Are you dreaming of pursuing a Masters or PhD degree in South Korea? Yeungnam University (YU) offers a fantastic opportunity for international students to study at one of South Korea’s top comprehensive universities. With multiple scholarship options available for the 2026 academic year — including university-based tuition waivers and the globally recognized Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) — Yeungnam University is a serious destination worth your attention.
Located in Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk Province, this prestigious institution has been shaping academic leaders since 1947. Today, it is home to over 30,000 students, including nearly 2,000 international students from across the globe. If you’re looking to advance your career, build research expertise, and experience Korean culture, read on — this guide covers everything you need to know.
🎓 Scholarship Overview
Yeungnam University offers graduate-level scholarships through two main pathways: its own International Student Scholarship (tuition fee reduction based on language proficiency) and the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) — a South Korean government-funded program for Masters and PhD students worldwide.
Additionally, Yeungnam University participates in the Gyeongbuk Global Korea Scholarship (K-GKS), a regional government-backed program that mirrors the full benefits of the standard GKS. Both tracks are open to international students seeking degree programs at the Masters or Doctoral level.
| Detail | Information |
| University | Yeungnam University |
| Country | South Korea 🇰🇷 |
| Degree Level | Masters & PhD |
| Scholarship Type | Tuition Waiver + GKS (Fully Funded) |
| Application Mode | Online & Postal |
| Language of Instruction | Korean (some programs in English) |
🎓 Benefits / Funding
Yeungnam University’s scholarships are genuinely rewarding. Here is what students can expect depending on the scholarship pathway:
University International Student Scholarship (Tuition Waiver):
- Students who achieve TOPIK Level 6, IELTS 7.0, TOEFL iBT 100, or TOEIC 900 may qualify for full tuition coverage
- Students with TOPIK Level 5, IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 90, or TOEIC 850 can receive an 80% tuition waiver
- Native English speakers from English-medium degree programs may receive a 40% tuition reduction
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) – Government Track:
- Full tuition fees covered
- Monthly living stipend (approximately KRW 900,000 – 1,000,000)
- Round-trip airfare
- Settlement allowance upon arrival
- Korean language training (1 year)
- Health insurance coverage
- Research support allowance
K-GKS (Gyeongbuk Track):
- Same level of financial support as the standard GKS
- Includes tuition, living expenses, airfare, and Korean language training
- Applied for directly through Yeungnam University
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, make sure you meet these conditions:
- Must be a citizen of a country outside South Korea
- Neither applicant nor parents should hold Korean citizenship (including dual citizenship)
- Must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree (for Masters) or master’s degree (for PhD)
- Expected graduates by July 31, 2026 may also apply with a certificate of expected graduation
- English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 90 or higher (for English-medium programs); TOPIK certificate preferred for Korean-medium programs
- Must meet GPA requirements as set by the specific graduate program
- Must not currently be enrolled in another Korean government scholarship
🎓 Who Should Apply
This opportunity is ideal for you if:
- You have a strong academic background in engineering, sciences, humanities, business, or medicine
- You want to study in South Korea with financial support
- You are comfortable learning Korean or already have some Korean proficiency
- You’re passionate about research and want to join a globally connected university
- You want access to one of Korea’s largest graduate school networks with 8 graduate schools and dozens of research institutes
You may want to reconsider if:
- You are a South Korean citizen or hold Korean dual citizenship
- You cannot meet the minimum language requirements (TOPIK or English proficiency)
- You are unable to commit to the full duration of the degree program
🎓 Available Programs
Yeungnam University’s Graduate School covers a remarkably wide range of disciplines. The main academic divisions are:
- Humanities & Social Sciences – Korean studies, history, psychology, sociology, law, economics, public policy
- Natural Sciences – Chemistry, biology, mathematics, physics, environmental science
- Engineering – Electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, computer engineering, robotics
- Fine Arts & Physical Education – Music, fine arts, dance, sports science
- Medicine – Medical science, pharmacy, biotechnology
- Interdisciplinary Studies – AI, smart manufacturing, convergence technology, future automotive
Yeungnam University also has Professional Graduate Schools (e.g., Business, Public Policy, Education) and Special Graduate Schools offering evening and continuing education programs for working professionals.
🎓 Required Documents
Typical documents required for graduate admission include:
- Completed online application form
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and official transcripts (with notarization by Korean Embassy or Apostille)
- Master’s degree certificate and transcripts (for PhD applicants — provisional degrees are NOT accepted)
- Copy of valid passport
- Personal statement / study plan
- Letters of recommendation (usually 2)
- English or Korean language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, TOPIK)
- Research proposal (for PhD programs)
- Documents not in English or Korean must include a certified translation
- Original documents must be submitted (no photocopies unless institution-approved)
🎓 Application Process
Here is how to apply step-by-step:
- Choose your program — Browse available graduate programs at engraduate.yu.ac.kr
- Check scholarship eligibility — Review university scholarship and GKS criteria
- Prepare documents — Collect all required academic and language documents
- Apply online — Submit the application through the Yeungnam University Graduate Admissions Portal
- Send physical documents — Mail certified hard copies to the International Student Support Team before the deadline
- Wait for notification — Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for additional steps
- Confirm enrollment — Once accepted, complete enrollment formalities and apply for a student visa (D-2)
🎓 Important Dates
Specific intake deadlines for 2026 are updated directly on the official admissions portal. As a general guideline:
- Spring Intake (March start): Applications typically open in October–November
- Fall Intake (September start): Applications typically open in April–May
- GKS University Track 2026: Deadlines are set by each participating university — check with the YU Graduate School directly
- K-GKS Deadline (reference): Past cycles have closed in April
👉 Always confirm the latest dates at the official graduate portal.
🎓 Why Apply to Yeungnam University?
Here are some compelling reasons to consider Yeungnam University for your graduate studies:
- Established reputation: Founded in 1947, YU has over 75 years of academic excellence
- Large international community: Around 2,000 international students from across the world
- Research powerhouse: Home to 30+ dedicated research institutes covering everything from biotechnology to AI safety
- Government scholarship partner: Officially listed as a GKS-participating university by the Korean government
- Affordable living costs: Located in Gyeongsan — a quieter city near Daegu with significantly lower living costs compared to Seoul
- Korean Language Institute: Dedicated institute to help international students master Korean at all levels
- Global partnerships: Active exchange agreements and academic cooperation with universities worldwide
- Career-ready graduates: Strong industry-university cooperation programs preparing students for global employment
🎓 Official Source
To explore programs, apply online, and get the most up-to-date scholarship information, visit the official Yeungnam University Graduate School portal:
🔗 Graduate Admissions Portal: https://engraduate.yu.ac.kr 🔗 Main University Website: https://www.yu.ac.kr/english 🔗 Scholarship Page: https://www.yu.ac.kr/english/admissions/use-fund.do
🎓 Scholarship Summary
| Feature | Details |
| University | Yeungnam University (YU) |
| Country | South Korea |
| Degree | Masters / PhD |
| Scholarship | Tuition Waiver up to 100% + GKS (Fully Funded) |
| Language | Korean / Some English Programs |
| English Req. | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 90 or TOPIK |
| Application | Online via engraduate.yu.ac.kr |
| Open to | All international students (non-Korean citizens) |
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