Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) – the prestigious heritage of South Korea, known as the oldest academic institute in the country. Compared to most well-known Korean universities, this one is especially famous among Korean students, and there are a few reasons behind that, which is also why I chose it. For people who find themselves more likely to continue their life in Korea after graduation, I would suggest SKKU as their best option. In this article, I will cover the reasons why and how to effectively boost your application step by step, explaining the scholarships you can get (as well as GKS – Global Korea Scholarship).
Why SKKU?
Cha Eun-woo, Krystal Jung, Song Joong-ki, and Mun Ga-young are only a few of the alumni of the university, which makes the chances of seeing them higher to some extent. For example, last year, Song Joong-ki visited the campus and took pictures with some students. Apart from the dreams, one of the biggest reasons more and more students are drawn to SKKU is its high employment rate after graduation. For the past few years, SKKU— also in cooperation with Samsung and other well-known companies in Korea — has kept high employment rates and promises its students a bright future.
Things You Need to Know
As a student in the Department of Media and Communications, I can share my journey and a few extra tips you should keep in mind before applying!
The university has facilities in two different cities — Seoul and Suwon. If you are about to choose any major related to Social Science and Humanities, you will be studying at Seoul’s campus, which is also where the old building is located.
Those who are interested in Natural Science studies will mainly spend their academic journey at Suwon Campus. However, the school provides shuttle buses, making it easier to commute and connect with the rest of the students.
ISC (Intensive Study Course) Is Mandatory
Students who plan on studying in the Humanities and Social Science fields will first take one year of mandatory Intensive Study Course (ISC) classes designed to help international students adapt to the Korean educational system.
You will study only with foreign students for two semesters and gain knowledge on how to present in Korean, write academic papers, and read and understand difficult concepts in Korean. In terms of preparation for real university life, it is indeed helpful, but it also has its disadvantages since you will not be able to take any major-related courses (except for students in Film, TV, and Multimedia, which is different from Media and Communication).
Applying Twice
ISC is helpful for those who are still undecided about what they want to study. You have one year to arrange or prepare yourself, and at the end of the second semester, you will have to apply again for the major you want.
For example, students are divided into two big groups (Korean and foreign students are all together), and after you finish ISC, you will be assigned to one of the majors you have chosen based on your grade. Some majors, like Fashion Design, Business Administration, and Film, TV, and Multimedia, do not require students to apply for a major again.
This is a picture of how they divide all the majors. Below, you will see pictures of the application process. I chose Media and Communication as my first choice, and the rest were majors only from my affiliated college, which was Humanities. You cannot choose a major from another department.
