Get Scholarships and Grants in South Korea for 2025: Apply Now
South Korea has emerged as a premier destination for international students, offering a blend of high-quality education and rich cultural experiences. To attract global talent, numerous scholarships and grants are available for the 2025 academic year. This guide provides an overview of prominent opportunities, their benefits, and application details.
1. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2025
Overview: Formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), the GKS is a fully funded initiative by the South Korean government. It aims to support international students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in South Korea.
Benefits:
- Tuition Coverage: Full tuition fees are covered.
- Monthly Stipend: ₩900,000–₩1,000,000.
- Airfare: Round-trip economy class tickets.
- Language Training: One year of Korean language instruction.
Application Period: Typically opens in the first half of the year.
Eligibility: Applicants must be under 40 years old and hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
How to Apply: Applications can be submitted via the Korean embassy in your home country or directly to participating Korean universities.
2. KFAS International Scholar Exchange Fellowship
Overview: The Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies (KFAS) offers this fellowship to Asian graduate students aiming to pursue research in South Korea.
Benefits:
- Monthly Stipend: Amount varies.
- Research Support: Access to academic resources and networks.
Application Period: Annually, with specific dates announced on the KFAS website.
Eligibility: Candidates must be enrolled in a graduate program and demonstrate academic excellence.
How to Apply: Submit applications directly through the KFAS official website.
3. KOICA Scholarship Program 2025
Overview: The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) offers fully funded scholarships for master’s and doctoral programs, focusing on applicants from developing countries.
Benefits:
- Tuition Coverage: Full tuition fees.
- Monthly Allowance: Amount varies.
- Accommodation: Provided or subsidized.
- Airfare: Round-trip tickets.
Application Period: Specific dates are announced annually.
Eligibility: Applicants should be government officials or professionals recommended by their governments.
How to Apply: Applications are processed through the KOICA offices or Korean embassies in the applicant’s country.
4. Yonsei University Scholarships
Overview: Yonsei University offers a variety of scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate international students, aiming to promote global education.
Benefits:
- Tuition Coverage: Partial to full tuition waivers.
- Monthly Stipend: For certain programs.
Application Period: Varies by program; refer to the university’s official website.
Eligibility: Merit-based; specific criteria depend on the scholarship type.
How to Apply: Indicate interest during the admission application process or apply separately as specified.
5. Sookmyung Women’s University Scholarships
Overview: Sookmyung Women’s University provides scholarships to outstanding international female students across various disciplines.
Benefits:
- Tuition Reduction: Ranges from partial to full coverage.
Application Period: Deadlines typically fall in mid-September.
Eligibility: Academic excellence and leadership potential.
How to Apply: Through the university’s admissions office or international student portal.
6. KAIST International Student Scholarship
Overview: The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) offers scholarships to international students pursuing science and engineering degrees.
Benefits:
- Tuition Coverage: Full tuition fees.
- Monthly Allowance: ₩350,000.
- Health Insurance: Provided.
Application Period: Applications close in mid-September.
Eligibility: Outstanding academic records and proficiency in English.
How to Apply: During the online admission application process.
7. UST Scholarship Program
Overview: The University of Science & Technology (UST) offers scholarships for master’s and doctoral programs in collaboration with research institutes.
Benefits:
- Tuition Coverage: Full tuition fees.
- Monthly Stipend: ₩1,200,000 for master’s; ₩1,600,000 for doctoral students.
Application Period: Applications typically close by mid-September.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; research potential.
How to Apply: Online through the UST admissions portal.
8. Sejong University Scholarships
Overview: Sejong University offers scholarships to international students across various undergraduate and graduate programs.
Benefits:
- Tuition Reduction: Up to 100% based on academic performance.
Application Period: Late September.
Eligibility: Merit-based; specific criteria vary by department.
How to Apply: Through the university’s official application system.
9. KDI School Scholarships
Overview: The Korea Development Institute (KDI) School offers scholarships for master’s programs in public policy, development studies, and related fields. These scholarships aim to support international students, particularly those from developing countries.
Benefits:
- Tuition Coverage: Full tuition waiver.
- Monthly Stipend: Varies by program and applicant’s financial need.
- Additional Support: Research grants and academic resources.
Application Period: Applications are usually accepted in spring and fall.
Eligibility: Applicants must have a strong academic background and demonstrate leadership potential in policy-related fields.
How to Apply: Submit an online application through the KDI School website, including academic transcripts and recommendation letters.
10. POSTECH International Student Scholarship
Overview: Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) offers scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies in science, engineering, and technology.
Benefits:
- Tuition Coverage: Full or partial tuition waiver.
- Monthly Allowance: ₩300,000–₩500,000 for graduate students.
- Additional Benefits: Research funding and health insurance.
Application Period: Deadlines vary by program but typically fall in March and September.
Eligibility: Strong academic background in STEM fields, research potential, and English proficiency.
How to Apply: Apply online through the POSTECH admissions portal.
11. Ewha Global Partnership Program (EGPP)
Overview: Ewha Womans University provides this scholarship to female international students with outstanding academic performance and leadership skills.
Benefits:
- Tuition Coverage: Full tuition for up to four years.
- Monthly Stipend: Additional financial aid for living expenses.
- Accommodation: Free on-campus housing.
Application Period: Spring and fall intakes.
Eligibility: Open to female international students with excellent academic records.
How to Apply: Apply via the Ewha Womans University official website along with required documents.
12. Hanyang University Scholarships
Overview: Hanyang University offers various scholarships for international students, focusing on academic excellence and financial need.
Benefits:
- Tuition Coverage: Partial or full tuition waiver.
- Additional Support: Research funding for graduate students.
Application Period: Varies by program; check the university’s website for details.
Eligibility: High academic performance and recommendation from a faculty member.
How to Apply: Indicate scholarship interest in the admission application or apply separately.
13. Seoul National University (SNU) Scholarship
Overview: SNU provides multiple scholarships for international students, including government-funded and university-funded options.
Benefits:
- Tuition Coverage: Full or partial tuition support.
- Living Expenses: Monthly allowance of ₩500,000–₩1,000,000.
- Additional Benefits: Research grants and medical insurance.
Application Period: Application deadlines depend on the scholarship type.
Eligibility: High academic achievement and research potential.
How to Apply: Apply through the SNU Office of Admissions.
14. Inha University Scholarships
Overview: Inha University offers various scholarships to international students at undergraduate and graduate levels.
Benefits:
- Tuition Coverage: 30%–100% waiver depending on academic performance.
- Additional Support: Research grants for graduate students.
Application Period: Spring and fall intake.
Eligibility: Academic excellence and research capabilities.
How to Apply: Apply through Inha University’s admissions portal.
15. Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) Scholarships
Overview: UNIST offers scholarships to international students in engineering, science, and technology fields.
Benefits:
- Tuition Coverage: Full tuition waiver.
- Monthly Stipend: ₩300,000 for undergraduate; ₩500,000–₩700,000 for graduate students.
- Additional Benefits: Research support and free dormitory housing.
Application Period: Varies by department.
Eligibility: Strong academic performance and research interests.
How to Apply: Submit an online application through the UNIST website.
Scholarship Comparison Table
| Scholarship Name | Tuition Coverage | Monthly Stipend | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| GKS (KGSP) | Full tuition | ₩900,000–₩1,000,000 | Airfare, language training |
| KFAS International Fellowship | Varies | Research stipend | Access to academic resources |
| KOICA Scholarship | Full tuition | Varies | Airfare, accommodation |
| Yonsei University Scholarship | Partial to full | Varies | Based on merit |
| Sookmyung Women’s University Scholarship | Partial to full | None | Merit-based support |
| KAIST International Scholarship | Full tuition | ₩350,000 | Health insurance |
| UST Scholarship | Full tuition | ₩1,200,000 (Master’s), ₩1,600,000 (PhD) | Research support |
| Sejong University Scholarship | Up to 100% | None | Academic-based funding |
| KDI School Scholarship | Full tuition | Varies | Research grants |
| POSTECH Scholarship | Full or partial | ₩300,000–₩500,000 | Research funding |
| Ewha Global Partnership Program | Full tuition | Living expenses covered | Free housing |
| Hanyang University Scholarship | Partial to full | None | Research funding |
| SNU Scholarship | Full or partial | ₩500,000–₩1,000,000 | Research grants |
| Inha University Scholarship | 30%–100% | None | Research support |
| UNIST Scholarship | Full tuition | ₩300,000–₩700,000 | Free dormitory housing |
Conclusion
South Korea offers a diverse range of scholarships and grants for international students, providing financial support for tuition, living expenses, and research opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a government-sponsored program like the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) or university-based funding from KAIST, SNU, or Yonsei, there’s an option for every aspiring student. Be sure to check the application deadlines and eligibility requirements to secure your spot in one of South Korea’s top institutions.
1. What is the most prestigious scholarship in South Korea?
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is considered the most prestigious, offering full tuition, living expenses, and airfare for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students.
2. Can I apply for multiple scholarships in South Korea?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships, but some programs may have restrictions on receiving funding from multiple sources. Check the eligibility criteria for each scholarship.
3. Are there scholarships available for non-degree programs?
Yes, some scholarships, like the KFAS International Scholar Exchange Fellowship, support research and short-term exchange programs.
4. Do I need to know Korean to get a scholarship in South Korea?
Most programs do not require Korean proficiency, but some universities may ask students to take Korean language courses. English-based programs are available, especially in STEM and business fields.
5. When should I apply for 2025 South Korean scholarships?
Most scholarships open applications between March and September 2024 for the 2025 academic year. Be sure to check the specific deadlines for each program.
