Last updated: January 2025 | Admissions.kr — AI-Powered University Search for Korea
South Korea has become one of the most attractive study destinations for Bangladeshi students. With world-class universities, generous scholarships, affordable living costs compared to Western countries, and a booming tech economy, Korea offers Bangladeshi students a unique blend of academic excellence and career opportunities. Currently, approximately 25,000 Bangladeshi nationals reside in South Korea, including around 3,500 students — and that number is growing every year.
This comprehensive guide covers everything a Bangladeshi student needs to know: from visa applications at the Korean Embassy in Dhaka, to finding halal biryani in Itaewon, to connecting with the vibrant Bangladeshi community in Ansan.
1. Why Korea? — কেন কোরিয়া? (Why Korea for Bangladeshi Students?)
Academic Excellence — একাডেমিক শ্রেষ্ঠত্ব
South Korea is home to some of Asia's top-ranked universities. Institutions like Seoul National University (SNU), KAIST, Yonsei University, Korea University, POSTECH, and Sungkyunkwan University consistently rank among the world's best. Korean universities are particularly strong in engineering, computer science, biotechnology, business, and Korean studies.
For Bangladeshi students, this means access to cutting-edge research facilities, internationally recognized degrees, and professors who are leaders in their fields. Many programs are offered entirely in English, especially at the graduate level, removing the language barrier that might otherwise discourage applicants.
You can explore the full 2026 university rankings on Admissions.kr to find the best program for your academic goals.
Affordable Compared to the West — পশ্চিমের তুলনায় সাশ্রয়ী
Tuition at Korean universities ranges from approximately 2,000,000 to 8,000,000 KRW per semester (roughly 1,500 to 6,000 USD) depending on the university and program. This is significantly less than tuition at universities in the US, UK, or Australia. With the availability of scholarships that cover full tuition and living expenses, studying in Korea can be remarkably affordable.
Strong Job Market — শক্তিশালী চাকরির বাজার
Korea's economy is driven by global giants like Samsung, Hyundai, LG, and SK. The Korean government has been actively encouraging international graduates to stay and work in Korea, with visa policies that allow job-seeking after graduation (D-10 visa). For Bangladeshi students studying STEM fields, business, or Korean language, the employment prospects are excellent.
2. Visa Application from Bangladesh — বাংলাদেশ থেকে ভিসা আবেদন
Korean Embassy in Dhaka — ঢাকায় কোরিয়ান দূতাবাস
The first step in your journey to Korea is obtaining a student visa. All visa applications from Bangladesh are processed through the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Dhaka.
Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Bangladesh
- Address: 4 Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh
- Phone: +880-2-5881-2088~90, +880-2-5881-2041, +880-2-4881-1258
- Fax: +880-2-2222-63871
- Email (General): embdhaka@mofa.go.kr
- Email (Consular/Visa): consuldhaka@mofa.go.kr
- Working Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 09:00–12:30 / 13:30–17:00
- Website: overseas.mofa.go.kr/bd-en
Important Note: Bangladesh follows a Sunday–Thursday work week. The Korean Embassy in Dhaka operates on the same schedule, NOT the Korean Monday–Friday schedule. Plan your visit accordingly.
Student Visa Types — ভিসার ধরন
| Visa Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| D-2-1 to D-2-4 | Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral degree programs | Duration of program |
| D-2-6 | Exchange student programs | 1–2 semesters |
| D-2-8 | Government-sponsored scholarship (GKS/KGSP) | Duration of program |
| D-4-1 | Korean language training (어학당) | 6 months–2 years |
Required Documents — প্রয়োজনীয় কাগজপত্র
- Visa Application Form (downloaded from the embassy website or obtained at the embassy)
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay)
- Passport-size photos (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, white background)
- Certificate of Admission (CoA) issued by your Korean university
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates (originals + notarized English translations)
- Proof of financial capacity — Bank balance certificate showing at least 20,000,000 KRW (approximately 16,000 USD or 1,750,000 BDT) or a scholarship award letter
- Study plan (some universities require this)
- Health certificate (from an approved medical center)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer (if applicable)
- Application fee — varies, check with the embassy
Pro Tip: The embassy now uses an e-Form system for all visa applicants. Download and complete the e-Form before visiting the embassy. This was implemented in May 2024 and significantly speeds up the process.
Visa Processing Timeline — ভিসা প্রসেসিং সময়সীমা
- Standard processing: 10–15 working days
- During peak periods (July–August for fall semester, December–January for spring semester): up to 3–4 weeks
- Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned departure date
Tips for Bangladeshi Applicants — বাংলাদেশী আবেদনকারীদের জন্য টিপস
- Financial documents are critical. The embassy pays close attention to the source and duration of funds. A suddenly inflated bank account may raise questions. Show a consistent savings history if possible.
- IELTS/TOEFL scores are required for English-taught programs. Most universities accept IELTS 5.5+ or TOEFL iBT 80+.
- Apostille or embassy authentication of academic documents may be required. Contact the embassy for current requirements.
- Bring originals of everything. The embassy may request to see original documents even if copies are submitted.
3. Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students — বাংলাদেশী শিক্ষার্থীদের জন্য বৃত্তি
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS/KGSP) — গ্লোবাল কোরিয়া স্কলারশিপ
The Global Korea Scholarship is the Korean government's flagship fully-funded scholarship. Bangladesh is among the 105 eligible ODA recipient countries.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance: 1,000,000 KRW (Master's) / 1,500,000 KRW (Doctoral)
- Round-trip airfare
- Medical insurance
- Settlement allowance: 200,000 KRW
- Korean language training (1 year before degree program)
- Research support: 210,000–240,000 KRW per semester
Two application tracks:
- Embassy Track: Apply through the Korean Embassy in Dhaka. For 2026, approximately 7 scholarships were allocated to Bangladesh through this track.
- University Track: Apply directly to GKS-designated Korean universities. Each university has its own quota.
Key requirements:
- Bachelor's degree completed (for Master's applicants)
- Master's degree completed (for Doctoral applicants)
- GPA of 80/100 or above
- Under 40 years of age (as of September 1 of the intake year)
- Not a Korean citizen or dual citizen
- Applicants from Bangladesh must have Bangladeshi citizenship
Application timeline: Usually opens in February–March with a deadline around April–May for the embassy track. Check the embassy website and Admissions.kr/scholarships for the latest dates.
University-Specific Scholarships — বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের নিজস্ব বৃত্তি
Most Korean universities offer their own scholarships for international students:
- SNU (Seoul National University): SNU Global Scholarship — covers 50–100% tuition
- KAIST: Full tuition waiver + monthly stipend for all admitted students
- Yonsei University: Yonsei International Scholarship — 50–100% tuition reduction
- Korea University: Korea University International Student Scholarship (KUISS)
- Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU): Samsung-funded scholarships for STEM students
- Hanyang University: Hanyang International Scholarship — competitive tuition support
Browse the complete list of scholarships by university at Admissions.kr/scholarships.
KOICA Scholarship — কোইকা বৃত্তি
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) offers scholarships specifically for developing countries, including Bangladesh. This is primarily for government officials and working professionals with at least 2–3 years of experience.
- Master's program: 17 months
- Doctoral program: 36 months
- Covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance
- Focus areas: public administration, development studies, ICT, agriculture, health
4. Popular Majors for Bangladeshi Students — জনপ্রিয় বিষয়সমূহ
Based on enrollment data and community feedback, the most popular fields for Bangladeshi students in Korea are:
- Computer Science & Engineering — Korea's tech industry (Samsung, Naver, Kakao) creates strong demand
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering — semiconductor and display technology leadership
- Mechanical Engineering — automotive and manufacturing strength (Hyundai, Kia)
- Business Administration (MBA) — Korean global business expertise
- Biotechnology & Life Sciences — rapidly growing sector
- Korean Language & Literature — foundational for those planning long-term careers in Korea
- Civil Engineering — applicable skills for Bangladesh's infrastructure development
- Public Policy & Development Studies — relevant for government-sponsored scholars
- Chemistry & Materials Science — research-intensive programs with strong funding
- International Trade & Commerce — Korea-Bangladesh trade is growing rapidly
Use the AI-powered university search on Admissions.kr to find programs that match your academic background and career goals.
5. Bangladeshi Community in Korea — কোরিয়ায় বাংলাদেশী কমিউনিটি
Population Overview — জনসংখ্যা
Approximately 25,000 Bangladeshi nationals currently reside in South Korea. This includes:
- ~13,000+ foreign workers (mainly in manufacturing, construction, and agriculture)
- ~3,500 students (and growing)
- Families, business owners, and long-term residents
Key Residential Areas — প্রধান বসবাসের এলাকা
Ansan Wongok-dong (안산 원곡동) — The Heart of the Bangladeshi Community
Ansan's Wongok-dong is the undisputed center of Bangladeshi life in Korea. Located in Danwon-gu, Ansan City, Gyeonggi Province, Wongok-dong was designated as a Multicultural Special Zone in 2009. Here you will find:
- Bangladeshi grocery stores selling familiar ingredients (rice, spices, fish, lentils)
- Halal meat shops
- Bangladeshi restaurants serving authentic biryani, curry, and dal
- Remittance services to Bangladesh
- Community gathering spaces
- Bengali-language signage alongside Korean
In Wongok-dong, approximately 70% of residents are foreigners from countries including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Indonesia. It is the most diverse neighborhood in all of Korea.
How to get there: Take Seoul Metro Line 4 to Ansan Station (안산역). Wongok-dong is a short walk from the station.
Dongdaemun (동대문) — Seoul's Trading Hub
Many Bangladeshi businesspeople and workers are connected to the Dongdaemun textile and fashion market area. The neighborhood has halal food options and is well-connected by public transport.
Gimpo (김포)
A growing Bangladeshi community exists in Gimpo, with affordable housing and proximity to Seoul via the Gimpo Gold Line.
Hwaseong (화성)
The industrial zones in Hwaseong attract Bangladeshi workers, and a small but established community has formed with grocery stores and informal gathering spaces.
Other Areas
Smaller Bangladeshi communities can be found in Siheung (시흥), Pocheon (포천), Asan (아산), and various industrial cities in Gyeonggi and Chungcheong provinces.
Community Organizations — কমিউনিটি সংগঠন
- Bangladesh Association in Korea — organizes cultural events, Eid celebrations, and community support
- Bangladeshi Community Schools — provide Bengali language education and cultural instruction for children
- Bangladesh Student Association — connects Bangladeshi university students across Korea for networking and mutual support
Eid and Cultural Events — ঈদ ও সাংস্কৃতিক অনুষ্ঠান
The Bangladeshi community in Korea actively celebrates Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. Large gatherings are organized in Ansan and Seoul, with communal prayers often held at the Seoul Central Mosque in Itaewon or at designated prayer spaces in Ansan. Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) is also celebrated with cultural programs.
6. Halal Food & Bangladeshi Restaurants — হালাল খাবার ও বাংলাদেশী রেস্তোরাঁ
Finding halal food is a top concern for Bangladeshi Muslim students in Korea. Here is your complete guide:
Ansan (안산) — Best for Everyday Bangladeshi Food
Ansan's Multicultural Food Street (다문화 음식거리), located near Ansan Station, features restaurants from approximately 12 countries. For Bangladeshi students, this is the go-to area:
- Bangladeshi restaurants serving biryani (বিরিয়ানী), kacchi biryani, beef curry, dal, roti, and fish curry
- Halal grocery stores with imported Bangladeshi products (Radhuni spices, Pran products, mustard oil)
- Halal butcher shops for fresh goat, chicken, and beef
Itaewon (이태원) — Seoul's International Food Hub
Itaewon, located near the Seoul Central Mosque, is Seoul's most diverse food district:
- Moghul — A well-known halal restaurant near Itaewon Station (3-minute walk from Exit 1) serving South Asian cuisine including biryani and curry
- Bombay Grill — Located 358 meters from Itaewon Station Exit 3, serves lamb biryani, chicken curry, and various South Asian dishes
- The Halal Guys — American halal food chain in Itaewon, popular with Muslim students
- Foreign Food Mart — A halal specialty grocery store in Itaewon carrying ingredients from Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and the Middle East
- Bawarchi Tandoori — Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi halal restaurant with tandoori specialties
Other Areas with Halal Options
- Dongdaemun — Several halal restaurants near the market area
- Sinchon/Hongdae — Growing number of halal-certified Korean restaurants
- University neighborhoods — Many universities with large Muslim student populations have nearby halal options (check university-specific guides on Admissions.kr)
Cooking at Home — ঘরে রান্না
Many Bangladeshi students prefer to cook at home. Key tips:
- Halal chicken and meat can be ordered online through apps like Coupang, Market Kurly, or specialized halal delivery services
- Bangladeshi spices (garam masala, turmeric, chili powder) are available at Ansan and Itaewon shops, or can be ordered online
- Rice — Korean rice (쌀) is short-grain, different from Bangladeshi rice. Basmati and long-grain rice can be found at international grocery stores
- Fish — Korea has excellent fresh fish markets (수산시장), though the varieties differ from Bangladesh
7. Religious Life & Mosques — ধর্মীয় জীবন ও মসজিদ
Seoul Central Mosque (서울중앙성원)
The main mosque for Muslims in Seoul, located in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu (Itaewon area).
- Address: 732-21 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Nearest Station: Itaewon Station (Line 6)
- Friday Prayer (Jummah): Large congregations with Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Indonesian, and Arab communities
- Managed by: Korea Muslim Federation
Other Mosques Across Korea
| City | Mosque | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Busan | Al-Fatah Masjid | 30-1 Namsan-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan |
| Gwangju | Gwangju Masjid | 894-7 Wolgyeo-dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju |
| Jeonju | Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Mosque | 1562-10 Inhu-dong 2-ga, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju |
| Daegu | Daegu Islamic Center | 202-6 Jukjeon-dong, Dalseo-gu, Daegu |
| Ansan | Ansan Masjid | Wongok-dong area, Danwon-gu, Ansan |
| Daejeon | Islamic Center of Daejeon | Yuseong-gu area, Daejeon |
As of 2025, there are over 200 mosques and prayer rooms across South Korea. Many university campuses also have designated prayer rooms (기도실) — check with your university's international office.
8. Cost of Living for Bangladeshi Students — বাংলাদেশী শিক্ষার্থীদের জন্য জীবনযাত্রার খরচ
Monthly Budget Estimate (in KRW and BDT)
| Expense | Monthly (KRW) | Monthly (BDT approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Dormitory | 300,000–500,000 | 26,000–43,000 |
| Off-campus rent (shared) | 200,000–400,000 | 17,000–35,000 |
| Food (cooking at home) | 200,000–300,000 | 17,000–26,000 |
| Food (eating out) | 300,000–500,000 | 26,000–43,000 |
| Transportation | 50,000–70,000 | 4,300–6,000 |
| Phone/Internet | 30,000–50,000 | 2,600–4,300 |
| Miscellaneous | 100,000–200,000 | 8,700–17,000 |
| Total (frugal) | ~700,000 | ~61,000 |
| Total (comfortable) | ~1,200,000 | ~104,000 |
Part-Time Work — খন্ডকালীন কাজ
International students on a D-2 visa can work part-time:
- During semester: Up to 20 hours per week
- During vacation: Up to 40 hours/week
- Minimum wage (2026): 10,320 KRW per hour
Common part-time jobs for Bangladeshi students: convenience store (편의점), restaurant staff, factory work, tutoring (English or Bengali), translation services.
Important: You must obtain a part-time work permit (체류자격외활동허가) from the local immigration office before starting any work.
9. Korean Language — কোরিয়ান ভাষা
Why Learn Korean? — কেন কোরিয়ান শিখবেন?
While many graduate programs are in English, learning Korean dramatically improves your life in Korea:
- Better part-time job opportunities
- Easier daily life (shopping, transportation, healthcare)
- Stronger relationships with Korean classmates and professors
- Required for most undergraduate programs
- Competitive advantage in the job market
TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean)
Most universities require TOPIK Level 3 (intermediate) for Korean-taught programs and TOPIK Level 2 for admission to language programs. The GKS scholarship includes a 1-year Korean language training program before your degree.
Language Institutes (어학당)
Almost every university runs a Korean Language Institute. Popular choices include:
- Seoul National University Language Education Institute
- Yonsei University Korean Language Institute (KLI)
- Sogang University Korean Language Education Center
- Kyung Hee University International Education Institute
10. Practical Tips for Bangladeshi Students — ব্যবহারিক পরামর্শ
Before You Leave Bangladesh — বাংলাদেশ ছাড়ার আগে
- Open an international debit card (DBBL Nexus, Dutch-Bangla Bank, or bKash international)
- Get your documents apostilled at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka
- Learn basic Korean — even 50 phrases will help enormously in your first week
- Join Facebook groups like "Bangladeshi Students in Korea" to connect with seniors who can guide you
- Pack warm clothes — Korean winters (December–February) can drop to -15°C, much colder than Bangladesh
- Carry essential medicines and a prescription letter in English (some Bangladeshi medicines are not available in Korea)
After Arriving in Korea — কোরিয়ায় পৌঁছানোর পর
- Register at the local immigration office within 90 days to get your Alien Registration Card (ARC / 외국인등록증)
- Open a Korean bank account (Hana Bank and Woori Bank are popular with foreigners)
- Get a Korean phone number — prepaid SIMs are available at the airport or from carriers like KT, SKT, LG U+
- Apply for the T-money card for public transportation
- Register for National Health Insurance (건강보험) — mandatory for all international students
- Visit the Bangladeshi community in Ansan — great for homesickness and finding familiar food
Weather Adjustment — আবহাওয়ার সাথে মানিয়ে নেওয়া
| Season | Months | Temperature | Bangladesh Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March–May | 5°C–20°C | Cooler than BD winter |
| Summer | June–August | 25°C–35°C | Similar to BD, but with monsoon |
| Autumn | September–November | 10°C–25°C | Pleasant, like BD winter |
| Winter | December–February | -15°C–5°C | Much colder than anything in BD |
11. Success Stories — সাফল্যের গল্প
Bangladeshi students have achieved remarkable success in Korea:
- Graduates from KAIST and SNU have gone on to work at Samsung, LG, and Hyundai
- Several Bangladeshi PhD graduates now hold faculty positions at Korean universities
- Entrepreneurs from the Bangladeshi community have established successful businesses in Korea's multicultural zones
- Many GKS scholars have returned to Bangladesh to serve in government and academia, strengthening Korea-Bangladesh ties
12. Getting Started with Admissions.kr — Admissions.kr দিয়ে শুরু করুন
Ready to begin your journey to Korea? Admissions.kr is the AI-powered platform designed specifically for international students applying to Korean universities.
What you can do:
- Search and compare universities based on your major, budget, and preferences
- Explore scholarship opportunities — our AI matches you with scholarships you qualify for
- Check the latest rankings to find the best programs in your field
- Chat with our Dr. Admissions — available 24/7 to answer your questions about studying in Korea, in English or Bengali
Whether you are a high school student in Dhaka dreaming of studying computer science at KAIST, or a working professional considering a Master's degree in public policy, Admissions.kr is here to help you every step of the way.
Start your free AI consultation today →
Frequently Asked Questions — সচরাচর জিজ্ঞাসা
Q: Can I work while studying in Korea? A: Yes. D-2 visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and up to 40 hours/week during vacations, with a part-time work permit.
Q: Is Korean language ability required for admission? A: For English-taught programs, no. For Korean-taught programs, TOPIK Level 3 or higher is usually required. GKS scholars receive 1 year of Korean language training.
Q: How much money do I need in my bank account for the visa? A: The standard requirement is 20,000,000 KRW (approximately $16,000 USD) or an official scholarship letter.
Q: Are there direct flights from Dhaka to Seoul? A: Yes. Several airlines operate flights from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) to Incheon International Airport (ICN), including Korean Air, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, and others with connections.
Q: Can my family visit me in Korea? A: Yes. Your family can apply for a C-3 (short-term visit) visa at the Korean Embassy in Dhaka.
Q: Is it safe for Bangladeshi students in Korea? A: Yes. South Korea is one of the safest countries in the world. The crime rate is very low, and the multicultural communities in areas like Ansan are welcoming and supportive.
This guide is maintained by the Admissions.kr team. For personalized advice about studying in Korea, use our Dr. Admissions AI advisor or chat with our Dr. Admissions directly.
Keywords: Bangladesh students Korea, Bangladeshi students study abroad Korea, GKS scholarship Bangladesh, Korean visa from Dhaka, halal food Korea, Ansan Bangladeshi community, TOPIK Bangladesh, Korean universities for Bangladeshi students
Our AI advisor can help you with any questions about universities, visas, scholarships, and more.
Chat with AI Advisor
