South Korea offers a variety of scholarships for international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These scholarships are provided by the South Korean government, universities, and other institutions to support talented students from around the world. Below are the most prominent scholarship programs available in South Korea for international students:
1. Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)
● Description: The Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), also known as the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), is one of the most prestigious scholarships for international students, offered by the South Korean government to promote international exchange and friendship.
● Eligibility:
○ Open to international students from all countries, except South Korea.
○ Undergraduate applicants must be under 25 years old, and postgraduate applicants must be under 40 years old.
○ Applicants should not have dual nationality.
○ Must meet academic requirements and health criteria.
● Benefits:
○ Full tuition coverage.
○ Airfare (round trip).
○ Living stipend.
○ Settlement allowance.
○ Language training fees for one year (undergraduate students).
● Application Process:
○ Apply through the South Korean Embassy in your home country or participating Korean universities.
○ The application process includes submitting an application form, recommendation letters, academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency (TOPIK or English language exams), and more.
● Website: Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
2. University-Specific Scholarships
Many South Korean universities offer their own scholarship programs for international students. These scholarships may vary in terms of coverage, eligibility criteria, and benefits. Below are some examples:
a. Seoul National University (SNU) International Students Scholarship
● Description: SNU offers scholarships to international students, including both partial and full-tuition coverage.
● Eligibility: Open to international students admitted to undergraduate and graduate programs.
● Benefits: Full or partial tuition coverage, living allowance, airfare allowance.
● Application Process: Apply through SNU’s admissions portal.
● Website: SNU Scholarships
b. KAIST International Student Scholarship
● Description: KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) provides scholarships for international students pursuing graduate studies, particularly in the fields of science and technology.
● Eligibility: Open to international students admitted to KAIST.
● Benefits: Full tuition fee coverage, living allowance, airfare coverage.
● Application Process: Apply through the KAIST graduate admissions portal.
● Website: KAIST Scholarships
c. POSTECH International Students Scholarship
● Description: Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) offers scholarships for international students in both undergraduate and graduate programs.
● Eligibility: Open to international students applying to POSTECH.
● Benefits: Full tuition coverage, living stipend, research allowance for graduate students.
● Application Process: Apply through POSTECH’s admissions portal.
● Website: POSTECH Scholarships
d. Yonsei University International Student Scholarship
● Description: Yonsei University provides scholarships to international students to support their studies in both undergraduate and graduate programs.
● Eligibility: Open to international students admitted to Yonsei University.
● Benefits: Full or partial tuition coverage, living stipends.
● Application Process: Apply through Yonsei University’s admissions portal.
● Website: Yonsei University Scholarships
3. The Korea Foundation Scholarship
● Description: The Korea Foundation offers scholarships for international students to study Korean language and culture at Korean universities.
● Eligibility: Open to international students pursuing Korean language and cultural studies.
● Benefits: Full tuition coverage, living stipend.
● Application Process: Apply through the Korea Foundation or participating universities.
● Website: Korea Foundation Scholarships
4. GIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology) Scholarship
● Description: GIST offers scholarships to international students pursuing science and technology degrees at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
● Eligibility: Open to international students accepted into GIST’s degree programs.
● Benefits: Full tuition coverage, living stipend, research allowance for graduate students.
● Application Process: Apply through GIST’s admissions portal.
● Website: GIST Scholarships
5. Handong Global University Scholarship
● Description: Handong Global University offers scholarships to international students based on academic excellence.
● Eligibility: Open to international students admitted to Handong Global University.
● Benefits: Partial or full tuition coverage, living allowance.
● Application Process: Apply through Handong Global University’s admissions portal.
● Website:Handong Global University Scholarships
6. Sogang University International Student Scholarship
● Description: Sogang University offers scholarships to international students, including those pursuing undergraduate and graduate programs.
● Eligibility: Open to international students admitted to Sogang University.
● Benefits: Partial or full tuition coverage, living stipend.
● Application Process: Apply through Sogang University’s admissions portal.
● Website:Sogang University Scholarships
7. Korea University Scholarship
● Description: Korea University offers various scholarships to international students, especially those pursuing graduate programs.
● Eligibility: Open to international students admitted to Korea University.
● Benefits: Full or partial tuition fee coverage, living stipend.
● Application Process: Apply through Korea University’s admissions portal.
● Website:Korea University Scholarships
8. SNU (Seoul National University) President Fellowship
● Description: The President Fellowship is awarded to select international graduate students at Seoul National University.
● Eligibility: Open to international graduate students.
● Benefits: Full tuition fee coverage, living stipend.
● Application Process: Apply through SNU’s graduate admissions.
● Website: SNU Graduate Programs
9. Korean University Scholarship Programs
Several other South Korean universities provide scholarships for international students. These scholarships often include partial or full tuition coverage, living stipends, and accommodation allowances.
● Eligibility: Varies by institution and program.
● Benefits: Financial support for tuition fees, living expenses, and research.
● Application Process: Apply directly to the universities through their respective admissions portals.
● Example Universities: Korea University, Hanyang University, Kyung Hee University.
10. GKS (Korean Government Scholarship Program) for Graduate Students
● Description: In addition to the undergraduate version, the GKS program also offers scholarships for graduate students, supporting master's and doctoral programs.
● Eligibility: Applicants should have strong academic records and meet the specific age and nationality requirements.
● Benefits: Covers tuition, airfare, living stipends, and settlement allowances.
● Application Process: Apply through the South Korean Embassy or a participating Korean university.
● Website: GKS for Graduate Students
11. Samsung Global Scholarship Program
● Description: Samsung offers scholarships to international students who wish to study in South Korea. This scholarship focuses on students who are studying in the fields of engineering, business, and other related areas.
● Eligibility: Open to international students from various countries pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees.
● Benefits: Full tuition coverage, living expenses, internship opportunities.
● Application Process: Apply through Samsung’s official scholarship program.
● Website:Samsung Global Scholarship
Key Tips for Applying:
● Eligibility: Carefully check the eligibility criteria for each scholarship, such as nationality, academic performance, age, and health requirements.
● Application Process: Ensure you follow the application steps as outlined by each scholarship program, including submitting necessary documents like academic transcripts, language proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, TOPIK), recommendation letters, and more.
● Deadlines: Scholarship application deadlines can vary. Be sure to check the deadlines for each program, as they might differ by university or government body.
● Documents: Commonly required documents include academic transcripts, recommendation letters, proof of language proficiency, passport copy, and personal statement or essay.
