Study in Korea Scholarships for Vietnamese Students
If you’re a Vietnamese student dreaming of studying in Korea, you’re part of a growing community. Korea has become one of the most popular destinations in Asia for higher education, and Vietnamese students now form one of the largest international student groups here.
With the right scholarship information and preparation, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate the financial barriers to studying in Korea.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the main scholarship opportunities, how they work, and what you need to know before applying — all from a Korean local’s perspective.
1. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS): Korea’s Flagship Government Program
One of the most important scholarship options for Vietnamese students is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), run by the Korean government’s National Institute for International Education. It’s a fully funded program that covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living stipend
- Korean language training before degree programs
- Round-trip airfare
- Health insurance
In 2026, Korea announced about 2,000 government scholarships, with around 55 slots earmarked specifically for Vietnamese students a clear sign Korea values educational ties with Vietnam.
GKS offers spots for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies, and Vietnamese applicants can apply through the Korean Embassy in Vietnam or directly to universities under two different tracks: the Embassy Track and the University Track.
Getting a GKS scholarship is competitive, so having strong academic records and good language skills (either Korean or English) will boost your chances.
2. Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-koo Scholarship for Visiting Students
Not all scholarships have to be academic degree programs from the start. One exceptional example of corporate support is the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-koo Foundation Scholarship, which recently expanded a scholarship to include Vietnamese students.
Selected students can study in Korea as visiting undergraduates at prestigious universities like Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University, or Hanyang University.
This program typically selects around 15 students each year from major Vietnamese universities and supports them with full tuition, a monthly stipend, and a settlement allowance roughly equivalent to 25 million won per year.
What’s notable about this program is its focus on cultural exchange and leadership development, giving Vietnamese students not just financial support but also the chance to build networks and international experience.
3. University Exchange Scholarships from Vietnamese Institutions
Many Vietnamese universities have partnerships with Korean universities that include exchange scholarships. For example, the University of Economics and Finance (UEF) offers 100% tuition scholarships for students participating in Korean exchange programs at schools like Chungbuk National University or Keimyung University.
These exchange scholarships are especially appealing if you want a shorter study period in Korea such as a semester or a year and still benefit from academic credit and cultural immersion.
4. Corporate, Foundation, and Special Awards
Beyond government and university scholarships, there are other avenues where Vietnamese students can secure support: Some Korean foundations run grants that include monthly allowances and internship opportunities for international students already studying in Korea.
Korean companies or foundations sometimes award scholarships to Vietnamese students based on academic excellence or leadership potential. For instance, past initiatives with multinational foundations have supported graduate study with allowances for tuition and living costs.
Local partnerships like the CSR Scholarships help students facing economic hardship pursue study and research opportunities, sometimes with support from Korean companies or embassy collaborations.
Many of these awards aren’t limited to full degree programs but also support specific majors, research projects, or cultural exchange initiatives.
5. Tips for Increasing Your Scholarship Success
Getting a scholarship to study in Korea requires strategy and preparation. Here are some practical tips from a Korean local who’s seen many international applicants:
Plan early: Many scholarships have deadlines many months before the semester starts, so start your research at least a year ahead.
Improve your language skills: Korean proficiency, usually demonstrated with TOPIK scores, can make your application much stronger. But for many programs, English proficiency is also accepted, so prepare by taking IELTS or TOEFL if needed.
Customize your application: Tailor your personal statement and essays to reflect your academic goals and why studying in Korea matters to you personally.
Check university requirements: Each Korean university sets its own admissions and scholarship criteria. Contact the International Office directly for the most accurate information.
Explore multiple tracks: If GKS is competitive, consider exchange scholarships, corporate funding, or university-specific awards as backup options.
6. Real Experiences from Vietnamese Students in Korea
Vietnamese students in Korea are a vibrant and active community in fact, reports indicate that nearly 100,000 Vietnamese students live and study in Korea today, forming one of the largest international student communities in the country.
Events like student essay contests and cultural exchange programs help strengthen ties between Vietnam and Korea and provide platforms for scholarship recipients to share experiences.
Their stories are inspiring: from receiving government scholarships and joining Korean academic life to organizing cultural events on campus, Vietnamese students make the most of their study abroad in Korea.