Admissions are currently open in South Korean Universities on fully-funded Scholarships offered by the High Commission of the Republic of Korea for all subjects and degree programmes.
So do you want to complete your higher studies in South Korea for free? If yes, here is your chance. The Korean Government, in partnership with various Korean public & private universities, has announced fully-sponsored Korean scholarships for BS, MS, and Ph.D. degrees. Such funded awards provide financial and academic coverages to underprivileged overseas students who cannot afford to pay their tuition fees. Moreover, IELTS is not required for the Korean High Commission’s fully-funded scholarship applications.
Online applications for these generous scholarships offering valuable benefits to international scholars are currently open for the intake session of 2023-2024. Interested applicants are bound to apply for these programs without IELTS scores after checking the eligibility criteria to avoid any inconvenience.
So, if you are planning to apply for Korean-funded scholarships soon for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. studies, this article is worth reading.
Ways to Study in Korea Without IELTS scores:
International applicants who cannot provide IELTS scores must not worry as there are other ways to prove your English Proficiency. For instance:
Submission of English language certificates from the ex-institute.
If the applicant has completed his previous education from an English medium college or school, IELTS scores are not necessary.
Opt for the IELTS alternative tests, like Cambridge Test, TOEFL, DET, TEPS, TOPIK, etc.
What Do Korean High Commission Scholarships Cover?
Winners of the Korean High commission funded scholarships will be entitled to the following benefits till the degree completion:
Monthly stipend of $380-$500 or more
Resettlement Allowance of KRW200,000
Return Air Travel Tickets
Thesis and Dissertation Printing funds
Costs for study material and food
Tuition fee discounts up to 25%, 50%, 70%, 100%
Health premiums
Scholarship rewards of various amounts
Free counseling sessions
E-library and sports club access
Free one-year Korean language training
How to apply for South Korean Scholarships?
The application process is quite simple. Select the degree program first and choose the university where you want to pursue your higher education. After this, log into the official application portal of your chosen university and find suitable scholarships. Then, create an account, and fill the required fields with correct information. Upload the documents in the required format with application fees (if asked) & medical assessment records. Now, submit the application and wait for the final announcement.
Documents needed to apply for the Prestigious High-Commission Korean Programs:
Following are the documents that need to be submitted with the scholarship application:
Recommendation Letters
Research Proposal
Study Plan
Personal Statement
Official High school Certificates
Academic Transcripts.
Graduation certificate with Transcript (for Ph.D.)
Candidate’s photograph (passport size)
Passport copy and Nationality proof
English language proficiency certificates/scores
Parent’s passport copies and nationality documents.
GKS-U form
International citizenship proof
GKS applicant agreement
Applicant’s medical assessments
List of South Korean Scholarships Offered by Korean High Commission
Here is a list of the Korean Republic High Commission Scholarships 2023-2024 for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Interested overseas applicants can check the list from here to make up their minds.
1# GKS Undergraduate Scholarships 2023:
The first name on our list is the valuable Global Korea Scholarships for Undergraduate students. It is an initiative by the honorable Korean government with reputable Korean institutes for foreign students willing to complete BS degrees in Korea. Around 220 fully-funded GKS-U scholarships are there for BS & Associate degree programs.
However, the scholarship duration is 5 years for BS and 4 years for the Associate degrees with one-year free Korean language training. GKS-U programs also cover monthly allowances, travel tickets, tuition fee waivers, etc. On the other hand, no IELTS requirements for international students.
GKS Application Deadline: December 15, 2022
2# UST KOREA Scholarships 2023:
The University of Science and Technology in Korea, also known as UST, is currently offering above 100 fully-funded scholarships for MS and Ph.D. programs in diverse fields. Eligible applicants can apply for the UST-sponsored programs via TOEFL, IELTS, DET, & Cambridge scores. However, some of the noble scholarships by the UST are; UST Excellence Award, UST Research paper Award, Excellent Professorship Award, etc. Meanwhile, winners will get stipends of $1100-$1600/ month, travel costs, E-library access, and much more.
Candidates are bound to submit the applications by September 30, 2022.
3# KAIST Scholarships 2023:
The very famous KAIST or Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology is a national university with around 300 fully-sponsored scholarships for deserving international students. Such scholarships are open for undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctoral courses for three, four, or five years of duration concerning each degree. However, interested applicants can apply for Labor Scholarships, Academic Excellence Scholarships, Departmental Development Programs, National Scholarships, etc., with or without IELTS scores.
Except for IELTS, applicants can submit English language certificates and TOEFL iBT scores. Meanwhile, winners will receive funds for study material, living expenses, health coverage, free language training, and others.
KAIST Scholarships Deadline: September 15, 2023
4# GIST Scholarships:
The renowned GIST university has opened its doors for overseas candidates to pursue Master’s, Ph.D., and Integrated MS & Ph.D. programs in Science and Technology related areas. On the other hand, these foreign candidates from low-income countries can also apply for their fully-sponsored academic scholarships, covering house allowance, monthly stipends of won 140,000, meal costs, health insurance, research assistantships, and more.
The GIST international scholarships do not ask for IELTS scores. However, applicants must meet the language requirements by submitting TOEIC, TOEFL iBT, and TEPS scores.
For GIST awards, eligible applicants must hold a BS or equivalent degree and be proficient in English. Meanwhile, it is essential to submit the applications before October 14, 2022.
5# Seoul National University Scholarships:
The Seoul National University is one of the top-notches globally recognized institutions in South Korea. It is famous for providing dozens of innovative academic course programs with more than 330 scholarships per year to potential candidates based on GPA, skills, leadership qualities, and financial needs.
Meanwhile, students from below-average states wishing to study here have the golden chance to apply for these fully-funded SNU scholarships for their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Prominent SNU higher education scholarships with no IELTS & TOEFL scores are; Academic Scholarships, Service Scholarships, SNU President Fellowship Program, Silk-Road Scholarships, etc. Additionally, winners will enjoy fee waivers, scholarship rewards, and other luxuries.
Make sure to submit the online applications for SNU awards before October 15, 2022.
6# POSTECH Korean University Scholarships:
POSTECH also referred to as the Pohang University of Science and Technology, is one of the oldest research universities in South Korea, offering financial aid and bursaries to overseas candidates. That prestigious university also offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs in STEM fields. Moreover, the fully-funded POSTECH scholarships finance the above-listed degree programs and minimize the financial burden of scholars by covering almost all expenses during the educational trip in Korea.
Interested students are bound to meet the language requirements by submitting IELTS/ TOEFL/ TOEIC/TEPS scores. Meanwhile, international students have around 200 fully-funded scholarships to apply for, like; POSCO Asia Fellowship, GKS, President Science Scholarship, Study Abroad Scholarship, Honorary Scholarship, etc.
Last Date to apply: August 31, 2023.
7# Korea University Scholarships:
Want to sponsor your higher education degrees, like undergraduate, MS, doctoral, and dual degree programs in Korea? If the answer is in yes, time to apply online for Korea University’s fully-subsidized scholarships supporting international students in every possible way. Such scholarships cover all expenditures, from tuition costs to health, living, and accommodation finances. Meanwhile, applicants can opt for more than a hundred valuable scholarships and reduce their financial expenses without worrying about IELTS scores. Overseas students can submit alternative tests, like TOEFL, TOPIK, & TEPS scores or English language certificates.
Available Korea University Scholarships include; Global Leader Scholarships, Bright Future Scholarships, BK21 Scholarships, KIEP GPAS Overseas Research Scholarship, and many more.
Application Deadline: September 22, 2023.
8# Yonsei University Scholarships:
Are you looking for ways to study tuition-free education in Korea without IELTS scores? If this is the case, you have come to the right place. The very famous Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea, is giving 100% tuition fee waivers via fully-funded academic sponsorship programs for non-degree and degree courses. Via these scholarships, international students can enjoy cost-effective but quality education at Yonsei university, offering unlimited benefits to complete BS, MS, and Ph.D. programs with ease.
Yonsei University offers 150 plus scholarships, including Kim Suk-Hi and Do Sim Scholarships, Yonsei Alumni Scholarships, Jinri Scholarships, GKS awards, etc. On the other hand, the acceptable language tests are TOEIC & TOEFL iBT for Yonsei University full-sponsored awards.
Online Applications are valid till May 13, 2023.
9# Sejong University Scholarships:
Next is Sejong University, a private academy sponsoring undergraduate and graduate courses, like Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in various academic fields for international students. Those who cannot bear their application and tuition charges with other essential expenses can apply online and win partially and fully-financed scholarships by Sejong university.
Fulfill the eligibility requirements, and submit TOEFL, TOPIK, or New TEPS scores for Sejong Scholarships. However, applicants can try their luck and apply for the following options; SEARCA Joint Research Scholarships, Global Korea Scholarship Award, Sejong Research Assistantship Scholarships, etc.
Closing application Date: October 22, 2022
10# Hanyang University Scholarships:
Lastly, we have Hanyang University, a well-known name in South Korea, financing undergraduate, graduate, and research programs for financially unstable international students. Such scholarships are partial and fully sponsored programs to which applicants can apply online without IELTS restrictions. However, English language certificates or other language scores would be enough to abide by the requirements.
Meanwhile, 300-plus scholarships are awarded by the Hanyang university to international and domestic students enrolled in different academic programs. Eligible students can go for the following ones; the GKS program, International Excellence Award, TOPIK scholarships, and much more.
Application Deadline: March 18, 2023.