International Studies – 100% English Bachelor’s Degree at HUFS

Build the international perspective to understand global challenges and contribute across borders. HUFS International Studies brings together international relations, economics, development, law, culture and communication in one interdisciplinary bachelor’s pathway at the Seoul Campus.

Every major lecture is delivered in English. This makes International Studies the clearest HUFS degree choice for international students who want a complete English-medium undergraduate education while living in South Korea and gradually developing Korean for life, internships and future careers.

Study global affairs entirely in English

International Studies is HUFS’s only undergraduate major currently confirmed as English Track A, meaning 100% of major lectures are taught in English. You can study complex international issues without first completing a Korean-medium degree pathway, while still benefiting from the language-rich and globally connected environment for which HUFS is known.

The Division of International Studies was established in 2005 to develop graduates with the knowledge and skills needed for international organisations, government bodies, non-governmental organisations and global companies. Classes encourage students to connect academic theory with contemporary political, economic and social questions.

Develop an interdisciplinary understanding of the world

The curriculum crosses traditional academic boundaries. Instead of studying international affairs from only one perspective, you will examine how politics, markets, institutions, law, development and culture interact.

International relations: Explore international relations theory, comparative politics, international organisations, Asian international relations, public diplomacy, global governance, political economy, Korean politics and diplomacy, and the changing roles of state and non-state actors.

Economics and global trade: Build a foundation in economics before progressing into areas such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics, international finance, trade and investment, and financial economics.

Development and law: Examine economic development, international public law, international organisations and law, development cooperation, institutions, globalisation, Korean law and the relationship between policy and sustainable development.

Language and culture: Strengthen academic communication and intercultural understanding through courses that may include academic writing, debate and presentation, cultural studies, Korean and Chinese. Individual course availability can change by semester.

Build essential academic and professional skills

International Studies is designed to develop more than subject knowledge. Research, analytical writing, debate, presentations and interdisciplinary problem-solving help you learn to evaluate competing perspectives, communicate clearly and support conclusions with evidence.

Studying in English within an international student community also gives you daily opportunities to strengthen cross-cultural communication. These skills are valuable for graduates considering international organisations, diplomacy, government, development agencies, NGOs, global business, research, communications or postgraduate study.

Study at HUFS Seoul Campus

The program is based at HUFS’s Seoul Campus in Dongdaemun-gu. Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Station on Subway Line 1 is approximately 400 metres from campus, connecting students with central Seoul, major transport hubs and the wider metropolitan area.

HUFS teaches 45 languages and reports international partnerships with hundreds of universities and institutions around the world. This specialist international identity gives students an environment where languages, regions and global issues are part of everyday academic life.

International students can apply for Seoul Campus accommodation at Global Hall, subject to the relevant application period, eligibility and room availability.

Program at a glance

Program: International Studies undergraduate degree pathway.

University: Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS).

Campus: Seoul Campus, 107 Imun-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul.

Study duration: Four years for freshman entry. Eligible applicants may also apply for transfer admission into the second or third year.

Teaching language: English Track A — 100% of major lectures are delivered in English.

Current admissions cycle: The program is recruiting through HUFS’s 2027 international undergraduate admissions route. Asia Pathway will confirm the applicable intake and final schedule before you apply.

International admission requirements

Nationality eligibility: The applicant must be a non-Korean citizen and both parents must also be non-Korean citizens. Korean dual nationals are not eligible for this international admissions route, and additional nationality evidence may be required where Korean citizenship was previously held.

Freshman academic entry: Complete, or be expected to complete before admission, a regular primary and secondary education curriculum equivalent to Korean elementary, middle and high school education.

Transfer entry: Second- and third-year transfer pathways are available for applicants who satisfy HUFS’s previous university study, semester and credit requirements. Asia Pathway will assess your transcript and study history before recommending a transfer level.

Applications are evaluated through academic documents, language proficiency and an interview. HUFS may request an interview even when language evidence has been submitted, and only complete applications proceed to evaluation.

English-language evidence

Applicants may submit one of the following results:

IELTS Academic: Overall 5.5 or above.

TOEFL iBT: 3.5 or above on the new scale, or 59 or above for score reports issued before 20 January 2026.

Submitting a strong valid result can support the language component of your admission evaluation and may also make you eligible for a language-excellence scholarship.

Korean requirement before graduation

Although the major is fully taught in English, every International Studies student must obtain TOPIK Level 3 or above before graduation. This is a graduation requirement, not necessarily an application requirement.

You can therefore begin the degree through the English track and continue developing Korean during your studies. Korean ability can also make daily life, networking, internships and career preparation in Korea more rewarding.

Estimated first-year tuition: approximately USD 6,425.

First semester: approximately USD 3,285,

Accommodation, meals, insurance, visa expenses, transportation, books and personal costs are separate. Asia Pathway will help you prepare an updated budget before enrolment.

Scholarships for international students

HUFS automatically considers newly admitted international students for several admission scholarships; a separate scholarship application is generally not required.

President Scholarship: Full tuition for one semester for qualifying applicants within the top 5% of admission scores, with up to 10 awards.

Vice President Scholarship: Half tuition for one semester for qualifying applicants within the top 10% of admission scores, with up to 10 awards.

Dean of International Affairs Scholarship: KRW 1,000,000, approximately USD 731 at the stated conversion rate, for qualifying applicants within the top 20% of admission scores, with up to 50 awards.

Language Excellence Scholarships: Eligible applicants may receive full tuition, half tuition or 30% tuition for one semester based on qualifying advanced TOPIK, TOEFL iBT or IELTS results submitted during the application period.

Scholarships are competitive and subject to HUFS’s award rules. Asia Pathway will review your academic and language profile and identify the scholarships for which you may be considered.

Who this program is for

Future international-affairs professionals: Students interested in diplomacy, global governance, international organisations, public policy and geopolitical change.

Economics and development thinkers: Students who want to understand trade, finance, development cooperation and the institutions shaping the global economy.

Globally minded communicators: Students who enjoy research, debate, writing, languages and working across cultures.

Students seeking an English degree in Seoul: International applicants who want a fully English-taught bachelor’s pathway while building Korean skills and experiencing life in one of Asia’s most dynamic capitals.

Apply with Asia Pathway

Asia Pathway will help you confirm nationality and academic eligibility, assess freshman or transfer entry, review your English evidence, organise authenticated documents, strengthen your study plan and prepare for a possible interview.

Contact Asia Pathway for a personalised eligibility review and start planning your International Studies degree at HUFS in Seoul.