South Korea has become a major destination for higher education, attracting international students with its cutting-edge academic offerings, vibrant culture, and technological innovation. A standout feature of studying here is the wide range of fully funded scholarships, which provide financial relief while opening doors to academic and personal growth. This guide highlights the top 14 fully funded scholarships available in South Korea, helping prospective scholars pursue their studies without worrying about tuition fees.
Introduction
Scholarships are key to making education accessible to talented individuals from all backgrounds. Fully funded scholarships are particularly beneficial as they cover not only tuition but also living expenses, travel allowances, and sometimes even health insurance. South Korea offers numerous such scholarships, designed to attract global talent and promote academic exchange. Below are fourteen of the most prestigious scholarship programs available for international students.
1. Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)
KGSP is a fully funded scholarship program for international students, sponsored by the South Korean government. It covers tuition, living costs, and airfare. This highly competitive program promotes international cooperation and cultural exchange, and seeks students with strong academic credentials and an interest in Korean culture.
2. Korean University Scholarships
Many top universities in South Korea, including Korea University, Yonsei University, and POSTECH, offer their own merit-based scholarships for international students. In other hand these scholarships cover tuition and living expenses, selection based on academic performance and extracurricular achievements.
3. GKS University Support Program
This government initiative provides funding to universities that offer scholarships for international students. The goal is to enhance the global competitiveness of Korean universities while drawing more international students into their programs.
4. KNU International Scholarship
Kyungpook National University offers scholarships that cover full tuition and include a monthly stipend. Available to both undergraduate and graduate students, these scholarships are awarded based on academic performance and require students to maintain strong grades.
5. Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) Scholarship
HUFS offers a range of scholarships for international students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds. These scholarships cover tuition, and some also offer additional living stipends, making HUFS an excellent option for students interested in foreign languages and international studies.
6. Seoul National University (SNU) Scholarship
SNU provides several scholarship options, including the prestigious SNU President Fellowship, which covers tuition and living expenses for outstanding international students. This competitive fellowship targets students with exceptional academic and research potential.
Univesity link : https://en.snu.ac.kr/academics/resources/scholarships
7. Yonsei University Scholarship
Yonsei University’s scholarship programs offer significant financial support to international students, with some scholarships covering up to 100% of tuition. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students and are awarded based on merit.
University link : https://www.yonsei.ac.kr/en_sc/admission/scholarship.jsp
8. POSTECH Graduate Scholarship
POSTECH offers research-focused scholarships for international graduate students. The POSTECH Graduate Scholarship covers full tuition and provides a living stipend, making it an attractive option for those pursuing research in science and technology.
Link : https://chem.postech.ac.kr:57524/EN/en4_2_d.php
9. Incheon National University Scholarship
Incheon National University provides scholarships that fully cover tuition and living costs for international students with strong academic records. These scholarships promote diversity and foster international engagement on campus.
University link : https://www.inu.ac.kr/grad_eng/12422/subview.do
10. Dongguk University Global Scholarships
Dongguk University offers a variety of scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate international students. These scholarships can cover up to 100% of tuition, helping students focus on their studies without financial worries.
Link : https://www.standyou.com/study-abroad/dongguk-university-seoul-south-korea/
11. Chonnam National University Scholarship “Medical School”
Chonnam National University offers merit-based scholarships for international students. These scholarships cover tuition fees and provide additional financial assistance to those in need, fostering global talent and enhancing the university’s international profile.
Link : https://medicine.jnu.ac.kr/english/sub/page.php?page_code=admissions_03&ckattempt=1
12. Sogang University Global Scholarship
Sogang University provides fully funded scholarships to international students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements. These scholarships cover tuition and include a monthly stipend to assist with living expenses.
Link : https://scc.sogang.ac.kr/wwwe/scholarships.html
13. KAIST International Students Scholarship
KAIST offers fully funded scholarships for international students, particularly those pursuing studies in science and engineering. These scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and health insurance, encouraging global talent in STEM fields.
Link : https://www.kaist.ac.kr/en/html/edu/03100502.html
14. Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) Scholarship
DGIST offers scholarships for international students in STEM disciplines. These scholarships cover full tuition and provide a living stipend, attracting students passionate about research and technological innovation.
Link : https://www.dgist.ac.kr/eng/sub05_03_02_01.do
Conclusion
South Korea’s fully funded scholarships reflect its commitment to attracting international talent and fostering global educational exchanges. These scholarships not only ease financial burdens but also offer opportunities for cultural exchange and personal growth. Prospective students are encouraged to explore these programs and pursue their academic goals in South Korea.
Though the application process can be challenging, there are resources to guide students along the way. For the most current information, applicants should visit university websites and scholarship portals directly.
