Top scholarships in South Korea for international students

Many great things come from South Korea: Samsung, K-pop, self-driving cars, kimchi. The East Asian nation’s meteoric rise from poor agriculture-based economy to one of the most high-tech today has piqued the interest of foreigners.

Many are clamouring to study at its unis with the hopes of making a living here — in 2020, there were 68,000 international students enrolled in the country’s undergraduate programmes. Win one of the many scholarships in South Korea and you will be on your way to join them.

The East Asian nation’s meteoric rise from poor agriculture-based economy to one of the most high-tech today has piqued the interest of foreigners. Source: Ed Jones/AFP

Now, while the average cost of living in South Korea is reasonable, it’s not as cheap as its neighbours China or Malaysia. The good news is there are scholarships in South Korea that provide financial support for international students.

Global Korea Scholarship

Enrollees are required to take one year of Korean language training courses. To apply, your parents must be citizens of their country of origin (and obviously not Korean), be under 25 years of age for undergrad studies and under 40 for graduate studies.  A grade point average of above 80% (GPA) and a bachelor’s or master’s degree is necessary upon date of arrival.

Living here doesn’t have to be expensive, more so if you are a recipient of one of the many scholarships in South Korea.. Source: Ed Jones/AFP

Ghent University Global Campus 

This joint collaboration with the top 100 European university awards high-achieving PhD applicants in Physical Chemistry. The award for the 2021-2022 academic session on the Incheon Global Campus in South Korea covers all costs. 

To apply, you need to take an admission test for the PhD research degree at the uni and have that sent to Professor Serge Zhuiykov along with supporting documents like your CV, application letter and so forth. Strong English language proficiency and outstanding academic skills are required.

A general view shows the last sunset of the year from Namsan tower in Seoul. Source: Jung Yeon-je/AFP

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)

Application for this fully-funded scholarship to pursue a two-year master’s programme or four-year PhD at GIST is online. You’ll need to send official transcripts and certificates, letters of recommendation and proof of English language proficiency.

Koreatech International Postdoctoral programme

The Korea University of Technology and Education (Koreatech) invites foreign applicants for a postdoctoral position at the School of Mechatronics Engineering. Participants will also be able to work after completing the programme, with an expected salary of over 30 million won per year.

Scholarships in South Korea offer financial support to study in one of the most high-tech nations in the world. Source: Jung Yeon-je/AFP

Eligibility requirements include: skills in electronics or polymer materials; a PhD in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Chemistry or Material Science; and proof of English language proficiency.

Kunsan National University 

This is one of the scholarships in South Korea for those looking to pursue a master’s or PhD programme in intelligent autonomous systems design and control. To apply, you need to supply: a CV with a photo, your certificates of completion of past courses, conference papers if you have the and proof of English language proficiency.