Pusan National University Scholarships for International Students 2026

Busan, South Korea
Location
36,100
Population
5
Number of Scholarships

Pusan National University is linked to scholarships that can reduce costs in meaningful ways. Here are a few strong options prioritized by funding level.

On the institution side, Pusan National University is connected to scholarships that can reduce tuition and sometimes extend to other study costs. These are practical starting points. TOPIK Scholarship is a full tuition award, and the listed benefits often include full amount of tuition I and II for TOPIK level 6 holders, full amount of tuition II for TOPIK level 5 holders, and tuition I for TOPIK level 4 holders. International Student Scholarship is usually considered full tuition, and typical coverage can include 100% of Tuition II for students who completed their undergraduate degree at Pusan National University and 50% of Tuition II for students with TOPIK level 4 or above and or TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 5.5, New TEPS 326, or TOEIC 675 or higher.

Beyond campus funding, Pusan National University applicants often explore outside opportunities including government backed and independent programs. These are common starting points. Samsung Global Hope Scholarships is fully funded, and coverage often includes undergraduate level : KRW 3,900,000 per semester and Master's and PhD level : KRW 3,500,000 or KRW 5,000,000 per semester. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is fully funded and typically covers tuition fees, airplane tickets, and living stipend.

For the complete set of linked scholarships including additional options and details, continue below on this page.

Pusan National University Scholarships for International Students

The scholarships at Pusan National University can help fund your study expenses. There are currently 5 scholarships being offered to international students at the Pusan National University, all with varying requirements, benefits, and application processes. We have compiled them in this list to help you find the scholarship that best fits you.

What Scholarship Recipients Say:

"This fully funded scholarship covers my round-trip airfare, visa fee, tuition, and a generous stipend to cover living expenses."

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Meenakshi

Read the full story

"Be resourceful by reading as much information as possible and talking to people who have received scholarships."

Global Korea Scholarship – Global Network Program Master’s in International Trade (GSIS Department)

Ufairah

Read the full story

"Today, I walk the shores of Busan, South Korea, pursuing a PhD in Computer Engineering at Pusan National University (PNU)."

Brain Korea 21 (BK21) Scholarship PhD in Computer Engineering

Tesfahunegn Minwuyelet Mengistu

Read the full story

"This work was subsequently recognized with the Academic Researcher Award from Pusan National University. I acknowledge Prof. Yoo’s professional guidance throughout these milestones."

Brain Korea 21 (BK21) Fellowship Ph.D. in Chemistry

Dr. Sangram Keshari Mohanty

Read the full story

"The scholarship comes in the form of a regular stipend every semester until graduation,"

Samsung Global Hope Scholarship Double Degree in Global Studies and Business Administration

Ashkenov Temirlan

Read the full story

"These scholarships and recognitions were not only financial lifelines but also pathways into global networks, mentorship, and research ecosystems that continue to shape my career."

BK21 & PNU International Scholarships PhD in Computer Engineering

Tesfahunegn Minwuyelet Mengistu

Read the full story

Pusan National University Scholarship Recipients

Ufairah profile image

Ufairah

Master’s in International Trade
Indonesia
Global Korea Scholarship

Ufairah from Indonesia is pursuing a Master’s degree in International Trade at Pusan National University under the Global Korea Scholarship. Coming from the remote village of Pendopo Lintang in Sumatra, she was driven by a deep curiosity about the world and a strong family emphasis on education. She prepared for the scholarship by aligning her academic background in International Relations with her chosen field, conducting extensive research on universities, and taking the IELTS after six months of focused study. Her application stood out for its clear articulation of goals and consistent academic and research experience in trade diplomacy.

Read Ufairah’s story to see how clarity of purpose and resourcefulness can open global opportunities, even from the most remote corners.

Meenakshi profile image

Meenakshi

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry
India
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

Meenakshi from India is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at Pusan National University, South Korea, supported by the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS). With a master’s degree from a Central University and a strong academic record, she is now developing emissive molecules for OLEDs in a synthetic polymer chemistry lab. Her journey from humble beginnings to international research reflects a deep commitment to energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technologies.

Check out her story to see how she combined academic excellence, a clear research focus, and authenticity to secure this prestigious scholarship

Dr. Sangram Keshari Mohanty profile image

Dr. Sangram Keshari Mohanty

PhD in Chemistry
India
Brain Korea 21 Fellowship

Dr. Sangram Keshari Mohanty from India earned his PhD in Chemistry at Pusan National University, South Korea, supported by the Brain Korea 21 Fellowship. His award-winning research focused on advanced electrocatalysts for zinc–air batteries and CO₂ reduction, leading to multiple postdoctoral fellowships, including BK21, PNU, and G-LAMP.

Read his story to see how clear research goals and strong publications helped him secure top fellowships in energy storage.

Pusan National University FAQ

Are there any scholarships at Pusan National University that are for online courses?

Most PNU scholarships are designed for admitted degree students (they reduce or cover your on-campus tuition), rather than being “online-course-only” scholarships.

Are courses taught at Pusan National University in English or in Korean?

PNU teaches in both Korean and English, but the mix depends on your department. Many majors are primarily Korean-taught, while PNU also offers a large number of English-taught classes and some fully English programs. For example, PNU’s Global Studies Program is explicitly built around English delivery, “all lectures are carried out in English,”and exchange students can choose from a substantial list of English-taught courses each semester. Scholarship stories echo this variation too: Dr. Sangram Keshari Mohanty notes, “As I applied to a Korean university with English-based graduate programs, I submitted my TOEIC scores to demonstrate English proficiency.”

Is there an age limit to get scholarships at Pusan National University?

Many PNU internal scholarships don’t advertise a single universal “age limit,” but some major scholarship routes do have age rules, especially government scholarships. For instance, Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) guidelines commonly set age limits (e.g., undergraduate applicants must be under a specified age, and graduate applicants must be under a specified age, with limited exceptions). So the practical answer is: your age eligibility depends on which scholarship you’re targeting (PNU internal vs. external/government-funded like GKS), so always match your plan to that scholarship’s current guideline.

For which subjects does Pusan National University offer scholarships for?

PNU scholarships generally apply across a wide range of majors (the scholarship typically supports the student, not just one subject area). That means you’ll see funded students in STEM and engineering, business, humanities, and more. Examples from PNU’s English-friendly academic options include fields such as Global Studies (interdisciplinary), Business Administration, Mechanical Engineering, and International Studies (e.g., GSIS). For medicine: PNU does offer medicine-related graduate pathways (and related professional/health fields), but medicine programs often have additional constraints for international students (language, clinical requirements, licensing pathways). If you’re specifically aiming at medicine as an international student, confirm whether your target track is open to international applicants.

For which nationalities does Pusan National University offer scholarships for?

PNU’s university scholarships are broadly aimed at “international students,” so they commonly cover applicants from many countries (subject to admission eligibility). For external scholarships, they often have nationality restrictions. A very practical example from scholarship stories: Ashkenov Zhanybek explains that Samsung Global Hope-style eligibility can track the OECD DAC list and notes, “the list changes,” so your country may be eligible one year and not another. Government scholarships like GKS can also be restricted to designated or invited countries depending on the track and year. Bottom line: PNU is open to many nationalities, but each scholarship has its own nationality rule—always check that scholarship’s current list.

Is having a language proficiency test necessary (IELTS, TOEFL, TOPIK, etc.) for Pusan National University? If not, is it necessary for scholarships—and can I get scholarships with it?

It depends on your program track. For many PNU admissions routes, you’ll meet either Korean-track requirements (often via TOPIK) or English-track requirements (often via TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent). Scholarships can also be strongly affected by language scores, especially TOPIK-based tuition support. Ashkenov Zhanybek puts it plainly: “The higher your TOPIK level, the higher your chances to be accepted into PNU and the higher your scholarship amount will be.” At the same time, language tests are not always mandatory for every scholarship path: Meenakshi shares, “Thankfully, these exams were not mandatory for the GKS application,” and she says selection emphasized “academic achievements, personal statement, and study plan.” Still, strong language scores can directly unlock funding in some cases. Tesfahunegn Minwuyelet Mengistu even lists: “Received an entrance scholarship in 2023 for achieving a high IELTS score.”

Is there a minimum grade for acceptance at Pusan National University?

PNU admissions are program- and department-specific, so there isn’t one single minimum grade that applies to everyone in a simple way. In practice, competitive applicants tend to have strong academic records, and scholarship recipients often show high GPAs. For example, Ufairah entered with “GPA: 3.86/4.00,” and Meenakshi reports a “CGPA of 9.0.” Also note the difference between admission and scholarship retention: some PNU scholarship rules focus on keeping your funding after you enroll (for instance, certain scholarships require maintaining a minimum GPA). Scholarship stories can be even stricter. Tesfahunegn’s academic performance award description includes: “Must maintain a GPA of 4.00+ in the previous semester.”

What is a good academic background to get a scholarship at Pusan National University?

A strong GPA (or top rank), clear academic direction, and a well-prepared study plan are the common pattern; then you add differentiators like research, publications, competitions, leadership, and volunteering. Meenakshi says her selection leaned on “academic achievements, personal statement, and study plan,” and she also highlights how organizing her profile beyond grades helped. Dr. Sangram Keshari Mohanty gives a very scholarship-realistic checklist: “Focus on building a strong academic profile—grades, research experience, and publications matter.” If your target is a merit-heavy scholarship, aim to show both performance (grades) and trajectory (why your past work logically leads to the PNU program you want).

What documents do I need to apply for Pusan National University?

Exact documents vary by level (undergrad/grad) and by track, but common requirements include: application form, passport copy/ID, graduation certificate/diploma, academic transcripts, proof of language (TOPIK or TOEFL/IELTS/etc. depending on your track), study plan and/or personal statement, recommendation letters (often for graduate), and financial proof (or scholarship proof). Scholarship recipients consistently emphasize document readiness: Ufairah says, “While preparing documents and handling technical requirements is mandatory,” and Meenakshi adds, “I prioritized organizing all the required documents well in advance.”

What courses are available at Pusan National University?

PNU is a comprehensive university, so you’ll find programs across STEM and engineering, business, social sciences, humanities, and interdisciplinary areas, plus professional and graduate options in health/medical-related fields. If you want English-heavy choices, you can target fully English programs (like Global Studies) and also select from hundreds of English-taught courses offered each semester across multiple departments. Examples of departments that are frequently highlighted for international students include Global Studies (interdisciplinary), Business Administration, Mechanical Engineering, and International Studies (GSIS track options). The best way to confirm fit is to shortlist your major and then review the department’s curriculum and recent course listings (especially if you’re trying to maximize English-taught modules).

Is there an application fee at Pusan National University?

Yes, PNU admissions commonly include an application fee, and guidelines often note that “submitted documents and application fees will not be returned or refunded.” The exact amount can vary by level (undergraduate vs. graduate) and by semester. As one concrete reference point, the international graduate admissions guide for a recent intake lists a total online application fee (including an internet administration fee). Always confirm the exact fee in the specific semester’s official application guideline you’re using.

Pusan National University Admissions

Here are the official admission pages for Pusan National University:

Pusan National University Application Deadlines

Degree Admission Deadline
Bachelor's (Fall)April 4, 2025
Bachelor's (Spring)October 1, 2025
Master's (Fall)April 18, 2025
Master's (Spring)October 24, 2025

Tuition Fees at Pusan National University for International Students

Degree Tuition Fee Range
Bachelor's Tuition 4,138,000 - 6,394,000 KRW
Master's Tuition 5,304,000 - 11,964,000 KRW

Please note that tuition fees can vary based on the specific program you choose. To get accurate tuition fee information, be sure to consult the official tuition fee pages.

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun Lee profile photo
Hi! I am Hyun, and I am the founder at Global Scholarships. I've received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College and a $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for my undergraduate degree and was offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. You can read more about my scholarship journey here. If you are interested, you can follow me on Linkedin where I regularly write about scholarships.

12 Comments

  1. Kamoliddin August 24, 2023 at 4:50 pm - Reply

    Hi, Pusan National University sparked my interest and maybe I will apply for this uni. Can I get scholarship with my IELTS?

    • Hyun Lee August 28, 2023 at 12:08 pm - Reply

      Hello, yes Pusan National University does offer graduate scholarships for students with IELTS. That scholarship is International Student Scholarships. For undergraduate students, they only offer scholarships based on TOPIK scores, which are Korean Proficiency Test.

  2. Sara March 5, 2024 at 7:20 am - Reply

    Hello, I am really excited to study at Pusan University for 2024 fall semester. Can I get scholarship with ielts band 6?

  3. Anonymous October 15, 2024 at 6:26 pm - Reply

    What is the Deadline for next year?

    • Hyun Lee October 18, 2024 at 8:36 pm - Reply

      The deadline should be around April 2025 for the Fall semester and October 2025 for the Spring semester.

  4. Anonymous December 29, 2024 at 8:21 pm - Reply

    Do you know if the programs are taught in English?

    • Hyun Lee January 7, 2025 at 4:35 am - Reply

      Yes, Pusan National University does offer English taught programs.

  5. Shatabdi Paul January 16, 2025 at 2:24 pm - Reply

    Hello! I am interested in Pusan National university. Can I apply for MBA with IELTS 6.0 or get scholarship? What is the deadline if I want to study from September 2025?

    • Hyun Lee January 25, 2025 at 2:44 pm - Reply

      Hello, yes, you should be able to apply with IELTS 6.0 and get a 50% scholarship with International Student Scholarship. The new application deadlines hasn’t been published, but the deadline last year was end of April, so it should be the same this year too.

  6. Enyew March 16, 2025 at 12:55 am - Reply

    Hello Dear, I am interested to apply GKS 2025. what about the deadline of the application?

    • Hyun Lee March 17, 2025 at 5:27 pm - Reply

      Hello, check the GKS scholarships page linked above. The deadline is different for bachelors and graduate degrees as well as embassy and university track.

Leave A Comment