Study in South Korea with Scholarships for International Students
Last Updated on 4th November 2024
Why Study in South Korea? Advantages of South Korean Higher Education
Study in South Korea with Scholarships for International Students:- South Korea is a Asian Country and is a popular destination for international students. South Korea is renowned for its globally competitive and prestigious universities. South Korean universities known for academic excellence, offer a wide arena of fields of study, advanced research facilities, and substantial financial aid options.
As a member of the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), South Korea is recognized globally for its high academic standards and professional success.
According to Nambio, a large online cost-of-living database, South Korea ranks second in the world for providing quality healthcare. Additionally, factors like increasing per capita income and recent continuous economic growth have added to the country’s appeal as a desirable study destination.
Top Universities in South Korea: Rankings and Scholarships
If you want to Study in South Korea with Scholarships for International Students, you may consider several universities consistently ranked among the world’s best, making it a top destination for international students. Here are the leading institutions, their global rankings, and scholarship opportunities for international students:
- Seoul National University (SNU)
- QS Ranking: 36th globally
- Scholarships: SNU offers scholarships like the SNU Global Scholarship (full tuition coverage and a living stipend) and the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), which provides full funding, airfare, and a monthly allowance.
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
- QS Ranking: 41st globally
- Scholarships: International students can apply for the KAIST International Student Scholarship, covering full tuition, monthly allowances, and medical insurance.
- Yonsei University
- QS Ranking: 76th globally
- Scholarships: The Yonsei Underwood International College Scholarship offers full or partial tuition for undergraduates, and Yonsei Graduate Scholarships for master’s and PhD programs provide significant financial support based on merit.
- Korea University
- QS Ranking: 74th globally
- Scholarships: Korea University offers scholarships such as the Global KU Scholarship, covering full or partial tuition fees based on academic merit, and the Korea University Global Leader Scholarship, available for graduate students.
- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
- QS Ranking: 83rd globally
- Scholarships: POSTECH provides the POSTECH International Student Scholarship, covering tuition fees and a monthly allowance for living expenses.
- Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
- QS Ranking: 99th globally
- Scholarships: SKKU offers SKKU Global Scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students, which include tuition coverage and stipends, awarded based on academic performance.
- Hanyang University
- QS Ranking: 157th globally
- Scholarships: Hanyang International Excellence Awards offer tuition fee waivers of 70%, 50%, or 30%, based on academic achievement and need.
- Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)
- QS Ranking: 197th globally
- Scholarships: UNIST offers Global UNIST Scholarships that include full tuition waivers, a monthly stipend, and support for research-related expenses for international students.
- Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST)
- QS Ranking: Not ranked in QS World Rankings but highly regarded in STEM fields
- Scholarships: DGIST provides full scholarships for international students, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and medical insurance.
- Kyung Hee University
- QS Ranking: 248th globally
- Scholarships: The Kyung Hee University Global Scholarship covers tuition fees for international students, with additional funding options available based on academic performance.
Popular Subjects for Study in South Korea
South Korean universities offer a wide range of highly regarded programs with up to date curriculum. Some of the most sought-after fields for international students include:
Business and Economics, Science and Technology, Business Management, Engineering, Finance, International Trade and Business, Fashion Technology, Design Media, Biotechnology, Hospitality and Tourism Management, and International Relations.
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You may also visit: Best Universities in Malaysia for International Students | Study in Malaysia
You may also visit: Manipal International University (MIU) Malaysia Admission and Scholarships
Applying to South Korean Universities: Process and Deadlines
Each university of South Korea has its own online application portal and unique admission requirements. Make sure to check specific requirements and deadlines directly on the university’s official website. Here are the general admission timelines:
- Spring Semester: Application period from March to June, with classes beginning September–November.
- Fall Semester: Application period from September to December, with classes starting May–June.
Documents Required for Admission
To apply for a degree program in South Korea, students typically need the following documents:
- Completed application form, passport, recent passport-size photograph
- Higher Secondary Certificate (or equivalent diploma)
- English Language Proficiency: TOEFL (minimum 71) or IELTS (minimum 5.5)
- Personal statement or essay, bank statement or affidavit of financial support, recommendation letters, and CV
- Parent’s National ID or passport
Additional Documents for Graduate Programs
- For Master’s Programs: Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts, work experience (if required)
- For PhD Programs: Master’s degree certificate and transcripts, thesis, or research proposal
Visa application submission
Online appointment should be taken before going to the consulate with all the documents including the application form. For this a new account should be opened by visiting the link https://www.g4k.go.kr/cipl/0100/login.do. Then application can be made for specific date and time for submission of documents under this account. The name, phone number, e-mail address, passport or NID provided at the time of application must match exactly with the visa application.
Visa Process for South Korea
Upon receiving an acceptance letter, students must apply for a D-2 student visa for long-term study. Visit the official Korean Visa Portal to begin your visa application. Required documents include:
- Student visa application form (printed or e-form), recent passport-size photograph, passport, acceptance letter from the university, birth certificate, family relationship certificate, financial statements, NOC from parents, police clearance certificate, academic certificates (notarized)
Tuition Fees and Cost of Living in South Korea
If you study in South Korea with Scholarships for International Students, you should check the tuition fees of the universities in South Korea which is vary by university, field of study, and degree level:
- Undergraduate Tuition: 4.3 million to 3.39 million KRW
- Postgraduate Tuition: 5.07 million to 5.08 million KRW
- Living expenses in South Korea are higher in Seoul, with lower costs in cities like Busan and Incheon.
Scholarships for International Students in South Korea
In addition to university-specific scholarships, South Korea offers various government and private scholarships, making it an affordable choice for international students:
- Yonsei University Scholarships: Partial funding of up to one-third of tuition fees per semester for undergraduate programs.
- Korea University: Full or partial tuition coverage through the Global KU Scholarship.
- Hanyang International Excellence Awards: Tuition waivers of 70%, 50%, or 30%.
- Samsung Global Hope Scholarship: Provides 39 million KRW per semester for undergraduate studies and up to 50 million KRW for graduate studies.
- Global Korea Scholarship (GKS): Full funding for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, including tuition, living expenses, and airfare.
Part-Time Job Opportunities for Students in South Korea
International students can work part-time after completing one semester:
- Undergraduate students: Up to 20 hours per week
- Graduate students: Up to 30 hours per week
Typical hourly wages for part-time jobs:
- Cashier: 9,000–10,000 KRW
- Sales Associate: 11,000–12,000 KRW
- Lecturer: 51,000–55,000 KRW
- Research Assistant: 12,000–13,000 KRW