South Korea: Sungkyunkwan University

Best Academic Fit for:  Business Administration, Communication, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Economics, English, Global Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology. Most exchange students will take one or two courses for their major (or minor) along with coursework in Korean language & culture.

About SKKU:  With over than 600 years of illustrious history and shining tradition, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) is a representative symbol in Korea of a leading higher education institution the new era by challenging and innovating with a mind for sharing and coexistence.

SKKU is ranked at the top in Science and Technology in domestic universities, the top 19 the University within Asia, and the top 145 the University worldwide. SKKU welcomes more than 1,000 international students every year and offers over 400 English-language courses every semester.

SKKU has two distinct campuses: 

The Humanities and Social Sciences Campus (Seoul) is in the old city center of Seoul (Jongno), a historically rich area, surrounded by cultural and historical treasures. The campus is located near Changdeok Palace, and Gyeongbok Palace, offering a glimpse into Korea's royal past.  In addition to its historical charm, the Jongno campus is conveniently located near some of Seoul's most vibrant modern areas. Myeongdong, a bustling shopping district with countless shops and street food stalls, is easily accessible. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), a hub for fashion and cultural events, also nearby. The picturesque Cheonggye Stream offers a serene escape right in the heart of the city.

SKKU’s Natural Science Campus (Suwon) is in Suwon, a Korean techno valley directly south of Seoul, and has many advanced facilities as well as a relaxing atmosphere. The Suwon campus spans a vast area, providing research facilities and a conducive environment for academic pursuits. The campus benefits from excellent transportation links, with Suwon Station providing easy access to Seoul and other parts of Korea.

Program Dates and Period of Study

  • Fall Semester: August to December
  • Spring Semester: March to June

Note: ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ students can apply to study at SKKU for either 1 or 2 semesters, but once an extension is not possible once ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ notifies SKKU of your length of study.

Eligibility

  • Cumulative G.P.A. of 2.7
  • Completion of at least one of year of university study at the time of application.
  • Completion of 'Golden 4' GE Requirements (A1, A2, A3, B4)

Language Requirement

  • None: Students can take Korean language courses while abroad, along with coursework taught in English.  (Korean language courses are not mandatory.)

Priority Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester: April 1st
  • Spring Semester: October 1st

Beyond the Priority Deadline, please check with the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Study Abroad office (studyabroad@csueastbay.edu) to see if SKKU is able to accept additional students from ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ.

Academic Structure

Course information is found in the , and course descriptions can be found by double clicking on the course code.

SKKU also offers a Regular Korean Program (for 12 units) which is available specifically for students with a major that is related to Korean language/culture/linguistics.  Exchange students with any academic background can enroll in a 3 unit Basic Korea course.

SKKU also offers a handful of courses created specifically for Exchange students in English.  Past subjects include: Understanding Asian Culture, Contemporary Korean Society & Culture, Political & Economic Development in Korea, Comparative Thought and Culture: Horizons East and West, Economics in Global Environments, Popular Culture and Digital Media

Courses in English are primarily offered in the following departments:

Humantities and Social Science campus: Business Administration, Economics, Media & Communication, Political Science & Diplomacy, English Language & Literature, Sociology, Psychology and Film/Television/Multimedia.

Natural Science and Engineering campus: Civil and Environmental Engineering, Software, Systems Management Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Architecture.

Students will enroll for classes in August for Fall Semester, and in February for Spring Semester.

Application Process and Deadlines

ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Exchange Partners have a two step application process.  First, the exchange partner invites ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ's study abroad office to identify (i.e. 'nominate') the students that will be submitting applications.  Second, the Exchange Partner invites the nominated students to complete the Exchange Partner's application. 

To complete ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ's internal application process, please follow the steps outlined here.

Housing

SKKU’s dorms are comprised of 18 buildings with a capacity of as many as 5,000 residents across both campuses.
All the accommodation buildings provide IT connections (wireless), common rooms, and laundry room.  More details of our dormitories that welcomes international students can be .  

Please see note regarding housing availability (as of Fall 2025):

  • Suwon Campus: Dormitory housing is guaranteed for exchange/visiting students who apply within the notified period.
  • Seoul Campus: Due to limited capacity, on-campus housing is restricted, and a selection procedure will apply. SKKU strongly recommends students to prepare private housing options in advance.

Program Costs and Estimated Expenses

Participants pay tuition and study abroad health insurance to ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, and will need to plan for additional costs such as: round-trip airfare, visa application fees, living expenses. 

Estimated Expenses for one semester are as follows:

  • ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Resident Tuition: $3600
  • CSU Mandatory Health Insurance: $360
  • Visa fees: $100
  • Airfare: $1600
  • Mandatory National Health Insurance (Korea): $240 US
  • Books and supplies: $500 USD
  • Meals: $2100 USD
  • Housing:$1,700 USD
  • Personal Expenses: $2,500 USD