South Korea Scholarships for Saudi Students 2026: GKS, Requirements & Universities

Studying in South Korea on scholarship has become a realistic option for Saudi students, especially in engineering, artificial intelligence, computer science, applied sciences, business, and selected health-related fields. Korea offers several funding routes, but the application process depends on who funds you: the Saudi government, the Korean government through GKS, or the university itself.

This guide explains the main South Korea scholarship options for Saudi students in 2026, the academic and language requirements, the difference between Embassy Track and University Track in GKS, the universities worth checking, what funding can cover, and the application steps for each route.

Important: scholarship rules, eligible universities, quotas, deadlines and benefit amounts can change by cycle. Always use the current official Saudi and Korean sources before you submit an application.

What scholarship routes are available for Saudi students in South Korea?

There are three main routes to study in South Korea with funding:

1. Saudi Ministry of Education scholarship routes for eligible students and programmes.
2. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), funded by the Korean government through NIIED.
3. Direct university scholarships offered by Korean universities such as KAIST, POSTECH, SNU and others.

1. Saudi Ministry of Education scholarship route

Saudi students may be able to study in South Korea through current Saudi scholarship programmes when the university, programme, degree level and specialisation meet the rules of the relevant route.

The practical process usually starts with checking whether your target university and programme are eligible under the Saudi scholarship pathway you intend to use. In many cases, you will also need to secure university admission before completing the scholarship application.

Use the official Saudi application platforms and current Ministry of Education guidance rather than relying on an old university list, because approved institutions and specialisations can change.

2. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is the Korean government’s flagship scholarship programme for international students. It is managed through the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) and includes undergraduate and graduate routes.

GKS generally supports:

• Korean-language training where required;
• degree study at designated Korean universities;
• tuition support;
• airfare support;
• living and settlement support;
• medical insurance and other programme benefits;
• additional research or language-related support in some categories.

For 2026, the official GKS graduate notice confirmed two application routes: Embassy Track and University Track. Application mechanics can differ by degree level and cycle, so do not assume that every GKS route uses the same submission method every year.

Embassy Track vs University Track

Which GKS route should you choose?

Embassy Track may suit you if you want more flexibility in university choices and your profile is competitive across several institutions.

University Track may suit you if you already have a clear programme target, especially in a specialised science, engineering or technology field.

However, the correct choice depends on the current year’s rules, quota and designated university list. Always read the full GKS guideline before you submit.

3. Direct scholarships from Korean universities

Many Korean universities offer scholarships independently of GKS. These awards may be based on academic performance, research fit, financial need, English or Korean proficiency, or a combination of factors.

Universities worth checking include:

• KAIST
• POSTECH
• Seoul National University (SNU)
• Yonsei University
• Korea University
• Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
• UNIST
• GIST

Direct university scholarships can range from partial tuition discounts to full tuition and living support. Graduate funding may also come through research assistantships or professor-funded projects.

What are the requirements for studying in South Korea on scholarship?

Requirements vary by route. The most important mistake to avoid is treating one programme’s requirements as universal.

Saudi scholarship route requirements

Common requirements may include:

• Saudi citizenship and eligibility under the selected scholarship route;
• admission from an eligible university and programme;
• meeting the academic and age requirements of the scholarship route;
• meeting the university’s English or Korean language requirement;
• submitting verified academic documents;
• meeting any professional recognition requirements for regulated fields.

Always verify the university, programme and degree level against the current Saudi scholarship and recognition rules before paying application fees or accepting an offer.

GKS requirements

According to NIIED’s current GKS framework, applicants must meet citizenship, education, age and academic-performance rules that differ between undergraduate and graduate routes.

Important baseline rules include:

• Undergraduate: applicants are generally required to be under 25 in the relevant intake year and to have completed high school by the required deadline.
• Graduate: applicants are generally required to be under 40, with specific exceptions in limited categories.
• Academic performance: applicants generally need a cumulative academic result equivalent to at least 80% or to fall within the top 20% of their class, subject to the detailed conversion rules in the annual guideline.
• Nationality: applicants must meet the citizenship rules for countries invited to participate in the programme.

These are headline rules only. Use the latest GKS application guideline for the exact document, date and eligibility details.

Direct university scholarship requirements

Universities set their own standards. Common factors include:

• strong GPA;
• English or Korean proficiency;
• statement of purpose;
• recommendation letters;
• research proposal for some graduate programmes;
• interview performance;
• department-specific prerequisites.

For master’s and PhD applicants, research fit with the department can be as important as the minimum GPA.

How strong should your IELTS profile be before applying?

There is no single IELTS score for every Korean university. English-taught programmes may ask for IELTS or TOEFL, while Korean-taught programmes may prioritise TOPIK.

Before booking IELTS:

1. Open the exact programme page.
2. Check whether the programme is taught in English, Korean, or both.
3. Check the minimum IELTS overall score and any sub-score requirement.
4. Check whether the programme accepts TOEFL instead.
5. Check whether an exemption applies to your previous education.

If you need to improve your score, use our How to Prepare for IELTS guide and practise with the IELTS Mock Test.

For score interpretation, see IELTS Band Scores. If you need proof-of-result information, see our IELTS Certificate guide.

Do you need Korean, or is English enough?

It depends on the programme.

• English-taught programmes: IELTS or TOEFL may be enough for admission, depending on the university.
• Korean-taught programmes: TOPIK is usually more important.
• GKS: Korean-language training can be part of the scholarship pathway, and TOPIK performance can affect programme progression or language-related benefits.
• Medicine and clinical fields: Korean proficiency may be essential even when some coursework is available in English because clinical communication and licensing requirements can be language-sensitive.

Do not choose a programme because its university website has an English version. Check the actual language of instruction for the degree itself.

What majors are strong options in South Korea?

Technology and engineering

• Artificial intelligence
• Computer science
• Data science
• Electrical and electronic engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Robotics
• Semiconductor engineering
• Materials science
• Chemical engineering
• Industrial engineering

Korea’s university-industry links make technology and engineering especially attractive for students targeting research, manufacturing, electronics and advanced industry.

Medical and health-related fields

• Biomedical sciences
• Biotechnology
• Public health
• Pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
• Selected medical and health programmes

Important: medicine, dentistry and other regulated health professions require extra care. Admission availability for international students can be limited, Korean-language ability may be necessary, and Saudi professional recognition should be checked before enrolling.

Humanities, business and social sciences

• Business administration
• Economics
• International relations
• Public policy
• Media and communication
• Korean studies
• Education
• Sociology

Leading Korean universities to check

Universities commonly considered for Saudi scholarship study

Depending on the current Saudi eligibility list and your degree level, major Korean universities worth checking include:

• Seoul National University (SNU) — sciences, engineering, medicine, social sciences and research.
• KAIST — engineering, AI, computing, science and technology.
• POSTECH — engineering, materials, science and research-intensive STEM programmes.
• Yonsei University — business, medicine, engineering, international studies and sciences.
• Korea University — business, law, engineering, social sciences and international studies.
• SKKU — engineering, business, computing and industry-linked programmes.
• Hanyang University — engineering, architecture, technology and applied fields.

This is not a permanent Saudi approval list. Verify the exact university, programme and degree level using the current official Saudi source.

Universities in the GKS network

GKS uses designated university lists that are published with the annual guidelines. The available universities can differ by Embassy Track, University Track, undergraduate/graduate level and specialisation route.

Do not rely on a university being listed in an old GKS cycle. Use the current year’s official GKS university information file.

Direct scholarship universities

Technology-focused institutions such as KAIST, POSTECH, UNIST and GIST are particularly important for students targeting science and engineering. Their funding structures can be different from GKS, so read the university’s scholarship and admissions pages separately.

What does scholarship funding usually cover?

Saudi government scholarship funding

Saudi scholarship benefits depend on the active route and current regulations. Support may include tuition, living allowance, health coverage, travel and other approved benefits for the student and, where applicable, eligible dependants.

Because allowance schedules can change, check the current official financial regulations instead of relying on static currency figures from old articles.

GKS funding

GKS typically includes a package covering major study and living costs such as:

• tuition support;
• airfare support;
• settlement and living support;
• Korean-language training where applicable;
• medical insurance;
• research, dissertation or completion-related support in eligible categories;
• additional benefits linked to advanced Korean proficiency in some cases.

The exact amount and benefit structure differs by degree route and annual guideline. Check the 2026 GKS file for the official payment schedule.

Direct university scholarships

Direct university funding can include:

• full or partial tuition waiver;
• monthly stipend;
• research assistantship;
• teaching assistantship;
• dormitory support;
• performance-based renewal.

Some graduate scholarships depend on maintaining a minimum GPA or continuing to work in a research group.

How to apply for study in South Korea through a Saudi scholarship route

Step 1: choose the university and programme

Start with academic fit, then confirm Saudi scholarship eligibility. Do not reverse the order by applying to a university first and checking eligibility only after admission.

Step 2: check academic and language requirements

Prepare transcripts, certificates and approved translations, then confirm whether the programme needs IELTS, TOEFL or TOPIK.

Step 3: apply to the Korean university

Submit through the university’s international admissions portal and follow its document instructions carefully.

Step 4: obtain the required admission decision

Some scholarship routes require a specific type of admission offer. Check whether conditional admission is acceptable or whether you need an unconditional offer.

Step 5: submit the scholarship request

Use the current Saudi application platform and upload the admission letter, identity documents and required academic records.

Step 6: complete final approvals

Follow any Ministry, cultural mission, visa, financial guarantee and travel requirements after scholarship approval.

How to apply for GKS step by step

1. Read the annual guideline first

Go to the official Study in Korea GKS notice page and download the correct guideline for your degree level.

Do not use an undergraduate guide for graduate study or an old cycle for a new application.

2. Confirm eligibility

Check nationality, age, education, academic performance, previous study in Korea and other restrictions.

3. Choose Embassy Track or University Track

Compare the quota, university choices, programme options and application process in the current guideline.

4. Prepare the application package

Typical GKS documents can include:

• official application forms;
• personal statement;
• study plan or research plan;
• recommendation letters;
• graduation certificates;
• academic transcripts;
• citizenship/family documents where required;
• language certificates if available;
• supporting awards or achievements where relevant.

5. Follow the submission method for your cycle

This is especially important. Submission rules changed across GKS routes in 2026. Follow the exact instructions in the current notice for your degree and track rather than assuming the process is fully online or fully paper-based.

6. Complete interviews or additional screening

The embassy or university may interview shortlisted applicants before later selection stages.

7. Wait for NIIED and university confirmation

Final selection normally involves more than one stage. Do not make travel or resignation decisions until you receive the official final result and instructions.

How to apply for a direct Korean university scholarship

1. Check intake dates

Korean universities commonly have spring and fall admissions, but exact dates differ. Check the university’s international admissions calendar.

2. Choose the programme and scholarship

Read the programme handbook and scholarship page separately. Admission does not always mean scholarship funding.

3. Contact a supervisor when appropriate

For research master’s and PhD programmes, some departments strongly value supervisor fit. Read faculty research pages before contacting anyone.

A professor’s positive response can strengthen fit, but it is not a guarantee of admission or funding.

4. Submit the university application

Complete the online application, pay any required fee and upload documents in the format requested.

5. Submit language and academic documents

Depending on the programme, this may include IELTS/TOEFL, TOPIK, degree certificates, transcripts, recommendations, statement of purpose and research proposal.

6. Attend an interview if shortlisted

Graduate interviews often focus on your academic background, research interests and fit with the department.

7. Review the funding offer carefully

Check whether the scholarship covers full tuition, a percentage of tuition, housing, a stipend or research funding—and whether renewal depends on GPA or research performance.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using an old GKS guideline: rules and submission methods can change.
• Assuming every Korean university is Saudi-scholarship eligible: eligibility depends on the current route, programme and degree level.
• Assuming English is enough: some programmes or professional fields require Korean.
• Using a generic IELTS target: check the exact programme score.
• Ignoring professional recognition: especially for medicine and health fields.
• Choosing by university name only: compare the actual department and programme.
• Waiting until the deadline to prepare documents: certified translations, recommendations and official records can take time.

How GoIELTS can help before you apply

If your target Korean programme requires IELTS, the useful question is not “What score is good?” but “What score does my programme require, and how far am I from it now?”

Use GoIELTS to:

• practise all four IELTS skills;
• take timed practice tests;
• identify weak sections;
• build vocabulary and test familiarity;
• track preparation progress before your university deadline.

GoIELTS is an independent IELTS preparation platform. Practice results are estimates for study purposes and are not official IELTS scores.

Start with the IELTS Mock Test, review IELTS Vocabulary, or explore our IELTS Resources.

Start practising with GoIELTS.

Conclusion

South Korea can be a strong scholarship destination for Saudi students, especially in technology, engineering, AI, science and research. The three main routes are Saudi government scholarship programmes, GKS, and direct university scholarships.

Your best route depends on your degree level, academic profile, language ability, target university and funding needs. The safest process is to verify official requirements first, then prepare your academic documents and language test early, and only apply after confirming both university admission rules and scholarship eligibility.

For GKS, use the current Study in Korea and NIIED guidance. For Saudi funding, use the current official Saudi scholarship and university-recognition systems. That combination will protect you from outdated lists, old deadlines and incorrect benefit figures.

About the Content Team at GoIELTS

GoIELTS creates specialized content for IELTS with contributions from writers experienced in education and test preparation.

We follow clear editorial standards for accuracy and quality — read our Editorial Policy

✍️ Nirmeen Hosny

Content writer and researcher with six years of experience in scientific and academic fields. I create Arabic academic content in a clear and accessible style. I have extensive experience in IELTS preparation and currently work with GoIELTS to develop in-depth educational content that helps students improve their skills across all sections of the test. By providing advanced strategies and IELTS-focused guidance, I help students work toward higher band scores and stronger overall performance on the exam.

View all articles by Nirmeen Hosny

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