South Korea is one of the most popular destinations for international students, especially those who want to learn Korean for work or long-term study. Universities in South Korea have four intakes per year in March, June, September and December, giving students a lot of flexibility. However, to find the most “profitable” intake, many factors need to be considered, such as weather, cost of living, scholarship opportunities and competition level.
See more about Korean study guide:
➤ Studying in Korea saves… cost 0 VND;
➤ How to study abroad in Korea with the cost of only 1 cup of milk tea a day;
➤ 10 easy tips to get a scholarship to study in Korea!.
Each intake period has its own characteristics, affecting the learning experience as well as the living conditions of students. Below is a specific analysis of each period:
1. March Term: Main Admission Term
March is the most popular term and marks the beginning of the new academic year in Korea. It is also the term with the largest number of students, including both domestic and international students. Some of the advantages of this term include:
- Quick integration opportunities: With a large number of students entering the school, schools often organize many welcoming activities, helping international students easily connect and integrate.
- Scholarships and financial aid: Some universities have scholarship programs for students entering in March.
- Temperate weather: Spring is quite pleasant, not too cold like winter and not too hot like summer.
However, the March intake is highly competitive, which can put pressure on visa applications or finding accommodation.
2. June Term: Summer Admission
This is a mid-year admission term, suitable for those who want to start their studies in warm weather conditions. Some notable points:
- Pleasant weather: Summer in Korea is not too harsh, making it more comfortable for students to travel and explore.
- Less competition: Because it is not the main admission term, the number of students enrolling in June is usually smaller, which can help reduce the pressure of applying for a visa and finding accommodation.
However, some schools may have fewer extracurricular activities during this term, making it difficult to connect and integrate with international friends.
3. September Term: Ideal Intake
September term is the second most popular choice after March, with many favorable factors:
- Cool autumn weather: Korea enters autumn around September, the pleasant weather helps students feel more comfortable when traveling and studying.
- Less pressure than March term: Since this is not the main intake period, applying for a visa, finding accommodation and registering for classes can be easier.
- Scholarship opportunities: Some schools still offer scholarships for students enrolling this term, although not as many as in March.
This is an intake period that balances weather conditions, competition level and learning opportunities. Therefore, many international students consider this to be the most “profitable” intake period.
4. December Term: Winter Admission
December term usually has the fewest students enrolled, but it still has its own advantages:
- Year-end festival atmosphere: Students enrolling in December have the opportunity to experience the Christmas and New Year atmosphere in Korea.
- Lower costs: Some schools may offer scholarships or preferential programs for students enrolling at this time.
However, winter weather in Korea is quite cold, which can be a challenge for students who are not used to low temperatures.
Based on the above analysis, the September intake can be considered the best choice in terms of balancing weather, competition, scholarship opportunities and student experience. This intake gives students more time to prepare their documents, visas and find accommodation more conveniently than the March intake.
Advice for students
Here are some tips to help you choose the most suitable intake for you:
- Determine your study goals: If you want to participate in many activities and have the opportunity to integrate quickly, the March intake is a good choice. If you want to reduce pressure and have more time to prepare thoroughly, the September intake will be the ideal solution.
- Plan your finances: Consider tuition fees, living expenses and scholarship opportunities for each intake to optimize your budget.
- Prepare your application early: No matter which intake you choose, preparing your application and visa application should be done early to avoid problems.
- Research each school carefully: Each school has a different admission policy, so do your research carefully before deciding to apply.
Choosing the right intake not only helps you have a better learning experience but also directly affects the smoothness of the integration process. If you want a smooth start and a balance between factors, September intake may be the most ideal choice. However, depending on your personal circumstances and study goals, you can consider the intake period that best suits you.
What are you waiting for? Contact C-Korea now to choose your school and major completely free of charge today!
For more information about studying and working in Korea, please contact:
C-KOREA CULTURE AND STUDY ABROAD CONSULTING CO ., LTD.
- Address : 5th Floor , 94-96 Nguyen Van Thuong , Ward 25 , Binh Thanh District , Ho Chi Minh City
- Hotline: +84 28 7308 4247
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565051012830
- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@duhoc_ckorea
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQspuqhQlf4IRFCDzN4ce2A
