External Scholarships for Korea and Korean Studies
Explore funding from external foundations and organisations. Each programme appears once; participating university notices are application routes under that programme. Overseas Korean studies and research fellowships are listed separately.
20 programmes from the published database. Application status as of 2026-10-07 (KST); source review dates are recorded individually. Past calls remain labeled by their year and deadline. A policy without dates is not treated as an open call.
Full tuition; KRW 1,000,000 monthly living allowance; KRW 1,000,000 settlement grant; health insurance.
Non-Korean graduate applicants admitted to a participating university and recommended by that university. Eligible countries, universities and fields are specified in each nomination call.
Obtain admission first, then apply through the university’s scholarship nomination process. This is not a direct individual application to the foundation.
Dates not listed · Scholarship application
Award duration and continued support
Master’s: tuition for 4 semesters and living allowance for 22 months. PhD/integrated: tuition for 6 semesters and living allowance for 36 months. The recipient agreement governs continued payments.
Foundation scholarshipUndergraduate;Master;PhD;Integrated
Samsung Global Hope Scholarship
Samsung Dream Scholarship Foundation
KRW 4,800,000 per semester from the foundation. University arrangements may supplement this amount.
Students from DAC ODA-recipient countries at partner universities, with financial need, strong academic performance and TOPIK level 2 or higher. University recommendation is required. GKS recipients are excluded.
Apply through the partner university’s recommendation call. Student deadlines and available nomination places differ by university.
Dates not listed · Scholarship application
Award duration and continued support
Maximum: undergraduate 8 semesters, master’s 4, PhD 6, integrated 8. Continued support is decided through semester academic review; remaining regular semesters and university nomination terms apply.
KRW 5,000,000 twice a year: KRW 10,000,000 annual living allowance. This is not a tuition waiver.
Enrolled graduate students nominated by a participating university. Foreign students are explicitly included among priority groups; financial need and university selection apply.
Apply to your university or graduate school when its nomination call opens. The foundation does not accept individual applications.
Dates not listed · Scholarship application
Award duration and continued support
One annual award paid over 2 semesters. Continued payment requires enrollment and the university’s recipient conditions. No automatic multi-year renewal.
Korea Sanhak Foundation · Children of Foreign Workers
Korea Sanhak Foundation
Actual tuition for Fall 2026 only. Paid to the university.
Enrolled students at four-year universities in Korea whose parents are non-Korean citizens and at least one parent is working in Korea. Concurrent private-foundation or parental-employer tuition support is excluded. Academic merit is considered. University nomination and foundation selection are required.
Apply through your university before its student deadline. Each university may recommend one candidate, including its campuses and branches. The university submits the recommendation to the foundation by July 17, 2026; individual applications are not accepted.
One semester: Fall 2026. No automatic support in later semesters.
University application routes (1)
Incheon National University
Closed Fall 2026 · University route deadline: 2026-07-10 KST · 17:00 KST
Students email the required documents as one PDF to scholarship@inu.ac.kr by July 10, 2026, 17:00 KST. INU selects one nominee and submits an official recommendation to the foundation; individual foundation applications are not accepted.
Enrolled in Spring 2026 and planning a regular Fall 2026 semester. Both parents must be non-Korean nationals, with at least one parent currently working in Korea. Spring 2026 GPA at least 3.5 with 12 or more credits. No other scholarship receipt under the INU nomination notice. INU recommends one candidate; the foundation makes the final selection.
Korean or international students studying at schools in Korea. Strong academic achievement or low-income household. Master’s students eligible; integrated Master–PhD support limited to Master’s curriculum semesters. Students on leave or preparing for re-entry exams excluded. Proof of acceptance required when moving to a new education level. Recommendation, transcript and other application documents required. Scholarship ceremony attendance required.
Download the foundation forms from https://www.ikdream.kr, combine required documents as a PDF and email to dream@insulationkorea.co.kr.
One award per person. The 2026 notice explicitly prohibits multiple payments to the same individual.
University application routes (1)
Incheon National University
Closed All 2026 · University route deadline: 2026-01-05 KST · 15:00 KST
Download the foundation forms from https://www.ikdream.kr, combine required documents as a PDF and email to dream@insulationkorea.co.kr.
Korean or international students studying at schools in Korea. Strong academic achievement or low-income household. Master’s students eligible; integrated Master–PhD support limited to Master’s curriculum semesters. Students on leave or preparing for re-entry exams excluded. Proof of acceptance required when moving to a new education level. Recommendation, transcript and other application documents required. Scholarship ceremony attendance required.
KRW 5,000,000 · 2026 annual award, two installments
Japanese Korean diaspora students (or their children) studying or planning to study in Korea, with financial need, strong academic achievement and character. At least two semesters remaining as of March 2026. Documents, interview and attendance at award ceremonies are required.
Submit all required documents by registered post to the Korean-Japanese Entrepreneurs Association scholarship office. Documents must arrive by February 4, 2026. Address: 19F Shinhan Bank Head Office, 20 Sejong-daero 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 04513.
The planned 2026 annual support is KRW 5,000,000, paid in two installments. Two payments are part of the same annual award; they do not establish automatic support in later years.
University application routes (1)
Incheon National University
Closed All 2026 · University route deadline: 2026-02-04 KST
Submit all required documents by registered post to the Korean-Japanese Entrepreneurs Association scholarship office. Documents must arrive by February 4, 2026. Address: 19F Shinhan Bank Head Office, 20 Sejong-daero 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 04513.
Japanese Korean diaspora students (or their children) studying or planning to study in Korea, with financial need, strong academic achievement and character. At least two semesters remaining as of March 2026. Documents, interview and attendance at award ceremonies are required.
KRW 4,000,000 · 2025 annual award, two installments
Japanese Korean diaspora students studying in Korea. No nationality or previous-school restriction. Must be enrolled in Spring 2025 and plan a regular Fall 2025 semester. No leave, extended semester or exchange enrollment. Interest in Korean-Japanese human rights, peace and related activities. Orientation, two award ceremonies, an annual essay and designated activities required.
Email the application, personal statement, recommendation, confirmation and enrollment certificate to yi97dd@mongdang.org. Submit prescribed forms as Word files, not PDF. Deadline is March 30, 2025, 24:00 in the notice.
The 2025 annual KRW 4,000,000 award is paid as two KRW 2,000,000 installments. Required attendance and activities apply. Automatic support in a subsequent year is not promised in this call.
University application routes (1)
Incheon National University
Closed All 2025 · University route deadline: 2025-03-30 KST · 24:00 KST
Email the application, personal statement, recommendation, confirmation and enrollment certificate to yi97dd@mongdang.org. Submit prescribed forms as Word files, not PDF. Deadline is March 30, 2025, 24:00 in the notice.
Japanese Korean diaspora students studying in Korea. No nationality or previous-school restriction. Must be enrolled in Spring 2025 and plan a regular Fall 2025 semester. No leave, extended semester or exchange enrollment. Interest in Korean-Japanese human rights, peace and related activities. Orientation, two award ceremonies, an annual essay and designated activities required.
Incheon Institute for Talent and Lifelong Education
KRW 1,000,000 · One selected call
Student or parent holds F-4 overseas-Korean status. Attend a regular undergraduate semester at an Incheon university, or satisfy the specific Incheon residence branch. Continuing students: GPA 2.5/4.5 or 2.3/4.3, at least 12 credits (9 in final undergraduate year). First-year and transfer academic evidence follows the call. 2025 foundation scholarship recipients and 2025 overseas-program awardees excluded. One household applicant; no same-year foundation double award.
Apply online on the Incheon Institute for Talent and Lifelong Education website (www.itle.or.kr), Scholarship application section.
This is a separately selected KRW 1,000,000 living-cost award, not automatic renewal. The 2026 call excludes 2025 foundation scholarship and overseas-program recipients and prohibits another foundation award in the same year. Older 2024 rules differ and are stored with that call.
University application routes (2)
Incheon National University
Closed Spring 2026 · University route deadline: 2026-04-19 KST
Apply online on the Incheon Institute for Talent and Lifelong Education website (www.itle.or.kr), Scholarship application section.
Student or parent holds F-4 overseas-Korean status. Attend a regular undergraduate semester at an Incheon university, or satisfy the specific Incheon residence branch. Continuing students: GPA 2.5/4.5 or 2.3/4.3, at least 12 credits (9 in final undergraduate year). First-year and transfer academic evidence follows the call. 2025 foundation scholarship recipients and 2025 overseas-program awardees excluded. One household applicant; no same-year foundation double award.
Closed Fall 2024 · University route deadline: 2024-11-12 KST · 23:59 KST
Apply online at www.itle.or.kr, Scholarship application section.
Student or parent holds F-4 status. Incheon university attendance or Incheon residence branch required. Regular undergraduate enrollment only; graduate students excluded. GPA 2.5/4.5 or 2.3/4.3; at least 12 credits (9 in final undergraduate year). 2024 Spring foundation awardees excluded; 2023 recipients are lower priority.
Local authority scholarshipUndergraduate;Master;PhD;Integrated
Global Busan Scholarship (GBS)
Busan Metropolitan City
Up to KRW 2,200,000 per person, paid once.
International degree-seeking students interested in employment and settlement in Busan, with a good attitude toward study and campus life. Students graduating in February or August 2027 receive priority. The reviewed Pusan National University call selected up to two students; this is not the citywide quota.
The Pusan National University application closed on July 8, 2026 at 23:59 KST. Submit the application and privacy consent in Korean to isupport@pusan.ac.kr. Other universities may have separate nomination schedules; this deadline applies only to the reviewed university route.
Verified 2026 SNU route: new graduate entrants in Korean language or Korean studies from 15 eligible countries in Asia and Africa. GKS recipients excluded.
Apply through SNU’s college nomination process. July 13 was the central recommendation deadline; student deadlines were earlier. Other partner universities issue their own calls.
Master’s: up to 4 semesters; PhD: 8; integrated: 10. Continued support requires the foundation’s semester assessment and the regular study period.
University application routes (1)
Seoul National University
Closed All 2026 · University route deadline: 2026-07-13 KST
Apply through SNU’s college nomination process. July 13 was the central recommendation deadline; student deadlines were earlier. Other partner universities issue their own calls.
Verified 2026 SNU route: new graduate entrants in Korean language or Korean studies from 15 eligible countries in Asia and Africa. GKS recipients excluded.
KRW 2,000,000 per semester, for up to 5 semesters.
Foreign students legally residing in Korea, enrolled in or admitted to a Korean master’s programme. Interest in Korean culture and exchange activities required; creator, language and cultural-planning tracks.
Apply on the foundation website with the required documents. The 2026 application period was August 10–17.
At least one foundation activity each year and a semester activity report are required. Study interruption or failure to fulfil obligations may stop or cancel support.
Foreign humanities/social-sciences undergraduates in semesters 6–8. University-specific GPA, TOPIK and recommendation requirements apply. Listed preferred countries are priorities, not exclusive eligibility.
University nomination: HUFS October 6; SKKU October 7 at 17:00 KST; Korea University October 12. Submit to your own university, not directly to the foundation.
Open · Scholarship application deadline: 2026-10-12 KST
Award duration and continued support
This call awards support for one semester. A later award requires a separate selection.
University application routes (3)
Sungkyunkwan University
Closed Fall 2026 · University route deadline: 2026-10-07 KST · 17:00 KST
Submit original documents and a PDF to SKKU OISS by 17:00 KST.
Foreign humanities/social-sciences undergraduates in semesters 6–8. GPA at least 3.0, no F grades, TOPIK level 3 or higher, and faculty/department recommendation. Interest in an internship required.
Open Fall 2026 · University route deadline: 2026-10-12 KST
Email the required documents to Korea University GSC by October 12.
Foreign humanities/social-sciences undergraduates in semesters 6–8. Economics/business majors and the listed nationalities receive priority. These are preferences, not exclusive nationality restrictions. Required documents follow the KU notice.
Closed Fall 2026 · University route deadline: 2026-10-06 KST
Submit physical documents to HUFS International Student Support Center, History Hall room 102, during office hours.
Foreign humanities/social-sciences undergraduates in semesters 6–8. GPA at least 3.0/4.5, no F grades, TOPIK level 3 or higher and faculty recommendation. Preferred majors and nationalities are priorities, not exclusive restrictions.
KRW 20,000,000 per year, paid as KRW 10,000,000 per semester.
Foreign SNU engineering graduate students from developing countries, including eligible new entrants. GPA at least 3.1; at least 2 semesters remaining; department recommendation. GKS/university scholarships allowed; other company/foundation awards excluded.
Apply through the engineering department. The verified ECE student deadline was March 4, 2026, 17:00 KST; other departments may set different submission dates.
Master’s: up to 2 years; PhD: 3; integrated: 5, while eligibility is maintained. Master’s support ends after coursework completion.
University application routes (1)
Seoul National University
Closed All 2026 · University route deadline: 2026-03-04 KST · 17:00 KST
Apply through the engineering department. The verified ECE student deadline was March 4, 2026, 17:00 KST; other departments may set different submission dates.
Foreign SNU engineering graduate students from developing countries, including eligible new entrants. GPA at least 3.1; at least 2 semesters remaining; department recommendation. GKS/university scholarships allowed; other company/foundation awards excluded.
KRW 20,000,000 per year, paid as KRW 10,000,000 per semester.
KRW 1,000,000 monthly for 12 months, September 2026–August 2027.
GIST foreign PhD/integrated students from Asia, excluding China and India, who entered in Fall 2025 or Spring 2026. GIST presidential scholars excluded; academic record and advisor recommendation required.
Submit to GIST’s scholarship office with advisor recommendation. The 2026 deadline was September 14, 17:00 KST.
The award covers the stated 12-month period. A subsequent award requires a new selection.
University application routes (1)
GIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)
Closed All 2026 · University route deadline: 2026-09-14 KST · 17:00 KST
Submit to GIST’s scholarship office with advisor recommendation. The 2026 deadline was September 14, 17:00 KST.
GIST foreign PhD/integrated students from Asia, excluding China and India, who entered in Fall 2025 or Spring 2026. GIST presidential scholars excluded; academic record and advisor recommendation required.
KRW 1,000,000 monthly for 12 months, September 2026–August 2027.
Shinyang Cultural Foundation Foreign Student Scholarship
Shinyang Cultural Foundation
Full tuition for one year, while eligibility is maintained.
Foreign SNU students with GPA at least 3.0/4.3 and at least 2 semesters remaining. New Spring 2026 undergraduates excluded. No concurrent tuition scholarship; undergraduate support within 10 semesters.
Apply through your SNU department. The verified aerospace department deadline was February 2, 2026, 18:00 KST.
The 2026 award covers one year. Continuing eligibility is required; a following year is not automatically awarded.
University application routes (1)
Seoul National University
Closed All 2026 · University route deadline: 2026-02-02 KST · 18:00 KST
Apply through your SNU department. The verified aerospace department deadline was February 2, 2026, 18:00 KST.
Foreign SNU students with GPA at least 3.0/4.3 and at least 2 semesters remaining. New Spring 2026 undergraduates excluded. No concurrent tuition scholarship; undergraduate support within 10 semesters.
Full tuition for one year, while eligibility is maintained.
Sponsor-funded support for overseas graduate study. Award amount and covered expenses depend on the sponsoring Rotary club/district and approved grant.
Graduate study abroad in one of seven focus areas: peace, disease prevention, water/sanitation, maternal/child health, education, local economies or environment. Study in Korea requires sponsor agreement and grant approval.
Contact your local Rotary club/district for sponsorship, eligibility and its application schedule. There is no single verified student deadline or fixed Korea award amount on the general policy page.
Dates not listed · Scholarship application
Contact your local Rotary club/district for sponsorship, eligibility and its application schedule. There is no single verified student deadline or fixed Korea award amount on the general policy page.
Award duration and continued support
Funding may last one to four years and cover the degree period. Recipients must follow the approved grant and sponsor conditions.
Foundation scholarshipResearch;PostdoctoralResearch fellowship
International Scholar Exchange Fellowship (ISEF)
Chey Institute for Advanced Studies
KRW 3,500,000 per month research stipend; KRW 1,000,000 settlement support; KRW 1,000,000 on submission of the final research paper. Round-trip airfare and medical insurance are provided. Publication incentives have separate conditions.
Doctorate-holding faculty, researchers or postdoctoral researchers currently employed at an overseas university or research institute. Korean nationals and people currently residing or researching in Korea are excluded. In principle, applicants must be aged 50 or younger at the deadline and able to conduct research in English. This is not a degree tuition scholarship.
Apply through the Chey Institute ISEF application system with a research proposal, supporting documents and recommendations. At least one referee must be outside the home institution. The general annual application window is early November to mid-February; exact dates for the next call have not been announced on the reviewed page.
Dates not listed · Scholarship application
Next application dates have not been announced on the reviewed programme page.
Award duration and continued support
Research in Korea for six months or one year. A one-year extension for postdoctoral researchers may be granted after review; it is not automatic. Initial, interim and final research reports are required.