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Meta description: Sejong University, Seoul: 14 English-taught freshman programmes from IELTS 5.5, Korean track from TOPIK 2, spring 2027 round 2 on 22 Oct–13 Nov.
Last modified: 2026-09-30

# Sejong University: Admission, Tuition and English-Taught Programmes

Sejong University (세종대학교) is a private university in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, ranked 398th in the QS World University Rankings 2027. It offers fourteen fully English-taught freshman programmes — more than Inha, Konkuk, Dongguk, Hongik or Ajou — from business and computer science to K-pop entertainment, with a modest English bar of IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 3.5 on the new scale. Round 1 of the spring 2027 intake closed on 21 September; round 2 runs from 22 October to 13 November 2026. In 2026 a semester cost from $3,450 (KRW 4,669,000) in the humanities and business to $4,720 (KRW 6,392,000) in the arts.

The main gate of Sejong University in Seoul. Photo: Yohan Lee / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sejong_University_Front_Gate.jpg), [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

| At a glance | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Campus | Seoul, 209 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu |
| Do not confuse | with Hongik University's campus in Sejong City, or with the King Sejong Institute network |
| College for international students | Daeyang Global College: four schools, eight majors |
| English track | 14 freshman programmes; IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 3.5 (59 on the old scale) or New TEPS 202 |
| Korean track | from no set requirement (Global Liberal Studies, Entertainment and Content) to TOPIK 4 |
| Spring 2027 | round 2: application 22 Oct – 13 Nov 2026, results 23 Dec |
| Application fee | $110 (KRW 150,000) |
| Tuition per semester, 2026 | $3,450–4,720 (KRW 4,669,000–6,392,000) |
| Housing | about $1,180 (KRW 1,600,000) for six months, roughly 255 places for international students |

## Who Sejong suits {#section-1}

Sejong fits applicants who want to study in Seoul in English without spending a year on Korean first. Its list also includes options rarely open to international applicants: hospitality and food service management, animation, K-pop entertainment and contemporary music. The campus sits on the same street, Neungdong-ro, as [Konkuk](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-konkuk), which makes the two easy to compare.

| Good fit | Compare with |
| --- | --- |
| Applicants with IELTS 5.5 who want English-taught study in Seoul | Engineers who want English options: the list is short (computer science, AI and software, smart mobility); compare [Inha](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-inha) |
| Undecided students: Global Liberal Studies gives a year to choose | Budget-driven applicants in engineering or arts: see [Ajou](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-ajou) |
| Future hospitality managers, animators, musicians and K-pop professionals | Students who must be sure of a dormitory place: about 255 beds for all international students |
| Applicants short of the language level: the Sejong Prep Course exists | Future doctors: medicine is not open to international applicants |

## Programmes {#section-2}

English track (taught entirely in English), freshmen: public administration, media and communication, business administration, economics, hospitality and tourism management, computer science and engineering, comics and animation technology, School of Global Liberal Studies, School of Humanities and Social Sciences (Korean language and culture education, international affairs), AI and software, smart mobility, K-pop entertainment, visual and performing content, contemporary music. Transfers can enter international affairs, public administration, business, economics, hospitality, computer science and contemporary music.

Korean track: nearly every college, from Korean literature, history, education, law and media to mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological systems, electronics, semiconductors, computer science, information security, quantum science, creative studies, AI and robotics, software, architecture, civil and energy engineering, mechanical and aerospace engineering, nanotechnology, nuclear engineering, painting, fashion, music, physical education (men), dance and film.

Daeyang Global College is Sejong's college for international students, with the Schools of Global Liberal Studies, Humanities and Social Sciences, Convergence Technologies, and Entertainment and Content — eight majors in total. Global Liberal Studies students explore fields in year one and then pick one of the eight majors or transfer elsewhere under university rules.

## Language requirements {#section-3}

English track: IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 3.5 on the new scale (old-scale scores from before 20 January 2026 count from 59), or New TEPS 202. TOEFL MyBest Scores and iBT Home Edition are accepted; TOEFL ITP is not. Citizens of countries where English is a native or official language can submit proof of schooling there instead; everyone else needs a score, even after studying in English.

Korean track, freshmen:

| Unit | Minimum |
| --- | --- |
| Global Liberal Studies, School of Entertainment and Content | no language requirement set |
| Creative studies, arts and physical education | TOPIK 2 |
| Korean language and literature, media and communication, business administration | TOPIK 4 |
| All other majors | TOPIK 3 |

TOPIK can be replaced by the KIIP social integration programme (pre-assessment 41+ or Level 2 = TOPIK 2; 61+ or Level 3 = TOPIK 3; 81+ or Level 4 = TOPIK 4) or King Sejong Institute courses (Beginner 2, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2), in-person only. Students admitted with TOPIK 2 must complete 300 hours of Korean, KIIP or a King Sejong course within a year. Two semesters at the Sejong Language Center at the right level are another route, but if you already hold a qualifying TOPIK, apply with it. Graduation requires TOPIK 4 (TOPIK 3 in creative, arts and PE majors and Entertainment and Content).

Sejong Prep Course. Applicants without the language level can be selected for a preparatory course at the Sejong Language Center on academic potential; they apply in round 2 and are admitted once they complete it. See our [TOPIK guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-topik-exam-guide).

## Spring 2027 timeline {#section-4}

| Step | Round 1 (closed) | Round 2 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Online application and document upload | 7–21 Sep 2026 | 22 Oct – 13 Nov 2026 |
| Department evaluation | 15–20 Oct 2026 | 4–9 Dec 2026 |
| Results (provisional) | 9 Nov 2026 | 23 Dec 2026 |
| Originals by post and tuition | 9–20 Nov 2026 | 23 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 |
| Certificate of Admission | from 8 Dec 2026 | from 19 Jan 2027 |

Deadlines are 17:00 Korean time (16:00 for payment). Moving from round 1 to round 2 requires the transfer button in your account and fresh uploads of the form and any expired documents.

## How to apply {#section-5}

1. Choose the track and major. Write the study plan in English for the English track and in Korean for the Korean track.
2. Register at sos.sejong.ac.kr, complete the application and pay the fee.
3. Upload clear scans of every apostilled and translated document. Post, in-person and email submissions are not accepted during the application period, and incomplete scans cost points.
4. Arts and creative studies applicants add a portfolio link from YouTube, Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox or Vimeo, viewable without logging in.
5. Departments may hold an online interview.
6. After admission, post the originals (arrival date counts) and pay tuition.

Cancelling through your account before the online deadline refunds the fee within five working days; after that, it is not refundable.

## Documents {#section-6}

Printouts of the application, study plan, qualification review request, education verification consent and applicant checklist; an uncut A4 passport copy (external passport only); a language score issued within two years of the semester start and verifiable online; the school diploma (or expected-graduation certificate) with apostille and notarised English translation; transcripts for every year, with evidence for any gaps; both parents' passports and a family relationship document such as a birth certificate listing their nationality; optionally national exam results and recommendation letters. Translations, notarisations and apostilles on education and family documents must be less than six months old at the start of round 1, done in the issuing country; a non-English apostille goes inside the notarised translation. The original apostilled diploma is kept even for visa purposes, so prepare a spare.

## Costs {#section-7}

| Field | Tuition per semester (2026 rates) |
| --- | --- |
| Humanities, social sciences, business, economics, hospitality | $3,450 (KRW 4,669,000) |
| Natural sciences, physical education | $4,080 (KRW 5,521,000) |
| IT, advanced convergence, engineering, life sciences | $4,680 (KRW 6,340,000) |
| Arts (excluding PE) | $4,720 (KRW 6,392,000) |

Tuition may rise for 2027, and Sejong may ask for a preliminary deposit to cover the difference. If an international transfer arrives short because of exchange rates or bank charges, registration is not recognised; Sejong recommends Flywire. Refunds go back only by the original payment method. For payers in Russia, see [how to pay for studies abroad from Russia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia).

The international dormitory holds about 255 students, allocated per six-month term for about $1,180 (KRW 1,600,000) under the spring 2027 guide, with applications each January and July. If you miss out, see [student housing in Korea](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-housing-korea).

## Scholarships {#section-8}

| Scholarship | Requirement | First-semester award |
| --- | --- | --- |
| A, English track | TOEFL iBT 6.0 (114) / 4.5 (86) / 3.5 (59); IELTS 8.0 / 6.5 / 5.5; New TEPS 468 / 291 / 202 | 80% / 50% / 30% |
| A, English track | citizens of the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa | 30% |
| A, Korean track | TOPIK 6 / 5 / 4 / 3 | 100% / 70% / 50% / 30% |
| Sejong Prep Course graduates | two semesters at the required level | 100% plus admission fee waiver |
| B, Sejong Language Center | 4 / 3 / 2 semesters completed | $740 (KRW 1,000,000) / $550 (KRW 750,000) / $370 (KRW 500,000) |
| Academic (from semester two) | GPA 3.0+ and at least 15 credits | 20–50% of tuition |

A and B can be combined up to the tuition amount; only documents submitted on time count, and transfer students are eligible only for the academic award. GKS is separate: see our [GKS guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-gks-scholarship-korea).

## Bank balance and D-2 visa {#section-9}

After admission you need a Verification of Deposit for at least $14,780 (KRW 20,000,000) in won, $16,000 in US dollars or $16,410 (CNY 110,000) in yuan, in the applicant's name (a parent's only in unavoidable cases). It must be issued within 30 days of the visa application, or be valid to a stated expiry of at most six months; if the account is frozen, the freeze must run past the semester start. Bankbook copies and statements are not accepted. Certificates of Admission are issued on schedule, and visa refusal is the applicant's responsibility; the Korean consulate decides. See our [student visa guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-visa-korea).

## Sejong for applicants from Russia and the CIS {#section-10}

- The handbook's 12-year schooling rule is written for students educated in two or more countries, whose combined schooling must reach 12 years.
- Both parents must be foreign nationals; dual Korean citizenship is not allowed.

## Common mistakes {#section-11}

- Posting originals during the application period instead of uploading scans.
- Linking a portfolio on ArtStation, Bilibili or Naver Cafe.
- Applying with a language-centre certificate when you already hold a qualifying TOPIK.
- Wiring exactly the invoiced amount with no margin for bank charges.
- Confusing Sejong University with Hongik's Sejong campus or the King Sejong Institute.
- Getting translations and apostilles too early: they must be under six months old.

## FAQ {#section-12}

### Can I study at Sejong in English?

Yes, it is one of Sejong's strengths: fourteen freshman programmes are taught entirely in English, from business and economics to computer science, animation and K-pop entertainment. You need IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 3.5 on the new scale or New TEPS 202.

### Can I get into Sejong without TOPIK?

Yes, via the English track, or on the Korean track in Global Liberal Studies or the School of Entertainment and Content, where no language requirement is set. Other majors need TOPIK 2–4, or you can take the Sejong Prep Course and apply in round 2.

### How much does Sejong cost?

At 2026 rates a semester costs $3,450 (KRW 4,669,000) in the humanities and business, $4,080 (KRW 5,521,000) in the natural sciences, $4,680 (KRW 6,340,000) in IT and engineering and $4,720 (KRW 6,392,000) in the arts. Sejong expects possible increases for 2027 and may request a preliminary deposit.

### When do I apply for spring 2027?

Round 1 ran on 7–21 September 2026. Round 2 accepts online applications from 22 October to 13 November 2026 until 17:00 Korean time; results come out on 23 December, and tuition and originals are due by 5 January 2027.

### Is Sejong University related to the King Sejong Institute?

No. King Sejong Institutes are a worldwide network of Korean language schools whose certificates can replace TOPIK. Sejong University is a private university in Seoul, and Hongik University's Sejong campus is unrelated to either.

### Can StudyU help with a Sejong application?

Choosing the track and round, writing the study plan, checking translations, apostilles and their validity, uploading the application and preparing visa documents are provided under an agreement with StudyU. Sejong decides on admission, scholarships and housing, and the Korean consulate decides on the visa.

## Sources {#section-13}

- [Sejong University: Undergraduate School (international admissions)](https://en.sejong.ac.kr/eng/academics/Undergraduate_School.do)
- [Sejong: Spring 2027 Undergraduate Admission Guide for International Students (PDF)](https://en.sejong.ac.kr/cms/etcResourceDown.do?site=$cms$KYOw5kA&key=$cms$EwBmHYH0GUAcCcCWA7A5jApgWwwZwC4byQCqyAJkavAIbkCuNhkAguVorrogPbKQBxeokqQAZj2IBJZIXjImvBQBsY+epVm4AFBjQBKSKGAA2EAE4QAZgB0scmKA)
- [Sejong One Stop Service: online application](https://sos.sejong.ac.kr/eng/admission/guide/univ.do)
- [Korea JoongAng Daily: QS 2027 ranking with Sejong at 398th](https://www.koreajoongangdaily.com/korea/snu-leads-korean-campuses-in-latest-qs-world-rankings-as-yonsei-ku-hit-historic-highs/12727249)

All dollar figures come from the ECB reference rate of 29.09.2026, when one euro traded at USD 1.1355 and KRW 1,536.74 (about KRW 1,353 per dollar); we round to $1 below $100 and to $10 above. Compare more options on [Study in South Korea](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-korea) and in [universities in Seoul](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-seoul). Planning for round 2 and choosing an English-taught programme are provided under an agreement with StudyU; the university makes the admission decision. To start, send an [application](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply).

During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.

## Next steps

- [Konkuk University: Admission, Tuition and Scholarships for International Students](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-konkuk)
- [Inha University: Admission, Tuition and Scholarships for International Students](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-inha)
- [Ajou University: Admission, Tuition and Scholarships for International Students](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-ajou)
- [Studying in South Korea for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-korea)
- [TOPIK Exam Guide 2026–2027: Levels, Scores, Test Dates and Where to Sit It](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-topik-exam-guide)
- [How to Pay for Studies Abroad from Russia: What Works in 2026](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia)

Updated: September 2026