South Korea has become an increasingly popular destination for international students looking to pursue higher education. With world-class universities, cutting-edge technology, and a rich cultural heritage, South Korea offers a unique and rewarding study abroad experience. Even better, there are numerous scholarship opportunities available for international students to study in South Korea for free or at a significantly reduced cost.
If you’re considering pursuing a Master’s or PhD degree in South Korea in 2024-2025, here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the top scholarship programs available.
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a prestigious scholarship program funded by the Korean government to attract top international talent to study in Korea. It provides full funding for students to pursue graduate degrees at participating Korean universities.
Benefits
- Full tuition exemption
- Monthly living allowance of 1,133,330 KRW (approx. $900 USD)
- Round-trip airfare
- Settlement allowance of 200,000 KRW upon arrival
- Korean language training (1 year)
- Medical insurance
Eligibility
- Must be a citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with Korea
- Must be under 40 years old
- Must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.64 on a 4.0 scale (or 2.80 on a 4.3 scale, 2.91 on a 4.5 scale, or 3.23 on a 5.0 scale)
- Must be physically and mentally healthy
- Must not hold Korean citizenship
How to Apply
Applications are typically accepted in September each year. You need to submit your application to the Korean Embassy in your home country. The embassy will conduct the first round of selection, and then the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) in Korea will make the final selection.
Apply Now for the Global Korea Scholarship
Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)
The Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) is another fully-funded scholarship offered by the Korean government. It provides opportunities for international students to pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees in various fields at top Korean universities.
Benefits
- Full tuition exemption
- Monthly stipend (900,000 KRW for Master’s, 1,500,000 KRW for PhD)
- Round-trip airfare
- Settlement allowance
- Medical insurance
- Korean language training (1 year)
Eligibility
- Must be a citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with Korea
- Must be in good health both physically and mentally
- Must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent for Master’s programs, or a Master’s degree for PhD programs
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.64 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
- Must be under 40 years old.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted once a year, usually in February or March. You need to apply through the Korean Embassy in your home country. The embassy will conduct the first round of selection, and the final selection will be made by NIIED.
Click here to apply for the KGSP
Yonsei University Scholarships
Yonsei University, one of the top private universities in South Korea, offers several scholarship programs for international graduate students.
1. Yonsei Graduate School Scholarship
- 100% tuition waiver for 4 semesters (Master’s) or 6 semesters (PhD)
- Monthly stipend of 600,000 KRW for Master’s, 800,000 KRW for PhD
2. Global Leaders Fellowship
- 100% tuition waiver for the normal duration of the degree program
- Monthly stipend of 1,200,000 KRW
- On-campus housing
Eligibility
- Must be an incoming full-time international graduate student
- Must have an outstanding academic record
- Must demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to social responsibility
Apply now for Yonsei University scholarships
Seoul National University Scholarships
Seoul National University (SNU), the top-ranked university in South Korea, provides generous scholarship opportunities for international graduate students.
1. SNU President Fellowship
- Full tuition exemption for the normal duration of the degree program
- Monthly stipend of 1,200,000 KRW
- Round-trip airfare
- Medical insurance
2. SNU Global Scholarship
- Tuition exemption (50-100%)
- Monthly stipend of 600,000-1,000,000 KRW depending on the level of tuition exemption
Eligibility
- Must be an incoming full-time international graduate student
- Must demonstrate outstanding academic achievements
- Must not hold Korean citizenship
Apply now for Seoul National University scholarships
KAIST Scholarships
The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), one of the leading science and technology universities in the world, offers extensive scholarship support for international graduate students.
1. KAIST International Student Scholarship
- Full tuition exemption
- Monthly stipend of 350,000-400,000 KRW (Master’s) or 400,000-450,000 KRW (PhD)
- Medical insurance
2. KAIST Presidential Fellowship
- Full tuition exemption
- Monthly stipend of 1,200,000 KRW
- Round-trip airfare
- On-campus housing
Eligibility
- Must be an incoming full-time international graduate student
- Must have an excellent academic record and research potential
- Must be nominated by a KAIST faculty member
Click here to apply for KAIST scholarships
Other Notable Scholarships
1. Korea University Global Excellence Scholarship
- Full tuition exemption for the normal duration of the degree program
- Monthly stipend of 1,000,000 KRW
2. Sungkyunkwan University Global Scholarship
- Tuition exemption (50-100%)
- Monthly stipend of 500,000-800,000 KRW depending on the level of tuition exemption
3. Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) Scholarship
- Full tuition exemption
- Monthly stipend of 400,000 KRW (Master’s) or 500,000 KRW (PhD)
Tips for Applying to Scholarships in South Korea
- Start your application early. Many scholarships have deadlines several months before the start of the academic year.
- Prepare all required documents, such as transcripts, recommendation letters, study plan, and proof of language proficiency (Korean or English).
- Ensure that your application is complete and error-free. Incomplete or incorrect applications may be disqualified.
- Highlight your academic achievements, research experience, and extracurricular activities that demonstrate your potential as a scholar.
- Tailor your study plan and personal statement to the specific scholarship and university you’re applying to. Show how your goals align with the program.
- If required, prepare for interviews or additional tests, such as the Korean language test (TOPIK) or English proficiency tests (TOEFL, IELTS).
- Consider applying to multiple scholarships to increase your chances of receiving funding.
Why Study in South Korea?
South Korea is an excellent destination for international students for many reasons:
- World-class education: Korean universities consistently rank among the top in global university rankings, especially in fields like engineering, technology, and natural sciences.
- Cutting-edge technology: As a global leader in innovation, South Korea provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities and research opportunities in fields like robotics, semiconductors, and biotechnology.
- Rich cultural experience: From ancient palaces to modern K-pop, South Korea offers a fascinating blend of traditional and contemporary culture for international students to explore.
- Affordable living costs: Compared to other developed countries, the cost of living in South Korea is relatively low, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious students.
- Diverse study options: Korean universities offer a wide range of degree programs across various fields, many of which are taught entirely in English.
- Strong job prospects: Graduates from Korean universities are highly sought after by employers worldwide, thanks to the country’s reputation for academic excellence and workforce preparedness.
Conclusion
Studying in South Korea can be a life-changing experience, offering international students the opportunity to receive a world-class education, immerse themselves in a vibrant culture, and build a strong foundation for their future careers. With the numerous scholarship options available, including full funding from the Korean government and top universities, pursuing a Master’s or PhD degree in South Korea can be an affordable and rewarding choice.
If you’re ready to embark on this exciting journey, start researching the scholarship programs that best fit your academic background and career goals. With proper planning and a strong application, you could soon be on your way to studying in one of the most dynamic and innovative countries in the world.
Apply now for South Korea scholarships and start your study abroad adventure!
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