South Korea is widely known for K-pop and K-beauty, but it is also a strong study destination for international students. The country is home to excellent institutions, including universities that regularly appear in global university rankings.
Although South Korea is a developed economy, the cost of living in Korea can be more affordable than in many other developed study destinations, depending on the city and lifestyle. South Korean food, culture, technology, and campus life continue to attract students from around the world.
If you are planning to study in Korea, applying for a scholarship can help reduce the cost of tuition and living expenses. Check out the list below. Where available, we also included stories from scholarship recipients so you can learn from their experiences.
Top Scholarships in South Korea for International Students
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Type | Eligible Degrees | Scholarship Value |
|---|
| Global Korea Scholarship | Korean government | Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D. degrees at eligible Korean institutions | Tuition support, monthly allowance, Korean language training, medical insurance, settlement allowance, and other benefits depending on the track |
| POSCO Asia Fellowship program | POSCO TJ Park Foundation | Master’s
Ph.D. | Full tuition for the approved period, KRW 1,000,000 monthly living expenses, settlement fee, National Health Insurance support, Korean language education, and cultural programs |
| Professor’s Scholarship | Multiple institutions and research labs | Master’s
Ph.D. | Varies by professor, lab, department, and project; may include tuition support, research assistant pay, or a monthly stipend |
| Underwood International College Admissions Scholarship | Yonsei University | Bachelor’s | Full tuition for up to four years for selected newly admitted international UIC students |
| Korea University Scholarships | Korea University | Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D. | Varies by program; some scholarships provide partial to full tuition support |
| Ewha Global Partnership Program | Ewha Womans University | Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D. | Full tuition, on-campus dormitory fee for dormitory residents, and stipend |
| KDI School Scholarship | KDI School of Public Policy and Management | Master’s
Ph.D. | Internal scholarships may include full tuition waiver, a monthly stipend of at least KRW 1,200,000, and other support |
| Samsung Global Hope Scholarship Program | Samsung Dream Scholarship Foundation | Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D. students at partner universities | KRW 4,800,000 per semester for undergraduate and graduate students, with maximum support periods by degree level |
| Art Major Asian Plus (AMA+) Scholarship | Korea National University of Arts | Bachelor’s
Master’s | Airfare, KRW 800,000 monthly allowance, Korean language training, full regular-semester tuition coverage, settlement allowance, thesis allowance, Korean proficiency grant, medical insurance, and dormitory priority |
| KOICA Scholarships | Korean government / KOICA and partner universities | Usually Master’s; selected doctoral programs may be available depending on the call | Generally includes tuition, airfare, living allowance, accommodation or housing support, insurance, and related academic support; details vary by KOICA program and university |
| Scholarships for International Students | Dongseo University | Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D. | Scholarship coverage varies by degree level, admission category, language score, and academic performance |
| International Student Scholarship | Hongik University | Master’s
Ph.D. | Selected foreign graduate students may receive KRW 1,000,000 for the first semester |
| Seoul National University President Fellowship (SPF) | Seoul National University | Ph.D. | Full tuition for up to six semesters, KRW 1,500,000 to KRW 2,000,000 monthly stipend for 3 to 4 years, round-trip airfare, Korean language training, and National Health Insurance reimbursement |
| Handong Global University Scholarships | Handong Global University | Bachelor’s
Master’s | Varies by program; graduate regular-admission students may receive an average 65% tuition scholarship for two years if they meet GPA conditions |
| Academic Scholarships for Undergraduate Students | Konkuk University | Bachelor’s | Entrance scholarship rates vary by the current admission guideline and language or internal-test results |
| Graduate Assistantship | Pohang University of Science and Technology | Master’s
Ph.D. | Teaching or research assistantships may cover tuition, living allowance, and dormitory fee depending on department and advisor selection |
| Dankook University Scholarships | Dankook University | Bachelor’s
Master’s | Scholarship coverage varies by admission track, language score, and current admission guideline |
| Hanyang International Scholarship Program | Hanyang University | Bachelor’s | 50%, 70%, or 100% tuition reduction for selected undergraduate students, depending on admission evaluation |
| Admission Scholarship | Kookmin University | Bachelor’s | Current-student scholarship categories may provide up to 100% tuition support; admission scholarship details should be checked in the current undergraduate guide |
| New Student Scholarships | Ajou University | Master’s
Ph.D. | Ajou Global Scholarship may provide 40% tuition for Master’s students and 80% tuition for doctoral students who meet scholarship assessment and language requirements |
| Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Scholarships | Hankuk University of Foreign Studies | Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D. | Scholarship coverage varies by school and program; graduate international scholarship options may include partial to full tuition support |
| International Student Scholarship | Pusan National University | Master’s
Ph.D. | New graduate students with qualifying language scores may receive half of Tuition II for the first semester |
| UNIST Scholarship | Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology | Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D. | Graduate students generally receive tuition support and a monthly personal support amount; undergraduate support varies by scholarship type |
| KAIST International Student Scholarship | Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology | Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D. | KAIST scholarship support varies by degree level, department, and scholarship type; students should check KAIST’s current scholarship rules and department guidance |
| Jungseok International Scholarship | Inha University | Master’s
Ph.D. | Up to 70% of entrance and tuition fees for eligible students with high Korean or English test scores |
| Newly Admitted International Students Scholarships | Hallym University | Bachelor’s | Korean Track scholarships vary by TOPIK score; English Track students may receive 50% tuition reduction |
| Soongsil Global Scholarship | Soongsil University | Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D. | Entrance and continuing scholarships vary by TOPIK level, GPA, credits, and degree level; some categories provide up to 100% tuition waiver |
| International Student Admissions Scholarship | Myongji University | Bachelor’s
Master’s | Scholarship coverage varies by degree level, recommendation, GPA, and language requirements; graduate scholarships may range from partial to full tuition excluding admission fee |
| Brain Korea 21 Fellowship | Korean government / participating universities | Master’s
Ph.D. | Research scholarship support for selected graduate students in participating BK21 education and research teams; amount and eligibility vary by team and university |
1. Global Korea Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees at eligible Korean institutions
- Meet the GKS Scholars: Explore scholarship journeys including Nain from Pakistan and Kounen from India
The Global Korea Scholarship, managed by the Korean government through NIIED, is one of the best-known scholarship options for international students in South Korea. It supports eligible undergraduate and graduate students who want to study at participating Korean universities.
Benefits vary by program track and year, but GKS generally includes tuition support, a monthly allowance, Korean language training, medical insurance, settlement allowance, and other support. Applicants must check the current GKS guidelines for their degree level because eligibility rules, available countries, quotas, and benefit details can change by admission cycle.
2. POSCO Asia Fellowships
The POSCO Asia Fellowship, administered by the POSCO TJ Park Foundation, supports talented students from eligible Asian countries who plan to pursue graduate study in South Korea. The foundation lists different support periods for Master’s, doctoral, and integrated Master’s and doctoral programs.
The fellowship covers full tuition for the approved scholarship period and provides KRW 1,000,000 per month for living expenses. It also includes an initial settlement fee, National Health Insurance premium support, Korean language education, certificate award ceremonies, welfare services, and Korean cultural experience programs.
3. Professor’s Scholarship
Professor’s Scholarships in South Korea are usually research assistantships or lab-based funding arrangements for graduate students. They are most common in STEM fields and are often funded through a professor’s research project budget rather than a centralized university scholarship office.
Because these scholarships are arranged by individual professors or labs, the benefits vary widely. Some students may receive tuition support, a monthly stipend, health insurance, research assistant pay, airfare support, or a combination of benefits. Applicants should contact potential supervisors directly and confirm the funding terms before accepting admission.
4. Underwood International College Admissions Scholarship (Yonsei University)
Yonsei University is one of South Korea’s best-known private universities. Its Underwood International College is a highly selective four-year liberal arts college where all instruction is conducted in English.
The UIC Admissions Scholarship is available to newly admitted international students. The official UIC admissions page lists the scholarship type as full tuition for four years, and applicants are considered through the admission process.
5. Korea University Scholarships
Korea University offers a range of scholarship opportunities for international students, and the exact scholarship rules depend on the college, graduate school, degree level, and admission cycle.
For example, Korea University’s Graduate School of International Studies notes that many international students may receive scholarships covering 50% to 100% of tuition based on academic performance. Applicants should check the scholarship page for the specific Korea University program to which they are applying.
6. Ewha Global Partnership Program (Ewha Womans University)
Ewha Womans University is a private university in Seoul, South Korea. One of its major scholarships for international applicants is the Ewha Global Partnership Program.
The EGPP is for applicants from developing countries who apply through Ewha’s special admissions process for international applicants and demonstrate leadership potential. Ewha lists the coverage as full tuition, including the admission fee, housing fee for dormitory residents, and a stipend. Recipients must also meet the university’s scholarship and insurance requirements.
7. Korea Development Institute of Public Policy and Management (KDIS) Scholarship
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Ph.D.
- Meet the KDIS Scholars: Explore scholarship journeys including Fatimetou from Mauritania
KDI School of Public Policy and Management offers internal scholarships for admitted international students. According to current international applicant guidance, all internal scholarships include a full tuition waiver, a monthly stipend of at least KRW 1,200,000, and other miscellaneous support.
For Master’s applicants, full scholarship benefits are primarily intended for nationals of ODA recipient countries on the OECD DAC list, while applicants from non-ODA recipient countries may receive partial rather than full support. Accepted Ph.D. students may receive full scholarship benefits regardless of nationality, subject to the school’s current rules.
8. Samsung Global Hope Scholarship Program
The Samsung Global Hope Scholarship Program supports students from countries on the DAC List of ODA Recipients who are studying at Samsung Dream Scholarship Foundation partner universities in Korea. Students apply through partner universities and are recommended to the foundation.
The foundation lists KRW 4,800,000 per semester for undergraduate and graduate students. The maximum support period is eight semesters for undergraduate students, four semesters for Master’s students, six semesters for doctoral students, and eight semesters for combined Master’s and doctoral students.
9. Art Major Asian Plus (AMA+) Scholarship (Korea National University of Arts)
Korea National University of Arts offers the Art Major Asian Plus Scholarship, also known as AMA+. The current application guideline states that AMA+ has supported 400 students from 41 countries since 2005.
The scholarship benefits include economy-class airfare for entrance and graduation, a KRW 800,000 monthly allowance, Korean language training, full regular-semester tuition coverage, a KRW 200,000 settlement allowance, thesis allowance support, Korean proficiency grants, Korea’s National Health Insurance, and priority in school dormitory reservations.
10. KOICA Scholarship
- Eligible Degree/s: Usually Master’s; selected doctoral programs may be available depending on the call
- Meet KOICA Scholars: Read stories of students who received the KOICA Scholarship including María Belén from Ecuador
The KOICA Scholarship Program is connected to Korea’s official development cooperation and is designed mainly for public officials and professionals from partner countries. KOICA scholarship calls and participating university programs may change each year.
Benefits typically include tuition, round-trip airfare, a monthly allowance, accommodation or housing support, insurance, and academic or cultural activities, but applicants should verify the current benefit package in the official KOICA or partner-university call for their specific program.
11. Scholarships for International Students (Dongseo University)
Dongseo University offers scholarships for international students, but the scholarship amount depends on the degree level, admission category, language score, and academic performance.
Because Dongseo’s current admission guidelines list different scholarship categories, applicants should review the latest undergraduate or graduate admission guide before applying. Scholarship rules and renewal requirements may change by semester.
12. International Student Scholarship (Hongik University)
Hongik University is a private university in Seoul with graduate and professional programs in several fields, including design.
For eligible foreign graduate students, Hongik’s International Design School for Advanced Studies lists a Foreign Student Scholarship of KRW 1,000,000 reimbursed for the first semester. Students should check the relevant Hongik graduate school because scholarship rules can differ by graduate unit.
13. Seoul National University President Fellowship (SPF)
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount for Ph.D.: full tuition support for up to six semesters, monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, Korean language training, National Health Insurance reimbursement, and other support
- Meet the SNU President Fellowship Scholars: Read stories of scholarship recipients including Jennifer from the Philippines
The Seoul National University President Fellowship is a doctoral fellowship for outstanding newly admitted Ph.D. students. Priority is given to faculty members from major universities in developing countries in Asia, Africa, South America, and other regions.
SNU lists the SPF benefits as full tuition exemption for up to six semesters, KRW 1,500,000 to KRW 2,000,000 in monthly living expenses for 3 to 4 years, round-trip airfare, Korean language training, and National Health Insurance reimbursement.
14. Handong Global University Scholarships
Handong Global University offers undergraduate and graduate admission routes for international students. Graduate students admitted through regular admission may receive an average 65% tuition scholarship for two years if they meet the stated GPA condition.
Scholarship details vary by degree level and admission type, so applicants should review Handong’s current undergraduate or graduate admission page before applying.
15. Academic Scholarships for Undergraduate Students (Konkuk University)
Konkuk University offers entrance scholarships for international undergraduate students, but the specific categories and amounts can change by admission year.
Recent admission guidelines show scholarship categories tied to Korean proficiency or internal test results. Because older scholarship rates may no longer apply, applicants should use the latest admission guideline rather than relying on older TOPIK-based figures.
16. Graduate Assistantship (Pohang University of Science and Technology)
Pohang University of Science and Technology, also known as POSTECH, is a private research university in Pohang, South Korea.
Graduate students may receive support through POSTECH teaching or research assistantships. The current graduate admissions guide states that students selected as teaching or research assistants may receive support that covers living allowance, tuition fee, and dormitory fee, although the details may vary by department and advisor.
17. Dankook University Scholarships
Dankook University offers scholarship information through its Office of International Affairs and international student guidebooks.
Scholarship coverage can vary by admission track, language score, and semester. Applicants should review the current Dankook University international admission guide for the English Track Program or their chosen program before relying on any specific 50% to 100% tuition-waiver figure.
18. Hanyang International Scholarship Program (Hanyang University)
Hanyang University offers the Hanyang International Scholarship Program for selected undergraduate international students.
Current admission materials list HISP benefit levels of 100%, 70%, or 50% tuition reduction. Freshman recipients may receive the scholarship for up to eight semesters, and transfer recipients may receive it for up to four semesters, subject to the university’s continuation requirements.
19. Admission Scholarship (Kookmin University)
Kookmin University offers scholarships for international undergraduate students, including current-student scholarships based on GPA, credits, insurance status, and TOPIK requirements.
Because admission scholarship conditions can change by intake, applicants should use Kookmin University’s current undergraduate admission guide to confirm scholarship rates and whether they are automatically considered or need to apply separately.
20. New Student Scholarships (Ajou University)
Ajou University offers Ajou Global Scholarships for new international graduate students. Scholarship selection is made by the university’s scholarship assessment committee upon departmental recommendation.
The current graduate-school scholarship page lists 40% tuition support for Master’s students and 80% tuition support for doctoral students who meet the stated language and scholarship assessment requirements. This graduate scholarship does not waive the entrance fee.
21. Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Scholarships
Hankuk University of Foreign Studies offers scholarship options across different schools and degree levels.
At the graduate level, HUFS lists several international student scholarships, including entrance, general, research assistant, 3+1 study abroad, GKS, and other scholarships. Coverage varies by program and scholarship type, so applicants should review the scholarship page for the specific HUFS school to which they are applying.
22. International Student Scholarship (Pusan National University)
Pusan National University offers scholarship programs for international students, including first-semester scholarships for new graduate students.
PNU’s scholarship page states that first-year enrolled Master’s or doctoral students with a qualifying language score, such as TOPIK Level 4, TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 5.5, TEPS 600, New TEPS 326, or TOEIC 675 or above, may receive half of Tuition II for the first semester.
23. UNIST Scholarship
Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology is a research-focused public university in Ulsan, South Korea.
UNIST graduate admissions guidance states that all UNIST students receive RA or TA scholarship support covering full tuition and a monthly stipend. Study in Korea’s university information page also lists graduate tuition support and a personal support amount of KRW 1,100,000, but students should confirm the current amount and conditions with UNIST because support may vary by program and semester.
24. KAIST International Student Scholarship (KAIST)
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, also known as KAIST, is a major science and technology university in South Korea.
KAIST scholarship support varies by degree level, department, and scholarship type. Instead of relying on one universal stipend figure, applicants should check KAIST’s current scholarship rules and the scholarship page of the department or college to which they are applying.
25. Jungseok International Scholarship (Inha University)
Inha University is a private university in Incheon, South Korea. It offers several scholarships for international graduate students.
The Jungseok International Scholarship provides different tuition-reduction levels based on language qualifications. The highest listed category includes students with TOPIK Level 5 or 6, TOEFL iBT 92, TOEIC 820, IELTS 7, or equivalent accepted scores and provides 70% of entrance and tuition fees.
26. Newly Admitted International Students Scholarships (Hallym University)
Hallym University offers scholarships for newly admitted international undergraduate students.
Recent Hallym admission guides list Korean Track scholarships with different tuition-reduction rates based on TOPIK scores and English Track scholarships with a 50% tuition reduction. Applicants should review the current admission guide for the applicable semester because scholarship policies are subject to change.
27. Soongsil Global Scholarship (Soongsil University)
Soongsil University offers entrance and continuing scholarships for international students. Scholarship amounts depend on the admission track, TOPIK level, GPA, credit completion, and the student’s degree level.
Recent international admission materials show that some Soongsil scholarship categories can provide up to a 100% tuition waiver, while other categories provide partial tuition reductions. Applicants should check the current admission guide for the specific intake before applying.
28. International Student Admissions Scholarship (Myongji University)
Myongji University offers scholarships for international students, but scholarship rates differ by undergraduate and graduate rules.
For graduate students, Myongji’s official English brochure lists scholarship categories from 20% to 100% tuition support, excluding the admission fee, depending on recommendation, GPA, and Korean or English language requirements. Undergraduate applicants should check the current undergraduate admission guide for updated scholarship rates.
29. Brain Korea 21 Fellowship
Brain Korea 21, also known as BK21, is a Korean government-supported graduate education and research program. It funds selected education and research teams at participating universities and is intended to support graduate research training.
BK21 support is not a single universal scholarship with the same amount at every university. Eligibility, selection, stipend amount, and research-support benefits depend on the participating BK21 team and the student’s university or department.
If you are interested, check this guide on how to find scholarships in Korea:
We hope this article on the best scholarships in South Korea for international students was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Study in Korea and Available Courses for International Students!
