The KNU International Graduate Scholarship 2026 in Korea provides international students with full tuition coverage for Master’s and PhD programs at Kyungpook National University, one of South Korea’s leading national universities. This merit-based opportunity attracts high-achieving global talent seeking fully funded scholarships in Korea 2026, Korean graduate scholarships for international students, and study in South Korea fully funded options, with automatic consideration upon program admission.
Basic Information about the Scholarships
- Scholarship name: KNU International Graduate Scholarship (KINGS) 2026.
- Host country: South Korea (Asia).
- Institution: Kyungpook National University (KNU), Daegu.
- Study level: Master’s (2 years) and PhD/Combined Master’s-PhD (4 years).
- Coverage: 100% tuition fee waiver for entire program duration.
- Number available: Up to 210 scholarships per semester across graduate programs.
- Application deadline: October 31, 2025 for Spring 2026 intake (confirm department-specific dates).
- Intake periods: Spring (March) and Fall (September) 2026.
University/Institution Details
Kyungpook National University (KNU), located in Daegu, South Korea, is a prestigious public research university established in 1946 with deep roots in Korean higher education. Renowned for excellence in engineering, sciences, medicine, and humanities, KNU ranks among Korea’s top national universities and offers extensive support for international graduate students through scholarships like the KNU International Graduate Scholarship (KINGS). The university hosts over 34,000 students and emphasizes research innovation and global partnerships.
Study Areas
- Engineering & Technology: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering.
- Natural Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Environmental Science.
- Medicine & Health: Biomedical Science, Nursing, Public Health, Pharmacology.
- Social Sciences & Humanities: Economics, Business Administration, International Studies, Korean Language & Literature.
- Agriculture & Biotechnology: Plant Biotechnology, Animal Science, Food Science.
- Interdisciplinary programs: AI, Nanotechnology, Renewable Energy, Global Health.
Graduate Scholarships
1. KINGS: KNU International Graduate Scholarship
- 🕒 Given every semester (up to:
- 4 semesters → Master’s/PhD
- 8 semesters → Combined program)
- 💰 Benefit:
- 50% or 100% tuition waiver
- 👥 Seats:
- New students: up to 70
- Current students: up to 210
- ✅ Requirements:
- New: Department recommendation
- Current: GPA ≥ B0 (3.0)
2. Excellent KINGS Scholarship
- 🎯 For: New (freshman) graduate students
- 💰 Benefit: Full tuition (1st semester)
- 👥 Seats: Up to 30
- ✅ Requirements (any one):
- Top 500 university graduate (THE/QS ranking)
- KNU graduate (GPA ≥ 3.0 + recommendation)
- Strong language score:
- TOPIK 6
- IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL 100 / CEFR C1
3. G-KNU Scholarship
- 🎯 For: Full-time PhD / integrated students
- 💰 Benefit: Full tuition
- 📌 Conditions:
- Must complete:
- 3 semesters + required credits
- GPA ≥ 2.7
- Must complete:
- ⛔ Not eligible if:
- Already fully funded / on leave / finished program
- 🔁 Duration:
- PhD: up to 4 times
- Integrated: up to 5 times
KNU International Graduate Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition coverage: 100% waiver of all tuition fees for approved graduate programs.
- Semester review: Scholarships evaluated every semester; renewable with good academic performance.
- Research support: Access to KNU’s advanced labs, funding for conferences, and thesis research.
- Korean language training: Optional TOPIK preparation courses for better integration.
- Campus facilities: Free gym, library, housing priority, and international student center services.
- Career services: Internship placements with Samsung, LG, and Korean research institutes.
Benefits not included
- Monthly living stipend (students cover accommodation, food via part-time work or savings).
- Airfare/settlement allowance.
- Health insurance (National Health Insurance ~$50/month mandatory).
- Visa fees (D-2 student visa ~$60).
- Books/research materials (~$300-500/semester).
- Off-campus housing if dorms full.
Eligibility Criteria for the KNU International Graduate Scholarship
- Nationality: Open to all international students (non-Korean citizens).
- Age limit: Under 40 years old at enrollment (exceptions for outstanding candidates).
- Health: Good physical/mental health (medical certificate required).
- Program admission: Must secure acceptance to KNU graduate program first.
- No prior Korean degree: Cannot hold previous Korean government scholarship.
Master’s / Integrated
- Bachelor’s degree (or final year)
- Non-Korean applicant
- Parents also non-Korean
PhD
- Master’s degree required
- Same nationality conditions
Language Requirements
- Korean: TOPIK Level 3+
OR - English:
- IELTS 5.5
- TOEFL iBT 59
- CEFR B2
📌 Some departments need higher scores (e.g., TOPIK 4–5)
Required Documents for the Application
- Application form
- Study plan
- Recommendation letter (sometimes required)
- Degree certificate & transcripts
- Language test (if available)
- Passport copy
- Birth/family certificate
- Portfolio (if needed)
KNU International Graduate Scholarship Application Process
- Step 1: Choose KNU graduate program/department; review specific requirements.
- Step 2: Submit online admission application via KNU Graduate School portal.
- Step 3: Upload all documents (transcripts, SOP, recommendations, language scores).
- Step 4: Department interview (online/in-person) and admission decision.
- Step 5: Automatic scholarship consideration upon program acceptance (no separate form).
- Step 6: Receive admission + scholarship offer (email/portal).
- Step 7: Accept offer, apply for D-2 visa, arrange travel.
- Step 8: Arrive in Daegu, complete registration, begin studies.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Target GPA 3.5+: Competitive edge in automatic scholarship selection.
- Secure strong recommendations: Professors who know your research potential.
- Tailor SOP: Align with KNU faculty research (check lab websites).
- Learn basic Korean: TOPIK 3+ boosts department preference.
- Contact professors early: Email potential advisors before applying.
- Apply Spring intake: More scholarship slots available.
- Prepare finances: Show $5K+ for visa despite tuition coverage.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students
| Category | Monthly Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dormitory housing | 150-300 | On-campus double room. |
| Food (cafeteria) | 200-350 | Subsidized meals $3/meal. |
| Transportation | 30-60 | Bus pass. |
| Utilities/Internet | 40-80 | Dorm included. |
| Health Insurance | 45-60 | National Health Insurance. |
| Phone/Data | 25-50 | KT/SK Telecom. |
| Books/Supplies | 50-100 | Semester average. |
| Leisure/Personal | 100-200 | Movies, travel. |
| Total | 640-1,200 | Budget: $700; Comfort: $1,200. |
Daegu affordable vs Seoul; part-time jobs (20hr/week) earn $600+/month.
Why Choose This Scholarship?
- Full tuition coverage eliminates $10K+ annual fees for top Korean programs.
- KNU research powerhouse – #7 Korea, strong Samsung/LG partnerships.
- Automatic selection – no extra scholarship application needed.
- Renewable support – semester review ensures continuity for strong students.
- Daegu lifestyle – safe, affordable, modern city with KTX to Seoul.
- Post-study opportunities – E-7 visa sponsorships, Korean job market access.
- Global network – 2,000+ international students, English programs available.
Frequently Asked Questions about the scholarship
Fully funded?
Tuition 100% covered; living expenses self-funded via savings/jobs.
IELTS required?
Not always; TOPIK preferred, English programs accept TOEFL/IELTS.
Deadline 2026?
October 31, 2025 for Spring 2026 (Fall deadlines ~April).
PhD track available?
Yes, combined Master’s-PhD (4 years) fully covered.
Korean language mandatory?
No for English programs; TOPIK helps scholarship chances.
Work allowed?
20 hours/week during term; full-time vacations.
Post-graduation visa?
D-10 job seeker visa (6-24 months) for employment search.
Admission Timeline (2026)
🍂 Fall 2026
