Korea University Global KU Scholarships 2026: Partial Funding

Applications are now open for the Korea University Global KU Scholarships 2026. Up to KRW 1,200,000 in Partial Funding for international students in South Korea

The Global $\text{KU}$ Scholarship $\text{2026}$ at Korea University stands as one of South Korea’s most sought-after opportunities for international students aspiring to gain global exposure through academic excellence. This scholarship aims to encourage talented students from partner universities around the world to study at Korea University, one of Asia’s top institutions renowned for its research excellence, modern campus, and strong international network. It provides partial funding to ease financial burdens and help students focus on their academic and cultural experiences.

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Founded in celebration of Korea University’s centennial in $\text{2005}$, the Global $\text{KU}$ Scholarship has supported hundreds of future global leaders. The program not only offers monetary assistance but also promotes intercultural understanding, innovation, and collaboration among young scholars. It is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate exchange or visiting students who demonstrate outstanding academic records and leadership potential. Since the funding is partial, it’s wise to explore other financial avenues; researching the International Student Loan Options can help cover remaining expenses.

For students successfully nominated by their home institution, the scholarship provides a crucial financial boost. Given the highly competitive nature of study abroad programs in top Asian universities, ensure you understand the necessary documentation and preparation by reviewing a comprehensive guide like How to Apply for Scholarships Successfully. Also, if you’re planning on further graduate studies after your exchange, familiarizing yourself with Postgraduate Education Options can guide your current course selection.

Program Summary

• Host Institution: Korea University
• Location: South Korea
• Category: Undergraduate Scholarships | Postgraduate (Exchange/Visiting) Scholarships
• Eligible Countries: International Students from Partner Universities
• Reward: Partial Funding (Admission and Travel Stipends up to $\text{KRW 1,600,000}$)
• Duration: One or two semesters (for one-year exchange/visiting students)
• Application Deadlines: Semester $\text{1}$ (Spring): January $\text{30}$ each year; Semester $\text{2}$ (Fall): July $\text{30}$ each year

Available Subjects and Degree Level

• Degree Level: The scholarship is open to Undergraduate and Postgraduate students.
• Program Type: Only for students participating in an exchange or visiting program across all academic disciplines offered at Korea University.
• Subjects: All subjects are eligible for this scholarship.
• Nomination: Applicants must be officially nominated through a university-level partnership agreement between their home university and Korea University. Before the exchange, be prepared for the cultural shift by learning about Study Destination Guides.

Scholarship Types and Benefits

The funding is divided into two types, depending on the semester of study:

1. First Semester (New Exchange Students):
   • Admission Scholarship: From $\text{KRW 100,000}$ up to $\text{KRW 1,600,000}$.
   • Travel Scholarship: From $\text{KRW 100,000}$ up to $\text{KRW 1,500,000}$.
2. Second Semester (Continuing Exchange or Visiting Students):
   • Merit Scholarship: $\text{KRW 1,200,000}$ (awarded based on academic merit in the first semester).

Note: Scholarships are only available for students participating in a one-year university-wide exchange or visiting program. This partial award helps, but plan for living costs, which may require you to know about International Student Loans.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for nomination and subsequent consideration by the Korea University Awards Committee, you must meet the following core requirements:

• Student Status: Must be an exchange or visiting student nominated through a university-level agreement.
• Academic Performance: Must maintain strong academic performance in their home institution.
• Engagement: Must demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to global engagement.
• Documentation: Must submit all required documents in English (or include certified English translations).
• Partner Nomination: The most crucial prerequisite is securing a nomination. This process often requires internal competition at your home university; review Internship Opportunities Database to build a strong profile for nomination.

Application Procedure

The application for the scholarship is submitted after securing an official nomination from your home institution.

Required Documents

• Completed Global $\text{KU}$ Scholarship application form
• One passport-sized photograph
• Letter of recommendation (must be emailed directly by the referee to: studyabroad@korea.ac.kr)

How to Apply

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm that your university has an official exchange partnership with Korea University.
2. Obtain Nomination: Get officially nominated by your home institution under a University-Level Agreement.
3. Prepare Documents: Complete the application form, photo, and ensure the recommendation letter is prepared.
4. Submit Application: Send your completed application and required documents before the relevant deadline ($\text{January 30}$ for Spring or $\text{July 30}$ for Fall).
5. Selection: The Korea University Awards Committee will review your application based on academic, geographic, and strategic factors.

Application Deadlines: Semester $\text{1}$ (Spring): January $\text{30}$ each year; Semester $\text{2}$ (Fall): July $\text{30}$ each year

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the Global $\text{KU}$ Scholarship?

Only exchange or visiting students who have been officially nominated by their home university under a partnership agreement with Korea University can apply.

2. Is the Global $\text{KU}$ Scholarship fully funded?

No, the scholarship provides partial funding in the form of admission and travel stipends, not full coverage of all expenses.

3. Can visiting students apply for the scholarship?

Yes, the scholarship is open to both exchange and visiting students nominated through the university-level agreement.

4. What is the selection criteria?

Selection is based on academic merit (strong academic performance) and the applicant’s leadership potential and commitment to global engagement.

5. How do I submit my recommendation letter?

The letter of recommendation must be emailed directly by the referee to the designated Korea University email address: studyabroad@korea.ac.kr.

6. What is the maximum possible amount awarded for the first semester?

The maximum combined award (Admission + Travel Scholarship) for the first semester is up to $\text{KRW 3,100,000}$ ($\text{KRW 1,600,000}+\text{KRW 1,500,000}$), though the individual maximums are $\text{KRW 1,600,000}$ and $\text{KRW 1,500,000}$ respectively.

7. Which deadline applies for the Fall semester start?

The deadline for the Fall semester (Semester $\text{2}$) is July $\text{30}$ each year.

8. Does the scholarship cover students staying for a single semester?

No, the scholarship notes that it is only available for students participating in a one-year university-wide exchange or visiting program.

9. What is the award for the second semester?

Continuing students may be awarded the Merit Scholarship of $\text{KRW 1,200,000}$, based on their academic performance during the first semester.

10. Does the scholarship apply to research-only students?

The program is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students on exchange or visiting programs and is not explicitly mentioned for research-only students. The focus is on coursework and academic merit.