Questions to Ask a University Before Applying

University websites do not always answer every question clearly.
A short message to the admissions office can prevent confusion, delays and avoidable mistakes.Use this guide to identify what you still need to know and ask clear questions before you apply.

Your action:
Open the official admission guide first.
Only contact the university about information that is missing, unclear or conflicting.

Step 1 — Confirm the Exact Application

Make sure your question relates to the correct:
• University
• Programme
• Degree level
• Intake
• Applicant category
• Scholarship or exchange route (if relevant).

Requirements may differ between programmes and application rounds.

Your action:
Include the full programme name and intended intake in your message.

Step 2 — Check What Is Already Published

Before contacting the university, check the following resources:
• Current international admission guide
• Programme or department page
• Online application portal
• Official scholarship or exchange information
• Frequently asked questions

Do not ask the admissions office to repeat information that is already clearly available on these resources.

Your action:
Save the page or document where you found the information. You may need to refer to it in your message.

Step 3 — Identify What Is Still Unclear

  • Am I eligible with my current diploma or qualification?
  • Is my previous field of study suitable for this programme?
  • Can I apply before receiving my final diploma?
  • Are applicants from my country subject to additional requirements?
  • Does the programme accept transfer students?
  • Is a minimum grade average required?

Questions About Eligibility

Write down the exact point you need the university to confirm.
Avoid broad questions such as: What do I need to apply?
Ask one clear question instead:
The admission guide lists proof of English ability. Does my previous degree, which was taught entirely in English, meet this requirement?
A specific question is easier to answer correctly.

Questions About Language Requirements

You may need to ask:

  • Which English or Korean language tests are accepted?
  • What minimum score is required?
  • Can previous education in English or Korean replace a language test?
  • May I submit my language score after the application deadline?
  • Is Korean ability required for classes, internships or graduation?

Questions About Documents

You may need to ask:

  • Do documents need to be originals or certified copies?
  • Is an apostille or consular legalisation required?
  • Must translations be completed by an approved translator?
  • Can documents be uploaded online, or must they also be posted?
  • Can I submit a temporary graduation certificate?
  • How recent must bank statements or other financial documents be?
  • Can I submit a temporary graduation certificate?
  • Will documents be returned after the application?

Questions About the Programme

You may need to ask:

  • Is the programme fully taught in English?
  • Are any required courses taught only in Korean?
  • Is the programme available for the intake I selected?
  • Are interviews, tests or portfolios required?
  • Are internships or practical placements included?
  • Are there additional programme fees?

Questions About Tuition and Scholarships

You may need to ask:

  • What is the total tuition fee for the first semester or year?
  • Are there separate admission, registration or programme fees?
  • Which scholarships can international applicants apply for?
  • s scholarship consideration automatic?
  • Are scholarships based on grades, language scores or financial need?
  • What conditions must students meet to keep the scholarship?

Step 4 — Write a Clear Message

Keep your message short and easy to answer.

Subject: Question about [programme name] — [intake]

Message: Dear International Admissions Team,
My name is [your name], and I am preparing an application for the [full programme name] for the [semester and year] intake.
I have checked the current admission guide, but I would like to confirm the following:[Write your question clearly.]
For reference, the relevant information appears on [page number, section or official webpage].

Thank you for your help.Kind regards,
[Your full name]
[Your country]

Your action:
Ask only the questions you genuinely need answered.
Number them when asking more than one.

Step 5 — Save the Answer

Keep the university’s reply with your other application records.

Record:
• The question you asked
• The answer you received
• The date
• The name or department of the person who replied
• Any action you must take

Do not rely on memory when preparing an important application.

Your action:
Save the full email conversation, not only your own notes.

Step 6 — Follow Up When Necessary

Send a polite follow-up when:
• The application deadline is approaching.
• You have not received a reply after several working days.
• The answer does not address your question.
• The reply conflicts with the official admission guide.

Follow-up message:

Dear International Admissions Team,
I am following up on my message of [date] regarding my application for the [programme name].
Could you please confirm whether [repeat the exact question briefly]?
Thank you for your assistance.

Kind regards,
[Your full name]

Before You Apply

Check that you have:

☐ confirmed the correct programme and intake;
☐ read the current official admission guide;
☐ checked the programme or department page;
☐ identified every unclear requirement;
☐ received answers to important questions;
☐ saved the university’s replies;
☐ updated your document and deadline checklist.

You do not need to know everything immediately. You do need to know which points still require confirmation.

What to Do Next

Use the university’s answers to:
• Update your admission requirements checklist.
• Review your document list. • Check your application timeline.
• Estimate your study budget.
• Prepare your questions for other universities.

Still Not Sure What to Ask?

A university can confirm its own rules, but deciding which questions matter for your situation may still be difficult.
I can help you review the information you have found, identify unclear or missing points and prepare focused questions for the university.

Ask for an Admission Check