South Korea — Living: Education

Key facts

• Government expenditure on education: 5.4 % of GDP (2022)
• School enrolment, primary: 101 % gross (2024)
• School enrolment, secondary: 96 % gross (2024)
• School enrolment, tertiary: 112 % gross (2024)
• Adult literacy rate: 98.0 % of people aged 15+ (2008)

Steps

1. Enrolling children in school — Children typically start attending elementary school at age 6. Parents will need to register their child in a school, which is typically managed by the local municipality.
2. Applying for higher education — In South Korea, higher education typically requires passing the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) to enter university. Application processes vary by institution, but generally, students apply through the university's online portal and may be required to submit additional documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendation.

Costs

• Registration for elementary school: varies by municipality
• University tuition: varies depending on institution and program

Timelines

• Registration for elementary school: typically in June or July for the upcoming academic year
• Application deadlines for higher education: varies by institution, typically in the fall semester

Required documents

• Child's birth certificate
• Parent's identification documents
• Residency documents

Common mistakes

• Not registering for school in a timely manner
• Not meeting application deadlines for higher education

What these figures do not cover

Gross enrolment ratios can exceed 100% because they count pupils of any age against the school-age population. These are national statistics. International schools, fees, admissions, curricula and school calendars are not covered here.