South Korea is offering a great chance for international students to study in South Korea without IELTS in the 2025-2026 academic year. It is one of the best places to study in Asia with more than 370 universities and many of them are ranked among the best in the world. Students can join undergraduate Master’s and PhD programs and enjoy a top-quality education system. To help with costs the government and universities provide many South Korean scholarships without IELTS. Every year around 2000 students get scholarships funded by the government. This makes South Korea a great choice for international students looking for excellent education and good career opportunities.
Key Points:
- No IELTS Needed: Scholarships available for the 2025-2026 academic year.
- Programs Offered: Undergraduate, Master’s and PhD programs.
- Top Study Spot: Over 370 higher education institutions with global rankings.
- Employment Opportunities: High demand for graduates.
- Financial Help: Many scholarships including government support for 2000 students each year.
- Facilities: Modern facilities similar to European universities.
Study in South Korea Without IELTS Summary
| Study In | South Korea |
| Available Degree | Bachelor, Master, PhD |
| Eligible For | International Applicants |
| Scholarships Type | Fully/Partially Funded |
| Last Apply Date | Differ by Scholarship |
Scholarship Benefits
- All tuition costs are fully covered.
- Free round-trip airfare.
- Students receive a monthly allowance.
- Health Insurance coverage.
- On-campus housing (Accommodation) at no cost.
List of South Korea Scholarships Without IELTS 2025-2026
GIFT Internship Program T
The GIFT internship is a one-month fully funded program at the Graduate Institute of Ferrous & Energy Materials Technology. It includes accommodation, round-trip airfare, and living expenses. It is open to third and fourth-year undergraduate students with good academic records.
- Deadlines: 2nd week of May 2025 (Summer) and end of November 2025 (Winter).
Kyungpook National University Scholarship
This scholarship is for undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students at Kyungpook National University. It provides a tuition waiver, monthly stipend, housing, and health insurance.
- Eligibility:
- Open to international students
- A good academic record required.
- Application Process: Online application, nomination letter, official transcripts, passport copy, bank statement, and other documents.
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
This GKS scholarship is available for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs at various Korean universities. It covers full tuition, a monthly living allowance, airfare, housing, and health insurance. Students from all countries can apply through the Embassy Track or University Track.
- Application Tracks: Embassy Track and University Track.
- Deadlines: Vary by track and selection round.
- For More Details: Visit Here
KDI School Scholarship
Offered by the KDI School of Public Policy and Management, this fully funded scholarship covers tuition, a monthly stipend, housing, and health insurance for Master’s and PhD programs.
- Institution: KDI School of Public Policy and Management
- Eligibility:
- Open to international students
- Must require Strong academic background and leadership potential.
GIST Scholarship
Applications for the GIST University scholarships for MS, and MS leading to PhD and PhD programs are available now. The scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly stipend, housing, and health insurance.
- Eligibility:
- Open to students globally
- Research potential plus strong academic background.
- For More Details: Visit Here
KAIST University Scholarship
KAIST University offers 300 fully funded scholarships for Master’s and PhD programs. The scholarship includes full tuition, a monthly stipend, housing, and health insurance.
- Institution: KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)
SNU Scholarship
Seoul National University offers fully funded scholarships for Master’s, MPhil, PhD, and MS leading to PhD programs. The scholarship financial benefits include tuition, a monthly stipend, housing, and health insurance.
- For More Details: Visit Here
GIST Undergraduate Scholarship
The GIST scholarship is for undergraduate students at GIST University in South Korea. It is fully funded and covers four years of study, including all expenses.
- Institution: GIST (Graduate School of Information Science and Technology)
UST Scholarships
The UST open its application for 300 scholarships for Master’s and PhD programs. These scholarships are fully funded like tuition, a monthly stipend, housing, health insurance, etc.
- Institution: UST (University of Science and Technology)
- For More Details: Visit Here
List of Korean Universities Without IELTS
South Korea offers a range of opportunities for international students by providing a variety of public and private universities that do not require IELTS such as:
Korea University:
- Details: Ranked among the best universities worldwide. Accepts an English Proficiency Certificate from your previous university, confirming that your studies were in English.
Seoul National University:
- Details: No IELTS required. You can submit TOEFL scores or an English Proficiency Certificate from your previous university, confirming that the language of instruction was English.
Check Full Details: Seoul National University
Yonsei University:
- Details: The oldest university in South Korea and ranked among the top three institutions in the country. Proof of being a native from an English-speaking country or having studied in an English-based program is sufficient.
Gachon University:
- Details: A well-reputed university that warmly welcomes international students without IELTS. Accepts an English Proficiency Certificate from your previous university.
Sejong University:
- Details: While proficiency scores are recommended, an English Proficiency Certificate from your previous university is accepted, confirming that the instruction was in English.
Hanil University:
- Details: Known for its beautiful campus. Offers admission to international students without IELTS, with several subject options to choose from.
Postech University:
- Details: Pohang University of Science and Technology is a private research university in South Korea. Often does not require IELTS or TOEFL.
These universities provide excellent educational opportunities without the need for an IELTS score, making it easier for international students to study in South Korea
How to Study In South Korea Without IELTS 2025-2026
If you want to study in South Korea but don’t have an IELTS score, don’t worry. Many universities in South Korea allow students to apply without IELTS. Here’s how you can qualify for these exemptions:
English Proficiency Certificate:
Many universities accept an English Proficiency Certificate from your previous school. This certificate confirms that you studied in English. Schools like Seoul National University, Korea University, Sejong University, Gachon University, and Postech University accept this certificate.
Educational Background:
If you completed your education in English, either in an English-speaking country or at a school where classes are in English, this can be used instead of IELTS.
TOEFL Scores:
Instead of IELTS, some universities accept TOEFL scores. For example, Seoul National University accepts TOEFL scores.
Native English-Speaking Country:
If you are from a country where English is the main language or if you studied in English, universities like Yonsei University will accept this as proof of your English skills.