Scholarships to Study Abroad in South Korea – Best Opportunities

Recently, South Korea’s popularity has risen thanks to K-beauty and K-pop. It is increasing the number of people interested in visiting this beautiful country full of traditions and great food. This has also increased the number of young people wanting to come to Korea for its amazing educational system, ranked 19th in the world. Thankfully there are many scholarships to study abroad in South Korea, and this article will explain where to find the best opportunities. 

If studying in South Korea is something you want, whether it’s for your undergrad, Master’s, Doctoral, long-term, or short-term. Here are some scholarships that can make your dream of studying in South Korea come true.

Scholarships and Programs offered by the South Korean Government

South Korea has terrific programs for various types of students that want to study abroad in South Korea. From a full ride to support for students already studying there and even support for exchange students.

GKS- Global Korea Scholarship

This scholarship is outstanding for undergraduates, Masters, and Ph.D. students. GKS covers not only your college tuition or research program but your plane ticket from your country of origin to South Korea, language courses, medical insurance, living allowance, and much more. 

Award: 3,260,000 won

Deadline: Varies- undergrad in September, Master’s, P.H.D. in February

Global Korea Scholarship Invitation Program for International Students

This program is for international students planning to study abroad in South Korea for four months (one term) or ten months (two terms). It covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and medical insurance.

Award: 720,000 won 

Deadlines: Varies upon the term of arrival. 

Korean Government Support Program for Foreign Exchange Students

This program helps foreign exchange students looking to study abroad in South Korea for 1 or 2 terms and might need their living expenses covered. The program also covers airfare, settlement allowance, and medical insurance. For Undergraduate and Master’s degrees

Award: 720,000 won

No Deadline

Support Program for Self-financed Students

This program is for students who could pay out of pocket but might need a little help covering living expenses.

Award: maximum of 5,000,000 won

No Deadline

Korea-Japan Joint Higher Education Student Exchange Program

This program is only for Japanese students who want to do an exchange program in South Korea and vice versa, either one term or a full academic year. For Undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees.

Award: Master’s, Ph.D. includes tuition, living expenses, round-trip airfare, medical insurance, settlement fee, thesis, and dissertation printing cost. 

Undergraduate for 1 year includes tuition, living expenses, round trip airfare, medical insurance, and settlement fee. 

Undergraduate for a short term is fully funded, including round trip airfare. 

Deadline: varies

Find more information and apply at https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/en/sub/gks/allnew_exchange.do

South Korean Universities that offer Scholarships

Colleges in South Korea also have some great scholarship opportunities for international students. 

Seoul National University (SNU)

Seoul National University (SNU) is a premier educational institution in Seoul, South Korea. Established in 1946, it is renowned for its academic excellence and global recognition. With a comprehensive range of disciplines, SNU offers exceptional undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields. The university’s commitment to research is evident through its world-class facilities and distinguished faculty members. SNU prioritizes global engagement, attracting a diverse community of students and fostering international collaborations. Its graduates have achieved remarkable success in academia, business, and public service, making SNU a symbol of excellence and a leading institution for higher education in Korea and beyond.

Undergraduates- SNU offers full tuition exemption for a maximum of 8 semesters, airfare, and living expenses.

Award: Varies

Deadline: February and March 

Graduates- SNU offers a few scholarships that pay your tuition in full, but depending on the scholarship, it might or might not include airfare or medical insurance.

Awards: Varies within each scholarship

Deadline: During  the admission period each fall

Exchange students- This program offers a scholarship that pays for all of your tuition. You can also apply for their fellowship program.

Award: Varies

Deadline: Every term

Find more information- https://en.snu.ac.kr/ 

Yonsei University

Yonsei University, located in Seoul, South Korea, is a prestigious educational institution renowned for its academic excellence and global impact. Founded in 1885, it is one of the oldest and most esteemed universities in Korea. Yonsei offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and more. The university’s commitment to fostering global leaders is evident through its diverse student body and extensive international partnerships.

Yonsei’s state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated faculty, and innovative research centers provide students with a stimulating learning environment. With a strong emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and social responsibility, Yonsei University continues to shape future generations of leaders and contribute to advancements in academia, industry, and society.

Undergraduates- Offers a few different types of scholarships. Some cover full, half, or a third of the tuition. 

Awards: Varies

Deadlines: Varies

For more information-https://uic.yonsei.ac.kr/main/admission.asp?mid=m04_03_02 

Korea University

Korea University, located in Seoul, South Korea, is a prestigious institution known for its academic excellence and rich history. Established in 1905, it is one of the country’s oldest and most respected universities. With a comprehensive range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and business, Korea University offers a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university’s commitment to research and innovation is evident through its cutting-edge facilities and renowned faculty members.

Korea University fosters a vibrant and inclusive campus environment, encouraging students to engage in various extracurricular activities, clubs, and community service initiatives. With a strong emphasis on global perspectives, the university promotes international exchanges and collaborates with renowned institutions worldwide. Moreover, as a top-tier institution, Korea University has produced numerous successful alumni who have excelled in various fields, contributing to society and making a positive impact on a global scale.

Undergraduates- 

• Incoming freshmen can receive a scholarship that covers their tuition for two semesters or one that covers 50% for two semesters. 
• Current Students can receive a scholarship that covers their tuition for the next semester. They can also apply for two other scholarships covering 50% of the tuition. One is for students in financial need, and the other is for those whose grades have improved since the last semester. 

Awards: Vary

Deadlines: Vary

For more information- http://oia.korea.ac.kr/listener.do?layout=dgr_6 

Ewha Woman’s University

Ewha Womans University, located in Seoul, South Korea, is a prestigious institution with a rich history and a global reputation for empowering women through education. Founded in 1886, it is the first established women’s university in Korea. Ewha offers a wide range of academic programs, including liberal arts, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, business, and more. The university’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and innovative research centers.

Ewha Womans University promotes a holistic approach to education, emphasizing the development of critical thinking, leadership skills, and social responsibility. The university has a diverse and inclusive student body, fostering a supportive environment that nurtures intellectual growth and personal development. In addition, Ewha actively encourages international collaborations and hosts a vibrant exchange program, attracting students from around the world. With its dedication to women’s education and empowerment, Ewha Womans University continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future leaders of Korea and making a lasting impact on society.

Undergraduates- 

• Incoming freshmen can apply to the Ewha Global Partnership Program. This program is for those who demonstrate leadership potential and is a full ride that includes a housing fee and a stipend. They can also apply for their International Student Scholarship; if awarded, they can receive one of three options. One covers your first two years, one year, or the first semester at the university. (Transfer students can also apply to this program. 
• Current students can apply for three different scholarships whose awards vary depending on the university. 

Graduates-

• Graduates can apply for two scholarships whose awards also vary.

Awards: Full tuition or partial varies

Deadlines: academic period

For more information- https://www.ewha.ac.kr/ewhaen/bachelor/scholarship-iss.do

Kyungpook National University 

Kyungpook National University (KNU), situated in Daegu, South Korea, is a renowned institution known for its academic excellence and contributions to research and innovation. Established in 1946, KNU has a long history and a strong reputation as one of the leading universities in the country. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and more.

KNU is dedicated to fostering a creative and dynamic learning environment for its students. It boasts state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge research centers, and distinguished faculty members who are experts in their fields. Therefore, the university actively promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging students to explore diverse perspectives and engage in groundbreaking research. KNU’s commitment to community engagement and social responsibility is evident through its various outreach programs and initiatives aimed at making a positive impact on society. With a vibrant campus culture and a strong focus on producing well-rounded graduates, Kyungpook National University continues to shape the future leaders and innovators of Korea and contribute to advancements in academia, industry, and beyond.

Undergraduates- 

• Current students can apply for a scholarship that can take off 80% or 20% of the tuition.

Graduates-

• Graduates wanting to obtain a Master’s, Doctoral, or both can apply to the KUN International Graduates Scholarship. This amazing scholarship covers all of the tuition, whether it’s a two-year program or a four-year program.

Awards: Varies

Deadlines: academic period

For more information- https://en.knu.ac.kr/campus/info01.htm 

Changwon National University

Changwon National University (CWNU), located in Changwon, South Korea, is a distinguished educational institution known for its commitment to academic excellence and research innovation. Established in 1979, CWNU has emerged as a prominent university in the region, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields of study.

The university prides itself on its state-of-the-art facilities, modern campus, and dedicated faculty members who are experts in their respective disciplines. Moreover, CWNU fosters a student-centered learning environment, encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and practical application of knowledge.

CWNU places a strong emphasis on research and innovation, with several specialized research institutes and centers that tackle real-world challenges. Therefore, the university actively collaborates with industry partners and engages in cutting-edge research projects, contributing to advancements in technology, engineering, agriculture, and other fields.

Undergraduates-

• Incoming freshmen and transfer students can apply for scholarships that cover all or half of the tuition. 
• Graduate students can apply for their two different full-ride scholarships. 

Awards: Varied based on TOPIK scores

Deadlines: Academic period

For more information- https://www.changwon.ac.kr/eng/cm/cntnts/cntntsView.do?mi=10302&cntntsId=3405

https://www.changwon.ac.kr/affairseng/cm/cntnts/cntntsView.do?mi=11488&cntntsId=4347 

1-year study abroad scholarships (scholarships for U.S students)

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

This scholarship allows you to study in South Korea for a semester or a whole year. Their awards vary from $3,000 to $25,000. You have to be a U.S citizen to apply and be Federal Pell Grant eligible.

Awards: $3,000 to $25,000

Deadlines: Vary depending on your program 

For more information- https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/

Freeman ASIA

This scholarship is solely for those who want to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. Amounts vary from $3,000 to $7,000. 

Awards: $3,000 to $7,000

Deadlines: Vary based on the program

For more information- https://www.iie.org/freeman-ASIA 

Both scholarships are for need-based students. 

Samsung Dream Scholarship Foundation 

This unique program is for:

• Students from countries in the Development Assistance Committee
• Students who are experiencing financial difficulties are affecting their studies. 
• Students who have proven academic excellence, including linguistic proficiency (both Korean and English)
• Students who have a high probability of returning to their home country and supporting its development

Awards: Vary

Deadline: Check with the program

For more information-http://eng.sdream.or.kr/wwd/wwd04_01_globalhope.html#wwd_menu

Remember that nothing is impossible; just make sure you keep up with the deadlines and read the requirements down to the last period to ensure you don’t miss a thing. Good Luck!