Scholarships for Studying in Korea
Korea offers a variety of scholarships for international students through universities, government agencies, and private foundations. These scholarships help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs, making it easier for talented students worldwide to study and conduct research in Korea.
1. University-Specific Scholarships
Many Korean universities provide scholarships ranging from 30% to 100% of tuition fees, typically based on academic performance. Each university has its own scholarship programs and eligibility criteria. Students interested in university-specific scholarships can find detailed information on the university websites or through the Study in Korea portal.
2. Korean Government Scholarships
The Korean government, through the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provides a range of scholarships to support international students. These programs aim to promote international exchange and attract outstanding students to Korea.
Ministry of Education – NIIED (National Institute for International Education)
Website: http://www.niied.go.kr
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
The GKS program is one of the most recognized government scholarships for international students.
- Eligibility: Citizens of countries with diplomatic ties to Korea (subject to change).
- Fields of Study: All academic fields.
- Programs & Duration:
- Undergraduate: 4–6 years (including 1-year Korean language training)
- Graduate (Master’s): 2 years (including 1-year Korean language training)
- Graduate (PhD): 3 years (including 1-year Korean language training)
- Benefits: Airfare, tuition, living allowance, medical insurance, settlement support, completion grants.
- Number of Recipients: Approx. 300 undergraduates and 1,200 graduate students.
- Application Period: September (undergraduate), February (graduate).
GKS Non-degree Program for Exchange Students
- Eligibility: International students with excellent academic performance.
- Programs: Undergraduate (4 or 10 months), Master’s (4 months).
- Benefits: Academic encouragement grant, initial settlement fund, round-trip airfare.
- How to Apply: Contact the International Exchange Office of each university.
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism – Korea National University of Arts
Website: http://www.karts.ac.kr
Art Major Asian Plus (AMA+) Scholarship
This scholarship supports outstanding overseas art students in various fields.
- Eligibility: Applicants and both parents must hold nationality from an OECD DAC recipient country.
- Fields: Music, Theater, Film, Dance, Fine Arts, Traditional Arts.
- Programs: Undergraduate and Master’s programs.
- Benefits: Airfare, living expenses, Korean language training, tuition, settlement support, graduation support, Korean language excellence scholarship, medical insurance.
- Application Announcement: February each year.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Korea Foundation (KF)
Website: http://www.kf.or.kr
KF provides several scholarships for research and study related to Korea.
KF Fellowship for Postdoctoral Research
- Eligibility: Junior scholars with a PhD in humanities, social sciences, or arts focusing on Korea.
- Duration: 1 year.
- Benefits: Research expenses (amount determined after review).
KF Scholarship for Graduate Studies
- Eligibility: Overseas Master’s or PhD students researching Korean-related topics.
- Duration: 1 year.
- Benefits: Scholarship for research (amount varies by country).
KF Fellowship for Korean Language Training (KLT)
- Eligibility: Korean Studies students with basic Korean language proficiency (undergraduate or graduate).
- Duration: 6 months.
- Benefits: Tuition, course fees, living expenses, arrival support, health insurance (airfare not included).
- Number of Recipients: Approx. 40 per year.
KF Fellowship for Field Research
- Eligibility: Korean-related researchers abroad in humanities, social sciences, or arts. Two types:
- Type A: Doctoral candidates writing dissertations after coursework.
- Type B: Full-time lecturers/professors or professionals with a PhD.
- Benefits:
- Type A: 2.3 million KRW/month
- Type B: 3 million KRW/month
- Includes traveler’s insurance, arrival support, round-trip airfare (economy, shortest distance).
- Number of Recipients: Approx. 30 per year.
- Application Announcement: July each year.
3. Private and Foundation Scholarships
Several private organizations in Korea also provide scholarships for international students. These are often available for students across all fields.
| Institution | Scholarship Name | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Gasan Cultural Foundation | Gasan Global Scholarship | http://www.gasanfund.org |
| Daewoong Foundation | Global Scholarship Program | http://daewoongfoundation.or.kr |
| Rotary Club | Scholarship for International Students | http://www.rotarykorea.org |
| Samsung Dream Scholarship Foundation | Global Hope Scholarship | http://www.sdream.or.kr |
| Pencil Scholarship Foundation | Pencil Scholarship | http://www.pensaf.or.kr |
| Woo Jung Education & Culture Foundation | Scholarship Program | http://www.woojungedu.co.kr/edu |
| Lee & Won Foundation | Asian Fellowship | http://www.leewonfoundation.org |
| POSCO TJ Park Foundation | POSCO Asia Fellowship | https://www.postf.org |
| Hansae Yes24 Foundation | Foreign Students Scholarship | http://www.hansaeyes24foundation.com |
| Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation | Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Scholarship | http://www.hyundai-cmkfoundation.org |
Summary
Korea provides a wide variety of scholarship opportunities through universities, government programs, and private foundations. These programs cover tuition, living costs, research, language training, and travel, allowing international students to focus on their academic and cultural experience in Korea.
Sources:
- National Institute for International Education (NIIED), Guide for International Students – http://www.niied.go.kr
- Study in Korea, Korean Government Scholarship Portal – http://www.studyinkorea.go.kr
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