Scholarships

🎓 Korea University Scholarships 2026 — Full Guide for International Students

Gradualin

May 17, 2026
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South Korea’s top-ranked Korea University offers some of the most generous scholarships in Asia — covering tuition waivers of up to 100%, monthly living stipends, housing support, and airfare for eligible international students. Whether you are an exchange student arriving for one semester or a full-degree graduate student, Korea University (KU) has a scholarship waiting for you in Fall 2026.

This complete Gradualin guide breaks down every available scholarship — who qualifies, how much you can receive, and exactly how to apply. Read every section carefully, because the right scholarship could fund your entire degree in Seoul.

📋 Quick Info Box

Detail	Information
University	Korea University (고려대학교)
Country	South Korea 🇰🇷
City	Seoul
Degree Level	Exchange / Master’s / Doctoral
Funding Type	Partial to Fully Funded (varies by scholarship)
Fall 2026 Deadline	July 30, 2026 (Global KU Scholarship)
Open To	International Students Worldwide
Official Website	gsc.korea.ac.kr / int.korea.edu

🎓 Korea University — Overview

Korea University, founded in 1905, is one of South Korea’s most prestigious universities and a member of the elite SKY group — alongside Seoul National University and Yonsei University. Located in the vibrant Seongbuk-gu district of Seoul, KU is consistently ranked among Asia’s top 100 universities.

The university’s Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS), established in 1991, is one of Asia’s leading international studies programs. With nearly 500 students and 40 faculty members, GSIS attracts students from across the globe who want to study international affairs, development cooperation, and area studies in the heart of East Asia.

What makes Korea University especially attractive for international students on Gradualin is its layered scholarship system — there is not just one scholarship, but a whole ecosystem of financial support. From automatic scholarships based on your home university’s network membership, to merit-based awards that renew every semester, KU has built one of the most student-friendly funding structures in Asia.

🎓 Scholarships Available — Full Breakdown

Korea University offers multiple scholarships for international students. Below is a complete breakdown for both exchange/visiting students and full-degree graduate students.

A. Global KU Scholarship (Exchange & Visiting Students)

This scholarship was established in 2005 to mark Korea University’s centennial — and it is available to exchange and visiting students nominated through a university-level agreement.

Types of Global KU Scholarship

Applicable	Eligible Applicants	Type	Amount
First Semester	New Exchange Students	Admission Scholarship	Starting from KRW 100,000 upward
First Semester	New Exchange Students	Travel Scholarship	Starting from KRW 100,000 upward
Second Semester	Continuing Exchange/Visiting Students (one-year program)	Merit Scholarship	KRW 1,200,000 per semester

The Admission Scholarship and Travel Scholarship are available from your very first semester.
The Merit Scholarship (KRW 1,200,000 ≈ approx. $900 USD) is awarded in the second semester based on your academic performance in the first semester at KU.
This is available only to students on a university-level agreement (not individual applicants).

B. U21 Scholarship (Automatic — No Application Needed)

Here’s great news: if your home university is a member of Universitas 21 (U21), you automatically receive this scholarship — no application required.

U21 member universities in Asia: KRW 250,000 per semester
Other U21 member universities: KRW 500,000 per semester

U21 is a network of 21 leading research-intensive universities across 13 countries. Check if your university is listed at www.universitas21.com.

C. APRU Scholarship (Automatic — No Application Needed)

Similarly, students from APRU (Association of Pacific Rim Universities) member institutions receive an automatic scholarship.

APRU member universities in Asia: KRW 250,000 per semester
Other APRU member universities: KRW 500,000 per semester

Check membership at www.apru.org.

D. KU GSIS International Student Scholarship (Master’s & Doctoral)

This is the flagship scholarship for full-degree international students enrolled in the Graduate School of International Studies.

For Master’s Students:

Awarded from the first semester based on entrance scores
From the second semester onward, awarded based on GPA ranking among KU GSIS international students
The amount is decided by the Committee of Graduate School of International Studies after final grades are released each semester
Awards range from 50% to 100% of tuition (verify exact amounts on the official website)

Minimum Qualification to Maintain:

Complete at least 9 credits per semester (excluding foreign language classes and internships)
Maintain a GPA of 4.0 or higher (out of 4.5)
Must remain continuously enrolled — no semesters off
By the third semester, must have completed at least 18 total credits including all core and core elective courses

For Doctoral Students:

Same GPA and credit requirements apply
Amount decided by the Committee each semester

E. BK21 Scholarship (Brain Korea 21)

The BK21 scholarship is a prestigious South Korean government-funded program available to both domestic and international students.

Master’s students: KRW 1,000,000 per month (for 6 months per semester)
Doctoral students: KRW 1,600,000 per month (for 12 months)
PhD candidates: KRW 1,300,000 per month (for 12 months)

Eligibility:

Must be a full-time student in international studies
Must not hold the four major social insurances (national pension, health insurance, employment insurance, industrial accident insurance) — this mainly excludes those with full-time employment in Korea
Must be within four semesters for Master’s or eight semesters for Doctoral programs

This is equivalent to approximately $730–$1,170 USD per month — a substantial support package.

F. Pony Chung – KU GSIS Invitation Scholarship

This is a fully funded scholarship specifically for Master’s students from Vietnam.

Benefits include:

100% tuition coverage for four semesters
KRW 900,000/month for housing and living expenses
Round-trip economy class airfare between Vietnam and Korea
Dissertation printing fee up to KRW 500,000

Eligibility:

Must be a Vietnamese national applying for the Master’s program
Must maintain GPA 4.0/4.5 or above
Must take 9 or more credits per semester (foreign language and internship classes excluded)
Selection is made by the Pony Chung Foundation, which selects 2 students from the KU shortlist

More info: www.ponychung.org

G. NIIED — Korean Government Scholarship (KGSP)

The National Institute for International Education (NIIED) scholarship is one of the most well-known Korean government scholarships globally.

Covers full tuition + monthly stipend
Selection is handled through Korean Consulate offices overseas
Academic grades from your last institution must be in the top 20%
Open to foreign nationals worldwide

Apply through your nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate — not directly through KU.

H. KOICA Scholarship

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) scholarship targets government officials from developing countries.

20 recipients per year
Covers: full tuition + monthly stipend + round-trip airfare + dormitory fee
Must be a government official in a developing country with a Bachelor’s degree or higher
Must be nominated by your government
Selected through KOICA offices overseas

🎓 Tuition Fees at KU GSIS (For Reference)

Understanding tuition helps you measure the value of each scholarship.

Level	Tuition per Semester	Admission Fee
Master’s	KRW 7,183,000	KRW 1,234,000
Doctoral	KRW 7,183,000	KRW 1,234,000

(As of Spring Semester 2025. Subject to change.)

KRW 7,183,000 is approximately $5,300 USD per semester. A 100% scholarship saves you over $10,600 USD per year — making KU one of the most financially accessible top universities in Asia for international students.

🎓 Eligibility Summary

For Exchange/Visiting Students (Global KU Scholarship):

✅ Nominated through a university-level agreement
✅ Strong academic record (for merit award)
✅ Submit required documents by July 30 for Fall 2026

For Graduate Students (GSIS Scholarships):

✅ Admitted to KU GSIS Master’s or Doctoral program
✅ Minimum GPA 4.0/4.5 to maintain scholarships beyond first semester
✅ Complete 9 credits per semester (excluding language/internship courses)
✅ Must remain continuously enrolled

Regarding English Proficiency:

KU GSIS programs are conducted in English
TOEFL/IELTS requirements apply for admission (verify exact scores on the official admissions page)

🎓 Who Should Apply (And Who Should Not)

✅ Apply if you:

Are nominated by your home university for the exchange program
Are a high-achieving student aiming for a Master’s or PhD in international studies
Come from Vietnam and want a fully funded Master’s (Pony Chung)
Are a government official in a developing country (KOICA)
Are enrolled full-time and can maintain a GPA of 4.0+

❌ Don’t apply if you:

Are not nominated through a university-level agreement (for Global KU Scholarship)
Plan to take a semester off — scholarships may be forfeited
Cannot maintain the minimum credit and GPA requirements
Are looking for an undergraduate scholarship (these scholarships are for exchange/graduate levels)

🎓 Available Programs at KU GSIS

The Graduate School of International Studies offers programs across key global disciplines:

Master’s Degree Concentrations:

International Commerce
Development Cooperation
Peace and Security Studies
Area Studies
Korean Studies

Doctoral Degree:

Available in all major GSIS disciplines

Special Programs:

Brain Korea 21 (BK21) Research Program
CAMPUS Asia Plus Program (study at Kobe or Fudan University)
Jean Monnet Chair Program (EU Studies)
Digital Commerce Program
Certificate Programs

🎓 Required Documents

For Global KU Scholarship (Exchange Students):

Global KU Scholarship application form (download from official site)
One passport-sized photograph (attached to the form)
Letter of recommendation — must be emailed directly by the referee to: studyabroad@korea.ac.kr
All documents must be submitted in English (include certified translations if needed)

For GSIS International Student Scholarship:

Admission application (submitted during the general GSIS admissions process)
Academic transcripts
Statement of purpose / personal statement
English proficiency scores
Letters of recommendation
(Contact gsis@korea.ac.kr or gsisadmin@korea.ac.kr for the full checklist)

🎓 Step-by-Step Application Process

For Exchange Students (Global KU Scholarship):

Check your home university’s agreement with Korea University (university-level agreement required)
Get nominated by your home university’s international office
Download the Global KU Scholarship application form from gsc.korea.ac.kr
Prepare your passport photo and have your referee send the recommendation letter directly to studyabroad@korea.ac.kr
Submit all documents before the Fall 2026 deadline: July 30, 2026

For Graduate Students (GSIS Scholarships):

Apply for admission to KU GSIS through the international admissions portal: int.korea.edu
Contact the admissions office at gsisadmin@korea.ac.kr to confirm scholarship eligibility
First semester scholarship is awarded based on entrance scores — no separate application needed
Maintain GPA 4.0+ and complete 9+ credits per semester to remain eligible for renewal
BK21, KOICA, NIIED — follow the separate application channels for each (embassy or KU website announcements)

🎓 Important Dates & Deadlines — Fall 2026

Scholarship	Deadline
Global KU Scholarship — Fall 2026	July 30, 2026
GSIS Admission (check portal for Fall intake)	Verify at int.korea.edu
NIIED / KGSP	Check Korean Embassy in your country
KOICA	Check KOICA office in your country
BK21	Announced on GSIS website each semester

📌 Bookmark this page and check back for any deadline updates.

🎓 Why Apply — Why Korea University and Seoul?

Studying at Korea University in Seoul is not just about academics — it is about stepping into one of the world’s most dynamic, tech-forward, and culturally rich cities.

Seoul consistently ranks as one of the safest and most livable cities in Asia. From the ancient palaces of Gyeongbokgung to the neon-lit streets of Hongdae right next to campus, student life here is genuinely exciting. South Korea’s economy is the 12th largest in the world, and a KU degree opens doors across Asia, Europe, and beyond.

Korea University’s GSIS alumni work at the United Nations, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, international NGOs, and top government ministries worldwide. The Career Development Center (CDC) at GSIS actively helps students secure internships and jobs at international organizations.

What makes this different from studying elsewhere is the combination: world-class academics + generous scholarships + a globally connected career network + the energy of Seoul. Very few universities in Asia offer all four at once.

🎓 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I apply for the Global KU Scholarship without being nominated by my university? A: No. The Global KU Scholarship is only available to students who are nominated through a university-level agreement between their home institution and Korea University. Contact your home university’s international office to check if such an agreement exists.

Q: Is IELTS required to study at KU GSIS? A: KU GSIS programs are taught in English, and English proficiency scores are generally required for admission. However, waivers may be available for students from English-speaking countries or those who completed their undergraduate degree in English. Verify exact requirements at int.korea.edu.

Q: How much is the BK21 scholarship per month? A: Master’s students receive KRW 1,000,000/month (approx. $730 USD) for six months per semester. Doctoral students receive KRW 1,600,000/month (approx. $1,170 USD) for twelve months. PhD candidates receive KRW 1,300,000/month.

Q: Can I combine multiple scholarships at Korea University? A: This depends on individual scholarship policies. For example, the U21 and APRU scholarships are automatically awarded and may be stackable with other awards. Contact the GSIS admissions office at gsis@korea.ac.kr to clarify what combinations are permitted.

Q: What GPA do I need to keep my GSIS scholarship after the first semester? A: You must maintain a GPA of 4.0 or above (out of 4.5) and complete at least 9 credits per semester (excluding language classes and internships). Students who take a semester off will lose their scholarship eligibility.

Q: What is the Pony Chung scholarship and who can apply? A: The Pony Chung – KU GSIS Invitation Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for Vietnamese Master’s students only. It covers 100% of tuition for four semesters, monthly living expenses of KRW 900,000, and round-trip airfare. Selection is done by the Pony Chung Foundation from KU’s shortlist.

🎓 Official Sources & Contact

Resource	Link / Contact
Global KU Scholarship (Exchange)	gsc.korea.ac.kr/usr/exchange/scholarships.do
Scholarship Application Form	Download PDF
GSIS Graduate Scholarships	int.korea.edu/kuis/grad/admission_tuition.do
GSIS Admissions (International)	int.korea.edu/kuis/grad/admission_inter.do
Exchange Scholarship Email	studyabroad@korea.ac.kr
GSIS General Email	gsis@korea.ac.kr
GSIS Admissions Email	gsisadmin@korea.ac.kr
Phone (Graduate)	+82-2-3290-1393~4
Address	145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea

🎓 Complete Summary Table

Detail	Information
University	Korea University (고려대학교)
Location	Seoul, South Korea
Scholarships Available	Global KU, U21, APRU, GSIS Int’l, BK21, Pony Chung, NIIED, KOICA
Degree Levels	Exchange, Master’s, Doctoral
Funding Range	KRW 250,000 – Full tuition + stipend + housing
Monthly Stipend (BK21 PhD)	KRW 1,600,000/month (~$1,170 USD)
Tuition per Semester	KRW 7,183,000 (~$5,300 USD)
Fall 2026 Deadline	July 30, 2026 (Global KU Scholarship)
GPA Requirement (GSIS)	4.0 / 4.5 minimum
Official Website	gsc.korea.ac.kr