Fully Funded Scholarships in South Korea 2026

Studying in South Korea for free isn’t a dream—it’s a real opportunity. Korea offers many fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, living allowance, airfare, health insurance and more. This guide walks you through every major program available in 2026 like how to apply, what to expect and how to maximize your chances of success.

1. Why Choose South Korea For Your Studies?

South Korea brings international students with strong universties, modern research and English courses. The country gives good money to build world ties. Full paid scholarships let you focus on learning and culture without money stress.

Programs like the Global Korea Scholarship help undergraduate, graduate and research levels. University awards and fellowships give more options. South Korea’s tech growth and safe places are great for students from all backgrounds. Also the fast economy makes jobs after school.

2. Major Fully Funded Scholarships in South Korea 2026

2.1 Government Scholarships

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

One of the largest and most prestigious. It covers undergraduate, master’s, doctoral and research levels for international students.

• Coverage: Tuition + round-trip airfare + monthly allowance + one year Korean language program (if needed) + health insurance.
• 2026 Undergrad Deadline: For many countries, applications open around September 2025.
• Eligibility Basics: Applicants and their parents must hold non-Korean citizenship. Age limits vary (e.g., Under 25 for undergraduate in many cases).
• Tracks: Embassy Track (via your country’s Korean diplomatic mission) or University Track (via Korean university).
• Why it matters: Qualifies you to study in top Korean universities with almost full financial support.

KOICA Scholarship

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) offers fully funded programs especially for master’s and doctoral levels, often aimed at professionals from partner countries.

• Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, often for 17 months (Master’s) or more.
• Eligibility Highlights: Bachelor degree plus usually 2 years work for Master, Master plus 3 years work for Doctorate; often under age 40.
• Target group: Government officials or nominated professionals from KOICA partner nations.
• Why it matters: If you qualify for KOICA you may skip many competitive general tracks.

2.2 University & Research Institute Scholarships

KAIST Scholarships

The KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology) offers funding for STEM-focused students.
(Detailed program link to KAIST page will be added.)

• Focus on master’s/PhD in engineering/AI/natural sciences.
• Strong research support and international environment.

UST Scholarships

The UST (University of Science & Technology) combines many Korean research institutes. Scholarships under UST support research-intensive programs.

• Ideal for students focused on science, technology, innovation.
• Fully funded support packages common.

2.3 Fellowships & Specialized Programs

AKS Fellowship

The Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) provides fellowships for humanities, Korean studies and social sciences.

• Fully funded for research, cultural exchange and advanced topics.
• If you aim for long-term research or academic career, this is top choice.

3. Eligibility Overview – At a Glance

Program	Level	Coverage	Key Eligibility
GKS	Undergrad / Masters / PhD	Tuition airfare allowance insurance	Non-Korean citizenship age limit
KOICA	Masters / PhD	Tuition stipend airfare insurance	Degree experience under 40
KAIST	Masters / PhD	Tuition stipend research	Strong CV in STEM
UST	Masters / PhD	Full funding	Research focus
AKS	Research	Full funding	Proposal in humanities

Note: Always check the official website for your country’s deadline and eligibility.

4. How to Apply – Step-by-Step

4.1 Choose Your Track

• Embassy Track: Apply via Korean embassy in your country.
• University Track: Apply via participating Korean university (for certain programs).
  (Example: GKS provides both tracks.)

4.2 Prepare Required Documents

Typical documents include:

• Passport bio page
• Non-Korean citizen proof
• Transcripts or degree certificate
• Language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL or TOPIK)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Recommendation letters (LoRs)
• Study plan or research proposal (for MS or PhD)
• Health certificate / police clearance (varies by program)

4.3 Submit Application & Follow Through

• Fill online form, upload documents (for GKS: via studyinkorea.go.kr)
• In some cases, send hard-copies to embassy/university.
• After screening: document review → interview (may include TOPIK test) → final selection.
• Once selected: apply for student visa (D-2) and prepare for arrival.

4.4 Important Timeline 2026

Month	Stage
Aug – Oct 2025	Online application open
Nov – Jan 2026	Document screening & interviews
Feb – Mar 2026	Final selection results
Mar – Sep 2026	Visa & arrival in Korea

(Exact dates vary per program & country—always verify.)

5. Scholarship Benefits: What You Get

Fully funded scholarships in Korea are generous. Typical benefits include:

• Full tuition coverage
• Monthly living allowance (for example around KRW 900,000–1,500,000 for GKS)
• Round-trip airfare
• Health insurance
• One-year Korean language course (if required)
• Settlement allowance (one-time)
• Research support (for MS/PhD)

These benefits allow you to study without worrying about finances or part-time work.

6. Maximizing Your Selection Chances

Here is how to stand out:

• Write a clear, short study plan or research plan that show how your work fits Korea’s strengths.
• Show leadership, community work, cultural or development impect.
• Pick Korean schools with strong English courses and research tools.
• Start early: get transcripts, language scores, LoRs well before deadline.
• If you lack TOPIK or IELTS show other strengths and pick programs with English teaching.
• Use the hub site as your resource: check each program’s country spots deadlines and past winners.

7. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

• Waiting till last minute → miss deadlines, make errors.
• Applying to too many universities in one application (particularly in University Track) → many programs count this negatively.
• Not reading the official guide for your country → eligibility differences matter.
• Poorly structured SOP or CV → doesn’t reflect your potential.
• Ignoring visa or arrival preparation until after selection → sometimes you lose place if preparations delayed.

FAQs

9. Next Step: Choose Your Program & Prepare

Now you’re ready:

1. Select 1-2 programmes that fit your level, country eligibility and interest.
2. Bookmark their official guides on StudyInKorea360 for deadlines and updates.
3. Create a timeline: Documents, language tests, submissions, interviews.
4. Connect with past scholars via forums or the hub’s community section.
5. Use our Resources: Visit the “Documents & Templates” section on StudyInKorea360 for SOP, study plan, checklist.
6. Stay Updated: Bookmark this guide and check our News & Updates section for 2026 call alerts.

Conclusion

Fully funded scholarships in South Korea offer life-changing opportunities. With strong preparation, the right documents, and a clear timeline, you can step into a top Korean university fully supported.
Use this guide as your roadmap, and keep checking StudyInKorea360 for updates. Good luck with your application journey—your future in Korea begins now.