Scholarships in South Korea for International Students

Are you dreaming of pursuing a Masters degree in South Korea? This vibrant country offers not only outstanding educational institutions but also a variety of scholarships aimed at international students. In this blog post, we'll delve into fully funded scholarships in South Korea for international students, exploring what’s available, how to apply, and why studying in South Korea is a fantastic choice.

South Korea has rapidly become a global hub for education, especially for those seeking postgraduate opportunities. The country is renowned for its cutting-edge technology, rich cultural heritage, and innovative learning environments. Plus, with K-pop and Korean dramas taking the world by storm, there's never been a better time to immerse yourself in Korean culture!

But study costs can be daunting, which is where scholarships come in handy. Let's take a look at some excellent funding options.

There are several scholarships available for international students looking to study in South Korea. Here are some popular options:

The Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), also known as the Global Korea Scholarship, is a fully funded scholarship for international students. It covers undergraduate, master's, and PhD studies and provides the following benefits:

• Full tuition support
• Monthly living allowance
• On-campus housing
• Medical coverage
• Relocation support

The program aims to offer scholarships to 86 students from 67 countries. For more specific details, it is recommended to check the guidelines announced by NIIED-designated Korean universities and to contact the respective university for further information (Global Korea Scholarship 2025).

• Seoul National University: Provides generous scholarships for foreign students, often covering up to 100% of tuition fees (Seoul National University Scholarship 2024 (Fully Funded)).
• KAIST: Offers several scholarships, such as the KAIST International Graduate Students Scholarship, supporting those pursuing Master's or Ph.D. degrees (KAIST Scholarship: Advanced Degree Opportunities in South Korea).
• POSTECH: Provides financial support through the POSTECH Settlement Allowance Scholarship, assisting international students at the beginning of their educational journey in South Korea (POSTECH's Financial Support for International Students: Settlement Scholarship Details).

Make sure to check the specific university’s website for detailed information about available scholarships.

The Asian Development Bank - Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) is open to students from ADB member countries. The scholarship covers full tuition for studies, provides a monthly living expenses stipend, and covers travel costs to and from Japan. Additionally, it offers access to world-class faculty and opportunities for cultural immersion and networking with other ADB scholars (Asian Development Bank - Japan Scholarship Program 2025).

4. Private and local scholarships

Apart from government and university scholarships, there are numerous private organisations and foundations that offer funding opportunities. For instance, the Samsung Global Scholarship Program and the LG Global Scholarship aim to support talented international students.

Applying for scholarships can seem overwhelming, but breaking it down into steps can make it manageable:

1. Research: Start by examining the different scholarships available. Compare eligibility criteria, application processes, and deadlines.
2. Prepare documentation: You'll typically need academic transcripts, a research proposal (especially for postgraduate study), and letters of recommendation. Some scholarships might require a personal statement or an essay.
3. Submit your application: Follow the guidelines for each scholarship closely. Ensure your application is well-organised, and proofread all documents for errors.
4. Follow up: After submitting your application, it's wise to keep track of your application status or reach out to the scholarship office if you have any queries.

Final Thoughts

Scholarships can significantly lighten the financial burden of studying abroad, especially in a country like South Korea where tuition and living expenses can add up. Fully funded scholarships are a vital resource for international students who aspire to study for a Masters degree in this dynamic country.