Guide for Middle Eastern Students: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan in South Korea

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The Middle East-Korea Connection: More Than Oil and Electronics

When people think of ties between the Middle East and South Korea, they usually think of oil contracts and Samsung phones. Those connections are real and substantial — South Korea imports roughly 70% of its crude oil from the Middle East, and Korean construction firms have built some of the most iconic infrastructure in the Gulf. But there is another dimension to this relationship that has been growing quietly for two decades: education.

As of 2025, approximately 6,000 to 8,000 students from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are enrolled at South Korean universities. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan represent the three largest source countries from the region, together accounting for more than half of all MENA students in Korea. The motivations are diverse — government scholarships from Riyadh, affordable quality education for Egyptian families facing economic pressure, and the growing prestige of Korean degrees in the Jordanian job market.

This guide addresses the specific needs of students from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan, with attention to the questions that matter most: halal lifestyle, prayer facilities, Arabic-speaking community networks, scholarship pathways, and cultural adjustment strategies.

Looking for university matches? Chat with Dr. Admissions — our AI advisor can recommend programs based on your country, budget, and academic goals.

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Saudi Students: Government-Backed Pathways

The Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) Scholarship

Saudi Arabia operates one of the world's most generous government scholarship programs for citizens studying abroad. While the program's scope has narrowed since its peak during the King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP, 2005–2020), South Korea remains an approved destination.

Key points for Saudi students:

• Ministry of Education approval: Saudi students seeking government funding must apply through the Ministry of Education's scholarship portal. South Korea is listed as an approved destination for specific fields — primarily engineering, computer science, healthcare, and business.
• Monthly stipend: Approximately SAR 7,000–9,000/month (~$1,900–$2,400), which comfortably covers living expenses in Korea.
• Tuition coverage: Full tuition at the approved institution.
• Health insurance: Provided through the SACM.
• Companion allowance: Married students may receive additional support for accompanying family members.
• Korean language training: The program typically funds 1–2 years of Korean language training before the degree program begins.

Application process:

1. Obtain unconditional or conditional admission from a Korean university.
2. Apply through the Ministry of Education's electronic portal with the admission letter.
3. Submit all apostilled academic documents (authenticated through the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
4. Receive approval — processing time typically 2–4 months.

Popular Fields for Saudi Students in Korea

• Engineering: Petrochemical, mechanical, electrical — leveraging Korea's industrial strength for careers in ARAMCO, SABIC, and the Saudi Vision 2030 megaprojects.
• Computer Science and AI: Korea's tech ecosystem (Samsung, Naver, Kakao) provides exposure to cutting-edge development environments.
• Business Administration: MBA programs at SKY universities (Seoul National, Korea, Yonsei) are increasingly respected in the Gulf.
• Healthcare: Medical and pharmaceutical programs at SNU, Yonsei Medical School, and KAIST.

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Egyptian Students: Affordability Meets Quality

Why Egypt-to-Korea Is a Growing Corridor

Egypt sends the second-largest number of students from the MENA region to Korea. The primary drivers are economic:

• Tuition comparison: A semester at a Korean national university (₩2–4 million / $1,500–$3,000) costs a fraction of comparable programs in the UK ($10,000–$20,000) or the US ($15,000+). For Egyptian families earning average incomes of EGP 7,000–10,000/month, this difference is decisive.
• GKS scholarship access: GKS slots vary annually; check with the Korean Embassy in Cairo for current availability. Egypt is generally one of the better-represented MENA countries in the GKS program.
• Al-Azhar and Korean partnerships: Several Korean universities have established connections with Al-Azhar University and other Egyptian institutions, creating exchange pathways and dual-degree opportunities.

Egyptian Student Community in Korea

Approximately 1,500–2,000 Egyptian students are currently enrolled across Korean universities. The community is concentrated in Seoul (SNU, Cairo University partnership students, GKS scholars) and Daejeon (KAIST, Chungnam National).

• Egyptian Student Association in Korea: Active on Facebook and WhatsApp. Organizes Eid celebrations, study groups, and apartment-sharing coordination.
• Al-Azhar alumni network: Egyptian graduates from Al-Azhar who continue to Korean universities form a tight-knit academic community.

Documents for Egyptian Students

Egyptian document legalization requires embassy authentication (Egypt is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention):

1. Academic documents authenticated by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
2. Further authenticated by the Korean Embassy in Cairo.
3. Translation into Korean or English by a certified translator.
4. Processing time: 2–4 weeks per document.

For detailed country-by-country document requirements, see our document legalization guide.

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Jordanian Students: Strategic Positioning

Jordan's Growing Interest in Korea

Jordan has positioned itself as a bridge between the Middle East and East Asia, and Korean education is part of this strategy. Approximately 800–1,200 Jordanian students study in Korea, a number that has doubled since 2018.

Key factors:

• GKS allocation: GKS slots vary annually; NIIED does not publish per-country allocations. Contact the Korean Embassy in Amman for current availability.
• Jordan-Korea Friendship Association: Active in facilitating educational exchanges and cultural programs.
• Engineering focus: Jordanian students gravitate toward engineering and IT programs, reflecting Jordan's growing tech sector.
• Arabic-Korean bilingual demand: Jordanian graduates who speak Korean are in high demand for Korean companies operating in the Gulf (Samsung C&T, Hyundai E&C, Daewoo E&C).

Jordanian Document Requirements

Jordan is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention (since 2021):

• Academic documents: Apostille from the Jordanian Ministry of Justice.
• Processing time: 3–5 business days.
• Translation: Certified Korean or English translation required.

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Halal Lifestyle in South Korea: The Complete Guide

Halal Food Infrastructure

This is the single biggest practical concern for MENA students, and honesty is important: South Korea's halal food infrastructure is improving but still limited compared to Malaysia, Turkey, or the Gulf states.

Halal-certified restaurants (as of 2026):

• Seoul: 150–200 halal or Muslim-friendly restaurants, concentrated in Itaewon, Dongdaemun, and Hongdae.
• Busan: 20–30 options, centered around Beomil-dong.
• Daejeon: 10–15 options near university areas.
• Other cities: Sparse, typically 2–5 options.

Arabic/Middle Eastern restaurants in Seoul:

• Petra Restaurant (Itaewon) — Jordanian/Palestinian cuisine
• Cairo Restaurant (Dongdaemun) — Egyptian home cooking
• Al Mandi (Itaewon) — Yemeni/Saudi mandi and kabsa
• Salam Bakery (Itaewon) — Arabic bread, falafel, hummus
• Arabian Kitchen (Dongdaemun) — Mixed Middle Eastern

Halal grocery sources:

• Itaewon Market and Dongdaemun stores carry halal meat, Arabic spices, tahini, hummus, and imported Middle Eastern products.
• Online: HalalKorea.com, Coupang (search "할랄"), and specialized Telegram/WhatsApp groups.
• Halal meat delivery services operate in Seoul, delivering fresh halal chicken, beef, and lamb.

University cafeterias:

• A growing number provide halal options: SNU, KAIST, Yonsei, Korea University, Hanyang, and Kyung Hee have designated halal or Muslim-friendly meal lines, though menus are limited.
• Some universities allow Muslim students to use a separate kitchen in the dormitory for self-catering.

Self-Catering Tips

Most Middle Eastern students in Korea cook regularly. Korean apartments have full kitchens. Key strategies:

• Rice cooker + Middle Eastern spices: Korean rice is similar to Egyptian rice. Bring your own spice blends (baharat, cumin, cardamom, za'atar) — they are expensive and hard to find in Korea.
• Halal chicken: The most accessible halal protein. Buy from Itaewon stores or online delivery.
• Seafood: Korean seafood (fish, shrimp, squid, seaweed) is inherently halal and abundant. Korean fish markets offer excellent quality at reasonable prices.
• Avoid hidden pork: Korean cuisine uses pork extensively. Learn to read labels and ask "돼지고기 없나요?" (Is there no pork?). Watch for 삼겹살 (samgyeopsal), 돼지갈비 (dwaeji galbi), and 돈까스 (donkatsu). Some sauces and broths contain pork extract even when the dish appears to be chicken or beef.

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Prayer Rooms and Mosques

Mosque Locations

• Seoul Central Mosque (서울중앙성원), Itaewon: The largest and most established mosque in Korea. Built in 1976 with Saudi government funding. Friday Jumu'ah prayers draw 1,000+ worshippers. Arabic khutbah (sermon) is standard. Imam provides counseling and community support. Located at 39 Usadan-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu.
• Ansan Mosque: Serves the large Muslim worker community in Ansan industrial area.
• Gwangju (Gyeonggi) Mosque: Serves the nearby factory worker community.
• Busan Mosque (부산이슬람성원): Located in Namgu, serving Busan's Muslim community.
• Jeonju Mosque: Smaller, serving university students and residents.
• Daejeon: No formal mosque, but musallah (prayer rooms) operate near KAIST and Chungnam National.

University Prayer Rooms

The availability of prayer rooms on Korean campuses has improved significantly:

Ramadan in Korea

Observing Ramadan in Korea presents unique challenges:

• Summer fasting: In June/July, Seoul experiences 14–15 hours of daylight, making fasts long. Plan for suhoor at approximately 3:30 AM and iftar at 7:30–8:00 PM.
• Winter fasting: December/January fasts are shorter (~10 hours). Some students prefer Korean Ramadan timing for this reason.
• University accommodation: Most Korean professors will accommodate fasting students if informed in advance. However, Korea does not have official recognition of Ramadan, so exams and deadlines will not be rescheduled.
• Community iftars: The Seoul Central Mosque and various Muslim student organizations host community iftars throughout Ramadan. These are major social events and excellent for networking.
• Iftar delivery: Some halal restaurants in Itaewon offer pre-order iftar packages.

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Arabic Community and Social Networks

Online Communities

• Arabs in Korea (عرب في كوريا): Facebook group with 15,000+ members. Covers housing, jobs, food, and general advice.
• Saudi Students in Korea: WhatsApp group managed by SACM alumni.
• Egyptian Students in Korea: Facebook group (~3,000 members).
• Jordanian Students in Korea: WhatsApp group organized by the Jordan-Korea friendship network.
• Muslim Students Association of Korea: Cross-national organization with chapters at major universities.

Cultural Centers

• King Sejong Institute in Cairo, Riyadh, and Amman: Free Korean language classes for prospective students.
• Korean Cultural Center in the Middle East: Offices in Abu Dhabi, Cairo, and planned expansions. Offer cultural programming, language courses, and scholarship information sessions.
• Arab Cultural Center (아랍문화원): Small but active center in Seoul promoting Arab culture and facilitating cross-cultural understanding.

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Scholarship Opportunities Beyond GKS

University-Specific Scholarships

External Scholarships

• Saudi SACM: Government-funded (see above).
• Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education: Limited slots for Korean programs.
• Jordanian Ministry of Higher Education: Partial funding for approved destinations.
• ISDB (Islamic Development Bank): Scholarships for students from OIC member states studying in approved programs.
• AMIDEAST: Occasionally offers scholarships for MENA students studying in East Asia.
• KOICA: Korean International Cooperation Agency scholarships, primarily for graduate students from developing countries. Good fit for Egyptian and Jordanian applicants.

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Cultural Adjustment: Bridging the Gulf (Literally)

What Will Feel Familiar

• Hospitality and generosity: Korean 정 (jeong) — the deep emotional bond that develops between people who share experiences — resonates with Arab hospitality culture. Both societies value feeding guests, going beyond minimum obligations, and maintaining long-term relationships.
• Family respect: Korean filial piety (효도) and Arab family honor systems share common ground. Both cultures expect deference to parents and elders in major life decisions.
• Education worship: Both cultures treat academic achievement as a family honor issue, not just an individual pursuit.
• Collective over individual: Group harmony in Korean culture (and the concept of "nunchi" — social awareness) parallels Arab communal values.

What Will Challenge You

• Gender dynamics: Korea's gender interactions differ significantly from conservative Middle Eastern norms. Co-education is standard, mixed-gender socializing is normal, and Korean women's visibility in professional and academic settings is high. This requires adjustment, not resistance.
• Alcohol in social settings: Alcohol is deeply embedded in Korean social culture (회식, MT trips, academic celebrations). While no one will force you to drink, being in environments where alcohol is central is unavoidable. Develop a comfortable approach — ordering soft drinks, explaining your preference briefly, and not making it a focal point works well.
• Pork everywhere: Korean cuisine is pork-heavy. Read menus carefully, learn the Korean words for pork products, and cook at home frequently.
• Pace of life: Korean "pali pali" (빨리빨리) culture — the emphasis on speed and efficiency — can feel overwhelming. Middle Eastern students accustomed to more relaxed timelines should prepare for faster-paced academic schedules, tight deadlines, and a culture that equates busyness with virtue.
• Weather extremes: Seoul's summers (35°C+, high humidity) will feel familiar to Gulf students, but winters (-10°C to -15°C) will not. Invest in proper winter clothing immediately upon arrival.
• Language barrier: Unlike Turkey or Central Asia, there is no linguistic affinity between Arabic and Korean. Starting from zero requires commitment. The alphabet (Hangul) can be learned in a day, but functional conversation takes 6–12 months of intensive study.

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Popular Universities for MENA Students

Engineering and STEM

1. KAIST — Full scholarship, English instruction, world-class research. The top choice for Saudi government scholars in STEM.
2. SNU College of Engineering — Korea's most prestigious, highly competitive.
3. POSTECH — Small, focused, fully funded graduate programs.
4. Hanyang University — Strong engineering reputation, welcoming to MENA students.
5. Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) — Samsung-affiliated, excellent for engineering and business.

Business and Social Sciences

1. Yonsei University — Underwood International College, GSIS, business school.
2. Korea University — KU International, political science, business.
3. SKKU — Strong MBA program, business school.
4. Kyung Hee University — International relations, hospitality management.
5. Ewha Womans University — For female students, strong international studies program.

Korean Studies and Language

1. SNU Korean Studies — Academic Korean studies at the highest level.
2. Sogang University — Renowned Korean language program (conversation-focused).
3. Yonsei Korean Language Institute — One of the oldest and best-regarded.
4. Kyung Hee — Korean language and culture programs with strong cultural immersion.

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Practical Information

Monthly Budget (Seoul)

Banking and Money Transfers

• Open a Korean bank account with your ARC, passport, and phone number.
• Wise (TransferWise) works for most MENA currencies.
• Western Union has physical locations in Korea (useful for Egyptian and Jordanian students).
• Saudi students on SACM often receive stipends directly to a Korean bank account.
• Keep receipts for all transfers — they may be required for visa renewals.

Health Insurance

• NHIS: Mandatory for students staying 6+ months. ~₩70,000–90,000/month.
• GKS and SACM scholars have insurance included.
• Korean hospitals are excellent and significantly cheaper than Gulf-country hospitals for uninsured procedures.

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Application Checklist

• Valid passport (12+ months remaining)
• Authenticated/apostilled academic documents (country-specific process)
• TOPIK score or IELTS/TOEFL certificate
• Financial proof (₩20,000,000+ or government scholarship letter)
• Study plan (학업계획서)
• Letters of recommendation (2)
• Criminal background check (authenticated)
• Health certificate
• Passport photos (3.5×4.5 cm, white background)
• Visa application (Korean Embassy in Riyadh/Cairo/Amman)
• SACM approval (Saudi students, if applicable)
• Military service documentation (if applicable)

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Final Perspective

South Korea is not the most obvious destination for Middle Eastern students, and that is precisely what makes it strategic. While thousands of MENA students compete for limited spots at universities in the US, UK, and Australia, Korean universities offer comparable or superior education in STEM and business at a fraction of the cost — with significantly more scholarship availability.

The halal lifestyle is manageable with planning. The Arabic community, while small, is warm and well-organized. The cultural adjustment is real but navigable. And the career value of a Korean degree — particularly for students returning to economies that do significant business with Korean corporations — is increasingly clear.

South Korea is not just a fallback option. For the right student with the right preparation, it is a strategically brilliant choice.

Need personalized advice? Chat with Dr. Admissions →