Korean Scholarships 2026 Fully-Funded. Apply for fully funded scholarships from here. Dreaming of pursuing your Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in a country known for cutting-edge technology, rich culture, and academic excellence? Look no further! South Korea’s fully-funded scholarship programs are your gateway to a world-class education. This guide covers everything you need to know about applying for Korean scholarships in 2026.
MSU Out-of-State Resident Scholarship in USA (Funded)
The most prestigious opportunity is the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), also known as the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS). It’s the flagship program that covers everything from your flight ticket to your monthly allowance.
Types of Fully-Funded Scholarships
While there are many university-specific scholarships, the GKS is the most comprehensive and sought-after. It is offered through two tracks:
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Embassy Track: You apply through the Korean Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
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University Track: You apply directly to one of the participating Korean universities.
Pro Tip: You can often only apply through one track, so choose carefully! The embassy track is usually more competitive, while the university track allows you to connect directly with your chosen professor.
What Does “Fully-Funded” Actually Cover?
The GKS scholarship is incredibly generous. If you win it, you typically receive:
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Full Tuition Coverage: Exemption for all semesters of your program.
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Round-Trip Airfare: Economy class flight ticket to and from Korea.
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Monthly Stipend:
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Undergraduate: ~KRW 900,000 per month
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Graduate: ~KRW 1,000,000 per month
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- Settlement Allowance: A one-time payment upon arrival (~KRW 200,000).
- Korean Language Training: Full coverage for a 1-year language course.
- Medical Insurance: Health coverage for the duration of your scholarship.
- Research Fund: For graduate students (~KRW 210,000 – 240,000 per semester).
- Thesis Printing Costs: For graduate students.
- Korean Proficiency Grants: Extra cash reward for achieving a high TOPIK level.
Chang Gung University Scholarship in Taiwan (Fully Funded)
Eligibility Criteria (In Simple Terms)
To be eligible for the GKS scholarship, you must generally meet these conditions:
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Nationality: You and your parents must not hold Korean citizenship.
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Age: You must be under 25 for undergraduate programs or under 40 for graduate programs by the application deadline.
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Academic Background: You must have completed (or be about to complete) the required level of education (e.g., high school for Bachelor’s, Bachelor’s degree for Master’s).
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Grades: You must have a strong academic record. A CGPA of at least 80% or higher from your previous institution is often a baseline.
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Health: You must be in good physical and mental health.
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Other: You typically cannot have previously received a Korean government scholarship.
Required Documents Checklist
Start gathering these documents early! You will usually need:
- Application Form (from the official portal)
- Personal Statement & Study Plan (Extremely important! Be specific and compelling)
- Letters of Recommendation (Usually 2 or 3)
- Official Academic Transcripts and Diploma
- Proof of Citizenship (Passport Copy)
- Proof of Age (Birth Certificate or Passport)
- Medical Assessment Form
- Agreement Form (stating you will follow the scholarship rules)
- Language Proficiency Certificates (TOPIK for Korean, TOEFL/IELTS for English)
Note: All documents not in English or Korean must be officially notarized and translated.
Said Foundation Scholarship in UK (Fully Funded)
The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Overview
The process for the 2026 intake will likely follow this timeline. Dates are estimates based on previous years.
- February – March 2026: Application period opens. Find the announcement on the NIIED Website or your local Korean Embassy’s website.
- Submit Application: Apply via your chosen track (Embassy or University).
- April – May 2026: First selection. Embassies or universities review applications and conduct interviews.
- June 2026: Second selection. The National Institute for International Education (NIIED) in Korea reviews the shortlisted candidates.
- July 2026: Final results are announced!
- August 2026: Korean language training begins for those who need it.
- March 2027: Regular degree program begins.
🔗 Direct Link to the Official Source
The official guidelines for the 2026 scholarship are not out yet. However, you can review the 2025 guidelines to understand the process and start preparing.
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NIIED (GKS) Official Website: Study in Korea – GKS Notice Board
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Application Portal: GKS Scholarship Application System
Bookmark these pages and check them regularly for the 2026 announcement!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need to know Korean to apply?
A: For most programs, no. You can apply with an English proficiency certificate (like IELTS/TOEFL) if your chosen program is taught in English. However, winning the scholarship includes a mandatory 1-year Korean language course, which you must pass to start your degree.
Q: Can I choose any university in Korea?
A: No. You must choose from the list of universities designated by NIIED for the GKS program. The list is published each year with the application guidelines.
Q: How competitive is the GKS scholarship?
A: It is highly competitive, with thousands of applicants worldwide for a few hundred spots. A strong academic record is important, but a unique and well-written study plan and compelling letters of recommendation are what often set successful applicants apart.
Q: Is there an application fee?
A: No, applying for the GKS scholarship is completely free.
Helpful Tips for a Strong Application
- Start Early: Don’t wait for the 2026 announcement. Begin drafting your study plan and statement of purpose now.
- Connect with Professors: For the university track, emailing a professor whose research aligns with your interests can be a huge advantage.
- Be Specific in Your Study Plan: Don’t just say you want to study “computer science.” Name specific labs, professors, and research projects at your target universities that excite you.
- Get Your Documents Ready: Start getting your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and passport in order to avoid a last-minute rush.
- Learn a Little Korean: While not mandatory, showing even basic Korean language interest in your application can demonstrate your genuine commitment to studying in Korea.
Pursuing a degree in South Korea can be a life-changing experience. With careful preparation and a strong application, you could be on your way to Seoul in 2026 with all your expenses covered. Good luck!
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List of Korean Scholarships 2025
1# Seoul National University Scholarships
The Scholarships are offered for Undergraduate, Masters, and Ph.D. students who can apply. This university is ranked 9th in Asia and 37th number in the QS world ranking. SNU does not require IELTS/TOEFL.
- For More Information: Visit Here
2# KAIST University Scholarship in South Korea
The scholarships are fully funded, both Masters and Ph.D. The KAIST University is offering 300 Scholarships. It will Cover all the Expenses. There is no need for IELTS or TOEFL tests. You can Submit an English Proficiency Certificate.
- For More Information: Visit Here
3# UST Scholarships in South Korea
There are 300 Masters and Ph.D. Scholarships at UST. UST is one best and most highly-paid scholarship programs in the world. You will have very little time to complete the Application.
- For More Information: Visit Here
4# GIST University Scholarships
This is a Fully Funded Scholarship for Bachelor’s Students. The Total Duration will be 4 Years. The Scholarship covers all expenses.
- For More Information: Visit Here
List of Korean Universities 2025
1) EWHA Woman’s University
Last Dates: 10 September
University Official Website
2) Sookmyung Women’s University
Deadline: 16 September
3) KAIST
Last Date to apply: 18 September
University official Website
4) UST-University of Science & Technology
Last Date to apply: 18 September
University Official Website
5) Sejong
Last Date: Late September (Advanced Notice, check yourself as well the deadlines regularly)
6) KDI-Korea Development Institute
Last Dates: 05 October
7) Kyungpook National University
Last Date: Start of October
Professor Scholarship
University Official Website
Chungnam University
Deadline: Early October (Advanced Notice, check yourself as well the deadlines regularly)
9) POSTECH & GIFT :
Last Dates: October 13th
10) GIST-Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
Last Dates: October 15th
11) Chung ang
Last Date: Mid-October (Advanced Notice, check yourself as well the deadlines regularly)
12) Ulsan University
Last Dates: Late October
University Official Website for the Scholarship
13) Catholic University of Korea
Last Dates: Late October,(Advanced Notice, check yourself as well the deadlines regularly)
14) Chonnam
Last Dates: Late October (Advanced Notice, check yourself as well the deadlines regularly)
University Official Website for the Scholarship
Also, use this file to find professors there
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B12bxk__lvHJTFE2NWs3UmpQUVE?usp=sharing
15) INHA University
Last Dates: Late October (Advanced Notice, check yourself as well the deadlines regularly)
16) Pukyong National University
Deadline: Late October
17) DGIST
Last Date: 05 November
18) Seoul Tech
Last Dates: Early November (Advanced Notice, check yourself as well the deadlines regularly)
19) Dongukk
Last Dates: Late November (Advanced Notice, check yourself as well the deadlines regularly)
University Official Website
20) Chonbuk
Last Date: Late November (Advanced Notice, check yourself as well the deadlines regularly)