Citizenship requirements for Fall 2025 Global Start at Yonsei: Students must be citizens of South Korea or an OECD country. Students from non-OECD countries may study abroad in South Korea, but the visa process takes longer and cannot work for Fall 2025 Global Start. See considerations below for Korean heritage students.

List of available courses for Global Start students. May not work for students who must take math, science, or engineering in their first semester.

Learn more about Global Start, including general eligibility requirements and answers to frequently asked questions.

What is unique about Yonsei University?

Yonsei University is a large private research university located in Seoul, South Korea. Founded in 1885 by Christian missionaries, it is one of the oldest universities in South Korea and is widely regarded as the top private school in the country. It is one of the "SKY" universities, a historical Korean acronym used to refer to Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University, which are the three most prestigious universities in the country. Yonsei has played a unique role among Korean universities as the gateway for foreign scholars and students interested in Korean studies, language, and culture. The student body consists of over 38,000 students: approximately 27,000 undergraduate students, 12,000 graduate students, 4,500 faculty members, 6,750 staff, and over 250,000 alumni.

In addition to gaining academic excellence, international students are also exposed to a beautiful and culturally rich environment. Yonsei University is particularly fortunate to be situated in a spacious, quiet, and well-wooded environment near a mountain yet right in the center of Seoul's metropolitan area.

Yonsei offers a free first semester online Korean Language class.

Note: Only students in Cornell's College of Business (Dyson, Hotel) can take business courses with a "BIZ" prefix. Other business-related courses may exist in other units at Yonsei.

What is unique about Seoul?

Packed with people, it’s no wonder Seoul is the capital and largest city in South Korea. A vibrant business and financial hub, Seoul also brims with culture, with more than 100 museums, numerous religious monuments, parks, markets, festivals, sports teams, and the Gyeongbok and Changdeok palaces. The mighty Han River runs through the city, and rugged mountains loom in the distance.  

Academic Calendar

Yonsei functions on the calendar year:

• Semester 1: mid-February to mid/late June
• Semester 2: late August to mid/late December

Note: Special Considerations for Korean-heritage students

Korean-heritage students who do not live in South Korea should determine whether or not they are considered Korean citizens by discussing their situation with their families and their local Korean embassy or consulate. If you have a parent who was a Korean citizen at the time of your birth, even if they did not register your birth in South Korea, you are a citizen even if your parent(s) subsequently renounced their citizenship.  If you are considered a Korean citizen, even if you do not have a passport, the consulate will refuse to issue you a student visa and require you to enter Korea with a Korean passport which will take time to obtain.

Male students who are Korean citizens and stay in Korea for longer than 90 days may be subject to military draft notices during their semester abroad. Furthermore, male students who do not serve in the military may find themselves unable to visit Korea in the future, as they could be subject to detainment and forced conscription.

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