According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022, these are the top universities offering scholarships for African Students in Korea.
Korea is recognized as one of the four “Asian tiger” economies due to its flourishing education, technology, and tourism sectors.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of international students enrolling in South Korean universities, reflecting a growing trend of students opting to study in the country.
The government aims to further boost foreign enrollment to 200,000 by 2032, actively encouraging students from the United States, Europe, and Asia to choose South Korea as their study destination.
What To Know About Scholarships For African Students In Korea
Korea stands as the fourth largest economy in Asia, boasting a constitutional democratic system and a notably high standard of living. Renowned as one of the globe’s premier international financial hubs, it offers undergraduate programs typically spanning four years, with exceptions such as Medicine and Dentistry, which extend to six years.
Tuition and living expenses in Korea are relatively modest, and there’s equality in fees for international students. The government actively supports foreign students through deregulation, particularly in areas like dormitory accommodations, part-time employment, post-graduation job opportunities, and scholarships.
Most international students enrolled in Korean universities opt for English-language courses, though such offerings are more prevalent at the graduate level. Proficiency in English or Korean is required for those seeking education in either language, with individual schools setting specific language exam score requirements. Checking with each institution for their respective language proficiency criteria is advisable.
The academic calendar commences in March, though numerous universities enroll fresh students biannually – in March (spring semester) and September (autumn). Each year consists of two semesters: July to August and December to February.
Applications for March intake typically fall due between September and November, while those for September intake are typically expected between May and June. Prospective applicants are advised to either print out application forms and dispatch them via courier service or utilize online application platforms if offered.
Scholarships for African students in Korea
The SNU Scholarship Programs
Seoul National University, one of South Korea’s leading academic institutions, offers students the chance to study in the heart of the bustling capital city. Renowned across Asia, the university boasts 16 colleges, a graduate school, and ten professional graduate schools, offering a wide array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.
The main campus, situated in southern Seoul, comprises over 200 buildings catering to a large student and faculty population, with its own subway station for convenient access.
Adjacent to the Han River, the Yongon campus hosts the main branch of Seoul National University Hospital, along with the medical, nursing, and dentistry schools.
Beyond the city limits, the Pyeongchang campus accommodates the Graduate School of International Agricultural Technology, as well as the Institutes of Green Bio Science and Technology, and features the university’s own agricultural complex.
Prominent alumni include Ban Ki-moon, the ex-UN Secretary-General, Song Sang-hyun, former President of the International Criminal Court, and Lee Jong-wook, the former Director-General of the World Health Organization. Notable faculty members consist of Nobel laureate Paul Crutzen and Fields Medal recipient Hironaka Heisuke.
The KAIST Scholarship
KAIST, South Korea’s pioneering research-oriented science and technology institution, was established by the government in 1971, with advisory support from US consultants.
Situated in Daejeon, it was established in recognition of the nation’s demand for exceptional talent in science and technology and has steadfastly upheld its original mission.
Chances are, your smartphone, laptop, or car could have been crafted by a graduate of KAIST, given the university’s significant contributions to South Korea’s renowned expertise in high-tech industries through its teaching and forefront research.
Distinguished by its distinctive academic framework, KAIST operates autonomously, diverging from the typical governmental curriculum and admission standards imposed on other universities.
It pioneered South Korea’s first test-optional admissions process, where admission hinges on academic performance, teacher recommendations, and personal statements.
Undergraduates enjoy the flexibility to explore courses before declaring a major and can switch majors at their discretion. Furthermore, over 80% of KAIST’s courses are conducted in English, enhancing its international appeal and accessibility.
The SKUU Scholarship
Sungkyunkwan University, founded approximately six centuries ago, stands as the oldest academic institution in East Asia.
The university operates across two campuses: one situated in Seoul, focusing on humanities and social sciences, and another in Suwon, dedicated to scientific disciplines.
Extensive academic exchange initiatives link the university with 653 institutions across 73 countries. Furthermore, it is actively expanding its dual-degree programs in collaboration with renowned international colleges.
Presently, the university offers 33 dual-degree programs in partnership with esteemed institutions such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Schools of Engineering and Business, Indiana University Kelley School of Business, Fudan University, Peking University, and the University of Birmingham.
Moreover, Sungkyunkwan University hosts South Korea’s inaugural fully English-taught MBA program.
Scholarship By The Yonsei University
Horace Grant Underwood, a Christian missionary, established Yonsei University in the late 1800s. Originally named differently, it underwent several changes before adopting its present name in the late 1950s.
Yonsei University is one of the prestigious SKY universities in South Korea, renowned for their academic excellence.
Notable alumni include former South Korean Prime Minister Han Seung-su, who also held the position of President of the United Nations General Assembly. Additionally, professional golfer Ryu So-yeon, during her time at Yonsei, clinched victory in the United States Women’s Open Championship.
Scholarships for African students in Korea
The UNIST Scholarship
Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) is situated in Ulsan, South Korea’s bustling industrial center, renowned for major corporations like Hyundai and SK Energy.
UNIST stands out as the sole university in South Korea where all instructional sessions are conducted in English, underscoring its commitment to fostering scientific and technological advancement.
The university offers a comprehensive array of courses spanning engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, chemistry, and other disciplines at undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels.
Moreover, UNIST boasts state-of-the-art research facilities such as the Green Energy Material Technology Development Center and the New Growth Engine Project Group, facilitating cutting-edge research endeavors.
The YSF Scholarship
The IBS Young Scientist Fellowship (YSF) is granting fellowship funds to researchers globally, supporting daring and high-risk fundamental research within specified Research Centers’ unique domains. The aim is to push the boundaries of knowledge forward and nurture the next generation of leading scientists.
With the overarching goal of “Advancing Discoveries for Humanity and Society,” the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) was established in 2011 by the Korean government to advance fundamental sciences within Korea. Since its inception, twenty-six IBS Research Centers have been inaugurated, each overseen by globally recognized scientists.
In 2016, IBS launched the “Young Scientist Fellowship (YSF)” program aimed at actively nurturing the next generation of leaders in basic science.
The YSF provides promising young scientists with the opportunity to conduct their independent research within one of the IBS Research Centers, facilitating idea exchange and access to cutting-edge infrastructure.
Conclusion
The aim of Scholarships for African students in Korea is to offer foreign students the chance to pursue higher education at various institutions in South Korea, facilitating positive international educational interactions and enhancing mutual comprehension. These scholarships cater to both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, though there is no option for transferring the scholarship.
