South Korea is a fast-growing destination for international students, offering high-quality education, vibrant technology hubs, and generous fully funded Scholarships that allow you to study for free — even without IELTS if you meet alternative English proficiency requirements. The flagship Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) and other university-level awards make Korea an excellent choice for global education in 2026–2027.
🌎 Scholarship Overview
Country: South Korea
Academic Session: 2026–2027
Available For: International students worldwide
Degree Levels:
- Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
- Graduate (Master’s & PHD)
Many Scholarships do not require IELTS — applicants can submit Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates or other proof of English proficiency accepted by universities.
🎓 Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Korea
🥇 1. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS / KGSP) 2026–2027
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is the main government-funded program for international students and one of the most generous in Asia.
🔗 Official Apply Portal: https://studyinkorea.go.kr/ (GKS notices)
Who Can Apply:
- Undergraduate, Master’s, and PHD students
- Applicants from eligible countries worldwide
Benefits (Fully Funded):
✔ Full tuition fee waiver
✔ Monthly stipend (approx. KRW 900,000–1,000,000)
✔ Round-trip airfare
✔ Settlement allowance
✔ Medical insurance
✔ 1 year Korean language training
✔ Research & thesis support (for graduates)
Deadlines:
- Embassy Track: ~30 September 2025
- University Track: ~31 October 2025
Language: IELTS not mandatory (MOI or other proof accepted)
🏫 2. KAIST International Student Scholarship
Offered by Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) — Korea’s leading science and tech university.
🔗 Apply: https://www.kaist.ac.kr/
Levels: Master’s & PhD
Coverage: Full tuition & living support (research funding varies by department)
Language: IELTS can be waived if you provide other English proficiency evidence (e.g., MOI).
🧠 3. Other University Scholarships
Many Korean universities offer generous awards for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students that can waive IELTS:
- Seoul National University Scholarships – merit-based support for Bachelor’s, Master’s & PhD programs.
- Yonsei University Underwood International College (UIC) Scholarships – fully funded or high-value aid for undergraduates.
- KAIST & GIST Scholarships – science and engineering scholarships.
- University of Science and Technology (UST) Scholarships – research-focused funding.
Note: Many of these programs accept MOI or alternative English proofs instead of IELTS.
💰 Financial Coverage (Typical Fully Funded Benefits)
Most fully funded Korea scholarships include:
- 🎓 100 % tuition fee coverage
- 🏠 Monthly living stipend
- ✈️ Return airfare support
- 🩺 Medical insurance
- 🗣️ Korean language training (especially under GKS)
- 📚 Research/dissertation support for graduate students
📜 Eligibility Criteria
Academic Requirements
- High school diploma for undergraduate
- Bachelor’s for Master’s
- Master’s for PhD
- Strong GPA or equivalent academic performance
Nationality
- Open to international students from eligible partner countries (varies by track).
Age Requirements
- Typically under ~25 for undergraduate programs
- Under ~40 for graduate programs (GKS)
Language Requirements
- IELTS not required if applicants show MOI or other acceptable evidence.
📝 Required Documents (General)
- Completed scholarship application form
- Academic transcripts & diplomas
- Passport copy
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation
- English proficiency proof (MOI or alternative)
- Research proposal (for graduate applicants)
- Additional university documents if required
📌 Why Study in Korea for Free?
🇰🇷 Top-Ranked Universities: Korea boasts globally recognized institutions with strong research and industry links.
💡 Innovation & Technology: A leader in fields like engineering, AI, robotics, and design.
🌏 Cultural Experience: Rich culture, safe communities, and welcoming environment.
📚 English Programs Available: Many universities offer English-taught programs.
📅 Application Deadlines (Tentative)
| Scholarship | Deadline |
|---|---|
| GKS — Embassy Track | ~30 September 2025 |
| GKS — University Track | ~31 October 2025 |
| University-level scholarships | Varies by institution (often late 2025 to early 2026) |
🔗 Official Apply Links
- Global Korea Scholarship (GKS): https://studyinkorea.go.kr/
- KAIST: https://www.kaist.ac.kr/
- Seoul National University: https://www.snu.ac.kr/
- Yonsei University (UIC): https://www.yonsei.ac.kr/
📌 Final Tips
✅ Start early: Check embassy Track and university Track deadlines separately.
✅ Use MOI: If you don’t have IELTS, most Korean programs accept alternatives like Medium of Instruction certificates.
✅ Choose multiple programs: Apply to different universities to increase your chance.
