Sogang University, one of the top private universities in Seoul, South Korea, is currently offering multiple scholarships to international students who want to study in Korea. Every year, hundreds of students from different countries apply for these scholarships to fund their bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD studies at Sogang. If you are planning to study in South Korea and are looking for financial support, Sogang University scholarships are a great option, since they cover a large part (and sometimes all) of your tuition fees, along with other benefits like living costs and dormitory discounts.
About Sogang University
Sogang University is a private research university located in Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea. It was founded in 1960 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuit order), which is why it is often called Korea’s only Jesuit university. Sogang is known for strong academics, a small and close-knit campus community, and a high employment rate among its graduates in major Korean companies. The university has around 11,000 to 12,000 students, including a large number of undergraduates and postgraduates. Sogang is also a sister school to well-known Jesuit universities abroad, such as Georgetown University in the United States. For international students, Sogang offers several English-taught programs, a Korean Language Education Center, and a welcoming international office that supports students from admission through graduation.
Did you check – Korean High Commission Scholarships
Why Choose Sogang University for Your Studies in Korea
Before jumping into the scholarship details, here are a few reasons why international students choose Sogang University:
- Strong academic reputation in South Korea and Asia
- English-taught degree programs, including the Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS)
- A dedicated Korean Language Education Center to help non-Korean speakers improve their language skills
- A central location in Seoul, close to transportation and city life
- A supportive international student community and dedicated international affairs office
- Multiple scholarship options that reduce or fully cover tuition costs
Benefits of Sogang University Scholarships
Depending on which scholarship a student receives, the benefits can include:
- Full or partial tuition fee waiver
- Admission fee waiver
- Dormitory fee discount
- Monthly living stipend (for government funded scholarships like GKS)
- Opportunities to work as a teaching assistant or research assistant for extra income
- Discounted Korean language course fees
Check this – KOICA Scholarship Program 2027 in South Korea | Fully Funded
Types of Sogang University Scholarships for International Students
Sogang University offers a good number of scholarship programs for international students at different study levels undergraduate, graduate (master’s), and PhD. Below is a simple breakdown of the major scholarships available.
1. Global Emerging Scholarship
The Global Emerging Scholarship is designed for international undergraduate students. It is meant to support students who show strong academic ability or who are in genuine financial need. This scholarship can cover the admission fee along with a portion of tuition fees, ranging from a partial discount up to full tuition coverage, depending on how the university evaluates each applicant’s academic background and financial situation. Students must first be accepted into a degree program at Sogang before they are allowed to apply for this scholarship.
2. Admission Scholarships (Types I to IV)
Sogang also runs a set of Admission Scholarships for new international students entering undergraduate or master’s programs. These scholarships are merit-based, meaning they are awarded mainly to students with strong academic records and good language ability, either in English or Korean. Depending on the type of Admission Scholarship a student qualifies for, the award can cover full or partial tuition. These scholarships are typically applied for during the regular admission process, so students should check the deadlines carefully and apply early.
3. Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) Scholarship
Students joining the Graduate School of International Studies at Sogang can apply for GSIS scholarships. This program is fully taught in English, which makes it a popular choice for international students who are not fluent in Korean. The GSIS scholarship system offers four different levels, generally described as Scholarship A, B, C, and D, which reduce tuition fees by different percentages. New students are placed into a scholarship level based on their admission performance, including their documents and interview score. From the second semester onward, continuing this scholarship depends on maintaining good grades, generally a GPA around 3.5 out of 4.3 for master’s students and a higher GPA for PhD students. Students can also apply to work as a teaching assistant (TA) or research assistant (RA) from their second semester for extra financial support.
4. Language Excellence Scholarship
This scholarship rewards international students who already have a strong grasp of the Korean language, measured through the TOPIK test (Test of Proficiency in Korean). Students who score at a high TOPIK level, along with a good overall admission evaluation, may receive a full or half scholarship that reduces both tuition and admission fees.
5. Sogang International MBA Scholarship
For students applying to the MBA program, Sogang offers a partial tuition scholarship. The amount of the discount usually depends on a mix of factors, such as undergraduate grades, recommendation letters, and English test scores like TOEFL, IELTS, or TEPS. Students with strong academic backgrounds and high test scores can receive a bigger reduction in tuition fees.
6. Sogang Global Scholarship (Exchange Students)
This scholarship is specifically for exchange students who are officially nominated to study at Sogang for one semester or one year through a partnership agreement between their home university and Sogang. It generally provides financial support toward dormitory costs rather than full tuition, since exchange students usually already have tuition arrangements through their home institution.
7. Korean Language Education Center (KLEC) Scholarship
Students who complete certain levels at Sogang’s Korean Language Education Center can receive a scholarship in the form of a discount on their next semester’s language course fees. High attendance and good performance in speaking and other skills are usually required to qualify.
8. Sogang Alumni Scholarship
This scholarship is offered through the Sogang Alumni Association to support outstanding international undergraduate students. It usually requires students to have completed at least one semester at Sogang with a good GPA and a certain level of Korean language ability, shown through the TOPIK test. Applications for this scholarship generally open once a year, and only a limited number of students are selected.
9. Government and External Scholarships Usable at Sogang
Along with Sogang’s own scholarships, international students can also apply for scholarships that are funded by the Korean government or other organizations and can be used at Sogang University. The most well-known of these is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), a fully funded government scholarship that generally covers tuition, a monthly living stipend, and airfare. Students applying for GSIS at Sogang can apply for GKS either through the university track or through their home country’s Korean embassy. Other external options include scholarships from foundations and government linked institutions that support international students studying IT, engineering, and related fields in Korea.
Eligibility Requirements for Sogang University Scholarships
While each scholarship has its own specific rules, most Sogang University scholarships for international students share some common eligibility requirements:
- Applicant must be a non-Korean citizen (or meet special overseas Korean eligibility rules for some programs)
- Applicant must be admitted or in the process of applying to a degree program at Sogang University
- A good academic record from previous education, usually shown through transcripts and GPA
- English or Korean language proficiency, depending on the program (TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, TEPS, or TOPIK scores)
- Continuing students must maintain a required GPA and credit load each semester to keep receiving the scholarship
- Some scholarships require financial need documentation, while others are purely merit-based
How to Apply for Sogang University Scholarships
If you want to apply for a scholarship at Sogang University as an international student, follow these general steps:
- Apply for admission first. Almost all Sogang scholarships require you to already be admitted or currently applying to a degree program at the university.
- Check your program’s scholarship options. Undergraduate, GSIS, and MBA programs each have different scholarship types, so check the specific requirements for your chosen program.
- Prepare your documents. This usually includes academic transcripts, language test scores, a personal statement or essay, and recommendation letters.
- Submit your application through the correct portal. Most applications go through Sogang’s Office of International Affairs (OISA) or, for graduate programs, directly through GSIS.
- Watch your deadlines. Scholarship deadlines often follow the university’s main admission calendar, so apply early instead of waiting until the last date.
- Maintain your academic performance. Since many scholarships are renewed each semester based on GPA and credits, keeping strong grades is important for continuing support.
Sogang University offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities for international students at every level of study, from undergraduate to PhD. Whether you are strong in academics, fluent in Korean, or simply need financial support to study abroad, there is likely a scholarship option that fits your situation. Since Sogang is a well respected Jesuit university in the heart of Seoul, receiving a scholarship here can be a great way to get a quality education in South Korea without the full financial burden. Make sure to check Sogang University’s official website and the Office of International Affairs page regularly, since scholarship details, deadlines, and requirements can change each year.
Official link to international Scholarships
Official link to Korean Language Education Center Scholarships
Official link to Sogang Alumni Scholarship
Share this content:
