Discover comprehensive scholarship opportunities for international students studying in Korea. From government scholarships like GKS to university-specific programs and corporate funding, we detail application processes, selection criteria, and benefits for each type. Don't miss these financial support opportunities for your successful academic journey in Korea.
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Scholarship Landscape in Korea
Korea has emerged as a leading destination for international education, actively recruiting global talent to enhance academic exchange and cultural diversity. As of 2025, approximately 162,000 international students are pursuing their education in Korea, with this number increasing annually. To support this growing international student community, a robust scholarship infrastructure has been established, spearheaded by the Ministry of Education and the National Institute for International Education (NIIED).
- Ministry of Education & NIIED
- Universities & Graduate Schools
- Corporations & Private Foundations
- Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)
- Full Tuition Coverage
- Partial Tuition Support
- Living Stipends
- Research Funding
- Undergraduate Studies
- Master's Programs
- Doctoral Programs
- Research Fellowships
💡 Did you know? In 2025, the Korean government increased its international scholarship budget by 15% as part of its Global Talent Development Strategy. New special scholarship programs have been established specifically for students from developing countries and strategic partner nations.
Scholarships for international students in Korea are broadly categorized into government scholarships, university-specific scholarships, and corporate/foundation scholarships. Each category has distinct eligibility requirements, selection criteria, and benefits. Finding the right scholarship program that aligns with your academic background and career aspirations is crucial for maximizing your opportunities.
Government Scholarship Programs
The Korean government offers several prestigious scholarship programs for international students. The most comprehensive and renowned is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED). These government-sponsored programs aim to foster international academic exchange and cultivate future global leaders with an understanding of Korean culture and society.
1 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
Undergraduate/Graduate Programs
The Global Korea Scholarship is the Korean government's flagship scholarship program, selecting outstanding students from approximately 150 countries worldwide to pursue degree programs in Korea.
- Eligibility: Foreign nationals (non-Korean citizens), applicants for undergraduate/master's/doctoral programs
- Benefits: Admission fee, full tuition, settlement allowance, monthly stipend (₩900,000-1,200,000), airfare, health insurance, Korean language training
- Annual Selection: Approximately 1,500 students (200 undergraduate, 1,300 graduate)
- Application Process: Apply through Korean embassies in your home country or through designated Korean universities
TOPIK Excellence Scholarship
This scholarship targets international students with exceptional Korean language proficiency as demonstrated by high TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) scores.
- Eligibility: TOPIK level 5-6 holders, currently enrolled international students in Korean universities
- Benefits: ₩5 million per semester (maximum one year)
- Annual Selection: Approximately 200 students
- Application Process: Apply through the international office of your university
Government scholarships are highly competitive but offer the most comprehensive benefits. The GKS program, in particular, provides full support from Korean language training through degree completion, making it an ideal choice for international students planning to study in Korea. Additionally, provincial governments and metropolitan cities offer specialized regional scholarships with unique benefits tailored to their areas.
University-Specific Scholarships
Most Korean universities offer their own scholarship programs to attract and support talented international students. These scholarships vary widely in terms of eligibility requirements, coverage, and selection criteria, with each university implementing its own unique system.
| University | Scholarship Type | Coverage Rate | Selection Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul National University | Global Talent Scholarship | 100%-50% tuition | Academic performance, research achievements |
| Yonsei University | International Student Scholarship | 100%-30% tuition | Admission scores, TOPIK level |
| Korea University | KU Global Leader Scholarship | 100%-30% tuition | Nationality, GPA, language proficiency |
| Sungkyunkwan University | Sungkyun Global Scholarship | 100%-50% tuition | TOPIK level, GPA |
| Pusan National University | International Student Scholarship | 100%-30% tuition | GPA, language scores |
💡 Note: The information above represents typical scholarships at major universities. Specific selection criteria and support details vary by institution. Always check the international office website of your target university for the most current information.
University scholarships are often available from the point of admission, so it's essential to gather scholarship information during the university application stage. Additionally, opportunities such as Research Assistantships (RA) or Teaching Assistantships (TA) can provide both financial support and valuable research experience
University scholarships are often available from the point of admission, so it's essential to gather scholarship information during the university application stage. Additionally, opportunities such as Research Assistantships (RA) or Teaching Assistantships (TA) can provide both financial support and valuable research experience. Actively communicating with professors in your field of interest is recommended to explore these opportunities.
Corporate and Foundation Scholarships
Major Korean corporations and private foundations offer various scholarship programs for international students. These scholarships often target specific majors or students from particular countries, making it important to find programs that match your profile.
1 Corporate Scholarship Programs
Samsung Global Hope Scholarship
The Samsung Group offers this scholarship program to foster global talent development, providing opportunities for outstanding students from developing countries to study in Korea.
- Eligibility: Undergraduate/graduate students from developing countries
- Benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend (₩1,000,000), round-trip airfare, health insurance
- Annual Selection: Approximately 100 students
- Application Process: Apply through the Samsung Dream Scholarship Foundation website or your university's international office
POSCO Asia Fellowship
The POSCO TJ Park Foundation offers this fellowship for Asian students, with preference given to those in STEM fields and Korean Studies.
- Eligibility: Master's/Doctoral students from Asian countries
- Focus Areas: Engineering, Korean Studies, Public Policy
- Benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend (₩1,200,000), research funding
- Annual Selection: Approximately 40 students
2 Foundation Scholarship Programs
Korea Foundation (KF) Fellowship Program
This scholarship program supports Korean Studies and Korea-related research to enhance understanding of Korea and promote international academic exchange.
- Eligibility: International graduate students majoring in Korean Studies
- Benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend (₩1,000,000), research funds, dissertation publication support
- Selection Criteria: Research proposal quality, academic achievements, Korean language proficiency
- Application Process: Apply through the Korea Foundation online application system
Corporate and foundation scholarships often target specific fields or nationalities, but they typically offer comprehensive benefits and potential employment connections after graduation. Most can be applied for through online application systems, and each foundation has its own selection timeline and criteria. Gathering information well in advance is crucial for these opportunities.
Application Strategies
Securing scholarships as an international student in Korea requires systematic planning and thorough preparation. Below are practical tips and important considerations to maximize your chances of receiving financial support for your studies.
1 Effective Preparation Methods
Scholarship Application Checklist
It's advisable to begin preparing for scholarship applications 6-12 months in advance. Use the following checklist as a guide for your preparation.
- Language Proficiency: Obtain TOPIK level 4 or higher, and English proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS)
- Academic Record: Maintain a GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent
- Recommendation Letters: Secure 2-3 recommendation letters from professors in English
- Research Proposal: Develop a concrete and feasible research plan
- Personal Statement: Prepare personal statements in both Korean and English
2 Important Considerations and Tips
Scholarship Application Precautions
Take note of these important considerations when applying for scholarships:
- Submit all documents at least one week before the deadline
- Clearly distinguish between original documents and copies for submission
- Prepare certified translations for documents requiring translation
- Be aware that multiple applications to different scholarships from the same institution may be prohibited
- Check visa requirements as some scholarships have visa type restrictions
Scholarship applications are highly competitive, requiring thorough preparation and distinctive application materials. Improving your Korean language proficiency and demonstrating understanding of Korean culture can significantly enhance your selection prospects. Additionally, actively communicating with professors can help you discover research lab-based scholarships or project participation opportunities.
Tip
Successful scholarship applications require strategic planning and distinctive application materials. Each scholarship program has different document requirements and selection criteria, so thoroughly research and prepare for each application. Korean language proficiency and specific study plans are critical evaluation factors for most scholarships.
To avoid missing scholarship opportunities during your studies in Korea, regularly check university international offices and the Study in Korea website. Alumni networks from your country and international student communities can also provide valuable practical information and advice.
💡 For additional inquiries, please contact the National Institute for International Education (+82-2-3668-1389) or the international office of your respective university.
