SK Global Korea University Graduate Scholarship (2026)
Scholarship Description
The SK Global Scholarship Program at Korea University Graduate School is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship intended for students who wish to pursue a master's degree in Semiconductor or AI/IT-related fields at Korea University in Seoul. The program offers students from selected regions the opportunity to study cutting-edge technologies while promoting international academic exchange and strengthening mutual understanding between the Republic of Korea and participating regions.
Korea University, founded in 1905, is one of South Korea's most prestigious universities, consistently ranked among the top universities in Asia. Its Graduate School is renowned for excellence in technology, engineering, and computer science, with strong industry partnerships including SK Group, one of Korea's largest conglomerates.
The scholarship covers full tuition, monthly living expenses, round-trip airfare, entrance fee, and medical insurance for the entire two-year master's program.
Scholarship Location
The scholarship is tenable at Korea University Graduate School, Seoul, South Korea. Korea University's main campus is located in Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul.
Scholarship Deadline
Application deadlines are announced annually on the Korea University Graduate School website. Prospective applicants should check the official SK Global Scholarship page for the most current deadlines. The application process typically opens in spring for fall intake.
Application Period: Refer to the official Korea University Graduate School website for exact dates.
Online Application System: Available via the Korea University Graduate School admissions portal.
Recommendation: Submit your application well before the deadline. No application fee is required.
Host Institution
Korea University – one of South Korea's top three "SKY" universities (Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University). Founded in 1905, Korea University is a world-class research institution with strong ties to industry leaders like SK Group, Samsung, and LG.
Level and Fields of Study
Level: Master's degree (2 years / 4 semesters).
Fields of Study – Up to 20 students per cohort (10 in AI/IT, 10 in Semiconductor):
AI / IT Track – Departments and Majors:
- Informatics – Computer Science and Engineering (Artificial Intelligence Applications, Software, Computer Security)
- Radio Communications Engineering
- Computer Education
- Artificial Intelligence – Artificial Intelligence
Semiconductor Track – Departments and Labs:
- Electrical Engineering – Integrated Circuits (Optimal Analysis & Solutions for Integrated Systems, Advanced Integrated System Lab, Semiconductor and Nano System)
- Physics – Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science and Engineering – Nano Materials and Device Lab, Nanomaterials for Electronics and Optics Lab, Solar Energy Conversion Lab, Optoelectronic Materials Lab
- Chemical and Biological Engineering – Quantum material/Semiconductor thin films and devices
Target Group
Eligible Regions and Countries:
- Europe (19 countries): Austria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine
- Southeast Asia (11 countries): East Timor, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines
- East Asia (2 countries – Semiconductor field only): Japan, Taiwan
- South Asia (2 countries): India, Pakistan
Applicants must hold citizenship from one of the eligible regions. Parents must hold citizenship from regions other than South Korea. If an applicant's citizenship changes to a region outside the eligible list during the selection process, they will be excluded from evaluation.
Scholarship Benefits – Amount & Duration
Duration: Full duration of the master's program (2 years / 4 semesters).
Scholarship Benefits Summary:
- Round-trip Airfare: Up to 3,000,000 KRW (max 1.5M KRW for initial entry + 1.5M KRW for final departure; actual expense based on receipt)
- Entrance Fee: 1,142,000 KRW (beginning of 1st semester)
- Tuition Fee: 7,392,000 KRW × 4 semesters (full coverage)
- Living Expenses: 1,500,000 KRW per month (for 2 years)
- Medical Insurance: Standard amount set by Korea University (private insurance plan, separate from National Health Insurance)
- Korean Language Training Fee (optional): Amount exceeding 1 million KRW (set by KU; provided one month before first semester)
Total estimated value: Approximately 90–100 million KRW (about 65,000–72,000 USD) over two years.
Scholarship Eligibility
Citizenship: All applicants must hold citizenship from one of the eligible regions listed above. Parents must hold citizenship from regions other than South Korea.
Education: A bachelor's degree holder (or expected to graduate from university before the program start).
Language Proficiency (English or Korean): Applicants must submit one or more of the following:
- TOEFL iBT score of 71 or higher (Home Edition & Enhancement accepted)
- Academic IELTS 5.5 or higher (IELTS Home Test NOT accepted)
- CEFR level B2 or higher (CEFR Online Test accepted: https://www.efset.org/)
- New TEPS 326 or higher
- TOPIK level 3 or higher
Note: Applicants who have completed their bachelor's degree in English are not required to submit proof of language proficiency.
✅ Eligible Candidates
- Citizens of eligible European, Southeast Asian, South Asian countries, or Japan/Taiwan (Semiconductor only).
- Bachelor's degree holder (or expected graduate).
- Meet minimum English or Korean language proficiency (TOEFL iBT 71+, IELTS 5.5+, CEFR B2+, TEPS 326+, TOPIK 3+).
- Intent to pursue master's in AI/IT or Semiconductor fields.
- Parents are not South Korean citizens.
❌ Ineligible Candidates
- South Korean citizens or applicants with South Korean parents.
- Citizens of countries not listed in eligible regions.
- Applicants who do not meet minimum language proficiency requirements.
- Those without a bachelor's degree (or expected degree).
- Applicants whose citizenship changes to non-eligible region during selection.
Application Procedure
- Prepare required documents – Gather academic transcripts, bachelor's degree certificate (or proof of expected graduation), language proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, CEFR, TEPS, or TOPIK), passport copy, and any other documents specified by the Korea University Graduate School.
- Download application forms – Download the SK Global Scholarship Program application guide and required templates (Form A-D) from the official scholarship website.
- Submit online application – Access the online application system via the Korea University Graduate School admissions portal. Complete the application form and upload all required documents. No application fee is required.
- Application review – Application documents will be evaluated by the review committee of each department. There are no exams or interviews by default, but an interview may be conducted if requested by the department.
- Final result release – The announcement of finally selected SK Global Scholars will be made on the official website and via email.
- Accept offer and prepare for arrival – Accepted scholars will receive further instructions regarding visa application, flight booking, and arrival procedures.
Application documents download links:
- Application Guide for SK Global Scholarship Program
- Templates (Form A-D)
- Online Application System Manual (to be announced)
Note: Curriculum for each department or lab can be found on the respective department's website (see the official guidebook).
Official Website & Application Link
Korea University Graduate School – SK Global Scholarship Official Page
Contact: Refer to the official website for admissions office contact information and specific department inquiries.
💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements
The SK Global Scholarship at Korea University is an exceptional, fully funded opportunity for master's studies in high-demand fields like AI/IT and Semiconductor technology. With benefits including full tuition, a generous monthly stipend of 1.5 million KRW, round-trip airfare, entrance fee, and medical insurance, this scholarship removes virtually all financial barriers to studying at one of South Korea's top universities.
Key strategies for a successful application:
- Ensure your citizenship matches one of the eligible regions exactly (Europe list, Southeast Asia list, Japan/Taiwan for Semiconductor only, or India/Pakistan).
- Meet the minimum language requirement: TOEFL iBT 71+, IELTS 5.5+, CEFR B2+, TEPS 326+, or TOPIK 3+. If your bachelor's degree was taught in English, you may be exempt.
- Prepare strong academic transcripts and a clear statement of purpose aligned with your chosen department's research areas.
- Only 20 students are admitted per cohort (10 in AI/IT, 10 in Semiconductor), so competition is intense. Demonstrate clear research interests and academic excellence.
- No application fee is required, so there is no financial barrier to applying.
Important reminder: If your citizenship changes to a region outside the eligible list during the selection process, you will be excluded from evaluation. Also, applicants from Japan and Taiwan are only eligible for the Semiconductor track (not AI/IT).
SK Global Korea University Scholarship 2026 – FAQ
What does the SK Global Scholarship cover?
Full tuition (7,392,000 KRW × 4 semesters), monthly living stipend (1,500,000 KRW for 2 years), round-trip airfare (up to 3,000,000 KRW), entrance fee (1,142,000 KRW), medical insurance, and optional Korean language training fee.
Which countries are eligible?
Europe (19 countries), Southeast Asia (11 countries), South Asia (India, Pakistan), and Japan/Taiwan (Semiconductor field only). See the full list in the Target Group section above.
What is the language requirement?
TOEFL iBT 71+, IELTS 5.5+, CEFR B2+, TEPS 326+, or TOPIK 3+. Bachelor's degree completed in English may exempt you from the requirement.
Is there an application fee?
No, there is no application fee.
Do I need to take an exam or interview?
Generally, no exams or interviews are required. However, an interview may be conducted if requested by the department.
How many students are selected?
Up to 20 students per cohort: 10 in AI/IT fields and 10 in Semiconductor fields.
Can applicants from Japan or Taiwan apply for AI/IT?
No. Japan and Taiwan are only eligible for the Semiconductor field.
How do I apply?
Submit an online application via the Korea University Graduate School admissions portal. Download the application guide and templates (Form A-D) from the official SK Global Scholarship page.