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Yonsei University Exchange

A large stone building on Yonsei University campus, framed by green and yellow trees.
Five students posed near a busy road in Seoul at night, with brightly-lit buildings in the background.

South Korea, Seoul

Limited Capacity Program: This program can accept a limited number of students each term, and in the past we have received more qualified applicants than available spots. To determine selection for a limited capacity program, reviewers consider a variety of criteria. You may only have one open application per term, but should have an alternate program in mind in the event that you are not accepted to this program.

Become immersed in the rich culture and history of South Korea while studying at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea. This exchange program allows participants to directly enroll in university courses in a variety of fields while studying alongside Korean and international students from around the world. This program is ideal for students from a variety of majors who are interested in Korean language and culture.

The capital of South Korea, Seoul has a population of over 20 million and is the nation's cultural, educational, and political center. Seoul is home to many cultural attractions such as museums, shrines, shopping districts and gardens. From the crowded markets to the peaceful Han River that runs through the city center, Seoul offers one of the most striking settings of any large city in Asia.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Strengthen language skills
  • Navigate new educational systems, as well as new learning and teaching styles
  • Take advantage of academic strengths in:
    -Communication & Media Studies
    -Modern Languages
    -Politics & International Studies
  • Observe Korean perspectives on academic disciplines

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • At the time of application, students must have completed two semesters at UW-Madison. Transfer students to UW-Madison need to have completed at least one semester at UW-Madison at the time of application.
  • 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate Student
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Exchange & Direct Enroll

Subjects

humanities, social sciences, biological & physical science, engineering, business

Classroom Language

English, Korean

Housing

Residence Hall

Program Duration

Academic Year: Late August - Late June
Fall: Late August - Late December
Spring: Late February - Late June

Application Deadline(s)

Fall 2026-27 3/6/2026 Cost Details
Year 2026-27 3/6/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 9/18/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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Since its founding in 1885, Yonsei University has been synonymous with international education and exchange in Asia. As the most internationalized and open institution of higher learning in Korea, Yonsei by far enjoys the longest history of international education in Korea with the most extensive network of exchange partners worldwide.

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 parklike environment located just in the center of Seoul's metropolitan area. Its scenic campus has been described as one of the most beautiful campuses in the world.

Students on this program will take classes on the Yonsei campus alongside Korean and other international students from all over the world. Participants can choose to take courses in a variety of departments. All courses are taught by Yonsei faculty in either English or Korean. Business and Economics courses are in high demand at Yonsei. These courses are restricted to exchange students who are Business/Economics majors, and a maximum of 3 courses in the subject area are allowed per semester. Computer Science courses are also in high demand, and the availability of these courses for exchange students is limited.

Students are also highly encouraged to enroll in Korean language classes during their time at Yonsei. Yonsei offers intensive Korean language courses at a variety of levels, along with regular beginner courses. Students can participate on this program with no prior knowledge of the Korean language. This is a good program for students who are interested in prioritizing Korean language learning, though language courses are not required.

Program Web Pages

Yonsei Semester Exchange Program Yonsei University

Foreign Courses

Yonsei Course Portal

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents