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Korea University Scholarships 2025-26 for International Students in South Korea

Scholarships for International Students at Korea University 2025-26 South Korea

Korea University (KU) is a very good and old university of South Korea. It offers many scholarships to students from all over the world to help them in their studies. The main purpose of these scholarships is that students who are very good in their studies and want to come to Korea and study, do not have to face difficulties due to finance.

Required Documents for Korea University Scholarships

  • Copies of your and your parents’ passports (or ID cards).
  • Transcripts of all your previous education certificates and grades.
  • A personal statement and study plan.
  • Recommendation Letters – usually from two teachers.
  • Proof that you and your parents are non-Korean.
  • Proof of Korean or English language proficiency (e.g., TOPIK, IELTS, TOEFL test scores).
  • Sometimes a bank statement is also required (to show that you can afford to study in Korea).
  • Online application: Most applications are submitted online first, and then you may have to send the original documents by mail.

Important Scholarships at Korea University for International Students

Here are some important scholarships and details related to them:

1. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) - This is a Scholarship from the South Korean Government

What is it? This is the biggest and best scholarship given by the South Korean government. It is not only for Korea University but also for studying in many other good universities in Korea.
What do you get? This is a full scholarship, in which most of your expenses are covered:

  • Full fee waiver: You do not have to pay the entire tuition fee of your university.
  • Living expenses: Approximately 1,133,330 Korean Won (KRW) per month (this covers your food, accommodation, books, and daily expenses).
  • Airfare: Airfare to travel from your home country to Korea and back after your studies.
  • Korean language tuition: A one-year Korean language course fee is also provided (this is often necessary so that you can properly settle in Korea and participate in classes).
  • Other benefits: Medical insurance and some money to arrange your initial accommodation upon arrival in Korea.
    Who can apply?
  • You must be a citizen of another country (i.e., not a Korean citizen).
  • Neither you nor your parents must be Korean citizens.
  • Your previous academic record (your grades) must be very good.
  • Generally, you must be from a country listed by the government for the GKS.
  • Age limit: Undergraduate (Bachelor) applicants should generally be under 25 years old.
    How to apply:
  • You can apply for this scholarship through the Korean Embassy in your country, or directly through Korea University. The GKS procedure is a bit more detailed, so be sure to check out their official website (Study in Korea).
  • This scholarship usually comes out once a year, and applications open around September.

Also Check: How to do MBBS and Become a MBBS Doctor in South Korea

2. Korea University’s Own Internal Scholarships (Given by the University Itself)

Korea University also offers many scholarships to its students. These scholarships are awarded based on both the student’s academic performance (merit) and financial need (need).

For Newly Admitted International Students:

·         Global Leader Scholarship A

What do you get? Full tuition fees for the first two semesters (about one year) are waived.
Who can apply? Newly admitted international students are automatically considered for this, there is no need to apply separately. It is awarded based on performance at the time of admission (admission evaluation).
Requirement: A minimum 3.5 GPA (good grades) in the first semester is required to continue the scholarship.

·         Global Leader Scholarship B

What is awarded? 50% of the tuition fee for the first two semesters is waived.
Who can apply? Newly admitted international students are automatically considered.
Requirement: A minimum 3.0 GPA in the first semester is required to continue the scholarship.

·         Challenge Scholarship C

What is awarded? A one-time amount of 300,000 to 500,000 KRW is awarded.
Who can apply? This is for new students who have completed a Korean language course at Korea University's Korean Language Center and have achieved TOPIK level 5 or 6.
How to apply: Eligibility is automatically determined upon submission of a Korean language certificate at the time of admission.

·         Bright Futures Scholarship B

What is awarded? 1,000,000 KRW per semester (maximum 2 semesters).
Who can apply? This is for students who have not received the Global Leader Scholarship and who have received a scholarship from their home country's government.
Requirement: Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA in the first semester.

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For Current International Students Studying at the University:

·         Excellence Scholarship A & B

What is awarded? A waives the entire tuition fee for the following semester, and B waives 65% of the tuition fee.
Who can apply? This is available to students who have achieved very good grades (GPA) in the previous semester.
How to apply: Eligibility is automatically checked, no separate application is required.

·         High Achievers Scholarship

What is available? 50% of the tuition fee for the next semester is waived.
Who can apply? Students who have achieved very good grades (GPA) in the previous two semesters consecutively.
How to apply: Eligibility is automatically checked.

·         Challenge Scholarship A

What is available? 30% of the tuition fee for the next semester is waived.
Who can apply? Students whose grades in the previous semester have improved from the previous semester.
How to apply: Apply online through KUPID (the university's online portal).

·         Challenge Scholarship B

What is available? 300,000 KRW is provided.
Who can apply? Students who have achieved TOPIK level 6 after entering Korea University.
How to apply: This scholarship is only available once.

·         Bright Futures Scholarship A

What is awarded? 50% of the tuition fee for the next semester is waived.
Who can apply? This is for students who need financial assistance and have achieved at least a 2.75 GPA in the previous semester.
How to apply: Apply online through KUPID and provide documents of financial need.

Also Check: Fully Funded Scholarships for USA and UK 2025-2026

Important Things to Remember

·         Definition of an International Student

For most scholarships, both you and your parents must not be Korean citizens.

·         Good Academic Record

Almost every scholarship requires you to have very good grades in your previous academic record.

·         Language Proficiency

Although many programs at Korea University are taught in English, Korean language proficiency (especially a TOPIK test score) can be advantageous, and sometimes even required. Some scholarships are awarded solely on Korean language proficiency.

·         Application Deadline

Each scholarship has its own application deadline. Check Korea University’s International Office and scholarship website regularly. Some scholarships automatically entitle you to admission, while others require you to apply separately.