International Students Scholarship for Engineering in South Korea (2025 Guide)

Are you planning to pursue an engineering degree abroad? South Korea has become one of the top destinations for international students looking for world-class education, advanced research facilities, and excellent scholarship opportunities. This article covers everything you need to know about engineering scholarships for international students in South Korea, including eligibility, application tips, and answers to the most common questions.

Why Study Engineering in South Korea?

South Korea is a global leader in technology and innovation, making it an ideal place to study engineering. Here’s why:

Top-Ranked Universities: Institutions such as KAIST, POSTECH, Seoul National University, and Yonsei University are globally recognized for excellence in science and engineering.
Fully Funded Scholarships: The Korean government and top universities offer several fully funded scholarships covering tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance.
Cutting-Edge Research: Engineering students gain access to advanced research labs and industry collaborations with global tech companies like Samsung, LG, and Hyundai.
English-Taught Programs: Many engineering programs are offered entirely in English, making them accessible to students from around the world.
Global Career Opportunities: Graduates often find employment in South Korea’s booming technology and industrial sectors or pursue research globally.

Top Scholarships for International Engineering Students

1. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), formerly known as KGSP, is the most prestigious government-funded program for international students.

Benefits:

Full tuition coverage
Monthly living allowance
Health insurance and settlement allowance
Round-trip airfare
One-year Korean language training

Eligibility:
Open to all non-Korean citizens with strong academic performance. Applicants can apply for undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral programs, including all engineering fields.

2. KAIST International Student Scholarship

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) offers scholarships for international students in engineering, science, and technology disciplines.

Benefits:

100% tuition waiver
Monthly stipend (around KRW 350,000 or more)
Health insurance
Access to top-tier research facilities

Eligibility:
Open to undergraduate and postgraduate international students with excellent academic performance, leadership skills, and a strong interest in innovation and research.

3. POSTECH Scholarship for International Students

Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) offers fully and partially funded scholarships for students pursuing degrees in engineering and applied sciences.

Benefits:

Tuition exemption
Living expenses and accommodation support
Research participation opportunities

Eligibility:
Highly competitive; applicants must show outstanding academic performance and a strong background in STEM.

4. University-Specific Scholarships

Many Korean universities offer scholarships specifically for engineering and technology majors. Examples include:

Korea University of Technology and Education (KOREATECH): Scholarships for international students in mechanical, civil, electrical, and computer engineering.
Seoul National University (SNU): Offers SNU Global Scholarships (Type A & B) with full or partial tuition support and living stipends.
Hanyang University and Yonsei University: Offer international merit scholarships for engineering students based on GPA and English proficiency.

Eligibility Criteria (General Guidelines)

Although requirements vary by scholarship, most engineering scholarships in South Korea require the following:

Non-Korean citizenship
Excellent academic record (GPA above 3.0/4.0 preferred)
English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS) or Korean language ability (TOPIK)
Strong motivation letter or study plan
Recommendation letters from teachers or professors
Admission or conditional acceptance into a Korean university

Step-by-Step Application Process

Research available scholarships on official university websites or the Study in Korea portal.
Prepare documents such as transcripts, passport copy, language certificates, and recommendation letters.
Write a strong personal statement focusing on your engineering background, research interest, and future goals.
Submit the application before the deadline (usually between February and May).
Attend an interview if required by the university or the scholarship committee.
Wait for results and visa instructions.

Tips for a Successful Application

Emphasize your STEM achievements and technical skills.
Showcase research experience or engineering projects.
Clearly explain your career goals and how studying in Korea will help achieve them.
Apply early to multiple scholarships to increase your chances.
Learn basic Korean — it can give you an advantage during interviews or university life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can international students study engineering in Korea in English?
Yes. Many universities like KAIST, POSTECH, and SNU offer full engineering programs in English.

2. Is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) fully funded?
Yes, it covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, insurance, and even Korean language training.

3. Do I need to know Korean to apply?
Not necessarily. Most programs for international students are taught in English, but learning Korean can help you adapt and find part-time jobs.

4. What GPA is required for scholarships in Korea?
Most scholarships require at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, but top universities may expect higher academic performance.

5. Can I work while studying in Korea?
Yes. International students can work part-time (usually up to 20 hours per week) with a valid student visa (D-2).

6. How competitive are engineering scholarships in Korea?
Highly competitive, especially for top institutions. A strong academic record, good recommendation letters, and a clear study plan are essential.

7. What is the average cost of living for students in Korea?
On average, international students spend KRW 700,000 – 1,000,000 per month (USD 500–800) for accommodation, food, and transport.

8. When should I apply for Korean scholarships?
Applications usually open between February and May for fall intake. Check specific university or GKS timelines.

9. Can I stay in Korea after graduation?
Yes. Graduates can apply for a D-10 job-seeking visa or a work visa if they find employment in Korea.

10. Where can I find official information about scholarships?
The most reliable sources are:

Study in Korea
Official university websites (KAIST, POSTECH, SNU, etc.)
Korean embassies or education centers in your country

Final Thoughts

Studying engineering in South Korea offers a blend of academic excellence, innovation, and global opportunities. With multiple scholarships available for international students, your dream of studying abroad in a world-class environment can become a reality.

Start your research early, prepare your documents carefully, and apply confidently — your future in Korean engineering education awaits!

Would you like me to add a short SEO meta description and keyword list (for example: “engineering scholarships in Korea for international students, KAIST scholarship, GKS 2025”) so it performs better on Google search?