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How to Get a Scholarship to Study in South Korea
South Korea has quickly become a favourite study destination for Sri Lankan students. Its universities are known for technology, engineering, business and research, and the country offers a safe, modern and exciting place to live. Many students who want to study in South Korea are also attracted by its generous scholarship options.
The biggest question most students ask is simple: how to get a scholarship to study in South Korea? Tuition and living costs can feel like a barrier, but the Korean government and Korean universities both offer financial support to talented international students.
In this guide, we explain the main scholarships available, who can apply, what grades and language scores you need, which documents to prepare and how Sri Lankan students can apply step by step.
Government Scholarships: The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is South Korea’s main government scholarship and one of the most respected fully funded scholarships in Asia. It is run by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under Korea’s Ministry of Education, and it is open to Sri Lankan students for both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
What the GKS Scholarship Covers
Benefit | Undergraduate (GKS-U) | Postgraduate (GKS-G) |
|---|---|---|
Tuition fees | Fully covered | Fully covered |
Monthly living allowance | ₩900,000 | ₩1,000,000 |
Settlement allowance (once, on arrival) | ₩200,000 | ₩200,000 |
Airfare | Return economy ticket | Return economy ticket |
Korean language training | 1 year before the degree | 1 year before the degree (unless exempt) |
Medical insurance | Covered | Covered |
Research allowance | Not offered | Offered each semester |
Figures follow the 2026 NIIED guidelines.
Two Ways to Apply: Embassy Track and University Track
- Embassy Track: you apply through the Korean Embassy in Sri Lanka. The embassy does the first round of selection, then NIIED and the universities take over. Seats per country are limited, and Sri Lanka usually receives only a small number of undergraduate seats each year.
- University Track: you apply directly to a Korean university that takes part in GKS. The university does the first round of selection. This track has many more seats in total.
- You can apply through only one track in a year. Applying through both leads to disqualification.
University-Funded Scholarships in South Korea
If GKS feels too competitive, Korean universities offer their own scholarships for international students. These are usually partial or full tuition waivers rather than full living support, and many are given automatically at admission.
Entrance (Admission) Scholarships
Most universities reduce tuition for the first semester based on your academic record or language scores. You usually do not need a separate application; you are considered when you apply for admission.
TOPIK-Based Tuition Waivers
The Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) is the key to many Korean university scholarships for international students. The higher your TOPIK level, the bigger your discount. For example:
University | TOPIK 3 | TOPIK 4 | TOPIK 5 | TOPIK 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
30% off | 50% off | 80% off | 100% off | |
40% off | 60% off | 80% off | 100% off |
Merit Scholarships for Current Students
After your first semester, most universities give scholarships every semester to students with good grades. Keeping a strong GPA can reduce your tuition throughout your degree.
Research and Lab Scholarships (Postgraduate)
Master’s and PhD students can often get full tuition and a monthly stipend by joining a professor’s research lab. Science and technology institutes are known for generous support; for example, GIST offers international students a full tuition waiver. Contacting professors early is one of the best ways to win this type of funding.
Undergraduate vs Postgraduate Eligibility
GKS eligibility is different for bachelor’s and master’s/PhD applicants. Here is a simple comparison:
Requirement | Undergraduate (GKS-U) | Postgraduate (GKS-G) |
|---|---|---|
Nationality | Not a Korean citizen; parents also not Korean citizens | Not a Korean citizen; parents also not Korean citizens |
Age | Under 25 (for 2027 entry, born after 1 March 2002) | Under 40 |
Education | Completed high school (A/Ls) before the arrival date | Bachelor’s degree for master’s; master’s degree for PhD |
Minimum grades | 80% average or top 20% of class | 80% average or top 20% in last degree |
Health | Physically and mentally fit to study long-term | Physically and mentally fit to study long-term |
Past study in Korea | Graduates of Korean high schools are not eligible | Those who already hold a Korean degree are usually not eligible |
Academic Grades and Language Requirements
For GKS, you need an average of at least 80%, or to be in the top 20% of your class. On a 4.0 scale this is about 2.64, and on a 4.3 scale about 2.80. For university scholarships, higher grades simply mean bigger discounts. For Sri Lankan students, strong A/L results or a good university GPA make a real difference.
Language: Korean or English
- TOPIK: you do not need TOPIK to apply for GKS, but a TOPIK score earns extra points in selection, and TOPIK 5 or 6 can make you skip the language year and receive an extra monthly grant.
- English tests: an IELTS or TOEFL score adds points to a GKS application and is required for many English-taught degrees. Our IELTS coaching can help you reach the score you need.
- Language year: most GKS scholars study Korean for one year before starting the degree, and they must reach the required TOPIK level by the end of that year.
How Sri Lankan Students Can Apply: Step by Step
- Check your eligibility. Confirm your age, grades (80% or top 20%) and qualifications against the latest GKS guidelines.
- Choose your track. Decide between the Embassy Track (through the Korean Embassy in Colombo) and the University Track (directly to a university). Remember, you can choose only one.
- Shortlist universities and courses. Download the GKS university list from Study in Korea and pick programmes that match your background.
- Improve your language scores. Take TOPIK, IELTS or TOEFL early, as scores add points and unlock university tuition waivers.
- Prepare strong documents. Write a clear personal statement and study plan, and ask teachers or lecturers for strong recommendation letters.
- Get documents certified. Arrange apostille or consular confirmation for your certificates and transcripts in time.
- Submit online before the deadline. GKS applications are made online through the Study in Korea website; follow the embassy or university instructions exactly.
- Prepare for interviews. Shortlisted students may be interviewed by the embassy or university, so practise explaining your goals clearly.
- Apply for university scholarships as a backup. Apply for admission to several universities so you can still receive entrance or TOPIK-based scholarships if GKS does not work out.
How GIEC Global Sri Lanka Can Help
As trusted student visa consultants in Sri Lanka, GIEC Global helps students plan their South Korea journey from the first idea to the day they fly. We support you with:
- Checking your GKS and university scholarship eligibility
- Choosing the right track, universities and courses
- Writing and reviewing your personal statement and study plan
- Preparing and checking all documents
- IELTS, TOEFL and PTE training
- Student visa filing and pre-departure guidance
If you are also considering other Asian destinations, we can help you compare South Korea with options such as study in Japan.
FAQs
Yes. Sri Lankan students can apply through the Embassy Track via the Korean Embassy in Sri Lanka, or through the University Track directly to participating Korean universities.
Yes. It covers tuition, a monthly allowance, return airfare, a settlement allowance, medical insurance and one year of Korean language training.
For GKS, you need at least an 80% average or to be in the top 20% of your class. University scholarships also reward higher grades.
Not for applying to GKS, but TOPIK adds points to your application and is the main way to earn tuition waivers at many Korean universities.
Undergraduate applications usually open in September, and postgraduate applications usually open in February. Check the official guidelines each year for exact dates.
You can still study in Korea with university-funded scholarships, such as entrance scholarships, TOPIK-based waivers or research lab funding for postgraduate students.
