English Major in Korea: English Track, UIC, and Language Pathways for Major Assignment

> Reference Date: September 21, 2026

Not all admission tracks at Korean universities that require English test scores are “English-track” programs. Even if you can apply in English, there may be Korean language requirements for major courses; conversely, some colleges explicitly state that all courses in their school are conducted in English. There are also separate systems where applicants choose between an English test score and a Korean language test score during the major assignment stage.

This article compares the typical structures outlined in official materials from Pusan National University, Yonsei University’s Underwood International College (UIC), and Korea University. It is not a comprehensive list of all majors offered in English across all universities in Korea; the examples for Pusan National University and Korea University are based on the first semester of the 2027 academic year, while the UIC admissions example is based on data from AY2027.

First, let’s distinguish between three terms

Applicants must carefully review the following three categories in the admissions guidelines:

Do not conclude that all classes are taught in English simply because students can submit English test scores. Conversely, even for majors where TOPIK is not required for admission, do not assume that the same conditions apply to language use during graduation, campus life, internships, and the job search process.

When comparing programs, dividing the criteria into four categories—Language of Application, Language of Instruction After Admission, Major Assignment Criteria, and Graduation Requirements—can help reduce confusion over terminology.

Pusan National University’s School of International Studies is an explicit English-track program

Pusan National University’s 2027 First Semester Undergraduate Admissions Guidelines for International Students designate the School of International Studies as an English-track program and specify that the language of instruction is 100% English. This program does not require TOPIK but instead requires one of the following: TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 5.5, or NewTEPS 327. The guidelines for the major suitability interview in the admission guidelines include an English essay and an English interview.

In contrast, the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science program in the same guidelines requires either a TOEFL iBT score of 80, an IELTS score of 5.5, or a NewTEPS score of 327, along with verification of TOPIK Level 3 or Level 3 completion of the Korean language program at Pusan National University’s Language Education Institute, and explicitly states that it is “not an English track.” Even though the English score requirements appear to be the same, the Korean language requirements and the language of instruction differ.

This comparison illustrates why it is necessary to distinguish between “majors requiring English scores” and “explicit English tracks.” Applicants should review both the table for the School of International Studies and the interview guidelines in Pusan National University’s 2027 First-Semester Admissions Guidelines.

Yonsei University’s UIC Offers 16 Majors Taught in English

Yonsei University’s UIC states in its official guidelines that all classes are conducted in English. UIC and the Global Leaders College (GLC) are separate units, and the UIC FAQ explains that GLC classes are primarily conducted in Korean. Therefore, one should not assume that the language of instruction for UIC and GLC is the same simply because they are both international units at Yonsei University.

The following 16 majors are listed on the official UIC majors page.

The UIC FAQ lists the following degree types: B.A., B.S., and B.S. in Engineering. The AY2027 international student admissions process requires proof of English proficiency and accepts TOEFL PBT/CBT/iBT, IELTS, CEFR, IB English A, AP English, or proof of secondary education conducted in English as specified in the guidelines. Since no minimum scores are specified in the guidelines, no arbitrary cutoffs are applied.

Yonsei University’s “International Studies” and “Global Open Major” Programs Should Be Distinguished

Yonsei University’s 2027 Fall Semester Admissions Guidelines for International Students require applicants to the International Studies (English Track) program to provide proof of English proficiency. While the guidelines list TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic as accepted tests, they do not specify minimum score requirements. The university does not include unofficial external cutoff scores as if they were official standards.

The Global Open Major follows a different structure. Students complete general education and Korean language courses in their first year and are assigned a major starting in their second year. For major assignment based on English proficiency, the requirements are an IELTS score of 7.0, a TOEFL iBT score of 100, or a score of 5 on the new TOEFL scale; for Korean proficiency, a TOPIK Level 5 is required. The fields available for assignment are listed as Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Arts & Design, and Engineering.

Therefore, the language proficiency requirements for admission to the International Studies (English Track) program should not be compared to the language criteria for major assignment after admission to the Global Open Major program as if they were at the same level in a single table.

Major categories should be considered in conjunction with their official names and the units responsible for their operation

Even considering only representative examples, the options for English-taught courses span the humanities, social sciences, design, science, and engineering. However, just because major names are similar does not mean the language of instruction is the same.

Do not just save the major names from the search results; also record which college, track, and admission track each major belongs to. Even majors with the same name, such as “International Studies,” have different admission processes and course structures depending on the university.

Separately verify Korean language requirements and course restrictions after admission

The likelihood of being admitted through the English-language admissions track and the course enrollment rules after admission are two separate matters. Korea University’s 2027 First Semester Admissions Guidelines distinguish between mandatory Korean language instruction and restrictions on major courses based on Korean language proficiency.

The guidelines also note that some departments may grant partial exemptions based on high English proficiency. Since this is not an automatic exemption but rather subject to the official judgment of the university or department, applicants should not assume they qualify for an exemption on their own.

You must not apply the admission criteria for PNU International Studies or UIC by simply converting them to Korea University’s general standards. Check each university’s official documents for admission requirements, language of instruction, major entry requirements, and graduation requirements.

5-Column Comparison Table to Check in Official Admission Guidelines

When comparing undergraduate programs with English-taught courses, organize the following 5 columns in a single row:

1. Official program name and college/school
2. Whether the “English Track” is explicitly stated in the admissions guidelines
3. Whether accepted English proficiency tests and minimum scores are listed, and the submission deadline
4. TOPIK requirements or restrictions on Korean language education and course enrollment after admission
5. Timing of major assignment, available majors, and graduation requirements

If even one of these five items cannot be verified in an official document, leave it marked as “Unconfirmed.” Since the English text on the university’s promotional page and the application requirements in the admissions guidelines may serve different purposes, save both documents together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is TOPIK always waived for English-track programs?

This cannot be generalized. While there are cases—such as the School of International Studies at Pusan National University—where TOPIK was not required in the 2027 first-semester admissions guidelines, you must check the latest admissions guidelines for each university, major, and admission track.

Are all classes at Yonsei University’s UIC conducted in English?

The official UIC website states that all classes are conducted in English. However, there is an official explanation that the GLC is a separate unit from UIC and primarily conducts classes in Korean.

Can students in Korea University’s Global Open Major skip first-year Korean language classes?

The official guidelines for the 2027 first-semester admissions state that students must complete general education and Korean language courses in their first year before being assigned a major starting in their second year. Major assignment based on English proficiency and the first-year curriculum are not the same process.

If you enroll through the English track, is Korean unnecessary for college life and employment?

The language of admission, the language of major courses, campus life, and the language used for internships and employment are distinct conditions. They should not be lumped together beyond the scope verified by official admission and academic documents.

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