FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything students and agencies ask before applying to a Korean graduate research laboratory.
Are the scholarships and living stipends listed for the graduate research laboratories guaranteed?
Yes. The research laboratory opportunities listed on our platform are recruited directly through requests from universities or individual professors, so the information is verified and reliable.
Scholarships and living stipends are generally provided from research funding secured by the professor or research laboratory. Therefore, the amount and specific conditions may vary by laboratory.
Students can ask about the exact scholarship and stipend conditions during their interview with the professor.
What are the eligibility requirements?
It is important that the student's academic background and desired research interests closely match the research topic of the graduate research laboratory they are applying to.
Strong undergraduate academic performance is one of the most important factors.
Students should also have strong English or Korean language skills. As a general guideline: English — IELTS 5.5 or higher; Korean — TOPIK Level 4 or higher.
What is the process from application to admission?
- 1Register on the HiKLabs website as an agent or student.
- 2Search the available graduate programs and research laboratories.
- 3Select universities and laboratories that match the student's desired field.
- 4Upload a self-introduction video, academic transcript, CV, and other required documents.
- 5Submit the application and pay the application fee.
- 6The professor or research laboratory reviews the application.
- 7If selected, the student is invited to an interview.
- 8Schedule and attend the interview via Zoom or another online video platform.
- 9Check the final admission result.
- 10Receive guidance on documents and procedures required for the university.
- 11Receive guidance on the visa application process.
- 12Receive assistance with preparations for living in Korea.
- 13Obtain the visa and enter Korea.
- 14If requested, a pickup service can be arranged to the university dormitory.
If a student is admitted, is the visa guaranteed?
Admission to a Korean graduate program generally means the student has been recognized as a qualified international talent by the university.
For programs where students receive a 100% tuition scholarship from the research laboratory, we expect the visa process to proceed smoothly regardless of the university's certification classification.
However, final visa issuance is subject to the review and decision of the relevant Korean immigration authorities.
Which universities are participating?
Approximately 50 leading Korean universities, including top universities such as Seoul National University and KAIST, as well as national universities outside Seoul, participate or have opportunities available through our network.
However, the availability of international student recruitment varies depending on the timing and each research laboratory's recruitment needs, so available opportunities may differ by laboratory and period.
Is university accommodation available?
Accommodation availability must be confirmed with each university.
Most universities are expected to offer dormitory accommodation. If university accommodation is not available, HiKLabs can contact the university or professor and assist the student in finding nearby accommodation.
Accommodation costs are paid separately by the student. University dormitories are generally more affordable, at approximately KRW 300,000 per month, while private accommodation may cost approximately KRW 500,000 per month.
Since students receive monthly living stipends, these accommodation costs should generally be manageable.
Are there any additional costs students need to pay?
Students are responsible for additional costs such as airfare, visa application-related administrative fees, and document issuance or certification fees.
Can students work part-time while studying?
Yes. Students may generally work part-time outside their class and research schedules, subject to the applicable Korean visa and immigration regulations.
Having a certain level of Korean language proficiency can make it easier to find part-time employment opportunities.
Students may also ask their university's international student support office for assistance in finding suitable part-time employment opportunities.
Can students find employment in Korea after graduation?
Yes, there are significant opportunities for employment in Korea after graduation.
Students who earn Master's or PhD degrees from leading Korean graduate schools may pursue career opportunities with major Korean companies, research institutes, and global companies operating in Korea.
However, employment opportunities depend on several factors, including academic performance, research capabilities, collaboration skills, language proficiency, and the student's overall professional qualifications.