Comprehensive Guide to Scholarships for International Students in South Korea
South Korea has emerged as a leading study destination for international students seeking quality education and exciting opportunities. Its world-class universities, cutting-edge research facilities, and innovative campus cultures attract students from across the globe.
However, the costs of studying as an international student in South Korea can be high. This is where scholarships come in – they provide crucial financial aid that enables brilliant scholars worldwide to access South Korean higher education institutions and fulfill their potential.
This guide provides extensive details on major scholarship programs available for international students aspiring to study in South Korea. It covers national government scholarships, university-specific scholarships, and funding offered by private organizations.
Overview of Studying in South Korea
Before delving into scholarships, it is useful to understand why South Korea has become such a popular choice for international students:
- Home to over 190 accredited universities offering internationally recognized degree programs taught in English
- Ranked #11 globally for higher education and #2 in Asia by QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings
- Cutting-edge facilities, high-quality teaching, and intensive research opportunities
- Vibrant and engaging campus life with lots of student clubs, groups, fests and events
- Lower overall costs than studying in the US/UK and affordable living expenses
- Easy visa and post-study work permit policies for international graduates
- Excellent tech infrastructure, transportation systems and cultural attractions
With this unique blend of academic rigor, lifestyle perks, cultural dynamism and long-term career prospects, South Korea is able to attract ambitious students from across the world.
National Government Scholarships
The South Korean government aims to bring talented youth to study and conduct research at its institutions through prestigious scholarship programs.
KGSP – Korea Government Scholarship Program
This is the largest scholarship program funded by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), covering undergraduate, masters, doctoral and research studies.
Funding Provided:
- Full tuition waiver
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Airfare reimbursement
- Settlement allowance
- Korean language training
Eligibility Criteria:
- Citizen of OECD or KOICA approved country
- Under age 40 for undergrad, 45 for postgrad
- GPA equivalent to 2.64/4.0 or higher
- Meet university admission requirements
How to Apply:
- Submit online application during annual window
- Undertake exams and interviews
Over 2000 international students receive KGSP scholarships annually.
GKS – Global Korea Scholarship
This scholarship funded by NIIED enables graduate-level international students to study at Korean universities through a tailored 2-year Masters and 4-year Doctoral program.
Scholarship Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipend of approx. ₩900,000
- Medical insurance
- Air tickets
- Support for Korean proficiency
Eligibility Criteria:
- Citizen of developing country
- Completed at least 16 years of education
- GPA of 80% or 3.0/4.0 minimum
- Under age 40
Application Method:
- Submit documents to Korean Embassy
- Undertake eligibility tests and interviews
Over 450 GKS scholarships are awarded annually across 145 countries.
University-Specific Scholarships
Leading universities like Seoul National University, Yonsei University and KAIST also offer prestigious scholarships specially for international students.
KAIST International Student Scholarships
Scholarship Types:
- Full Scholarship – 100% coverage of tuition and living costs
- Half Scholarship – 50% coverage of tuition and living costs
- Partial Scholarship – partial coverage of tuition fees
Eligibility Criteria:
- Outstanding academic records and research potential
- Admitted to full-time Masters/Doctoral program at KAIST
- Financial need assessment
How to Apply:
- Submit online scholarship application after KAIST admission
- Separate application required along with admissions
Over ₩2 billion in scholarships awarded annually.
Yonsei University Scholarships
Scholarships Offered:
- Academic Excellence Scholarship – ₩5 million+
- Academic Achievement Scholarship – 80-100% tuition waiver
- Yonsei Honors Scholarship – ₩2.5 million
Eligibility Criteria:
- Newly admitted international undergraduate or graduate students
- Minimum 3.5/4.0 GPA or top 2% for Academic Excellence Scholarship
- Leadership experience and community impact
Application Method:
- Submit scholarship application during Yonsei admissions
- Separate scholarship recommendation letters required
Over 370 international students receive these annually.
SNU Scholarships for International Students
Scholarship Types Offered
- SNU Global Scholarship – Full tuition + stipend
- Merit-Based Scholarship – Partial tuition waiver
- Needs-Based Scholarship – Tuition and housing support
Eligibility Criteria:
- Newly admitted international student at SNU
- Strong academic background
- Demonstrated financial need
- Community service track record
How to Apply:
- Submit scholarship application during SNU admissions
- Separate scholarship essays and recommendations required
Over 450 SNU international students receive these annually.
External Organization Scholarships
Many private groups and companies also provide scholarships for international students in Korea:
POSCO Asia Fellowship
Funding Offered:
- Full tuition and fees for 1-2 years
- Monthly stipend of ₩1.2 million
- Additional one-time grants
Eligibility Criteria:
- Student from Asia region
- Full-time Masters/Doctoral program at Korean university
- Strong GPA – minimum 3.0/4.0 required
- 2+ years work experience
Application Method:
- Apply via online application system
- Separate recommendation letters needed
Kwon-Eui Scholarship Foundation
Scholarship Details:
- ₩5 million per semester
- Up to 10 semesters for Korean language + degree
Eligibility:
- High school graduates worldwide
- Financial need
- Admitted to Korean university
Application Process:
- Submit documents to affiliated Korean university
- Interview may be required
Over ₩370 million in scholarships awarded annually.
Samil PwC Scholarship Foundation
Scholarship Provided:
- ₩2 million per semester
- For up to 12 semesters
Eligibility Criteria:
- International students admitted to Korean university
- Strong academic background
- Demonstrated financial need
How to Apply:
- Online application form
- Separate essay explaining your dreams required
These examples showcase the diversity of scholarship options for international students from governments, universities and external organizations.
Application Tips
Follow these tips when seeking scholarships for studying in South Korea:
- Start researching scholarship options 12-18 months before your program commences
- Target scholarships aligned with your academic program and strengths
- Carefully review eligibility criteria before applying
- Follow all application instructions and submit a complete application before the deadline
- Get excellent recommendation letters to strengthen your application
- Prepare thoroughly for any required entrance exams or interviews
Conclusion
In summary, international students have access to a range of prestigious scholarship programs to realize their dream of studying in South Korea. By matching your profile and interests with the right scholarships, showcasing your aptitude through the application, and diligently completing all steps of the process, you can make funding your studies in South Korea possible.
FAQs
- What are the most prestigious scholarships for international students in South Korea?
The most prestigious scholarships are the government-funded KGSP and GKS programs along with scholarships offered by top universities like KAIST, Yonsei and Seoul National University.
- What documents do I need for scholarship applications?
Typical documents include transcripts, test scores, recommendation letters, essays/personal statements, proof of university admission or application, passport copies, and financial need evidence.
- How competitive are international student scholarships for South Korea?
The scholarships are highly competitive with acceptance rates below 15% for most programs given South Korea’s popularity as a study destination. You need to make a very compelling application.
- When should I apply for South Korea scholarships?
You should start your scholarship research 12-18 months before your academic program commences and submit your applications at least 6-12 months in advance. Deadlines vary for each scholarship.
- Can scholarships be extended if my studies take longer?
Scholarship duration depends on the program’s policies. Some may extend funding if you take longer for justified reasons like research extension or Korean language learning. But this needs to be negotiated case-by-case.