Sookmyung Women’s University

Sookmyung Women’s University is Korea’s first national private women’s school. It was founded by the royal family in 1906 during the latter stages of the Korean empire, one of the most difficult periods in the nation’s history. Despite the name, students of all genders are able to go on exchange here.

Throughout its 113-year history, Sookmyung has accumulated invaluable educational experience, research capabilities, and community service experience. We plan to build on this tradition and become a global leader in women’s education. The University contributes to a sustainable future by conducting and promoting research on technologies that do not harm the earth’s ecosystems and resources, and by establishing a convergence research centre to promote balance research development.

Each exchange students will be introduced to one or two SMU buddies. The buddies will help the exchange students to assimilate into the campus life and Korean Culture.

Seoul, the capital city of South Korea is located on the Han River in the north western part of the country. Home to 10 million people, the city is the cultural, economic and political centre of South Korea. Seoul is fashion and technology-forward but also deeply traditional. Here, you will find five UNESCO World Heritage sites, as well as state-of-the-art skyscrapers. The city offers beautiful scenic attractions as well as interesting bars, luxury hotels and great food.

South Korea, officially called the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia, covering the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and sharing its only land border with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea).

South Korea has a population of around 51.5 million people, and is one of the world's most densely populated countries at 503 people per square kilometer, a number more than 10 times the global average. South Korea is a highly developed country and the world's 11th largest economy. Its capital, Seoul, is a major global city and half of South Korea's population live in the Seoul Capital Area, the fourth largest metropolitan economy in the world.

Nearly 70% of South Korea's land area is mostly uninhabitable due to it being mountainous, a major factor in the population concentration. Despite the large population and city lifestyle, South Koreans are known for being very active, with most weekends spent out of doors for many people.

It’s known for its green, hilly countryside dotted with cherry trees and centuries-old Buddhist temples, coastal fishing villages, beautiful sub-tropical islands, and its advanced high-tech cities such as Seoul, the capital. Today, South Korea is known for its globally influential pop culture such as K-pop and TV dramas, part of the phenomenon referred to as the Korean Wave. Korean and English are the major two languages used in South Korea, and generally English will get you by for exchange.

Did you know…..?

South Korea has the world's fastest Internet connection speeds and the world's second best healthcare system. South Korea is a global leader in many technology and innovation driven fields, being the world's 5th largest exporter and 8th largest importer.

All students must meet exchange selection criteria and any host institution restrictions.

Students must have a GPA of at least 6.0

Academic restrictions
- LCB Hospitality Management major is not open to exchange students.
- College of Pharmacy and Economics have limited offerings for exchange students 
- Courses in fine arts, music, and dance have limited offerings for exchange students

• UniSA academic transcript
• Passport Copy
• Financial Proof Bank statement (Amount US$ 5,000 per semester)
• Health Insurance Verification Form & Copy of Health Insurance Certificate
• Medical Check Up Form
• Passport-sized photo
• Evidence of English proficiency (if applicable)

Students must take 15 Sookmyung credits for 13.5 UniSA units or 19 Sookmyung credits for 18 UniSA units.

TOEFL – over 530 (CBT 197/ iBT 71) or IELTS 5.5

Find courses at Sookmyung Women’s University
Note: When searching for English-taught courses, please ensure you select 'English' under the 'Type of Lecture'.

• Couse list - Fall 2023 (SP5 2023)
• Course list - Spring 2024 (SP2 2024)

Airport pick up is available from Incheon international airport or Gimpo international airport at a cost of USD$50. This service is organised by the SMU Buddy program. Airport pick up fee is payable on arrival.

More information on how to get to the campus can be found here.

Sookmyung provides seven types of dormitories for International Students (exchange and degree-seeking students only). All International House are located inside Sookmyung Women’s University campus. Application for on-campus accommodation is completed at the same time as admission for exchange.

More information on accommodation can be found here.

As an exchange partner with the University of South Australia, you do not have to pay tuition fees to Sookmyung Women's University, instead you will pay tuition as you would normally at UniSA. Travel and living expenses are at your own cost. The table below gives an indication of costs you will incur:  

More information can be found here.

You may be eligible to receive additional grants or scholarships to fund your experience. For more information please see the funding and scholarships website.

UniSA offers travel insurance as part of your exchange for up to 270 days (can be extended up to 365 days). For more information please see travel insurance website.  

Please click here to read the travel insurance policy. 

A list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found  here. 

If you have any further questions about travel insurance, please contact the UniSA Insurance Office on 08 8302 1678.