Best South Korean Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

1. Global Korea Scholarship for undergraduate degrees

The Global Korea Scholarship undergraduate route is funded by the Korean government. It can support associate and bachelor’s degree study at designated institutions. The official GKS page lists tuition, airfare, Korean language training and monthly allowances among the program benefits.

Applicants follow an embassy track or a university track. Participating countries, universities and departments can change. The current GKS-U guideline is the controlling document.

2. KAIST Scholarship

KAIST considers international undergraduate admission applicants for its scholarship. The official admissions page lists full tuition for eight semesters, a monthly allowance and medical health insurance. Students normally select the scholarship option in the admission application. There is no separate standard scholarship form.

KAIST degree areas include engineering, natural sciences, computing and business. Renewal depends on academic performance after the first year.

3. Seoul National University scholarship routes

Seoul National University publishes funding options for applicants before admission and for enrolled students. GKS is one route. Other programs have their own nationality, financial-need or academic criteria.

SNU offers undergraduate programs across humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, business, fine arts, education and other fields. Students should open the scholarship page that matches their admission status. They should also check whether a separate application is required.

4. Korea University scholarships

Korea University lists several admission-based awards for international undergraduates. The official page includes Global Leader, Anam Global, KU STEM and other scholarships. Many are assessed through the admission evaluation, so a separate scholarship form may not be required.

Award duration and renewal GPA differ by scholarship. Korea University offers programs in business, economics, liberal arts, engineering, science, media, international studies and many other areas.

5. Yonsei University scholarships

Yonsei University provides scholarship guidance for its undergraduate routes. Underwood International College offers admission, merit-based and need-based scholarships. Global Leaders College also lists freshman and merit awards. The regular Korean-taught undergraduate program has separate financial-aid information.

UIC includes humanities, social sciences, design, technology management, sustainability and integrated science and engineering programs. Students must check the scholarship information for the exact college to which they apply.

6. Sungkyunkwan University scholarships

SKKU publishes admission awards for new international students. The official page lists tuition reductions based on admission results and language proficiency. It also describes merit awards for continuing students and the Samsung Global Sungkyun Scholarship.

Available programs span humanities, social sciences, business, engineering, software, natural sciences and biomedical fields. Some awards are automatic. Others depend on nomination or specific evidence.

7. Baekseok University international student scholarship

Baekseok University states that international freshmen and transfer students may receive a scholarship equal to 50% of tuition for each semester. Its page says students must apply in person during the first semester. Research-assistant support may also be available for selected students.

This award is a tuition scholarship. It should not be described as fully funded unless the university’s current documents confirm support for living costs as well.

Undergraduate degree and program areas

Science and engineering: KAIST, SNU, Korea University, Yonsei and SKKU.

Computing and artificial intelligence: available at major research universities, subject to each admission guide.
Business and economics: offered by SNU, Korea University, Yonsei and SKKU.
Humanities and social sciences: available through most comprehensive universities.
International and English-taught study: Yonsei UIC and selected programs at other institutions.

Arts, education and applied fields: availability depends on the university and intake.

A university may offer a major without offering a scholarship for that major. Confirm both items separately.

How undergraduate scholarship applications work

Choose a university and degree program first.
Read the international admission guide for the intended semester.
Check whether scholarship consideration is automatic.
Prepare school records, language results and required translations.
Submit the admission application before the university deadline.
Monitor the applicant portal for scholarship and admission results.

For broader funding options, compare “fully funded scholarships in South Korea” and “Korean universities with scholarships”. University-specific guides include “Ajou University scholarships” and “Baekseok University scholarships”. Applicants considering the government route can follow “how to apply for the Global Korea Scholarship”.

Important verification step

Scholarship names, quotas and benefits can change. Currency conversions also become outdated quickly. Use the university’s official page for the final award terms. Use the current GKS guideline for government funding. If an article and an official notice conflict, follow the official notice.

Frequently asked questions

Which undergraduate majors are eligible?

Eligible majors depend on the scholarship and university. Confirm the current undergraduate program list before applying.

Can first-year applicants apply for these awards?

Many awards target new entrants, while others support enrolled students. Review the rules for your intake.

Do undergraduate applicants need Korean proficiency?

Some programs accept English scores. Other routes require TOPIK. Follow the exact language rule in the admission guide.

Where should I verify award amounts and dates?

Check the scholarship provider’s official notice and the university’s current admissions calendar.

Official sources and final checks

Rules can change between intakes. Confirm the latest details on these official pages before you apply or make a payment.

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