South Korea has become one of the most attractive study destinations for international students due to its world-class education system, advanced technology, rich culture, and affordable living costs. Top universities such as Seoul National University, KAIST, Yonsei University, Korea University, and POSTECH offer a wide range of undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs—many of them fully taught in English.

Compared to popular destinations like the USA or UK, South Korea offers lower tuition fees and living expenses, especially outside Seoul. Cities such as Gwangju, Busan, and Daegu are more budget-friendly for students. To further support international students, the Korean government and universities offer numerous fully funded and partially funded scholarships.

Why Study in South Korea?

South Korea combines academic excellence with cultural richness. International students enjoy:

  • Globally ranked universities

  • High-quality education in science, technology, business, and humanities

  • English-taught degree programs

  • Affordable tuition and living costs

  • Safe environment and excellent public transportation

  • Strong job market with global companies like Samsung, Hyundai, LG

The Korean government also offers generous scholarships such as the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) to support international students financially.

Which Visa Is Required for International Students?

International students must apply for a D-2 Student Visa to study in South Korea.

D-2 Visa Benefits:

  • Allows full-time study at Korean universities

  • Part-time work permitted after completing one semester

  • Opportunity to apply for a D-10 Job Seeker Visa after graduation

  • Requires:

    • Admission letter from a Korean university

    • Proof of financial ability

    • Academic documents

Post-Graduation Opportunities in South Korea

South Korea has a strong and innovative economy. After graduation, international students can:

  • Apply for the D-10 Job Seeker Visa (valid for 6 months)

  • Seek employment in technology, engineering, business, and research sectors

  • Work with multinational companies and startups

  • Transition to long-term work visas upon employment

Host Country

South Korea

Degree Levels

  • Undergraduate

  • Master’s

  • PhD

Financial Coverage

Fully Funded / Partially Funded

Top Scholarships in South Korea for 2026

1. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) – Fully Funded

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a prestigious government-funded program aimed at promoting global education exchange.

Benefits:

  • 100% tuition fee coverage

  • Monthly stipend:

    • ₩900,000 (degree programs)

    • ₩1,500,000 (research programs)

  • Round-trip airfare

  • One-year mandatory Korean language training (fully funded)

  • Medical insurance

  • Settlement allowance

  • Research allowance

  • Degree completion grant

Eligibility:

  • Applicant and parents must be non-Korean citizens

  • Age limit:

    • Undergraduate: under 25

    • Graduate: under 40

  • Minimum academic score: 80% or GPA 2.64/4.0

  • Good physical and mental health

Official Website:

👉 www.studyinkorea.go.kr

2. Seoul National University (SNU) Scholarships

Seoul National University offers both government-funded and institutional scholarships for international students.

Benefits:

  • Full tuition coverage

  • Monthly stipend: ₩900,000 – ₩1,500,000

  • Airfare (selected programs)

  • Korean language training

  • Medical insurance

  • Settlement and research grants

Eligibility:

  • Strong academic background

  • Non-Korean nationality

  • English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL may be required)

Official Website:

👉 https://en.snu.ac.kr/admission

3. Yonsei University Scholarships

Yonsei University, one of Korea’s prestigious “SKY” universities, offers generous scholarships to international students.

Benefits:

  • Partial to full tuition coverage

  • Some programs (Underwood International College) offer 4-year full tuition

  • Merit-based and need-based scholarships

Eligibility:

  • Excellent academic record

  • Non-Korean nationality

  • English or Korean proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, TOPIK)

Official Website:

👉 https://www.yonsei.ac.kr/en_sc/2245/subview.do

4. POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) Scholarships

POSTECH is a top research university specializing in science and engineering.

Benefits:

  • Full tuition coverage

  • Settlement allowance

  • Annual research grant

  • Korean language training (if applicable)

Eligibility:

  • Strong academic background in STEM fields

  • Non-Korean nationality

  • English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)

Official Website:

👉 https://www.postech.ac.kr/eng/admission-aid/scholarship_information.do

5. Korea University – Global KU Scholarship

Korea University offers competitive scholarships to high-achieving international students.

Benefits:

  • Up to 100% tuition fee (first semester)

  • Renewable based on academic performance

  • Financial aid for living and travel expenses

  • Scholarship amount: ₩100,000 – ₩1,600,000

Eligibility:

  • Strong academic performance

  • Non-Korean nationality

  • Automatically considered during admission

Deadline:

🗓 January 30, 2026

Official Website:

👉 https://gsc.korea.ac.kr/usr/exchange/scholarships.do

Final Thoughts

South Korea is an excellent choice for international students seeking quality education, affordability, cultural exposure, and career opportunities. With numerous fully funded scholarships available in 2026, studying in South Korea can be both academically rewarding and financially accessible.