Scholarships in Korea without TOPIK: English-Score Alternatives
These recorded scholarship rules explicitly offer IELTS as an alternative to TOPIK, or identify an English-track option. This concerns the scholarship language rule. Department admission requirements may still require Korean proficiency; check the full official guide. A missing TOPIK field alone is never used as evidence.
8 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.
Freshmen and year-3 transfers only; certificate required for the language tier. Year-4 transfers have a separate 30% tier. Partner institutions, BUFS language-course completion or specified F visas may also qualify for 30%.
Application dates are not listed for this policy. Check the official announcement for a new call.
Official source ↗· PDF pp.2,9–10; printed pp.0,7–8: rounds, scholarship and campus
Freshmen and year-3 transfers only; certificate required for the language tier. Year-4 transfers have a separate 30% tier. Partner institutions, BUFS language-course completion or specified F visas may also qualify for 30%.
Application dates are not listed for this policy. Check the official announcement for a new call.
Official source ↗· PDF pp.2,9–10; printed pp.0,7–8: rounds, scholarship and campus
Freshmen and year-3 transfers only; certificate required for the language tier. Year-4 transfers have a separate 30% tier. Partner institutions, BUFS language-course completion or specified F visas may also qualify for 30%.
Application dates are not listed for this policy. Check the official announcement for a new call.
Official source ↗· PDF pp.2,9–10; printed pp.0,7–8: rounds, scholarship and campus
Freshmen and year-3 transfers only; certificate required for the language tier. Year-4 transfers have a separate 30% tier. Partner institutions, BUFS language-course completion or specified F visas may also qualify for 30%.
Application dates are not listed for this policy. Check the official announcement for a new call.
Official source ↗· PDF pp.2,9–10; printed pp.0,7–8: rounds, scholarship and campus
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Later semesters and re-application
The entrance waiver is for the first semester only. The 2027 guide also provides separate TOPIK achievement payments after enrollment; these are not an automatic renewal of the entrance waiver.
All required: prior GPA threshold (or equivalent 3.83/4.3, 3.57/4.0, 90/100); language threshold TOEFL iBT90 OR IELTS7.0 OR New TEPS386 OR TOPIK6; department recommendation. Relative selection; all required academic, language and recommendation conditions must be satisfied. Business Analytics excluded; no concurrent GKS/foundation award.
Foreign graduate applicant
Minimum GPA: 4 / 4.5
Application dates are not listed for this policy. Check the official announcement for a new call.
Official source ↗· Requirements A–C, first-semester restriction, Benefits A–C
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Later semesters and re-application
The entrance award covers the first semester only. From semester 2, apply and be selected again each semester based on GPA; the award rate can differ by college. Continued funding is not automatic.
All required: prior GPA threshold (or equivalent 3.36/4.3, 3.14/4.0, 85/100); language TOEFL iBT82 OR IELTS6.0 OR New TEPS337 OR TOPIK4; department recommendation. Relative selection; all required academic, language and recommendation conditions must be satisfied. Business Analytics excluded; no concurrent GKS/foundation award.
Foreign graduate applicant
Minimum GPA: 3.5 / 4.5
Application dates are not listed for this policy. Check the official announcement for a new call.
Official source ↗· Requirements A–C, first-semester restriction, Benefits A–C
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Later semesters and re-application
The entrance award covers the first semester only. From semester 2, apply and be selected again each semester based on GPA; the award rate can differ by college. Continued funding is not automatic.
Designated AI/IT or Semiconductor master’s programmes
Master
Tuition: KRW 7,392,000 per semester for 4 semesters; entrance fee: KRW 1,142,000. Living allowance: KRW 1,500,000/month for 2 years. Airfare: actual expenses up to KRW 3,000,000 total, with KRW 1,500,000 limits for initial entry and final departure. Private medical insurance is provided at the amount set by Korea University.
The university programme page lists these benefits. The latest linked application guide is for Fall 2026; a 2027 intake and application schedule are not announced in the sources reviewed.
Language requirement: TOPIK level 3+ or Academic IELTS 5.5+ or TOEFL iBT (0–120) 71+ or CEFR B2+ or New TEPS 326+. The Fall 2026 guide waives language proof for an English- or Korean-taught bachelor’s degree. Test reports must be valid; IELTS Home Test is not accepted.
Master’s applicants with a completed or expected bachelor’s degree at Korea University Graduate School in Seoul. Only designated AI/IT majors and Semiconductor laboratories are eligible. Up to 20 scholars per cohort: 10 per track. Eligible regions: Austria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine; Timor-Leste, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines; India and Pakistan. Japan and Taiwan are eligible for the Semiconductor track only. Both parents must hold non-Korean citizenship. AI/IT track: Computer Science and Engineering majors in Artificial Intelligence Applications, Software, Computer Security, Radio Communications Engineering and Computer Education; or Artificial Intelligence. Optional Korean-language training support is described by the university as covering the amount above KRW 1,000,000, at the amount set by Korea University. Ask the programme office how this applies to your course.
AI/IT track: Computer Science and Engineering majors in Artificial Intelligence Applications, Software, Computer Security, Radio Communications Engineering and Computer Education; or Artificial Intelligence.
Both parents must have non-Korean nationality
Eligible nationalities: Austria, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine, Timor-Leste, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), Vietnam, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines, India, Pakistan
Closed Fall 2026 · Scholarship application deadline: 2026-03-31 KST
Apply online through Study in Korea and upload scanned documents. The Fall 2026 application and document upload closed on March 31, 2026. The recommender had to email the recommendation letter by April 15, 2026. No application fee. Choose one track and one major or lab; multiple SK Global applications are not allowed.
Official source ↗· Sections 1–3: benefits, citizenship, language, majors and procedure
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Master
Tuition: KRW 7,392,000 per semester for 4 semesters; entrance fee: KRW 1,142,000. Living allowance: KRW 1,500,000/month for 2 years. Airfare: actual expenses up to KRW 3,000,000 total, with KRW 1,500,000 limits for initial entry and final departure. Private medical insurance is provided at the amount set by Korea University.
The university programme page lists these benefits. The latest linked application guide is for Fall 2026; a 2027 intake and application schedule are not announced in the sources reviewed.
Language requirement: TOPIK level 3+ or Academic IELTS 5.5+ or TOEFL iBT (0–120) 71+ or CEFR B2+ or New TEPS 326+. The Fall 2026 guide waives language proof for an English- or Korean-taught bachelor’s degree. Test reports must be valid; IELTS Home Test is not accepted.
Master’s applicants with a completed or expected bachelor’s degree at Korea University Graduate School in Seoul. Only designated AI/IT majors and Semiconductor laboratories are eligible. Up to 20 scholars per cohort: 10 per track. Eligible regions: Austria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine; Timor-Leste, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines; India and Pakistan. Japan and Taiwan are eligible for the Semiconductor track only. Both parents must hold non-Korean citizenship. Semiconductor track: designated laboratories in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, and Chemical and Biological Engineering. Japan and Taiwan applicants can apply to this track only. Optional Korean-language training support is described by the university as covering the amount above KRW 1,000,000, at the amount set by Korea University. Ask the programme office how this applies to your course.
Semiconductor track: designated laboratories in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, and Chemical and Biological Engineering. Japan and Taiwan applicants can apply to this track only.
Both parents must have non-Korean nationality
Eligible nationalities: Austria, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine, Timor-Leste, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), Vietnam, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines, India, Pakistan, Japan, Taiwan
Closed Fall 2026 · Scholarship application deadline: 2026-03-31 KST
Apply online through Study in Korea and upload scanned documents. The Fall 2026 application and document upload closed on March 31, 2026. The recommender had to email the recommendation letter by April 15, 2026. No application fee. Choose one track and one major or lab; multiple SK Global applications are not allowed.
Official source ↗· Sections 1–3: benefits, citizenship, language, majors and procedure
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Later semesters and re-application
Tuition support lasts 4 semesters; living expenses and private insurance last 2 years. The Fall 2026 guide applies Korea University academic and conduct regulations, and students are responsible for their housing. It does not state a numerical scholarship renewal GPA. Confirm any additional award conditions with the programme office.
Korean track: TOPIK level 6. English track: TOEFL iBT 105 on the earlier scale (5.5 for tests taken on or after January 21, 2026), or IELTS 7.5. Submit the certificate under the applicable intake instructions.
Korean/English tracks
Application dates are not listed for this policy. Check the official announcement for a new call.
Official source ↗· PDF pages 9–11 campus recruitment; PDF pages 12–13 admission schedule; PDF pages 29–30 scholarship benefits, eligibility and renewal
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Later semesters and re-application
First-semester award only. This award does not provide automatic support for later semesters.
Applicant and both parents must be foreign nationals by birth; Korean dual nationality and acquired foreign nationality are excluded. Family circumstances require official nationality documentation. Short-term programs excluded. Graduate scholarships cannot be combined; foreign-government funding may limit university awards. Official scores valid within 2 years of entry semester start; continuing directly from Sejong Master to PhD retains the submitted score. TOPIK5, IELTS5.5, TOEFL iBT71 (new scale4.0), or New TEPS327.
Applicant and both parents must be foreign nationals by birth; Korean dual nationality and acquired foreign nationality are excluded. Family circumstances require official nationality documentation. Short-term programs excluded. Graduate scholarships cannot be combined; foreign-government funding may limit university awards. Official scores valid within 2 years of entry semester start; continuing directly from Sejong Master to PhD retains the submitted score. TOPIK5, IELTS5.5, TOEFL iBT71 (new scale4.0), or New TEPS327.
Official source ↗· PDF pages 5, 9, 10, 14–15 (application, GPA, duration and scholarship table)
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Later semesters and re-application
For 2027 entrants. TOPIK 5+, IELTS 5.5, legacy TOEFL iBT71 (new scale4.0), or New TEPS327: first semester50%, then30% tuition. TOPIK4: first semester40%, then20%. English-native-country recipients:50%, then30%. Master and PhD: maximum 4 semesters; integrated degree: maximum 8 semesters, within the minimum study period. Previous-semester Sejong GPA must be at least 3.8/4.5. Qualification is based on admission documents; later new qualifications do not create or upgrade this award.
Language requirement: TOPIK level 6+ or IELTS 7+ or TOEFL iBT (0–120) 100+ / TOEFL iBT (1–6) 5+ · Admission assessment: A or B.
Admission assessment A or B required; assessment C receives no award. The stronger Korean or English score is used, but department admission language requirements still apply. No concurrent internal tuition awards; programme fees are excluded. Admission assessment: A or B.
Official source ↗· PDF pp.3–4,9,20–21; printed pp.1–2,7,18–19: departments, schedule and undergraduate/Alliance scholarships
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Undergraduate
100% tuition · First semester only
Language requirement: TOPIK level 5+ or IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT (0–120) 90+ / TOEFL iBT (1–6) 4.5+ · Admission assessment: A.
Admission assessment A or B required; assessment C receives no award. The stronger Korean or English score is used, but department admission language requirements still apply. No concurrent internal tuition awards; programme fees are excluded. Admission assessment: A.
Official source ↗· PDF pp.3–4,9,20–21; printed pp.1–2,7,18–19: departments, schedule and undergraduate/Alliance scholarships
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Undergraduate
70% tuition · First semester only
Language requirement: TOPIK level 5+ or IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT (0–120) 90+ / TOEFL iBT (1–6) 4.5+ · Admission assessment: B.
Admission assessment A or B required; assessment C receives no award. The stronger Korean or English score is used, but department admission language requirements still apply. No concurrent internal tuition awards; programme fees are excluded. Admission assessment: B.
Official source ↗· PDF pp.3–4,9,20–21; printed pp.1–2,7,18–19: departments, schedule and undergraduate/Alliance scholarships
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Undergraduate
70% tuition · First semester only
Language requirement: TOPIK level 4+ or IELTS 6+ or TOEFL iBT (0–120) 80+ / TOEFL iBT (1–6) 4+ · Admission assessment: A.
Admission assessment A or B required; assessment C receives no award. The stronger Korean or English score is used, but department admission language requirements still apply. No concurrent internal tuition awards; programme fees are excluded. Admission assessment: A.
Official source ↗· PDF pp.3–4,9,20–21; printed pp.1–2,7,18–19: departments, schedule and undergraduate/Alliance scholarships
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Undergraduate
50% tuition · First semester only
Language requirement: TOPIK level 4+ or IELTS 6+ or TOEFL iBT (0–120) 80+ / TOEFL iBT (1–6) 4+ · Admission assessment: B.
Admission assessment A or B required; assessment C receives no award. The stronger Korean or English score is used, but department admission language requirements still apply. No concurrent internal tuition awards; programme fees are excluded. Admission assessment: B.
Official source ↗· PDF pp.3–4,9,20–21; printed pp.1–2,7,18–19: departments, schedule and undergraduate/Alliance scholarships
Source checked:
Later semesters and re-application
This entrance award covers the first semester. Later-semester merit scholarships are separately assessed; the entrance rate does not automatically continue. Housing is additionally covered only for language tier A with admission assessment A: a two-person Sunglim room, excluding meals and vacation stays.
At least 12 earned credits, no F or U grades, and no extra semesters. Korean-track students need TOPIK 4+; English-track students may use TOEFL 80 / new scale 4, IELTS 6.0 or New TEPS 266 instead. GPA 4+.
Admission track: english
Minimum GPA: 4
Application dates are not listed for this policy. Check the official announcement for a new call.
Official source ↗· PDF pp.3–4,9,20–21; printed pp.1–2,7,18–19: departments, schedule and undergraduate/Alliance scholarships
At least 12 earned credits, no F or U grades, and no extra semesters. Korean-track students need TOPIK 4+; English-track students may use TOEFL 80 / new scale 4, IELTS 6.0 or New TEPS 266 instead. GPA 3.8+.
Admission track: english
Minimum GPA: 3.8
Application dates are not listed for this policy. Check the official announcement for a new call.
Official source ↗· PDF pp.3–4,9,20–21; printed pp.1–2,7,18–19: departments, schedule and undergraduate/Alliance scholarships
At least 12 earned credits, no F or U grades, and no extra semesters. Korean-track students need TOPIK 4+; English-track students may use TOEFL 80 / new scale 4, IELTS 6.0 or New TEPS 266 instead. GPA 3.5+.
Admission track: english
Minimum GPA: 3.5
Application dates are not listed for this policy. Check the official announcement for a new call.
Official source ↗· PDF pp.3–4,9,20–21; printed pp.1–2,7,18–19: departments, schedule and undergraduate/Alliance scholarships
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Later semesters and re-application
Reassessed each semester: GPA 4.0+ gives full tuition and eligible housing, 3.8+ gives 50%, and 3.5+ gives 30%. Language, credits and grade restrictions must also be met; housing excludes meals and vacations.