South Korea Scholarships Without IELTS 2026—Study Free in Korea. Apply for fully funded scholarships here. Are you dreaming of studying in South Korea but worried about IELTS requirements? Good news! Many fully funded scholarships in South Korea for 2026 do not require IELTS. South Korea is a top study destination with world-class universities, cutting-edge research facilities, and generous financial support for international students.
South Korea Scholarships Without IELTS 2026 Details:
| University: | Korean Universities |
| Degree level: | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
| Scholarship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | South Korea |
| Last Date: | Different |
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about South Korea scholarships without IELTS in 2026, including
✅ Types of scholarships available
✅ Eligibility criteria (simplified)
✅ Application process & required documents
✅ List of universities not requiring IELTS
✅ FAQs & important deadlines
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Let’s dive in!
1. Types of Scholarships Without IELTS in South Korea 2026
South Korea offers several fully funded scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programmes without requiring IELTS. Here are the top options:
A. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026
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Coverage: full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, and Korean language training 27.
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Eligibility: Open to all nationalities, GPA ≥ 80%, age under 40.
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No IELTS?Yes! You can submit an English Proficiency Certificate from your previous university instead.
B. KOICA Scholarship 2026
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Coverage: full tuition, monthly allowance, airfare, health insurance, and settlement grant 34.
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Eligibility: Government-nominated candidates under 40 with strong English skills (no IELTS if previous education was in English).
C. University-Specific Scholarships (No IELTS Required)
Many top Korean universities waive IELTS if you meet alternative criteria:
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Seoul National University—Accepts TOEFL or an English Medium Certificate. 1.
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Korea University—Proof of prior English-medium education suffices. 1.
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Yonsei University—Native English speakers or previous English-based education exempt 1.
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GIST, KAIST, POSTECH—Some programmes waive IELTS for strong academic profiles 89.
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2. Eligibility Criteria (Simplified)
To qualify for South Korea scholarships without IELTS in 2026, you typically need:
✔Academic Excellence—Minimum GPA of 2.64/4.0 or 80% marks 7.
✔English Proficiency Alternatives (instead of IELTS):
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English Medium Certificate (if the previous degree was in English).
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TOEFL scores (accepted by some universities).
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Native English speaker (for some scholarships).
✔Age Limit—Usually under 40 for Master’s/PhD, under 25 for undergrad 37.
✔Health Requirement—Must be medically fit.
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3. How to Apply? (Step-by-Step Process)
1️⃣Choose a scholarship & university—check the GKS, KOICA, or university-specific scholarships [17].
2️⃣Prepare Documents—Typically includes:
- Academic transcripts
- English Proficiency Certificate (if no IELTS)
- Recommendation letters
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Passport copy
3️⃣Submit Application—Via: - Embassy Track (for GKS) 7.
- University Portal (for direct scholarships).
4️⃣Interview (if required)—Some scholarships conduct interviews.
5️⃣Wait for results—successful candidates get visa & flight support.
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📌Pro Tip: Apply early! Deadlines vary (e.g., GKS deadlines are usually in Feb-March 2026).7.
4. List of Universities Not Requiring IELTS
| University | IELTS Alternative |
|---|---|
| Seoul National University | English Medium Certificate |
| Korea University | Previous English-based degree |
| Yonsei University | Native English speaker proof |
| POSTECH | TOEFL or waiver for strong academics |
| Gachon University | The university’s English proficiency letter |
5. FAQs
Q1. Can I study in Korea without IELTS?
✅ Yes! Many universities accept English Proficiency Certificates or TOEFL instead. 1.
Q2. Is South Korea expensive for students?
💰No! Fully funded scholarships cover tuition, housing, and living costs [17].
Q3. When is the deadline for 2026 scholarships?
📅Varies by programme:
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GKS: Feb-March 2025 7.
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KOICA: July 31, 2025 3.
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University-specific: Check official websites.
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Final Thoughts
South Korea offers life-changing scholarships without IELTS, making it easier for international students to access world-class education for free. If you meet the eligibility criteria, apply now before deadlines close!
📢 Need help?Comment below or check our scholarship guidance section for more tips.
Good luck! 🚀🎓
List of South Korea Scholarships Without IELTS:
1# Korean Government Funded Scholarships
- For More Details: Click Here
2# GIFT Internship in South Korea
- For More Details: Click Here
3# Kyungpook National University Scholarship in South Korea 2026
- For More Details: Click Here
4# KDI School Scholarship in South Korea 2026
- For More Details: Click Here
5# GIST Scholarship in South Korea 2026
6# KAIST University Scholarship 2026 in South Korea
7# UST Scholarships in South Korea
8# SNU Scholarship in South Korea
- For More Details: Click Here
