Fully Funded Scholarships in South Korea for Pakistani and International Students

Fully Funded Scholarships in South Korea

Fully funded scholarships are the most attractive option for international students as they cover all major expenses, including tuition fees, living costs, and health insurance.

• Global Korea Scholarship (GKS): The official South Korean government scholarship for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students, covering tuition, airfare, settlement allowance, and a monthly stipend.
• KAIST International Student Scholarship: Offered at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology for master’s and PhD students in science, engineering, and technology fields.
• UST Scholarship: The University of Science and Technology provides a full ride scholarship for graduate students with an additional monthly research allowance.
• KDI School Scholarship: Available for public policy, business, and development studies programs.
• HEC South Korea Scholarships: Special programs for Pakistani students funded by the Higher Education Commission.

Undergraduate Scholarships in South Korea

South Korea offers generous scholarships for undergraduate students, making it a top choice for those seeking affordable higher education abroad.

• GKS-U (Undergraduate): Covers full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, and settlement support.
• Korea University Scholarships: Merit based scholarships for international bachelor’s students.
• Yonsei University Scholarships: Offers partial and fully funded options based on merit and need.
• POSTECH Scholarships: Available for STEM students interested in technology and research programs.
• Ewha Womans University Scholarships: Exclusive scholarships for female international students.

Master’s Scholarships in South Korea

South Korea is a hub for research driven master’s programs with significant funding opportunities.

• KAIST Graduate Scholarship: Fully funded for master’s students in engineering, computer science, and natural sciences.
• GIST Scholarship: Covers tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend.
• Yonsei University Graduate Scholarships: Need based and merit based support available.
• Hanyang University Graduate Programs: Partial and fully funded scholarships for various disciplines.
• SNU Global Scholarship: Seoul National University offers a prestigious scholarship for international graduate students.

PhD Scholarships in South Korea

PhD students benefit from competitive scholarships that support research and innovation.

• UST Research Scholarship: Full coverage of fees, stipend, and research allowance.
• KAIST PhD Fellowship: Generous funding for top performing researchers.
• PhD in Pharmacy & Life Sciences: Specialized scholarships available for pharmaceutical and molecular biology research.
• PhD in Engineering and AI: Fully funded positions with research stipends.
• Postdoctoral Fellowships: Opportunities for advanced researchers with monthly funding and lab support.

University Specific Scholarships in South Korea

Many South Korean universities offer their own scholarships for international students:

• Seoul National University (SNU): SNU President Fellowship, SNU Global Scholarship.
• KAIST: Undergraduate, master’s, and PhD fully funded options.
• POSTECH: Focused on science and technology programs with excellent funding.
• Yonsei University: Graduate and undergraduate scholarships with merit based criteria.
• Korea University: Multiple scholarships for international applicants.
• Hanyang University: Partial and full coverage depending on GPA and program.

Field Specific Scholarships

South Korea provides scholarships for specific fields to attract global talent:

• Medical & MBBS Scholarships: Opportunities for clinical studies and research programs.
• Engineering Scholarships: Electrical, mechanical, civil, chemical, and computer engineering programs.
• Computer Science & AI Scholarships: Scholarships for data science, machine learning, cybersecurity, and robotics programs.
• Business & Economics Scholarships: MBA, finance, and public policy programs.
• Social Sciences & Law Scholarships: International relations, sociology, anthropology, and law programs.
• Arts & Humanities Scholarships: Scholarships for fine arts, music, literature, film, and design.
• Agriculture & Environmental Science: Scholarships for agronomy, forestry, water resources, and climate studies.
• Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences: Scholarships for biotechnology, molecular biology, microbiology, and bioinformatics.
• Media & Mass Communication: Funding for journalism, digital media, and communication studies.
• Sports Science & Physical Education: Scholarships for sports science, exercise physiology, and physical education.
• Hospitality & Tourism Management: Scholarships for tourism, culinary arts, and hotel management students.

Scholarships in South Korea Without IELTS

South Korea is attractive for students who want to study abroad without IELTS.

• Most universities accept English Proficiency Certificates (EPC) from your previous institution.
• KAIST, POSTECH, and SNU offer exemptions for students from English medium backgrounds.
• GKS allows applicants to submit TOEFL/IELTS/TEPS or EPC.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility requirements vary by program, but typically include:

• Being a non Korean citizen with excellent academic records.
• Meeting minimum GPA requirements (usually 2.64/4.0 or higher).
• Meeting language requirements (TOPIK level or English proficiency certificate).
• For government scholarships: under 25 years for undergraduate and under 40 years for graduate applicants.
• Good physical and mental health.

Requirements for Scholarships in South Korea

Applicants generally need to submit:

• Completed online application form.
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
• Research proposal or statement of purpose (for graduate programs).
• Letters of recommendation from professors or employers.
• Language proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL/TOPIK or EPC).
• Medical fitness certificate.
• Passport copy and photographs.

South Korea is a top destination for international students due to its world class education system, extensive scholarship opportunities, and research driven environment. Whether you are pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or PhD studies, there are multiple fully funded options to make education affordable and accessible. Apply early, prepare a strong application, and take advantage of scholarships that can cover tuition, living expenses, and even airfare.

FAQs About Scholarships in South Korea

Can Pakistani students apply for South Korean scholarships?

• Yes, Pakistani students are eligible for most South Korean government and university scholarships.

Do I need IELTS for South Korea scholarships?

• No, many programs accept English proficiency certificates from previous education.

Are South Korean scholarships fully funded?

• Yes, GKS, KAIST, and UST scholarships are fully funded, covering tuition, stipend, and airfare.

Can I work while studying in South Korea?

• Yes, international students are allowed part-time work with permission from immigration.

Which intake is better – Spring or Fall?

• Fall intake generally offers more scholarship opportunities and course availability.