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.

Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in Southwestern Europe, largely situated on the Iberian Peninsula. Its territory expands overseas and includes the Canary Islands near Africa, and the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. The country's mainland is bordered mostly by the Mediterranean Sea to the south and east, except for a small land boundary with Gibraltar. It borders France and Andorra to the north and northeast, and Portugal to the west. Spain is the largest country in Southern Europe, and the second largest country in the European Union. Its population is the fifth largest in the European Union, at about 47 million. Spain's capital and largest city is Madrid, with other significant urban areas including Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Málaga and Bilbao. Being so close to Portugal, Africa, France, Germany, and the UK, Spain is a prime location to travel from. Spanish, Catalan, Galician, Basque, and Aranese are all spoken here, as well as a strong familiarity with English from tourists.

Spain is known for its beaches and sunny days, but has so much to offer. Spain is home to Europe's only desert and the northern Pyrenees mountains. Those who crave adventure can zip line between Spain and Portugal, surf for days off the coastline or ski and snowboard in the mountains. You will find delicious and cheap food all around the country, such as their tapas, seafood, and cured ham.
Enjoy Spain's many festivals, explore historic buildings and cities, learn about its Moorish past, try flamenco dancing and take in the incredible art and architecture. Spain has the third most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, currently at 45 different sites across the country. This includes ancient cave paintings, Roman aqueducts, fortresses, the world's largest Gothic cathedral, historic city centres, Antoni Gaudi architectural works and national parks. Spain is home to two of the world's best teams (Real Madrid and FC Barcelona).

Did you know?

Barcelona is ranked as one of the best beach cities in the world. The beach is close to the city centre and over 500,000 visitors from around the world visit every summer.

Valencia, the city which was once founded by the Romans, is famous for the annual Las Fallas spring festival in March which features giant puppets, fireworks and the Spanish national dish called Paella.

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'.

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.