Study in the UK vs South Korea: student visa compared
A side-by-side look at the student-visa requirements for the UK and South Korea— the funds you must show, living costs, fees, processing time and document load. Figures are sourced from each country's official pages and date-verified.
| Factor | the UK | South Korea |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds (per year) | 10,539 GBP | 20,000,000 KRW |
| Living cost (per month) | 1,171 GBP | 1,200,000 KRW |
| Visa fee | 524 GBP | 80,000 KRW |
| Typical processing time | ~3 weeks | ~4 weeks |
| Main intakes | Jan, Sep | Mar, Sep |
| Required documents | 5 | 5 |
Funds are shown in each country's own currency, so “lower” is only marked when currencies match. Always confirm current figures on the official sources below.
Verdict: the UK vs South Korea
- the UK needs less money up front — about €12,399/year versus €13,333 for South Korea (≈ €934 less).
- the UK is typically faster to process (~3 weeks vs ~4 for South Korea).
Money figures normalised to euros at ECB rates for comparison; official requirements are set in each country's own currency.
Unique to the UK
- CAS from a licensed student sponsor
- Maintenance funds (held 28 days)
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Approved English language proof (SELT)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate
- ATAS certificate
Unique to South Korea
- Certificate of Admission
- Financial requirement
- National Health Insurance (NHIS)
- Language proof
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Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in the UK or South Korea?
By proof of funds, the UK is cheaper — €12,399/year versus €13,333 (compared at ECB rates, 2026-06-20). Tuition and living costs vary too — see each country's full guide.
Which student visa is faster, the UK or South Korea?
the UK typically processes faster (~3 weeks vs ~4). Embassy appointment availability is often the real bottleneck in both.
Should I study in the UK or South Korea?
It depends on your budget, course and goals. the UK needs less money up front — about €12,399/year versus €13,333 for South Korea (≈ €934 less). the UK is typically faster to process (~3 weeks vs ~4 for South Korea). Use each country's full requirements guide and the eligibility tools to decide.