best mix of global brand + ROI.

Fees, Duration & Cost (2025 Estimates)

Here’s a breakdown of fees, duration, and what you might pay if you (as international / Indian student) go for MBA in South Korea:

– Tuition & Duration

• Yonsei University Global MBA — Tuition: ~ ₩ 47,925,000 (KRW) for full programme. That translates roughly to ~ INR 27.00 Lakh (as per one widely cited conversion) for international students. Duration ~ 18 months.
• Seoul National University (SNU) — Full-time MBA: total tuition ~ ₩ 43,130,000 for 12-month programme.
• Sungkyunkwan University (SKK GSB) — First-year tuition for Full-time MBA ~ ₩ 32,500,000 for 18-month programme (for international students).
• General Range (Public vs Private) — For public universities: MBA tuition roughly ranges from KRW 10,000,000 to 25,000,000 (for entire programme) depending on duration and course. For private/universities with stronger placement & services, cost may be higher, depending on the programme structure.

– Total Cost in INR (for Indian Students)

As per recent analyses: total cost (tuition + living) for an MBA in South Korea tends to range between INR 20–30 Lakhs depending on the university and lifestyle.

One guide for Indian students suggests:

• Public universities: total cost around INR 12–18 Lakh (tuition + base expenses)
• Private/universities with premium services: INR 18–25 Lakh.

– Cost of Living

Living cost depends heavily on lifestyle and city (e.g. Seoul is more expensive). For international MBA students: rent + meals + transport + miscellaneous per month might add up to significant amount.

Many MBA hopefuls find that overall cost (tuition + living) in South Korea is moderately lower compared to doing MBA in USA/UK — which may require much higher tuition and living budgets.

Admission Requirements & Eligibility

Though requirements vary slightly by university, typical eligibility criteria for MBA programmes (especially for international students) include:

• A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized institution.
• Work experience: Many full-time MBA programmes expect 2–5 years of relevant work experience for admission.
• English proficiency: Since many MBA programmes are taught in English (or offer English‐taught tracks), international applicants may need to submit standardised English test scores (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL) or other proof of English proficiency.
• Other documents: academic transcripts, letters of recommendation (LORs), statement of purpose (SOP), CV/resume. Some universities may require interviews.

Some MBA programmes (especially for international track) may also offer exemptions (e.g. if undergraduate degree was taught in English).

MBA in Korea vs MBA in US / UK: Cost & ROI Comparison

*Note: US/UK MBA costs vary widely depending on the institution, city, scholarships, etc. But broadly, South Korea tends to offer a more cost-efficient pathway, especially for non-Western students.

Return on Investment (ROI) & Career Prospects

• Studying MBA in Korea offers a balance of quality education + lower cost, which improves ROI — particularly for students who wish to avoid massive debt.
• Korean MBA graduates are often attractive to top employers — especially in sectors like technology, manufacturing, finance, consulting (given Korea’s strong economy and corporate ecosystem).
• For international students (e.g. from India), the comparatively lower cost (in INR terms) plus global exposure gives a strong value proposition, especially if you plan to work in Asia — or in firms that value Asian-market expertise.

How to Apply — General Steps for MBA in Korea (2026 Intake)

1. Shortlist universities based on your priorities (ranking, cost, language of instruction, specialization).
2. Check eligibility for each — Bachelor’s degree, work experience, English proficiency, other documents (transcripts, LORs, SOP, CV).
3. Prepare for standardised tests (if required) — e.g. TOEFL / IELTS / GMAT / GRE (depending on programme). Many English-taught MBAs accept English-proficiency via TOEFL/IELTS.
4. Submit application: most universities allow online or direct applications; fill forms, upload required documents, pay application fees.
5. Interview (if required): some programmes may interview international applicants.
6. Get admission, accept offer (often with deposit), and start preparations (visa, accommodation, living arrangements, finances).

👉 Considering the complexity, many opt for expert help — best study-abroad consultants forSouth Korea — to ease the application, documentation, visa, and settlement process. 

FAQs — What Prospective Students Usually Search

Q: What is the typical cost of MBA in South Korea for an international/Indian student?
A: Typically between INR 20–30 Lakhs for total cost (tuition + living), depending on university and lifestyle.

Q: Are MBA programmes in English available in South Korea?
A: Yes — many top MBA programmes (especially those for international students) are taught in English or offer English-taught tracks.

Q: How long does a typical MBA take in South Korea?
A: It depends — many full-time MBA programmes are 12–18 months long. For example, SNU’s MBA is 12 months; Yonsei’s Global MBA is 18 months.

Q: What are the common admission requirements?
A: Bachelor’s degree, work experience (often 2–5 years), proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), transcripts, LORs, SOP, sometimes GMAT/GRE, CV/resume.

Q: Is MBA in South Korea cheaper compared to US/UK?
A: Generally yes — both tuition and living expenses tend to be lower than what many students spend for MBA in US/UK, making ROI more accessible, especially for international students.

Q: Will an MBA from Korea help me get international placement / job opportunities?
A: Yes — Korean MBA graduates are hired by leading firms across technology, manufacturing, finance, consulting etc. South Korean MBAs offer exposure to Asian markets and global business contexts, which can appeal to international employers.

Q: How to apply / when are the intake periods?
A: Generally, applications are accepted twice a year in many institutions (but varies). Require submitting all documents, English proficiency, perhaps GMAT/GRE, LORs, SOP etc. Applying early is better. (You may want help from experienced overseas-education consultants for smooth process.)

If you’re exploring MBA abroad options, especially as an Indian student, South Korea presents a smart, cost-effective, globally competitive option. With many programmes in English, shorter durations, lower overall cost, and exposure to dynamic Asian markets — it’s worth serious consideration.

If you decide to move ahead: We recommend shortlisting 2–3 universities (based on your budget, specialization interest, and language comfort), checking exact admission deadlines, and starting application preparations early (SOP, LORs, English tests, finances).

Need help with application strategy, comparing programmes, or connecting with best study-abroad consultants for Korea? We can help you build a custom checklist or shortlist universities now. Let Us Know!