Yonsei University and Korea University, two of South Korea’s prestigious SKY universities, offer a range of scholarships to attract and support talented international students. These scholarships aim to alleviate financial burdens and reward academic excellence, leadership, and global potential. In this article, we explore the undergraduate scholarship opportunities at both institutions, with a special highlight on one of Globstudy students who received the prestigious Global Leader Scholarship A, a full-tuition scholarship to study at Korea University.

Scholarships at Yonsei University

Yonsei University provides several scholarship programs tailored for international students, particularly through its Underwood International College (UIC) and other undergraduate and graduate programs (which will not be covered in this article). These scholarships are merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both, and they aim to make Yonsei’s world-class education accessible to global talent.

Key Scholarships at Yonsei (UIC):

1. Admission Scholarships:

   • Open to first-year international applicants across various programs, this scholarship provides full tuition scholarships for four years based on academic credentials. It is typically awarded upon admission and renewable with satisfactory academic progress.

2. Merit-based Scholarships:

   • Awarded to enrolled high-achieving students. These scholarships can cover 30% to 100% of tuition fees for up to four years, renewable based on maintaining a minimum GPA (typically 3.0/4.3). Students are automatically considered for this scholarship at the end of semester. Each semester's scholarship amount may vary based on student's ranking.

3. Need-Based Scholarships:

   • Available for current students demonstrating financial need. These may cover 30% to 100% of tuition fees, depending on the student’s circumstances.

4. Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP/GKS):

   • Administered by the Korean government, this scholarship is available to international students applying to Yonsei. It covers full tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare, and Korean language training for one year (if needed). Applicants must apply through the Korean embassy in their home country or directly through Yonsei.

5. Other Scholarships:

   • Yonsei offers additional scholarships for continuing students, such as the Academic Excellence Scholarship (for students with high GPAs after enrollment) and Work-Study Scholarships, which provide financial aid in exchange for part-time work on campus.

Yonsei’s scholarship programs are highly competitive, and applicants are evaluated holistically based on academic achievements, and, in some cases, interviews.

Note on cost of attendance

Yonsei UIC undergraduate program's tuition is around 8,000,000 KRW (~5,830 USD) per semester. On-campus housing costs around 700 USD per semester for double room type. In addition, students should plan for such expenses as food, health insurance, visa, flight tickets, etc.

Scholarships at Korea University

Korea University (KU) is renowned for its generous scholarship programs, which aim to support international students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. KU’s scholarships emphasize academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to the global community, making it an attractive destination for ambitious students.

Key Scholarships at Korea University:

1. Global Leader Scholarship A:

   • This is KU’s most prestigious admission scholarship for international students, covering 100% of tuition fees for two semesters (renewable upon satisfactory GPA). It is awarded to students with exceptional academic records, outstanding extracurricular achievements, and leadership potential.

   • Highlight: We are thrilled to announce that one of our students has been awarded the Global Leader Scholarship A to study at Korea University! This full-tuition scholarship is a testament to her dedication, academic excellence, and global vision. Congratulations to this remarkable student as they embark on an exciting academic journey at KU!

2. Global Leader Scholarship B:

   • Covers 50% of tuition fees for two semesters (renewable upon satisfactory GPA), renewable based on academic performance. This scholarship is awarded to students with strong academic and leadership profiles, though less competitive than Scholarship A.

3. Excellence Scholarships A and B:

   • Provide 65% or 100% tuition waiver for the following semester. Awarded enrolled students with outstanding GPA in the previous semester.

4. Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP/GKS):

   • Similar to Yonsei, KU participates in the GKS program, offering full tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare, and language training to selected international students. Applications are processed through Korean embassies or directly via KU.

5. Challenge and Bright Futures Scholarships:

   • Awarded to new and enrolled international students who meet conditions, like high GPA, TOPIK level achievement.

KU’s scholarships are highly selective, with recipients chosen based on academic performance, leadership qualities, and alignment with the university’s global mission. KU, unlike Yonsei, doesn't provide need-based financial aid for enrolled students.

Note on cost of attendance

KU's undergraduate program's tuition is ranges from 3,700 USD to 5,000 per semester, depending on the major. On-campus housing costs around 1,160 USD per semester for double room type. In addition, students should plan for such expenses as food, health insurance, visa, flight tickets, etc.

Why Scholarships Matter

Scholarships at Yonsei and Korea University do more than just reduce financial burdens; they recognize and reward students’ hard work, talent, and potential to become global leaders. For international students, these awards provide access to world-class education, vibrant campus life in Seoul, and unparalleled career opportunities in South Korea and beyond.

How to Apply for Scholarships

To be considered for scholarships at Yonsei or Korea University:

• Submit a Complete Application: Ensure all required documents (transcripts, test scores, personal statements, recommendation letters) are submitted by the deadline.

• Highlight Achievements: Emphasize academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular activities in your application.

• Check Eligibility: Some scholarships, like GKS, have specific requirements (e.g., nationality, language proficiency).

• Apply Early: Many scholarships are awarded during the admissions process, so early applications are advantageous.

For detailed information, visit the official websites:

• Yonsei University: https://www.yonsei.ac.kr/en_sc/

• Korea University: https://www.korea.ac.kr/

• GKS Program: http://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/

Congratulations again to our six students admitted to Yonsei and Korea University, especially our Global Leader Scholarship A recipient at KU! We are immensely proud of their achievements and excited to see their impact on the global stage.