South Korea offers some of the most generous scholarship opportunities in Asia for Nepali students. The flagship program is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), which covers full tuition, monthly living allowance, airfare, and even one year of Korean language training. Beyond the GKS, many Korean universities offer their own tuition reduction programs and merit-based awards specifically for international students.
Nepal is among the 105 Official Development Assistance (ODA) countries eligible for the GKS. This is a significant advantage -- it means Nepali students compete within a specific track rather than against all international applicants globally. For the full details on the GKS program, see our dedicated KGSP/GKS Scholarship guide. For the broader picture of studying in Korea, visit our complete guide to studying in South Korea from Nepal.
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS/KGSP) -- The Top Option
The GKS is a fully funded scholarship offered by the Korean Government through the National Institute for International Education (NIIED). It is the single best scholarship opportunity for Nepali students wanting to study in South Korea.
| Benefit | Details | NPR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 100% waiver for entire program | Saves NPR 4-12 Lakh/year |
| Monthly Allowance | KRW 900,000-1,000,000 | NPR 91,800-102,000/month |
| Airfare | Round-trip economy class | Saves NPR 1-1.5 Lakh |
| Settlement Allowance | KRW 200,000 upon arrival | NPR 20,400 |
| Medical Insurance | National Health Insurance | Fully covered |
| Korean Language Training | 1 year before degree program | Included |
GKS Eligibility for Nepali Students
- Nepali citizens (Nepal is an ODA-eligible country)
- GPA requirements vary by track -- generally 80% or above
- TOPIK score not required for application but earns 5-10% preference points (Level 3+)
- Must achieve TOPIK Level 3 to proceed with degree program
Application Tracks
- Embassy Track: Apply through the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu. Deadline typically around October.
- University Track: Apply directly to Korean universities that participate in the GKS program. Deadline typically around October.
For the complete application process, deadlines, and preparation tips, read our detailed KGSP/GKS Scholarship guide.
University-Specific Scholarships
Many Korean universities offer their own scholarship programs for international students. These typically take the form of tuition reductions rather than full scholarships, but they can significantly lower your costs.
Common University Scholarship Types
- Admission scholarships: Tuition reductions of 30-100% for the first semester based on academic merit at the time of admission
- GPA-based scholarships: Continued tuition reductions (typically 30-70%) if you maintain a certain GPA during your studies, usually 3.0-3.5 or above
- TOPIK-based scholarships: Additional tuition discounts for students with TOPIK Level 4 or higher, ranging from 10-50% off tuition
- International student awards: One-time or recurring grants ranging from KRW 500,000 to 3,000,000
Notable University Scholarship Programs
| University | Scholarship | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul National University | SNU Scholarship | Up to 100% tuition for top applicants |
| Korea University | International Student Scholarship | 50-100% tuition reduction |
| Yonsei University | Global Leader Fellowship | Full tuition + living stipend |
| KAIST | KAIST Scholarship | Full tuition + monthly stipend for all admitted students |
| Sungkyunkwan University | SKKU Scholarship | 30-100% tuition reduction |
How to Strengthen Your Scholarship Application
- Start TOPIK preparation early. Even if TOPIK is not required for application, having a Level 3+ gives you significant preference points for GKS and tuition discounts at most universities.
- Maintain a strong GPA. Most competitive scholarships expect 80% or higher (CGPA 3.0+). For GKS, aim for 85%+.
- Write a compelling study plan. Korean scholarship applications heavily weigh your motivation and study plan. Be specific about what you want to study and why Korea.
- Get strong recommendation letters. At least 2 academic references who can speak to your potential.
- Apply through both tracks. For GKS, apply through both the Embassy Track and University Track to maximize your chances.