South Korea is offering a full scholarship program for international students to study at some of its top universities. This unique opportunity of a full scholarship for international students in South Korea covers the tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses, giving students the chance to fully immerse themselves in their studies without financial worries.
Full scholarship for international students in South Korea
Below are the opportunities for full scholarship for international students in South Korea:
1. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a highly sought-after opportunity for international students looking to pursue higher education in Korea.
With a full cost of tuition coverage of up to KRW 5 million (325,153 INR), this scholarship is designed to support Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs at select Korean universities.
The Korean government established the GKS program to encourage international educational exchange and build friendships. Each year, 220 undergraduate and 1,080 graduate students have the opportunity to study for free at participating Korean institutions.
The scholarship covers a wide range of expenses, including a resettlement payment, living allowance, medical insurance, and language course expenses.
Additionally, students who demonstrate strong Korean language skills may be eligible for a KRW 100,000 (6,628 INR) language proficiency award. Graduate students also have access to research assistance, dissertation printing costs, and a full grant of KRW 100,000 (6,628 INR).
To be considered for the GKS scholarship, applicants must be under the age of 25 (undergraduate) or 40 (graduate) and have a minimum GPA of 80% from their prior university. Start your application here.
2. Samsung Global Hope Scholarship Program
The Samsung Global Hope Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for students who are eager to continue their education in the fields of engineering, science, and technology.
The scholarship covers full tuition for 8 semesters (undergraduate), 4 semesters (master’s), or 6 semesters (doctoral) and is available for students pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees from Samsung partner universities.
The full scholarship for international students in South Korea is open to applicants from countries listed on the DAC list of Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipients and is awarded based on academic ability, language proficiency in Korean and English, and financial need.
3. Posco TJ Park Scholarship (Asian Students in Korea)
POSCO Asia Fellowship is available for Master’s and Doctoral students looking to study in South Korea.
This full scholarship for international students in South Korea is exclusive to Asian students and aims to support the development of the next generation of leaders in the region.
In addition to full tuition coverage for four semesters, the scholarship also provides a monthly living stipend of $900 (66,282 INR). Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree from either South Korea or another country.
The selection process includes two rounds, starting with a review of the submitted documents, followed by an interview with the candidate. Successful applicants, after passing both rounds, must have been accepted into their chosen university before being designated as a POSCO Asia Fellow. Start your application process with Posco TJ Park Foundation.
4. Yonsei University Underwood International College (UIC) Admissions Scholarship
Undergraduate programs at Yonsei UIC (16 majors under 5 divisions) Yonsei University, one of the top universities in South Korea, recently established its first English-language liberal arts college – the Underwood International College (UIC).
With a diverse student body from 66 nations and a total of 2,500 students, UIC provides a unique educational experience. This scholarship is a unique opportunity for students as all applicants are automatically considered for the award based on their academic achievements.
Once selected, recipients will receive the scholarship notification along with their admission packet. To continue to be eligible for the scholarship, students must maintain a minimum GPA each academic year, as with other scholarships. This is where I applied mine.
5. Korea University Scholarships for International Students
Korea University is proud to offer partial to full tuition scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students.
With some of the highest tuition fees in the country, this scholarship program provides a valuable opportunity for students to further their education.
The scholarships available include entrance scholarships for incoming students, who are selected based on their academic achievements, and Academic Excellence or Academic Improvement scholarships for current students.
To continue receiving the scholarship in subsequent years, recipients must maintain a specified GPA. This is a unique opportunity for students to receive financial support and pursue their dreams at one of South Korea’s premier universities
6. Ewha Global Partnership Program (EGPP)
The Ewha Global Partnership Program (EGPP) is offering full tuition subsidies for students pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees at Ewha Woman’s University (EWU) in South Korea.
This full scholarship for international students in South Korea is open to female applicants from developing countries and is based on academic merit and leadership potential. The EGPP covers 8 semesters for undergraduate students, 4 semesters for Master’s students, and 6 semesters for Doctorate (PhD) students.
In addition to tuition, the scholarship also provides free dormitory housing and a living stipend, although insurance is not covered. Recipients must renew their eligibility every year.
7. Changwon National University (CWNU) Graduate School Full Time Research Scholarship
The Chungnam National University (CWNU) Graduate School Scholarship provides full tuition coverage for 4 semesters for those pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral degree.
The scholarship is offered by CWNU, a public university located in South Korea’s southeast region, which is known for its renowned Graduate School and its full scholarship opportunities for international graduate students.
However, the eligibility criteria for the scholarship are quite stringent, with Master’s candidates required to be the lead/first author on at least one article or a co-author on two, while PhD candidates must have published a research paper. For art majors, exhibitions, performances, or art presentations can be substituted for the research requirement.
To retain eligibility for the scholarship, the awardee must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 each term.
8. Seoul National University (SNU) President Fellowship
The scholarship provides full tuition coverage for 6 semesters. To be eligible, applicants must be pursuing a doctoral degree at SNU. As one of South Korea’s leading institutions, established in 1946, SNU is home to the highly regarded SNU President Fellowship program, a top scholarship opportunity for international students.
The fellowship prioritizes applicants with exceptional achievements in fields such as public health, agriculture, medicine, engineering, development studies, and Korean studies.
Successful candidates will receive a six-month full-tuition scholarship, which includes living expenses of KRW 1.5 million ($1,352 or 99,571 INR) for four years, group medical insurance, and round-trip airfare.
Additionally, SNU will reimburse the cost of evening language programs during the fall and spring semesters. To continue receiving this benefit for three years, recipients must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
9. Kaist For Graduate And Undergraduate
KAIST, a leading university in the fields of science and technology, was established as South Korea’s premier research institution just under half a century ago.
This full scholarship for international students in South Korea is supported by both the Korean government and major companies such as Hyundai and Samsung, making KAIST a hub for cutting-edge research. Regardless of whether you are a local or international student, if you are accepted to KAIST, you will receive a fully funded scholarship.
The classes are conducted in English to encourage effective communication and promote a global perspective.
Requirements for South Korean Scholarship
To be considered for a scholarship in South Korea, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a national of the country offering the scholarship, including the applicant’s parents.
- Should have completed or be expected to complete high school by March 1st of the invitation year.
- Must possess a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 80% or higher (out of 100%) or be ranked in the top 20% (out of 100%) of high school students.
- Must be enrolled in a graduate or doctoral program in the country.
- The applicant and their parents must be citizens of a different country.
- Individuals who are citizens of South Korea are not eligible for this scholarship.
- Applicants must be under the age of 40 on September 1st, 2023 (born after September 1st, 1983).
- The applicant must have a minimum GPA of 2.64 on a 4.0 scale, 2.80 on a 4.3 scale, 2.91 on a 4.5 scale, or a minimum of 80% grades/marks/scores from their previous institution. Failure to meet these GPA requirements will result in disqualification from the program.
- A total of 170 undergraduate students and 700 graduate students will be awarded under the Korean government scholarship program.
Conclusion
These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other necessary costs, making it easier for students to focus on their studies without worrying about financial constraints.
Additionally, South Korea’s high-quality education system and its vibrant culture make it an attractive destination for students from all over the world.
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