South Korea has emerged as one of the top destinations for international students seeking quality education, innovative programs, and vibrant cultural experiences. The country not only offers world-class universities but also a range of scholarships to make studying more accessible for students worldwide.
In this article, we’ll explore the best scholarships for studying in South Korea, eligibility criteria, benefits, and tips to enhance your chances of success.
Best Scholarships for Studying in South Korea
Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) / Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), is the most prestigious government-funded scholarship for international students.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly living allowance (approx. KRW 900,000–1,000,000)
- Settlement allowance
- Round-trip airfare
- Health insurance
- Korean language training
Eligibility:
- Must be a citizen of a country designated by the Korean government
- Should not hold Korean citizenship (dual citizenship holders are ineligible)
- Good academic performance (usually CGPA of 80% or above)
- Under 25 years (for undergraduate) or under 40 years (for graduate programs)
How to Apply:
- Through Korean embassies (Embassy Track)
- Directly to universities (University Track)
Samsung Global Scholarship Program (Samsung GSP)
Samsung offers scholarships to outstanding students interested in engineering, technology, and related fields.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Living expenses
- Internship opportunities
- Potential employment at Samsung after graduation
Eligibility:
- International students enrolled in selected Korean universities
- Strong academic records
- Interest in working with Samsung in the future
How to Apply:
- Apply directly through participating universities or Samsung recruitment portals. Download broucher for more details
POSCO TJ Park Scholarship for Asian Students
This scholarship is targeted at graduate students from Asian countries who wish to pursue their master’s or doctoral degrees in South Korea.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Living stipend
Eligibility:
- Citizenship of an Asian country
- Admission to a South Korean graduate program
- Strong leadership and academic potential
How to Apply:
- Application via POSCO TJ Park Foundation or through university nominations.
Seoul National University (SNU) Scholarship
Seoul National University, South Korea’s top-ranked university, offers a variety of scholarships for international students.
Benefits:
- Full or partial tuition waiver
- Living expenses support
- Research funds (for graduate students)
Eligibility:
- Excellent academic background
- Admission into undergraduate or graduate programs
How to Apply:
- During the SNU admission application process. More details here.
Yonsei University Scholarships for International Students
Yonsei University offers generous scholarships for outstanding international students in undergraduate and graduate programs.
Benefits:
- Full tuition
- Partial tuition
- Living stipends (for selected programs)
Eligibility:
- Must be admitted to Yonsei University
- Excellent academic and extracurricular profile
How to Apply:
- Application is usually considered during admission; no separate application needed for most scholarships.
Korea University Scholarships
Korea University, another prestigious university, offers several merit-based scholarships to international students.
Benefits:
- Full or partial tuition waiver
- Stipend (for research-oriented graduate students)
Eligibility:
- High academic performance
- Admission to Korea University
How to Apply:
- Submit scholarship documents with the admission application. More details here.
KAIST Scholarships (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)
KAIST offers fully funded scholarships for international students mainly in science, engineering, and technology fields.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly living allowance (approx. KRW 350,000)
- Health insurance
Eligibility:
- Strong academic background, especially in STEM
- Admission to KAIST undergraduate or graduate programs
How to Apply:
- Apply for scholarships alongside the admission application.
UST Scholarships (University of Science and Technology)
UST is a group of national research institutes in South Korea offering graduate-level education.
Benefits:
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend (~KRW 1,200,000 for master’s and KRW 1,600,000 for Ph.D.)
Eligibility:
- Admission to a UST program
- Research potential in science and engineering fields
How to Apply:
- Apply directly via UST admission portal.
Also read: Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in the USA
Tips to Boost Your Chances of Winning a Best Scholarships for Studying in South Korea
✅ Maintain a Strong Academic Record:
Most Korean scholarships are merit-based, so focus on keeping a competitive GPA.
✅ Learn Basic Korean Language:
Even if your course is in English, basic Korean proficiency can enhance your scholarship application.
✅ Prepare a Solid Statement of Purpose (SOP):
Explain your career goals, why you chose South Korea, and how the program fits your aspirations.
✅ Collect Strong Recommendation Letters:
Letters from professors or employers can significantly strengthen your application.
✅ Apply Early:
Most scholarships have early deadlines. Start preparing your documents well in advance.
✅ Highlight Leadership and Volunteer Activities:
Korean universities value well-rounded individuals with leadership qualities and social engagement.
Conclusion
South Korea offers an exciting opportunity for international students through its diverse, fully-funded, and merit-based scholarships. Whether you’re pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral studies, the country provides financial support across fields and disciplines.
If you’re passionate about studying in one of Asia’s most dynamic countries, start your preparation early, build a strong profile, and apply for these prestigious scholarships.
Your dream to study in South Korea could soon become a reality!
