Sungkyunkwan University Graduate School Scholarships 2026 (Spring Intake) – Fully Funded Study in South Korea
When international students think about studying in South Korea, the first names that usually come to mind are Seoul National University, KAIST, or POSTECH. Yet, one of the most historic and globally respected institutions—Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)—often becomes the hidden gem for those who discover it. Established in 1398 during the Joseon Dynasty, SKKU is not just a university; it is a living bridge between Korea’s 600-year-old academic heritage and modern global innovation.
In 2026, SKKU once again opens its doors to the world through its Graduate School Scholarships for the Spring Intake. The program is designed to attract outstanding international students who wish to pursue advanced degrees in a wide range of fields—from Humanities and Social Sciences to Engineering, Medicine, Natural Sciences, and emerging interdisciplinary areas like Artificial Intelligence and Photovoltaics.
For students seeking a world-class education, financial support, and a chance to study in one of the fastest-growing global economies, SKKU offers a rare opportunity. This article provides a detailed guide to the SKKU Graduate School Scholarships 2026, including degree programs, eligibility, benefits, tuition fees, application process, and tips for international applicants.
The Legacy of Sungkyunkwan University
Founded more than six centuries ago, Sungkyunkwan (성균관대학교) was originally established as the highest educational institution of the Joseon Dynasty, focusing on Confucian studies. Today, the university stands proudly as a top-ranked research powerhouse that partners with global corporations, including its most famous collaborator, Samsung.
The university maintains two campuses:
Seoul Campus – Dedicated mainly to Humanities and Social Sciences.
Suwon (Natural Sciences) Campus – Focused on Engineering, Medicine, and Natural Sciences.
This dual-campus system allows SKKU to blend tradition with modernity, offering a vibrant environment where cultural learning, research, and technology converge.
Degree Levels Offered in 2026 Spring Intake
The SKKU Graduate School Scholarships 2026 are open to international students applying for:
Master’s Programs – For applicants with a Bachelor’s degree.
Ph.D. Programs – For applicants with a Master’s degree.
Integrated Master’s–Ph.D. Programs – For those wishing to combine both degrees into one continuous program.
This flexibility ensures that students at different stages of their academic careers can find a suitable pathway at SKKU.
Fields of Study Available
1. Humanities & Social Sciences
Korean Language & Literature
History, Philosophy, Confucian Studies
Law, Political Science & Diplomacy
Business Administration, Economics
Education, Sociology, Psychology, Social Welfare
Media & Communication
2. Engineering & Natural Sciences
Computer Science & Engineering
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Mechanical, Chemical, Civil & Architectural Engineering
Artificial Intelligence & Biomedical Engineering
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biological Sciences
3. Medicine, Pharmacy & Life Sciences
Clinical & Pre-clinical Medicine
Pharmacy
Biotechnology
Molecular Cell Biology
4. Arts & Sports
Fine Arts
Film, Television & Multimedia
Fashion, Industrial & Visual Design
Sport Science
5. Interdisciplinary & Specialized Programs
Photovoltaic Systems Engineering
Service Design
Biocosmetics
Interaction Science
Brain Science & Engineering
Scholarship Benefits for International Students
SKKU understands that international students face financial challenges, especially when studying abroad. To support them, the university provides several scholarship categories:
1. STEM Scholarship (Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine)
Up to 100% tuition waiver.
₩600,000 settlement fund for students graduating overseas.
- Renewable based on advisor recommendation.
2. Humanities, Social Sciences & Arts Scholarships
10%–100% tuition reduction for the first semester, depending on admission evaluation.
3. Merit-Based Scholarships (From 2nd Semester Onwards)
20%–50% tuition waivers depending on GPA.
4. SKKU Alumni Scholarship
20% tuition fee waiver for SKKU graduates or those who attended as exchange/visiting students.
Tuition Fees (Per Semester, 2026 Estimates)
Humanities & Social Sciences: ₩7,939,000
Natural Sciences, Sports, Medicine: ₩9,273,000
Engineering/Arts/Biotech: ₩10,434,000
Pharmacy: ₩10,499,000
Clinical Medicine: ₩11,801,000
Even before scholarships, SKKU’s tuition is considered competitive compared to U.S., U.K., or Australian universities. With scholarships, many students can study almost tuition-free.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
Hold a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s/Integrated) or Master’s degree (for Ph.D.) by February 2026.
Graduate from an institution listed in UNESCO’s IAU WHED database.
Meet nationality requirements:
Foreign nationals (both parents must be non-Korean).
Overseas Koreans educated abroad.
North Korean refugees with valid status.
Provide language proficiency certificates:
TOPIK (Korean)
TOEFL/IELTS (English) – depending on the department’s requirement.
Application Timeline (Spring 2026 – 1st Round)
Application Period: Sep. 12 – Oct. 10, 2025 (by 17:00 KST)
Interview/Written Test: Oct. 25, 2025 (varies by department)
Admission Results: Nov. 14, 2025
Submission of Original Documents: Nov. 14 – Dec. 3, 2025
Enrollment Deposit Payment: Nov. 14 – Nov. 21, 2025
Full Tuition Payment: Jan. 2026
Applicants should carefully prepare documents well in advance since international courier and legalization processes may take time.
How to Apply for SKKU Graduate School Scholarships 2026
Step 1: Online Application
Visit the official SKKU Graduate Admissions Portal.
Step 2: Upload Required Documents (PDF format)
Completed application form
Self-introduction and study plan
Passport copy & family documents (to prove nationality)
Academic transcripts & degree certificates (Apostille/Embassy legalized)
Language proficiency certificates (TOPIK/TOEFL/IELTS)
Recommendation letters (if required by department)
Step 3: Pay Application Fee
Non-refundable application fee: ₩100,000 KRW
Step 4: Interview/Written Test
Conducted by departments if required.
Step 5: Final Selection
Based on academic record, study plan, and language proficiency.
Why Choose SKKU for Graduate Studies?
1. Partnership with Samsung
SKKU’s close ties with Samsung provide students with direct exposure to industry, internships, and career opportunities.
2. World-Class Research Facilities
SKKU is ranked among the top global research universities, especially in Engineering, AI, and Natural Sciences.
3. International Student Community
Thousands of international students from over 80 countries create a multicultural learning environment.
4. Affordable Living in South Korea
Compared to the U.S. or U.K., South Korea offers relatively affordable living costs while maintaining world-class infrastructure.
5. Cultural Immersion
Studying at SKKU means living in Seoul—a global hub for technology, K-pop, art, and culture.
Life at SKKU: Beyond Academics
Studying abroad is not only about lectures and research—it’s about living an experience. SKKU offers:
Student clubs for cultural exchange, sports, arts, and entrepreneurship.
Global exchange programs with 700+ partner universities worldwide.
Dormitories equipped for international students.
Korean language classes for better integration.
Many graduates describe their time at SKKU as life-changing, as they built not just academic knowledge but global friendships.
Career Prospects After Graduation
Graduating from SKKU is more than earning a degree—it is a gateway to global careers. Many SKKU graduates:
Work at Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and global corporations.
Pursue academic careers in universities worldwide.
Join international organizations, NGOs, or government institutions.
With a global alumni network, SKKU ensures its graduates remain competitive in the international job market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the Sungkyunkwan University Scholarships 2026?
International students, overseas Koreans, and North Korean refugees meeting eligibility criteria may apply.
2. What degree levels are offered?
Master’s, Ph.D., and Integrated Master’s–Ph.D. programs.
3. What subjects can I study?
Programs span Humanities, Social Sciences, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Medicine, Arts, and Interdisciplinary fields.
4. What scholarships are available?
STEM full tuition waivers, admission scholarships, merit-based awards, and alumni discounts.
5. How much is the application fee?
₩100,000 KRW (non-refundable).
6. What are the tuition fees per semester?
₩7,939,000 – ₩11,801,000 depending on the program.
7. Are language tests required?
Yes. Applicants may need TOPIK (Korean) or TOEFL/IELTS (English).
8. What is the application deadline?
October 10, 2025 (Spring 2026 intake).
9. How are scholarships renewed?
Based on GPA and advisor recommendations.
10. Where can I apply?
Through the official SKKU Graduate Admissions Portal.
Final Thoughts
The Sungkyunkwan University Graduate School Scholarships 2026 represent a unique opportunity for international students to pursue higher education in one of Asia’s most advanced academic environments. With its combination of academic excellence, generous scholarships, global research collaborations, and cultural immersion in South Korea, SKKU is an ideal choice for ambitious students looking to shape their future.
For anyone dreaming of studying abroad in 2026, SKKU should be at the top of the list. Please visit the official website for further details.
