What to Expect When Applying to Sungshin Women’s University (Graduate Admission)

STUDY

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05 Mar 2025

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6 minute read

Disclaimer: This is not the official set of guidelines, but rather an overview of the graduate admissions process at Sungshin Women’s University.

If you’re considering applying to Sungshin Women’s University for the Graduate Program, I completely understand where you’re coming from. To be honest, I had never heard of the school until I decided to apply, but now I’m a grad student here myself. Since I applied through the GKS scholarship, my application process was a little different from the typical route, but I’m here to give you an overview of what a regular graduate admission process is like.

One thing I can’t emphasize enough is the importance of following the application guidelines closely. Be sure to carefully read the admission guide for international students.

*This is just a general overview, but for the most detailed and up-to-date information, make sure to check the PDF guidelines for each semester's intake on the official website.

The English version of the Sungshin Women’s University website can be a bit confusing. If you're having trouble finding the page or the guidelines for the graduate intake for international students, don’t stress! My advice is to email the graduate admissions office directly. They’re really responsive and helpful, and they can guide you through any questions you might have.

The Application Timeline

For example, using the Spring 2025 intake as a reference, here’s a timeline you should be aware of:

Applications open: October 10–17, 2024.
Documents submission: October 10–18, 2024 (before 5:00 PM).
Admission Test: November 9, 2024.
Results announcement: December 13, 2024
Tuition Payment & Registration: January 3–8, 2025

📌 Pro Tip: Always check the guidelines for the semester you are registering for and set reminders for these dates and mark them on your calendar.

Language Requirements and Eligibility

You can apply with TOPIK Level 3 or higher, but you must obtain TOPIK Level 4 or higher before graduation to earn your degree. For certain departments, such as natural sciences, engineering, art, music, and physical education, the entry-level TOPIK score may be lower, but applicants are required to complete 300 hours of Korean language classes within the first year after enrollment. Please refer to the guidelines for specific details on the department you're interested in. However, all international students must ultimately obtain TOPIK Level 4 or higher to graduate. Graduates who majored in the Korean language at foreign universities or those who hold a degree from a university in Korea are exempt from this requirement, but it’s best to check with your department for more information.

For English Proficiency: Applicants must have an English proficiency test score (e.g., TOEFL 550, IELTS 5.5, TEPS 600) unless their education was completed in an English-speaking country.

📌 Pro Tip: If you do not have a TOPIK score yet, check the department you’re interested in to understand the specific language requirements and options. There’s no rush. Focus on improving your language skills first, then dedicate yourself to the graduate program once you're ready.

Programs and Departments

Sungshin Women’s University offers a wide range of graduate programs, including (For detailed information on the specific departments and majors, please visit the official website.):

Humanities: Korean Language and Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Law, Political Science, Psychology, and more.
Natural Science: Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Statistics, Nursing, and others.
Engineering: Next Generation Applied Sciences, Convergence Security Engineering, Computer Science, and more.
Specialized Graduate Schools: Convergence Beauty, Cultural Industry and Arts, Lifetime Welfare, and more.

Document Preparation and Submission

Here’s what you’ll need to submit (For detailed information on the specific departments and majors, please visit the official website.):

Application form (submitted online via Jinhak Apply)
Graduation certificate (Bachelor’s for Master’s, Master’s for PhD applicants)
Official transcripts
Research proposal (take your time with this, it's a key part of your application!)
TOPIK or English test scores
Passport copy
Proof of family relationship
Bank statement (USD 20,000+)
Portfolio (for Fine Arts applicants, max 50MB)
Audition repertoire (for Music applicants)

Important Document Requirements:

All documents submitted must be originals and issued within the last three months.
Transcripts and Certificates of Graduation: You must submit one of each.
If your documents are not in Korean or English, they must be translated into Korean or English, and the copy must be submitted with certification from a notary office. If your transcript doesn’t indicate your grade point average (GPA) or the conversion of grades into a percentage (out of 100), you must submit an official document proving the grading scale of your university.
Apostille Signatories: If your country is a signatory to the Apostille Convention, the Apostille certificate for transcripts and certificates must be issued by a designated institution as an authority of the government of your country.
Non-signatories to Apostille: If your country is not a signatory, you’ll need a confirmation from a foreign educational institute or a certificate of consular legalization issued by the Korean consulate or your country’s diplomatic office in Korea.

Tuition, Scholarships, and Financials

When it comes to applying for a graduate program at Sungshin Women’s University, understanding the financial aspects is crucial. Here's an overview of the application fees, tuition fees, and scholarships based on the Spring 2025 intake guidelines as an example.

Please note: These details may change, so it's always a good idea to check the university’s website or directly contact the admissions office for the most up-to-date information.